Home › Weekly digest › Nov. 2 to Nov. 8, 2026
This week in Windsor News
Nov. 2 to Nov. 8, 2026: council dates to know, the records we chased, and the week's must-reads.
Council this week
- Mon. Nov. 9, 10 a.m.: City Council, last regular meeting of this term. Agenda: 2025 tax reductions, Bright Lights chalet contract, zoning, alley closures. Our story.
- Mon. Nov. 9, 3 p.m.: Special Development and Heritage Committee: heritage designations, Batch III (S 87/2026). Agenda (City of Windsor).
How they voted
No new recorded votes this week. Our How councillors voted tracker has 104 recorded votes, each checked against the City's minutes.
Records we found
- FOI 249 to 252-2026 (outside lawyers, mayor and CAO expenses, sole-source buys): City acknowledged Nov. 5. Decisions due Dec. 24. See it.
- Budget item 2026-0097 FOI: fee paid Nov. 6. Still no City acknowledgement. See it.
- Ontario's FOI clock explained. See it.
Top 5 stories
- Monday's City Council is the last regular sitting before the new council inaugural on Nov. 16
- What Windsor's outgoing council can't do until Nov. 14
- Think council met behind closed doors when it shouldn't? Anyone can ask for a review
- Asking the City for records? Ontario's FOI clock is now 45 business days
- Who leads Essex County Council next? Two run for warden, two for deputy
All 51 stories from this week →
All 51 stories this week
News
- Remembrance Week: the Silver Cross mothers' monument in Dieppe Gardens
Remembrance Week: in Dieppe Gardens stands a monument placed by the Windsor Chapter of the Silver Cross Women of Canada. It honours Windsor-Essex service personnel of both World Wars, Korea and peacekeeping "who gave their today for our tomorrow."
- Manhole repairs bring lane restrictions to south Windsor Nov. 9 to 11
Manhole repairs bring lane restrictions to south Windsor this week, the City says (weather permitting). Mon: South Cameron, Dougall at Cabana, Dougall (Norfolk-Liberty) Mon-Tue: West Grand at Church Tue: West Grand at Bruce, Longfellow Tue-Wed: Dominion
- Windsor Assembly down again this week as Stellantis cancels production for week of Nov. 9
Windsor Assembly is down again this week. Stellantis cancelled production for the week of Nov. 9, the fourth week in a row, citing consumer demand and tariffs. Production workers report only if a supervisor calls. Skilled trades keep regular shifts.
- Lancers fall 33-43 to Western in OUA football semi as Spitfires visit Kingston
Lancers football fell 33-43 to Western in Saturday's OUA semifinal in London. Men's hockey beat TMU 3-1. Women's basketball won 104-43 at Toronto. Spitfires visit Kingston today at 2:05.
- Who leads Essex County Council next? Two run for warden, two for deputy
Essex County warden race: Tecumseh's Joe Bachetti and Essex's Rob Shepley are running, the County says. Deputy warden: Lakeshore's Tracey Bailey and LaSalle's Michael Akpata. Declarations close Nov. 10. County council votes Nov. 18.
- Need care after hours in Windsor-Essex? Here's where to turn tonight
Need care overnight in Windsor-Essex? Call 911 for medical help, or go to a hospital emergency department. Both Windsor Regional Hospital campuses and Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington stay open 24 hours a day. For non-urgent advice, call 811.
- Essex OPP says increased police presence on County Road 18 in Kingsville has cleared
Essex OPP advises the public to stay away from County Road 18 between Graham Sideroad and Olinda Sideroad (County Road 34) in Kingsville due to an ongoing investigation. OPP has not said what it involves or how long it will last.
- Essex OPP says Poplar Drive investigation in Belle River has concluded
Essex OPP is investigating in the area of Poplar Drive in Belle River. Police advise the public to stay away. Expect an increased police presence. As of 9:02 p.m. ET Saturday, OPP had not said what the investigation involves or how long it will last.
- Where to mark Remembrance Day in Windsor and LaSalle
Remembrance Day, Wed. Nov. 11: Windsor's service at the City Hall Square Cenotaph starts about 10:50 a.m.; LaSalle is 11 a.m. at Cenotaph Park, 5950 Malden Rd.; Essex at the Essex Centre Cenotaph. Lest we forget.
