Council Minutes

Clear the Air We Share With Smoke-Free YQG

The City of Windsor has taken the first step toward creating a Smoke-Free #YQG (Windsor).

Windsor joins the Towns of Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington, and Tecumseh in passing municipal regulations to protect the health of their residents by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and smoking behavior in public spaces. As of November 22, 2016, City of Windsor By-Law #113-2006 has been amended to prohibit smoking on City of Windsor owned properties, including parks, beaches, conservation areas, marinas and recreation facilities, as well as any associated parking lots or walkways. Prohibited products include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, hookah/water pipes and any other lighted or heated equipment used to smoke or vaporize any tobacco or non-tobacco product.

“No Smoking” signs will be installed at all affected City of Windsor properties to inform the public of areas where smoking is prohibited.  

“Windsor-Essex has always been on the forefront of tobacco control measures in Ontario,” says Eric Nadalin, Manager of the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention department at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.  “The municipalities of Windsor-Essex are presenting a unified front in their adoption of protective measures in excess of those offered by the Smoke-free Ontario Act, and while there is much more work to do, we are encouraged to see our region offering residents a strong level of protection from second-hand smoke and smoking behaviour.”

There are many benefits to smoke-free spaces, including:

• Reducing health risks of second-hand smoke
• De-normalizing tobacco use
• Creating a supportive environment for those looking to quit

Residents can help “Clear the Air We Share” and are encouraged to call, text, or email 311 if they notice a possible by-law violation. Tobacco Enforcement Officers from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will follow up on all reported violations. The by-law is also enforced by Police Officers, By-law Enforcement Officers or any other persons appointed by Council to enforce the by-laws of the municipality. Any person convicted of an offence under the by-law will be subject to a fine.

For more information visit Smoke-Free YQG/Smoking By-law.

City Snow Removal Refresher

Even though we haven’t seen any of the white stuff yet, it’s coming, so the City of Windsor’s Public Works Department has prepared a few reminders to help ensure everyone can enjoy a safe winter season.

Plowing will begin once the snow begins to fall and accumulates to five centimetres.  An average route takes from 3 to 6 hours to complete once the snow has stopped falling, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.  Once the main roads are clear and only if more than 10 centimetres has fallen, the trucks will be redeployed onto residential streets.  If residents have concerns regarding snow on streets in their area, they are asked to call 311.

Motorists are asked to be patient when travelling behind a plow and give operators plenty of room.  Plows typically operate at 40 kilometres per hour.  Following too close to a snowplow can lead to poor visibility and vehicles risk being hit by thrown snow or rocks. 

Residents are reminded that clearing of sidewalks abutting their property is their responsibility. As well, under the Highway Traffic Act and City of Windsor By-laws residents are prohibited from shovelling snow back onto the street while clearing sidewalks and driveways, as this creates unsafe road conditions for motorists.  All sidewalks in commercial areas are to be cleared within 4 hours of the snow fall ending and 12 hours after in residential areas.

These are just a few of the important winter reminders from Public Works.  To learn more about Windsor’s snow removal operations, visit citywindsor.ca​ or call 311, or see our new winter preparedness video on YouTube.​ ​

2016 Holiday Sharing Guide, Give Help and Get Help in Windsor-Essex

211 is pleased to announce the release of the 2016 Holiday Sharing Guide for Windsor and Essex County. This 14-page flyer provides information on how to give help to those in need and get help during this holiday season. Details about gift and toy programs, food drives and community holiday meals available throughout Windsor and Essex County can be found in this guide.

Help starts here: 211 helpline refers callers to programs to cope with winter and the holidays.

The winter months come with extra stress for people living on a low-income, living alone or coping with life changes. The 211 helpline can refer people to the benefits, health and community services that exist to help them.

“In winter months stretching a limited income can be extra challenging,” says Karen Milligan, Executive Director of Ontario 211 Services. “Help starts with a call to 211. Our specialists can explain all the benefits and financial relief that a person might be eligible for. We also help people who are lonely or isolated find supports to improve their experiences. Across Ontario, there are utility bill relief programs, friendly visitors, snow shoveling and seniors transportation programs to name a few, and many community agencies providing free activities for all age groups.”

Then the holidays also add financial and emotional stress. Call 211 to be referred to toy donation programs for families in need, food hamper programs, community holiday meals, mental health supports and donated winter coats for children.

“The winter and holidays can heighten the challenges of living on a low income and staying healthy. We are proud to support 211 through our Frontline Care Program, to increase their ability to support callers who many need help in accessing the health and social services that exist where they live,” says Sarah Saso, Managing Director, Social Innovation at Green Shield Canada. “211 is a powerful tool for those who need access to health, community, and social services that will impact their overall well-being.”

211 is also a helpful tool for health care practitioners who realize their patients are challenged with circumstances related to the social determinants of health, such as income, transportation, housing and legal issues, to name a few. The 211 helpline, with financial support from Green Shield Canada, has produced a video for health care providers to explain how 211 helps them find the right community and social services for their patients. See the video, 211 - Helping Healthcare Providers Connect People to the Services they Need.

For more information, call 211 or 519-258-0247, or email info@211southwestontario.ca.

Winter/Spring 2017 Activity Guide

Windsor’s Winter/Spring Activity Guide has hit newsstands and community centres across Windsor. The latest edition offers a host of activity options for the coming months at centres and arenas across the city.

The cover honours abolitionist Henry Bibb, who had ties to the Windsor area and is one of the subjects of an upcoming play at Windsor’s historic Mackenzie Hall.

Programming and rental information can also be found online at www.reconnectwindsor.ca. See what’s new today, and join the excitement this winter and spring!​​