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LOCAL TOURIST / TRANSPORTATION

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Henry Ford museum acquires famed Selma civil rights era Jackson House

WindsorOntarioNews.com August 10 2026

Dearborn's The Henry Ford has put another feather in its civil rights cap by acquiring the iconic Jackson House of Selma Alabama. The house is famous for being a long tine gathering place of famed civil rights leaders over the 20th century. It played a pivotal role in the famous 1965 Selma to Montgomery march including where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed, who led it. It belonged to Dr. Sullivan and Mrs. Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, a local couple. Their daughter Jawana Jackson asked the famed museum if it could acquire it. This required a logistical feat of dismantling the building and transporting it in pieces by truck more than 1000 miles to Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford's home, and an outdoor location where it was reconstructed. The house also includes more than 9000 artifacts. Other famed Black leaders to have stayed there were W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington who held “fireside chats” on education, religion and the arts. The building also includes rare book and music collections. Amber Mitchell, Black History curator for The Henry Ford, said the house was owned by a couple who "did something so selfless, which transformed the world for everyone" and the museum is grateful "to be thought of in this way as a place where history matters." The exhibit joins another highly iconic symbol, the Montgomery AL city bus on which Rosa Parks refused to move to the bus's segregated section. Mitchell says there is an array of civil rights materials the museum has also been collecting. "There are all kinds of other stories that we are looking to grow and build within that collection."

Photo: The Henry Ford

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Best “lake beach” in USA? That’s in Manistee Michigan on state's west coast

WindsorOntarioNews.com July 21 2026

According to one newspaper’s Readers Choice Awards the best fresh water beach in the United States is on west Michigan’s shoreline. It’s First Street Beach (photo) in Manistee. Said USA Today. The beach is “a scenic stretch of sand framed by dunes and a historic lighthouse. Beachgoers stroll the long south pier for views of the harbor while others spread out along the wide shoreline for swimming, picnicking, and beach volleyball. Adjacent Douglas Park adds grassy picnic areas and additional space for lakeside relaxation.” First Street might rank top in the US but only second in Michigan results. The top state beach, according to readers, is South Beach in South Haven, also on Lake Michigan. It “has everything you’d need for a day of fun in the sun: grills, a picnic area, playground, restrooms, and views of the red South Haven lighthouse,” USA Today said. The beach is also handicapped-accessible, has won awards for its shoreline and has great connections to South Haven’s downtown. There are also amenities like kayak and paddleboard rentals. Here’s a list of the top ten beaches in the state, all of which are on Lake Michigan, none on Lake Huron. 1. South Beach (South Haven) 2. First Street Beach (Manistee) 3. Stearns Park Beach (Ludington) 4. Silver Beach County Park (St. Joseph) 5. Pere Marquette Park (Muskegon) 6. Oval Beach (Saugatuck) 7. Tiscornia Beach Park (St. Joseph) 8. Esch Beach (Honor) 9. Grand Haven City Beach (Grand Haven) 10. Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer).

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Airport shuttle offers upscale service

WindsorOntarioNews.com July 5 2026

Move over Robert Q. There’s another airport shuttle service in town. It’s Gateway Express Shuttle, offering connections between Windsor and Detroit’s Metro Airport and Toronto’s Pearson. The company advertises itself as a more upscale travelling service. The major difference is it’s private. Robert Q is usually thought of as offering a public service like a bus where your fellow passengers are strangers. But it also offers private or charter service including “premium” options. Gateway exclusively offers door-to-door travel for individuals or groups up to seven in what it calls a “premium executive” minivan. “Unlike the competition, your vehicle is reserved exclusively for you and your group.” There are other features such as tinted windows, window shades, two USB-C charging ports for every passenger, onboard Wi-Fi and Spotify if wanted. There is also “4-zone independent climate control, passengers can tailor the A/C to their preferred temperature.” The company also monitors flights. “Whether your flight arrives early or late, we will be there right on time.” And it touts safety features such as front and back dashcams, Toyota Safety Sense driver assist with collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection, and maintenance checks every 5000 km even for the new 2026 model. A recent city licensing committee meeting identified the company with Windsor-based Eric Ceejay Williams, and in early June gave 60 days for him to submit a rate schedule, vehicle safety certificate for one 2026 Toyota Sienna XLE HEV), insurance and an inspection certificate.

