The ongoing coronavirus crisis has another two annual Windsor-Essex events facing the inevitable.
Windsorites are accustomed to seeing the arrival and installation of the Charles Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain at Coventry Gardens each May, but due to the ongoing provincial emergency orders made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic, the fountain's installation has been postponed indefinitely.
In addition, the annual Meet-A-Machine community literacy event, usually held over Father's Day weekend at the WFCU Centre, has been cancelled.
According to a release from the City of Windsor, the installation of the Peace Fountain is not considered an essential construction project.
"We will continue to watch for changes to provincial COVID-19 rules and install the fountain if rules and time permit," read the release.
Meet-A-Machine is a hugely popular event during which law enforcement, utilities, construction firms, and others place their heavy vehicles on display. The event is held in conjunction with EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Windsor-Essex and promotes the benefits of reading.
"Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, as well as the time, preparations and scheduling of volunteers, equipment and location, cancellation is the appropriate action," read the release.
Meet-A-Machine will return in the summer of 2021, but the city has reminded residents that there are many summer offerings available.
"While disappointed to be cancelling, the health and safety of residents and visitors always comes first and it’s hoped everyone can enjoy other options this summer while we all look forward to an end of COVID-19," the release stated.