- Remembrance Week: RAF/RCAF Memorial in Dieppe Gardens
Remembrance Week: Windsor's RAF/RCAF Memorial in Dieppe Gardens has Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster models by Laura and Mark Williams. The bronze plaque naming Windsor-area RCAF dead moved here from Jackson Park. Quiet riverfront stop before Nov. 11.
- Three arrested, one wanted after assault involving firearm
Windsor Police have arrested three people and want a fourth after a victim was confined, threatened with a handgun, beaten with weapons and sexually assaulted Oct. 26. A shot was fired into the floor. Wanted: William J. Dufour, 45. Call 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.
- Windsor's jobless rate rises to 7.5% in October
Windsor's jobless rate rose to 7.5% in October, up 0.2 from September, Statistics Canada says. Employment edged down about 800. Still more than two points below a year ago. Canada was 6.7%. A small monthly cool-down; still stronger than last fall.
- Green bin pickup is live in three more County towns
Green bin pickup is now running in Amherstburg, Kingsville and Leamington. Phase 2 joins Windsor and four other County towns that started in October 2025. Set the bin out by 6 a.m.: 30 cm behind the curb, arrows to the street, a metre of clear space.
- Asking the City for records? Ontario's FOI clock is now 45 business days
Asking the City of Windsor for records? Since July 1, Ontario municipalities, police services and school boards generally have 45 business days to answer an FOI request, up from 30 calendar days. Filing with the City still costs $5.
- Walkerville poppy street-sign tour is Saturday with Museum Windsor
This Saturday: Museum Windsor's Great War South Walkerville street-sign tour. Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. Staff lead a walk on the history behind the poppies on South Walkerville street signs. $10. Pre-register at 519-253-1812. Space is limited, the City says.
- Essex County's first female warden honoured as her term winds down
Essex County's first female warden has been honoured as her term winds down. Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald won the chair in Nov. 2022, the first woman since 1853, the County said. The 2026 Warden's Banquet was Nov. 5 at the Ciociaro Club in Tecumseh.
- Monday's City Council is the last regular sitting before the new council inaugural on Nov. 16
Monday is the last regular City Council under Mayor Dilkens before the new council's inaugural meeting Nov. 16. Nov. 9, 10 a.m., Council Chambers. Agenda: Twin Oaks surplus land, conflict-of-interest policy, Sparky's Toy Drive. DHSC special at 3 p.m.
- Former Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens named Municipal World 2026 Mayor of the Year
Municipal World named former Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens its 2026 Mayor of the Year. Editors cited his 2014-2026 record: Gordie Howe bridge support, the Fancsy hospital groundbreaking, and border-corridor advocacy. He was recently defeated seeking a fourth term.
- Where to mark Remembrance Day in Windsor, LaSalle and Essex
Remembrance Day is Wed. Nov. 11: Windsor Cenotaph, City Hall Square, about 10:50 a.m. LaSalle Cenotaph Park, 5950 Malden Rd., 11 a.m. Essex: Legion Branch 201, Centre Cenotaph Can't go? Pause at 11 a.m. City Hall lit red Nov. 9-13. Chimczuk free Nov. 11.
- Windsor and LaSalle are looking for residents to sit on boards, including police boards
Want a say in how Windsor is run? The City is taking resident applications for 10 boards and committees, from the Police Service Board to the Library Board and YQG. Police board applications close Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m.; the rest close Dec. 1.
- Want to speak at council Nov. 9? Sign up by noon today
Want to speak to Windsor council on Mon. Nov. 9? Register as a delegation with the City Clerk by noon today: online, by phone at 519-255-6432, or at Suite 530, 350 City Hall Sq. W. Five minutes each.
- Is Ontario ending the clock change? Not yet, but Ford says he's open
Is Ontario ending the clock change? Not yet. Premier Doug Ford said Nov. 4 he's "all in" if Quebec, New York and the eastern U.S. agree. Ontario's 2020 law for permanent daylight time still isn't in force. Windsor springs forward again March 14, 2027.
- Shelter-in-place near Patrick Circle in Essex
UPDATE 9:55 p.m. ET: Essex County OPP says the shelter-in-place advisory in Essex has been lifted. Police say one person is in custody, no others are being sought, and there is no threat to public safety. An increased police presence continues while the investigation continues.