Image: Gateway Express Shuttle

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Flixbus heading this summer to Wasaga - the world's longest fresh water beach

WindsorOntarioNews.com June 12 2026

Don’t have a car or want to avoid the notorious parking jams but want to head to Ontario’s famous Wasaga Beach anyway? Bus company Flixbus is offering direct service from Toronto’s Union Station to the resort on Georgian Bay. The Town of Wasaga Beach says the link is part of a summer-long tourism marketing campaign “designed to showcase Wasaga Beach as a transit-accessible destination and encourage visitors to leave the car at home.” It will be the most frequent bus service in the town’s history. “Wasaga Beach is one of Ontario's most beloved summer destinations, and we're excited to make it more accessible than ever," said Mayor Brian Smith. The launch comes as the town prepares for “one of its biggest summer seasons yet”. Get ready for more than 80 live music performances, the new Wasaga BeachLife Festival and Midway, expanded waterfront celebrations, Canada Day Symphony Fireworks, Memories of Summer, the Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival, and other signature events along “the world's longest freshwater beach.” Wasaga Beach regularly welcomes up to two million visitors. It offers 14 km of beach. Flix North America Inc., the parent company of FlixBus Inc. and Greyhound Lines, Inc., is a leading provider of long-distance bus services in North America. It’s a subsidiary of Germany-based Flix SE, a global travel technology company operating bus and train services in more than 40 countries across four continents.

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About that Highway 3 widening ...

WindsorOntarioNews.com May 28 2026

For those thinking widening of Hwy. 3 from just east of Essex to almost Essex Rd 34, the south link to Leamington, is interminable, construction will wrap in early 2027. The 15 km project has been underway since Spring 2024. The accident-prone road is being widened for safety reasons and better traffic flow. Or as the ministry puts it "more effective movement of people and goods, both locally and regionally." As well five intersections are being reconfigured including better lighting and "auxiliary" lanes. Some side roads are also being closed and realigned, limiting access to the expanded four lane highway. Roads to be closed are: Cameron Side Road/Concession Road 9, Marsh Road/Concession Road 8, Inman Side Road/South Talbot Road and Upcott Side Road. New traffic signals will be added at Belle River Road (Essex Road 27), Essex Road 18 and Graham Side Road. Traffic signals will also be replaced at Division Road (Essex Road 29) and Union Avenue (Essex Road 34). Permanent south side road access have already been completed. Side road access closures north of Highway 3 are planned this year: They are Cameron Side Road, Marsh Road, Inman Side Road, South Talbot Road (between Inman Side Road and Division Road/Essex Road 29) and Upcott Side Road. And get ready for new vegetation along the route - some 485,000 sq. meters worth in areas disturbed by construction. It will be dominated by Custom Milkweed.

Photo: MTO

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Detroit intermodal transportation hub near the bridge moves one step closer

WindsorOntarioNews.com May 13 2026

In what could be a new home for Detroit's Amtrak station the City of Detroit's transportation department wants to turn land near the Ambassador Bridge into an intermodal terminal. The land lies adjacent to Michigan Central (image), the former hulking ruin that Ford Motor Co. turned into a sleek new R & D mobility centre. The Detroit Transportation Corp., which runs the city's buses and People Mover, is seeking a design team for the 30-acre site. "The goals are to position the region for greater multimodal connectivity, create a transformational gateway to Detroit, the region, and the State of Michigan and advance innovation within all modalities, cementing Michigan as a destination for ongoing talent attraction and outside investment," the company says in a statement. The project ties into the Ford mobility hub apparatus. "Michigan Central will ensure alignment of the project with the vision of the Michigan Central Innovation District as a global hub for mobility innovation." The project dovetails with an announcement last fall to bring the Amtrak station to the area. Governor Whitmer announced the $49M plan to build a transportation hub that would connect train and bus passengers and link to the current underwater freight rail tunnel to Windsor and Toronto, with possible future international passenger service. The station could be in service by 2028, Beth Kmetz-Armitage, director of commercial development for Michigan Central, said. Michigan Central was a former rail depot that saw passenger service until 1988. Amtrak now uses a station north of the downtown.

