Converting the West End into an urban village
By Paul Breschuk
Feature Writer
November 18, 2009
 Last week’s article investigated both the negative stereotypes and legitimate concerns associated with Windsor’s West End, this edition begins the process of charting out possible solutions.
As previously mentioned, plans to revitalize the area from a commercial, cultural, and environmental perspective are well underway.
One of such attempts is the creation of an urban village in Sandwich Town that will operate in conjunction with its already-proposed downtown counterpart.
The urban village
While Mayor Francis has been touting the benefits of an urban village near downtown Windsor as part of the western super anchor, Mariano Klimowicz wants to see the same done with Sandwich Town.
A member of the Windsor West Home Owners Association, Klimowicz shares his insights regarding both the problems and remedies unique to West Windsor.
An issue of primary importance is student housing. Klimowicz insists that more affordable housing should be available in or directly adjacent to the university property to move students away from surrounding residential areas.
This move would put a cap on the activity of absentee landlords and their quick-buck turnarounds which see to a steady decrease in both living conditions and property values in the area.
“There are many existing lands that the university possesses that can be built up with high rises. Maximizing space through vertical building creates less of a footprint on the land. There also has to be ample parking with parking structures of many floors, not the present sprawl of lots around the campus. We have to think green, utilizing the space already available. An urban village means the pedestrianization of an area,” said Klimowicz.
Ideally, the proposed urban village would be one of a collection of similar villages across Windsor, all of which are based upon proper urban planning and design.
“We need to recreate living space for commerce and economic development, helping facilitate strong community institutions with interaction,” said Klimowicz.
“We need to grow a balanced development of a service economy for employment and residential activities without detriment to residents. This is the role of inner city growth that revitalizes and attracts quality of life through supporting the vision and proper development planning,” he continued.
Klimowicz explains that in order to facilitate this change, important dialogues must be opened through the media as well as person to person discussions on the grassroots level.
In this way, the university, business community, and local entrepreneurs will be assembled to identify the best progressive practice ideas.
“One positive development will initiate the domino effect for other partnerships. Sandwich is an established area and has good strong bones to support revitalization. All we need to do is design a quality of life plan that is within an urban setting,” said Klimowicz.
Community support
Already, there have been a number of steps taken by the community to ensure West Windsor’s forward momentum.
In fact, The Friends For Atkinson Park and Pool (FFAPP) have already provided a small-scale example of what needs to be done to the community at large. Their park, located north of University Ave. between Bridge and Rankin Ave., is a microcosm for what Klimowicz describes in his talks of revitalization.
FFAPP is a non-profit volunteer community group who take it upon themselves to govern and protect the West End park.
Starting in 2001 when it formed to oppose the park being sold, this group has had a continuing impact on Atkinson Park’s rejuvenation.
Since 2001, they have created subsidized swimming lessons for the unemployed and economically challenged and installed picnic tables and swings as well as a quarter mile exercise walkway.
They have also established a medal-winning swim team comprised of local athletes who otherwise might not have the chance to compete.
Giving the area youth an opportunity to engage in healthy recreational sports does not end with swimming, however. With help from the Parks Department, FFAPP has collaborated with local skateboard enthusiasts in the construction of a skateboard park.
Marilyn Woodison, chair member of FFAPP, explains that the skatepark was made possible through extensive petitioning, fundraising, grant writing, and talks with local politicians. More than anything else, she describes the skatepark’s beginnings as a labour of love.
“Neighbors and skilled trades people all came out to assemble the park equipment. These workers were supported and fed from local restaurants and private homes like the way it was a hundred years ago when a community wanted to build a barn. We gave the community ownership of the park and told them to take care of it. As a result, we now have the best park watch in the city,” said Woodison.
This park, also open to BMX riders, contains various ramps and rails that finally give skateboarders a place to enjoy their hobby.
Until then, skateboarding in the West End would often result in undesirable encounters with police or property owners.
The skatepark is testament to FFAPP’s ability to look beyond the stigma of skateboarders being vandals or gang members. Instead, they have provided a safe and legal venue for the enjoyment of a thriving cultural activity.
“Providing a place to go where children and families can intermingle is healthy for our city and our country,” said Woodison.
“When I watch from my balcony at a nearby high-rise I can see them taking turns on the equipment. They are learning to share the park and respect each other. I think this teaches everyone that positive thinking and looking out for others while having fun is the right way to be,” she continued.
In talking with Woodison, it is difficult to overlook her justified sense of pride in helping convert a small strip of land into a major cultural centre.
Applied to the greater extent of West Windsor, such civic pride and communal efforts could go a long way in attaining an urban village while surpassing expectations of a better way of life.
The third installment of this series will examine how such community spirit continues at the foot of the current bridge crossing controversy.
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