- Windsor's Streetcar No. 351 drew about a third as many visitors in its second year
Windsor's Streetcar No. 351 drew 9,746 visitors from May 1 to Oct. 31, City figures show. That's about a third of the 28,000-plus in its first season in 2025. The Legacy Beacon that houses it cost $10.3 million, up from $7 million approved in 2020.
- Saints men sweep Fanshawe as the Spitfires and Lancers play tonight
St. Clair's men swept Fanshawe 3-0 in volleyball Wednesday, while the women fell 3-1. Tonight the Spitfires are at Peterborough at 7:05, and Lancer men's hockey hosts Guelph at 7:30 at Adie Knox.
- Firearms buyback nears its end: what Ottawa told Windsor News
Ottawa's firearms buyback is nearing its end. Public Safety Canada told Windsor News the amnesty now runs until 90 days after the Supreme Court rules, and that owners refused by licensed carriers can get help from the program's call centre.
- Teen on e-bike critically hurt in Essex collision
A 14-year-old on an e-bike is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a collision with a vehicle on Maidstone Ave. East at Cameron Ave. in Essex Wednesday night, OPP say. The driver wasn't hurt. Witnesses or dashcam: OPP 1-888-310-1122.
- Old Transit Windsor Smart cards stop working after Dec. 31
Still riding on an old Transit Windsor Smart card? It's accepted until Dec. 31. From Jan. 1, 2027, it's the Umo app, a Umo card or exact cash, and leftover rides can't be moved over. Swap it for a free Umo card at 300 Chatham St. W.
- Two things to know about Windsor council this week
Two things about Windsor council this week: code of conduct complaints to the Integrity Commissioner are open again, and the new council takes office Nov. 15, meets Nov. 16, and gets to business Nov. 23.
- How Windsor-Essex MPPs voted on Ontario's Bill 140
Ontario's Bill 140 passed second reading 75-41 on Nov. 2. Windsor-Essex MPPs: Dowie, Leardi and Jones voted yes. Gretzky voted no. The omnibus bill ends the Environmental Bill of Rights' resident requests for reviews and investigations, among other changes.
- Lazare's Furs building and neon sign set for heritage status
The Lazare's Furs building and its 1940s neon sign at 493 Ouellette Ave. are up for heritage designation. Windsor council is set to vote Monday, Nov. 9, on By-law 161-2026 under the Ontario Heritage Act.
- Saints host Fanshawe in volleyball tonight as the Spitfires head out on a three-game road trip
St. Clair hosts Fanshawe in volleyball tonight at the South Campus Sportsplex, women at 6 and men at 8. The Spitfires visit Peterborough, Ottawa and Kingston this week, and the Lancers play the OUA football semifinal at Western Saturday at 1.
- What Windsor's outgoing council can't do until Nov. 14
Windsor's outgoing council is a "lame duck" until Nov. 14. Under Ontario's Municipal Act, it can't hire or fire staff, sell City property worth over $50K, or spend over $50K, unless it's in the budget or an emergency. windsornewsdesk.ca
- Ukraine and France cities ask to twin with Windsor; new council to decide
Two more cities want to twin with Windsor: Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, and Bondy, France. The City's International Relations Committee voted Sept. 2 to leave both requests for the next council, its minutes in the Nov. 9 agenda show.
- Dodge returns to NASCAR Cup in 2027, and the Windsor question
Dodge returns to NASCAR Cup racing in 2027. Kaulig Racing will race Dodge Chargers, NASCAR.com reports, and Dodge reveals the car Dec. 4. The Charger nameplate is built at Windsor Assembly, Stellantis says, though Cup cars are purpose-built. We'll update after Dec. 4.
- LaSalle Police get $270K in crime proceeds for drones and river patrols
LaSalle Police will get $270,614.53 over three years from Ontario's Proceeds of Crime Grant Program. Project Birds Eye covers four drones to watch the Detroit River shoreline, plus more marine patrols. Not yet stated: when they fly, or footage rules.
- Check your pay stub: Ontario's minimum wage is now $17.95
Pay day check: Ontario's minimum wage is now $17.95 an hour, up 35 cents since Oct. 1. Students under 18 working 28 hours a week or less get $16.90. Pay looks short? The province's employment standards line is 1-800-531-5551.