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Ever notice how 'Windsor' in HSR 'corridor' suddenly got dropped?

WindsorOntarioNews.com April 29 2026

For years – actually decades – Windsor was always on the map for High-speed rail (HSR). Remember the “Windsor to Quebec City Corridor?” Well, in recent times that “corridor” has shrunk and now, with the federal government announcing “consultations” late last year, the $60-$120B Alto project is strictly a Toronto to Quebec City route. Why was the Rose City and southwestern Ontario as a whole – which has 25% of the country’s population – left out? Getting an answer wasn’t easy. Said Alto spokeswoman Crystal Jongeward, “Our mandate from the government of Canada is to develop a high-speed rail network that includes seven stations - Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Québec City. Any decision to add stops rests with the government of Canada.” So, WON turned to the feds. “The current mandate for the project requires that the future service connect and include stations in seven cities: Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval, Trois Rivières and Quebec City,” Transport Canada spokesman Hicham Ayoun wrote. “A first round of public consultations is underway to gather feedback from communities and stakeholders as part of Alto's planning process. Feedback received will inform Alto’s analysis and final recommendation on the route.” We then turned to Transport Action Canada, a consumer group which has long been lobbying for improved passenger rail. Spokesman Terry Johnson said his organization is now more concerned with improving conventional rail from here to Toronto. “It doesn’t even need to be full HSR, just get it off of CN (which owns the tracks)”, double the Sarnia track (which causes other slowdowns), “and bring it up to 95 mph standard and we shave about a half hour trip from Windsor," he said. "That would make a huge difference.” But Johnson added HSR shouldn’t be ruled out and the Ontario government once “had a buildable plan.” But the election of the Doug Ford government in 2018 “put it in the bin.” However, TAC has always been realistic. “Our position was that that was a little ambitious and the first thing we needed was triage what we already have. It’s all very well to spend four to eight years studying HSR. But for the moment the track speed between London, Stratford and Kitchener is 30 mph because it’s not in good repair.”

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Letters show tiff between city and school boards over "school bus extras"

WindsorOntarioNews.com April 15 2026

There's a tiff between the City of Windsor and the two local school boards - over transit. It all started with a letter Feb. 10 letter by Jalena Payne, the city’s economic development commissioner, to the area's public and Catholic boards regarding the "temporary reinstatement” of Transit Windsor Route 1000, one of several so-called "school bus xxtras" axed last year to rationalize bus routes with more money going into the regular bus system for a more "efficient, equitable, and city-wide" service. But Route 1000 was reinstated until this December only to allow the boards to "review and assess the transportation needs of your students," the letter says. The route serves Massey and Holy Names high school students. That comment didn’t sit well with the boards. Public board chair Gale Hatfield responded in a letter saying the board "must object to the city’s attempt to inaccurately assign municipal responsibilities" to the board which does "not make transportation decisions nor plan bus routes." School bus transportation in fact is the responsibility of the Windsor-Essex Student Transportation Services, a legal consortium serving four boards (including the two French). "Individual school boards do not make transportation decisions nor plan bus routes." The Catholic board’s chair Lisa Soulliere, in a separate letter, stated boards "simply don’t have the funds that would be required to replace" the school extras with traditional yellow school buses. Even the bus consortium "has a difficult time employing sufficient drivers to service their existing routes," she wrote. And the board "consistently faces a significant deficit” in its transportation budget to serve current needs. The bottom line, Soulliere added, is that the school extras "should not have been cut in the first place."

