The Windsor area is undergoing significant changes as the City of Windsor has officially announced it will terminate its longstanding law enforcement contract with the Town of Amherstburg, which has been active for twenty years. This decision has sparked discussions among local officials about the future of policing services within the community, as well as other developments occurring nearby, including the demolition of the former Leamington District Secondary School.
During a recent Amherstburg council meeting, Mayor Michael Prue informed attendees about Windsor’s decision, which will take effect on December 31, 2028. This contract termination has prompted the town to explore various policing options, including discussions with the Town of LaSalle for partnership opportunities, researching the feasibility of contracting the Ontario Provincial Police, and even considering reinstatement of the town's standalone police force. “Council met in closed session and we have directed administration to formally advise the City of Windsor...” Prue stated, emphasizing the importance of exploring all avenues to maintain effective law enforcement.
The wealthy city of Windsor reportedly ended the contract for financial reasons, as Mayor Drew Dilkens pointed out, “...continuing with the current level of service would require...a different cost structure.” This termination raises questions about the adequacy of police services for Amherstburg residents, who have been relying on Windsor Police since the city took over policing duties following the disbandment of Amherstburg's own municipal police service back in 2019.
Windsor and Amherstburg had previously signed the 20-year policing contract to save the latter approximately $570,000 annually. After the initial five-year renewal approved late last year, many town officials are now left reconsidering their strategies as they prepare for the impending change.
Meanwhile, just thirty miles away, the Municipality of Leamington has begun demolishing the structures of the former Leamington District Secondary School. This move follows the municipality’s decision to abandon plans for the development of a 13-acre residential community at the same site. The school, which was built back in the 1950s, ceased operations when the new facility opened on Oak Street West in 2017.
The demolition, which commenced this week, will proceed through several phases. Local officials have stressed the importance of adhering to safety and environmental compliance standards during this process. According to the municipality’s announcement, "The demolition of the building will be conducted in phases..." detailing careful planning to protect community health and safety.
Prior to the demolition, the municipality engaged contractors to conduct thorough testing of the premises for hazardous materials. An investigation was prompted by concerns arising from a suspicious fire at the site, which occurred on January 31, resulting in damage to the gymnasium area. The assessments indicated no hazardous materials such as asbestos were present, reassuring the community of the safety of the demolition activities. “The results confirmed...no hazardous materials, including asbestos, are present...” local officials remarked.
Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald previously expressed concerns over the scrapped housing plans, stating, “...the municipality couldn’t reach a deal with the developer...” This challenging decision reflects both the financial precarity of local governments and the difficulty of balancing housing needs with fiscal responsibility. Although plans for residential development have been shelved for now, the property remains integral to the municipality's long-term vision to provide housing solutions and support community growth.
These significant events highlight the continuous evolution of municipal governance and the challenges faced by local officials as they navigate complex decisions affecting law enforcement, public safety, and housing development. With considerable changes on the horizon, residents of both Amherstburg and Leamington are poised to witness how these developments will shape their communities for years to come.
Overall, the Windsor area is at a crossroads, grappling with decisions rooted in fiscal realities and community needs. The outcomes of these developments—both the termination of the police contract and the school demolition—are not merely administrative moves; they carry weighty consequences for the residents and underline the importance of effective governance.