- Windsor Police have a warrant out for a contractor accused of taking about $155,000 from
Windsor Police have a warrant out for a contractor accused of taking about $155,000 from an Amherstburg homeowner for renovations never finished. Police say the home was left uninhabitable. Know where Jessie Flaricee, 41, is? 519-736-8559 ext. 230.
- Leaves piling up? How to get them picked up in Windsor
Leaves piling up? Windsor yard waste: find the paper bag symbol on your calendar, curb by 6 a.m., paper bags, cans, boxes or carts only (no plastic), under 20 kg each, and keep leaves off the road.
- Stratford's strong mayor court date moved; no new date set
Stratford's court challenge to Ontario's strong mayor law won't be heard Nov. 10. The date was moved and no new date is set, CAO André Morin told Windsor News. New council takes office Nov. 16. Windsor's mayor has held the same powers since July 2023.
- Villanova students set to place flags on veterans' graves ahead of Remembrance Day
About 35 St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School students were set to place flags on the graves of local veterans at Victoria Memorial Gardens Cemetery this morning, ahead of Remembrance Day, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board said. Lest we forget.
- Windsor's Jazzy Ankamah steps into the ring to take on myths about Down syndrome
Windsor's Jazzy Ankamah wrestles as "Diva Sassique" in the Canadian Down Syndrome Society's new Not Without Us! campaign, taking on myths about Down syndrome. Her line in the ring: "Assume that I can."
- Think council met behind closed doors when it shouldn't? Anyone can ask for a review
Anyone can ask for a review of a closed Windsor council meeting. In 2024, the City's investigator ruled that a 2023 in-camera session on taking over the BIAs broke Ontario's open meeting rules. Here's who checks and how to file a request.
- Newlove posts a third straight shutout as the Spitfires blank Brampton 3-0
Michael Newlove stopped all 30 shots as the Spitfires won 3-0 at Brampton, his third straight shutout. The OHL says he's the first goalie to do it since Windsor's Michael DiPietro in 2016. Anthony Cristoforo scored twice.
- Free flu and COVID shots are open to everyone in Windsor-Essex: where to get yours
Flu season tip: free flu and COVID shots are open to everyone six months and older in Ontario since Oct. 26. Try a pharmacy, your doctor, or a health unit clinic by appointment at 519-258-2146 ext. 1121. Kids under 2 need a doctor or the health unit.
- Windsor council dates for November, and the new council's first night
Windsor council in November: Mon. Nov. 9, 10 a.m. council; Mon. Nov. 16 inaugural meeting of the new council; Mon. Nov. 23, 10 a.m. first regular meeting; Wed. Nov. 25, 4:30 p.m. ETPS committee. All open to the public.
- Windsor's next mayor faces budget pressure before day one
Windsor's next mayor walks into a tight budget. Mayor-elect Fred Francis takes office Nov. 15. By mid-year, City staff had flagged about $5.5M in 2026 shortfalls and extra costs, led by Transit, and told departments to rein in hiring and spending.
- Committee votes today on 75 homes at Richmond and St. Luke and selling two alleys to neighbours
Today at 4:30 p.m., a Windsor committee votes on 75 homes at Richmond St. and St. Luke Rd. and on selling two alleys in Wards 9 and 10 to the neighbours next to them. Staff recommend yes on all three. Council has the final say.
- Big police presence at a former Tecumseh school this week is a planned drill
Heads up, Tecumseh: Windsor Police said a big police presence at a former school this week is a planned training exercise, Nov. 2 to 6. You may see the command bus and hear loud noises. Police said there is no risk to the public.
- Complaints about Windsor councillors can go to the Integrity Commissioner again
The election pause on council ethics complaints is over. From Aug. 21 to Oct. 26, Ontario law blocked new complaints to Windsor's Integrity Commissioner. Cases that were cut off in August can restart only if someone asks in writing by Dec. 7.
Lost Windsor
- Lost Windsor - Bob-Lo Island, where summer started with a boat ride
Lost Windsor - Bob-Lo Island Remember the boat ride? From 1898 to 1993, summer meant a trip down the Detroit River to the island amusement park off Amherstburg. One Bob-Lo boat, the Columbia, even had a dance floor. What's your Bob-Lo memory?
Stay in touch
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