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You can now head to Florida by train

WindsorOntarioNews.com April 1 2026

Canucks still travelling to Florida, but don't want to drive or fly - or simply want a new way to get to the Sunshine State - may want to take the train. Since November 2024, Amtrak, the US national passenger rail carrier, has offered "The Floridian" long distance train from Chicago through to Orlando, Tampa and Miami. But for Windsorites the great thing is it stops in Toledo Ohio, an hour drive south of Detroit. The train is a temporary service due to the East River Tunnel Rehabilitation project in New York City and a shortage of double decker Superliner cars. It uses single-level Amfleet and Viewliner cars instead. The journey takes 47 hours and runs through Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Savannah, Orlando and Tampa. Some may consider this a round about route. But for people who like train travel it offers the potential to explore all these destinations. As well, says the railway, it "passes through scenic areas like the Allegheny Mountains, Harper's Ferry and the Potomac Valley, offering views not accessible by other modes of transportation." There are daily departures in both directions. Passengers can book reclining coach seats, roomettes or bedrooms. There are dining and cafe cars. A caveat, according to Wikipedia, there have been reports of "frequent delays due to the long route, equipment limitations and shared tracks with freight trains."

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Transit Windsor ridership down in 2025

WindsorOntarioNews.com March 14 2026

Transit Windsor had a ridership decline last year compared to 2024. Passenger rides dropped 18% or more than 1.7 million trips. There were more than 7.9 million trips compared to 9.6 million in 2024. Transit staff says this was a result of two things: a decline in post-secondary student enrollment "particularly influenced by the federal cap on international students at both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College." The other factor was a "record number" of detours owing to street reconstruction. As a result more than 170,000 km were added to the system. The most significant detours related to construction of the Howard and Sydney intersection in south Windsor, the Banwell - E.C. Row Expressway overpass and the University Avenue "corridor redevelopment." The agency says detours affect ridership by creating "barriers" related to route reliability and accessibility. But all was not bad news. There was a notable increase in adult and youth ridership, the former increasing 13% and the latter 22%. "This growth is attributed to the successful launch of new routes and improvements to existing routes in September 2025, highlighting the system’s adaptability and responsiveness to the needs of the community," a report says. The system eliminated the Dougall 6, South Windsor 7, Walkerville 8 and Parent 14 routes. It introduced the 135, 205, 240, and 315 to "simplify the network, strengthen connectivity, and better respond to changing travel patterns." The agency reported on-time performance of 76.2% down from 78% the year previous. This was "directly" related to the additional detours "resulting in significant delays for most routes."

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Getting rid of panhandlers in boulevard median strips? Fuhgeddaboudit!

WindsorOntarioNews.com Feb 26 2026

Try as officials may like there is very little way - and probably a lot of expense - for deterring panhandlers on boulevards with median strips. Eliminating medians is a non-starter since regular pedestrians use them as a "safe stopping point" between multiple lanes and separate vehicular traffic reducing the risk of head on collisions, a city hall report says. The report lists an array of possible measures to deter panhandlers in medians, all likely to fail. These include signs which can "obstruct" existing sightlines and would likely simply have the panhandler shift "to another location." Landscaping like bushes and plantings could also disrupt traffic safety visibility and create "sightline conflicts", as well as incur maintenance costs. Installations like bollards, fencing and metal rails, planters and concrete blocks also creates similar visibility issues and result in "panhandling relocates." Finally, uneven surface treatments (photo) " increases the risk of slips or falls for anyone standing or traversing on the median." Bottom line: "these measures do not effectively eliminate the behaviour but instead displace it to nearby sidewalks, boulevards or intersections." Finally, charitable groups, such as the Goodfellows with their Christmas newspaper drive, are exempt.

Photo: City of Windsor

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Beware: Ontario's auto insurance is switching to a la carte benefits system

WindsorOntarioNews.com February 5 2026

Effective July 1, Ontario is overhauling its auto insurance, moving to an à la carte model that will require drivers to actively choose most accident benefits. Only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory. But coverage such as income replacement, caregiver benefits, housekeeping expenses, and death and funeral benefits must now be opted into for new policies or opted out of at renewal. According to Steven Harris with LowestRates.ca, the change "offers more flexibility but also increases the risk of drivers unintentionally removing protections they may rely on after a collision." Many of the benefits that are becoming optional are the ones people rely on most during recovery. If someone is injured and unable to work, or if their family needs support after a serious collision, opting out "could create significant financial strain,” he said in a release. Pay attention to these areas: - Income replacement and non-earner benefits: Provide financial support if a driver is unable to work after an injury or does not have employment income. These benefits play an important role in maintaining household stability during recovery. - Death, funeral, caregiver, dependent care, and housekeeping supports: Serious injuries can make daily living difficult, and without these benefits, families may face significant out-of-pocket costs. - Home maintenance, visitor expenses, and education-related benefits: Cover costs such as home upkeep, travel for family members providing support, and school-related expenses affected by an accident. While these benefits may appear secondary, removing them could expose drivers to unexpected financial burdens. Optional accident benefits make up only about 5% of the premium, so savings are modest, Harris said.

