An ongoing effort to make Windsor's alleys safer has taken shape along one popular area.
The Ottawa Street Business Improvement Association (BIA) announced this week a series of new lighting upgrades in the alleys surrounding Ottawa Street. The lighting was made possible with a $65,000 grant from the federal government, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Filomena Tassi, the Minister Responsible for FedDev Ontario, said that the upgrades were just a step in transforming an area popular with park users, shoppers, and bar hoppers.
"When communities improve the safety and aesthetic appeal of their streets, they ensure that more residents and visitors can enjoy them," said Tassi in a media release. "The Government of Canada supports projects like the Ottawa Street BIAs because it adds a lot to the area with a very simple fix. We will continue to support projects in Windsor that lead to strong community engagement."
The project covered new lighting along Ottawa Street, plus alleys and parking lots surrounding the area. The upgrades came from discussions between the City of Windsor, the BIA, and the federal government on improving safety in the area.
Ettore Bonato, the chairperson of the Ottawa Street BIA for ‘UptownOttawa’, said the upgrades are only the beginning.
"We look forward to a brighter and safer summer in the Ottawa Street area," said Bonato. "This is just the first phase of lighting up our alleyways. We are looking forward to even more lighting in the future."