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$163 million planned for roads in 2026

WindsorOntarioNews.com Jan 21 2026

While the City of Windsor has proposed a 10-year capital expenditure of $2.26 billion, $317.3M is planned for 2026, "with a continued focus on roads and sewers infrastructure," according to a budget summary report. City council still must approve the budget with a special budget meeting being held Jan. 26. Specifically, $163.8M is being earmarked for for roads, $60M for sewers, $29.2M for parks and rec, $5.4M for public transit. Notable road projects would be around the NextStar Energy battery plant and new regional hospital including adjacent Sandwich South lands primed for development. Specifically: $45.7 million for Banwell Road Corridor improvements, $20.7 million for Lauzon Parkway and Cabana Road East infrastructure improvements, $3.8 million for the Minor Road Deficiencies Rehabilitation Program, $3.1 million for Provincial Road / Division Road Corridor improvements, $6.0 million for Howard Avenue Corridor infrastructure improvements, South Cameron Boulevard to Herb Gray Parkway, $2.2 million for Walker Road infrastructure improvements, $3.7 million for Tecumseh Road East infrastructure improvements, $7.7 million for University Avenue / Victoria Avenue infrastructure improvements, $2.8 million for Riverside Drive Vista improvements.

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If a gay traveller, be wary, gov't says

WindsorOntarioNews.com Jan 6 2026

The federal government's updated 2026 travel advisories cautions travellers to be wary of foreign countries' "laws and customs" related to sexual orientation and identity. "As a result, you could face certain barriers and risks when you travel outside Canada." It advises checking the government's Travel Advice and Advisories pages before booking a trip. "The 'Laws and culture' tab may contain information on the laws and social customs that could affect 2SLGBTQcI+ Canadians there." And laws may not always be straightforward. Some countries may use laws related to “vagrancy”, “public nuisance” or “public morals” to "criminalize 2SLGBTQI+ people." Meanwhile if your passport states "X" as a gender identifier "you might face entry restrictions into some countries that do not recognize your gender." Or you may still have to provide "binary sex" info to Customs. However, while travelling abroad you must still respect the laws of that country no matter how discriminatory. "While you are travelling outside Canada, you are subject to, and must follow, the local laws of your destination country, even if these laws infringe on your human rights." And assume that any of your "public-facing" content such as social media posts can be evaluated critically. "Police can easily track your location and the websites you visit through your phone. Carefully consider the information you’ve shared online before travelling." And be aware of any PDA "including kissing and holding hands, and how they may be perceived."

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You can go topsy-turvy in downtown Detroit's new Museum of Illusions

WindsorOntarioNews.com Dec 16 2025

There's a new attraction in downtown Detroit far different than anything else. It's the Museum of Illusions, which opened in November. Located in the heart of downtown at 1545 Woodward, the 9,000 sq. ft. museum offers the type of attractions you probably haven't seen here or anywhere. It's an immersive experience combining art, science and play via optical illusions and hands-on exhibits. The whole idea is to "challenge perception and spark curiosity," according to the museum. There's more than 80 exhibits and some are Detroit-centric. For example, The Reversed Room - Classic Car Garage: an upside down auto workshop that pays tribute to the Motor City's car culture. The Building Illusion plays with the D's famed 1920s era art deco theatres recreating a "dramatic façade and visual perspective shift." There's Following Eyes, a Motown themed illusion celebrating the music's rhythm and musical influence. The museum adds to the increasing attractions in the city's core such as Campus Martius Park (with its winter skating rink) and The BELT urban street art alley, not to mention the Riverwalk and myriad restaurants and cafes. "Detroit is a city built on creativity, innovation, and reinvention, which makes it a natural home for the Museum of Illusions," CEO Kim Schaefer says. "Our goal is to offer visitors an experience that is fun, thought-provoking, and rooted in the spirit of the city."

Photo: Museum of Illusions

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Glorious interactive displays stateside

WindsorOntarioNews.com Dec 1 2025

There are some fabulous Christmas light and interactive displays stateside. The closest is the renewed Michigan Central Station near the Ambassador Bridge and Winter at the Station where a sweeping digital mural has been created across the building’s façade. As well, simple waves of the hand bring illustrations on various immersive LED screens to life. The Detroit Zoo Wild Lights including Toyland and "Stepping Tones" feature projected snowflakes that visitors can step on and create music. The Tube Light Show consists of more than 550 LED light tubes programmed to sync with Christmas melodies. And the projection mapping at the Polk Penguinarium adds more magic to festive offerings. Check out more than 500 illuminated animal and nature themed displays. Then there’s Santa’s Flight Academy at both Great Lakes Crossing and Twelve Oaks malls. Guests meet Santa and then take flight on an interactive adventure in Santa’s 22 ft. sleigh. Finally, Glenmore Trails in Commerce Township presents a magical night walk. Aurora: Winter Wizards blends technology with nature creating a hands-on adventure through a one-mile-long trail. Visitors encounter touch-sensitive light installations, motion-triggered displays, enchanting holiday sounds, interactive games and a “special twist of magic wands” that unlocks hidden surprises. All these installations have been created by Michigan-based and women-run Bluewater Technologies.

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Mind - or mend - the South Windsor gap

WindsorOntarioNews.com Nov 11 2025

The City of Windsor is minding – or rather mending – the gap so that cyclists will be able to travel an entire “contiguous” 13 km across the southern part of the city without interruption. Currently there is a “connectivity gap” in the trail from California Ave. at Grand Marais Rd W. on the west to Lauzon Pkwy at Forest Galde Dr. on the east. The gap is immediately around Devonshire Mall. Specifically, from the “western terminus” of E.C. Row Avenue E., south along Devon Dr., west along Sydney Ave., south along Marentette Ave. and west along Sydney Ave. to Division Rd. The new segment will connect into new cycling infrastructure that is being constructed along Sydney Avenue (as part of the current Howard Ave./Division Rd. construction project) and integrate into the existing network to the west at South Cameron Blvd. City Council this week approved the multiuse trail be constructed as part of a current ENWIN utilities project rather than separately at greater cost. “Tendering the MUT (multiuse trail) project separately at a future date is unlikely to yield better contractor pricing than what has been received through ENWIN,” a report states. Cost is $380,000 with about $80,000 for items like sign and pavement markings.

Image: City of Windsor

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“Pleasantly surprising” the smooth transition after school routes canned

WindsorOntarioNews.com Oct. 28 2025

Only three weeks into the new school year and a city hall committee was told last month “it has been pleasantly surprising how smoothly the (Transit Windsor school bus) transition has gone so far,” according to minutes of the transportation committee. Jalena Payne, the city’s deputy CAO, was reporting on communication between her office and school board officials since the “school extra” buses were cut. City councillor Gary Kaschak had asked if boards are in “panic mode” following the controversial city council decision to axe the long-time special routes and add those buses to the city’s general transit system to improve overall service. Transit Windsor director James Chackpo said there has been a “mix of general questions, positive feedback, and complaints.” Councillor Kieran McKenzie said he’s heard “large number” of students trying to get on regular buses “is causing congestion.” He also wanted to know if crowded buses are skipping stops and if “arrival times” have been compromised. Chacko replied “only one or two issues” have arisen so far. McKenzie wanted to know if the there is “enough capacity” to pick up students but Payne said wait times have decreased with buses spaced 10-15 minutes. “The hope is, that with time, education, and communication, students will see they have route options, and if they choose to walk to the next closest stop, they may be able to get onto a less crowded bus.”

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Happy Trails for Halloween experience

WindsorOntarioNews.com October 1 2025

Want an immersive experience this Halloween? Check out Glenlore Trails, Michigan’s “largest immersive and illuminated one-mile walk,” event organizers say. The forest is transformed into a “spellbound world of lights, sounds, and seasonal magic.” The themed park runs until Nov. 2. Glenora Trails is located in Commerce Twp., and the park is open Thursday through Sunday evenings. Appropriately enough, this seasonal event is known as "The Witching Hour." It’s where “witches weave their magic, potions simmer in the dark, and eerie creatures come to life beneath the stars as the clock counts down to something unknown.” Glenlore Trails is the brainchild of Michigan-based and woman-owned Bluewater Technologies. Over the last six years they have transformed a natural forest into an immersive wonderland with LED lights, projection mapping, synchronized audio systems and responsive lighting. The one-hour experience is located on a wooded manicured (but not paved) trail. The event is accessible for strollers, wagons and larger wheelchairs. It takes place rain or shine and the experience is not just for kids but people of all ages. Hungry? Don’t worry because there are food trucks and seasonal treats. You can even buy magical wands that help “unlock hidden surprises along the trail.” Entry is between 7 and 10 pm. There will be an “adult night” Oct. 10 (21+ only) with live music. Trick or treating takes place Oct. 26 beginning 7 pm. Address: 3860 Newton Rd., Commerce Twp., about 45 minutes northwest from Windsor.

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Can't paint speed humps to make more visible but policy will eliminate "bias"

WindsorOntarioNews.com Sept 15 2025

It wouldn’t be practical to paint those sometimes surprisingly annoying speed humps in the middle of the road to make them more visible. Windsor’s senior manager of transportation Ian Day says doing so “can create a hazard for vehicles and bicycles.” Councillor Mark McKenzie had asked the city’s transportation committee if paint then “could be applied on the approach” to warn motorists. Day said then city is withing transportation ministry guidelines but “more advanced warning options, such as signage, could be considered.” Meanwhile proposed new criteria for speed humps is coming before the committee. This “data driven” approach will more rigorously determine which streets meet criteria. Residents have increasingly requested these and other “traffic calming” measures. As of this July more than 850 requests had been made including 284 for the humps. Previously 132 streets were eligible but only a dozen “met all the necessary criteria,” a report says. Therefore 33 were installed and 73 could be. But due to the increased number of requests “administration recognized the need for a new approach.” This would eliminate inconsistency and “opinion or bias.” The new criteria involve “speed and volume…the industry standard.” Under this new approach “only four streets out of the 284 services requests would pass pre-screening criteria.” And if they pass “warrants” (traffic measuring) some 25 could be installed versus 73 under the old policy. City staff says the former policy erroneously resulted in 66 per cent of humps not meeting criteria “but instead were installed driven by resident requests.” That resulted in almost $580,000 expenditure – “diverting funds away from streets that may meet warrant criteria for traffic calming measures.”

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Another way to get to Detroit Metro

WindsorOntarioNews.com August 13 2025

There’s another way of getting to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Yes, there’s the Robert Q shuttle and of course folks can drive. But you can save money and perhaps time by hopping on the Detroit Air Xpress or DAX. It’s a relatively new service connecting downtown Detroit to the airport in Romulus MI. It was launched in March 2024, “just in time to support increased travel during the NCAA tournament and the NFL Draft,” spokesman Ryan Bridges said. It offers a modern fleet of coaches including wifi, charging ports and restrooms. With 16 trips daily, fares are $6 US online or $8 at the door, with discounts for students, disabled people and seniors. Trips begin at 3.30 am from downtown with the last departure at 9.30 pm. Coming the opposite way, the first departure is 4.30 am and the last 10.25 pm. Buses board and drop off downtown at 1119 Washington Blvd. between Michigan Avenue and State Streets. At Metro Airport both the Evans and McNamara terminals are served. Bridges said the service carried more than 5000 passengers during July and “consistently sees between 100-200 passengers daily.” For people with mobility issues, the buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Bridges said the downtown location is conveniently “walkable from many hotels, offices, and attractions, and also connects with multiple transit options, including the current Windsor Tunnel Bus (ending service Aug. 31 with special events service continuing until Dec. 20) and regional services such as the People Mover, DDOT and SMART bus routes.” He said the bus is considerably cheaper than a cab or rideshare. “Those typically range from $40 to $70 USD, depending on time of day and provider.”

Photo: Detroit Air Express

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London's Hard Rock Hotel now open

WindsorOntarioNews.com July 24 2025

If you haven’t been to London lately you might want to check out one of Canada’s most successful entertainment complexes. 100 Kellogg Lane, a few kilometres east of downtown, has transformed the former Kellogg’s cereal factory into a recreation mecca highlighted by the new Hard Rock Hotel, which opened in April. It’s Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel, a testament to the area’s success attracting locals and tourists, according to a local urbanist. Alexander Wray of Western University said the city had been “starved” for entertainment options and 100 Kellogg has positioned itself to draw from customers as far as two hours away. “They’ve gone all in and I think have actually attracted a lot of people into that space that were kind of hidden in the market,” he said. Besides the hotel there is The Factory, Canadas largest indoor adventure park, Powerhouse Brewery, indoor sports venue The Club House, the London Children’s Museum and Paradigm Spirits. The hotel features signature Hard Rock GMT lobby bar, Sessions restaurant “with creative culinary experiences,” a 1913 speakeasy “with mixologist driven, and thoughtfully inspired, cocktails that give an ode to the history of 100 Kellogg Lane with cereal infused libations and traditional speakeasy styles.” And there’s The Rock Shop with Hard Rock merchandise and souvenirs. You’ll see iconic Canadian music memorabilia from Shania Twain, Gord Downie and others.

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Way to go - accessible public toilets now at major Michigan urban venues

WindsorOntarioNews.com July 10 2025

Public restrooms have come to downtown Detroit, after making their appearance in tourist and entertainment hotspots Royal Oak and Ann Arbor MI. The Downtown Detroit Partnership unveiled two such “Throne” toilets at Cadillac Square today. So-called because they’re made by Throne Labs. The handicapped accessible and solar powered restrooms come with sinks and baby changing stations. They don’t need a water hook-up but are self-contained. But you can’t just open a door and enter, unlike porta potties; you need a phone app or pass. But like porta potties the bathrooms can be relocated for optimum use like at more crowded venues. Another feature is that Thrones have multiple sensors to track usage and even determine cleanliness. When in use there is a timer allowing 10 minutes max, a warning is given after five minutes, then lights start flashing in the last 20 seconds before the door automatically opens. Detroit’s toilets will be available around the clock and the Partnership has 24-hour staff available. Royal Oak allows use 7am – 10pm and is experimenting at locations such as the Farmers Market, Centennial Commons and Lawson Park. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation’s free We Can't Wait app provides an interactive map listing public restrooms around the US. In Canada there's the GoHere Washroom Locator App. According to Throne, Canada lags many counties with public restrooms ranking 15th, with 18 washrooms per 100,000 people. The US has only 8/100k. Along Windsor’s riverfront we can think of three public restrooms - at the No. 351 Streetcar Legacy Beacon, Dieppe Gardens and Reaume Park.

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Street murals and a growing "art trail" another reason to visit Chatham-Kent

WindsorOntarioNews.com June 11 2025

There's already the Tecumseh Parkway and Parks Blueberries. Now you can add another Chatham-Kent destination to your travels with the advent of CanJam. The inaugural mural painting event took place last summer and another is planned this year. Eleven murals were painted by artists from around the world who descended on the city's downtown. Now the hope is to expand the number of murals beyond the city itself and into outlying communities like Blenheim, Dresden and Ridgetown, creating an "art trail." "Public art, especially in a downtown core, tends to draw people in and get them talking. Residents and visitors alike are always looking for that unique 'instagrammable moment' and this is definitely the situation with these pieces," Shannon Paiva, Program Manager of Tourism Development with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, said. "They are so captivating, dynamic, and like nothing we've ever seen in Chatham-Kent before, creating a sort of 'art trail' in Chatham now, and a great way to move people around the downtown." Organizers now are seeking building owners who'd like to see a mural painted on one of their property's walls. Last year walls including those of the Retro Suites hotel and Capitol Theatre downtown. "The businesses surrounding the art are just as much on display as the pieces themselves," Paiva added. "While visitors flock to see the art, they will inevitably take in the adjacent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique stores. This is the kind of economic spin-off you hope comes with an art installation like this."

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