Our Communities
Windsor-Essex, Located in Ontario, Canada has a collective regional population of approximately 400,000. (City of Windsor 2006 Census: 216,473). It is comprised of nine diverse and vibrant local communities all within 30 minutes of the city and ranks as the top Canadian border city offering an affordable, yet high standard of living and longer than usual mild climates to its residents! …We really do HAVE IT ALL!
Windsor Essex Is…
A SAFE COMMUNITY
Windsor-Essex is family-oriented (above the national averages in married couples and intact families). LaSalle was ranked third and Amherstburg fourth as the “safest” communities in Canada, among 305, with a population of more than 10,000, according to the latest Crime Severity Index numbers released by Statistics Canada in 2015.
A SMART COMMUNITY
In 2011, Windsor-Essex rated among the World’s Top 7 Places and recognized as #1 worldwide for use of Information Technology (I.T.) to grow within the new Global Knowledge Economy by The Intelligent Community Forum Canada.
A PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITY
In 2015, Windsor-Essex ranked in the Top 5 for Canada’s most affordable places for business by Profit Magazine and an honorable mention by Site Selection for Best to Invest in 2015 amongst many other accolades!
Situated on the same latitude as northern California, Windsor-Essex is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in Canada. In 2016, Expansion Solutions Magazine ranked the area #1 in North America, for food production and processing. Due to this, Windsor-Essex has proudly adopted a “farm to fork” ideology, where many local residents and restaurants are inspired to use locally grown produce and complimenting their creations with award-winning wines from the local wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
A CONVENIENT COMMUNITY
Windsor International Airport, dubbed as “Your Quick Gateway” or YQG, and centrally located within the city, is the 16th largest census metropolitan area in Canada, situated on an international border between Canada and the United States, the population approaches 7.7 million within a 45-minute drive. It is the only business and general aviation airport, serving Essex and Kent County. With Detroit Metropolitan Airport a short distance away across the border, the Windsor-Essex community enjoys big city convenience while being able to preserve a hometown feel!
HIKING, BIKING & BIRDING, OH MY!
Windsor-Essex is a modern city with the bragging rights of a nature preserve! Enjoy thousands of acres of green space, over 200 parks woven into the community fabric, scenic cycling trails, a stunning waterfront trail and numerous forested parks and nature preserves like Ojibway Park, Ganatchio Trail, Malden Park, Windsor’s Riverfront and Chrysler Canada Greenway. Walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and bikers alike have appreciated the growing network of paths and trails constructed by the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS). This network allows our residents to preserve the environment and stay active outdoors for a longer season than any other Canadian city! So extensive is the Waterfront Trail, it travels from our very own Lakeshore community to communities near Montreal, Quebec!
APA
Eco-tourism | Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://visitwindsoressex.com/ecotourism/
APA
Cycling | Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://visitwindsoressex.com/outdoor-adventure/cycling/
Point Pelee National Park is the southern-most ecological region of Canada, and a UNESCO designated Wetland of International Significance protecting the Carolinian life zone of the St. Laurence Lowlands. As one of the Top 15 Birding spots in North America, (awarded by Birder’s World Magazine, Oct 2002), thousands of visitors travel bi-annually to our unique geographical location which attracts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each spring during the annual Festival of Birds and each fall during the Festival of Hawks.
HISTORY, CULTURE & THE ARTS
Our culture is derived from our rich history, and our amazing landmarks are a testimony to it.
HISTORY
Celebrate a historical Bicentennial by taking a stroll at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, over the beautiful rolling hills which were once battlefields marched by proud Canadian soldiers during the war of 1812. Experience the controversial Prohibition Era, brought back to life vividly at the Canadian Club Brand Centre in Walkerville. Celebrate human rights at John Freeman Walls Historic Site & Underground Railroad Museum, which played a pivotal role in assisting thousands of African-American slaves to achieve their freedom.
CULTURE
Windsor-Essex is the fourth most ethnically diverse community in Canada from scattered businesses to full neighborhoods representing a culture like Erie Street’s “Via Italia”, Wyandotte Street’s “middle east” of the downtown core, Windsor’s Chinatown and Leamington, who’s most-represented culture has been determined over the last 50 years by the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) Once highly concentrated with people of Middle Eastern descent, today are more representative by the migrant workers from Mexico and the Caribbean. The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, formed over 40 years ago, not only offers everyday skills to newcomers like translation & interpretation services, cultural diversity training, English classes and much more but celebrates the region’s diversity with the annual Carousel of Nations Festival, one of Ontario’s Top 100! It’s a vibrant & colourful series of events and locations, offers the best in food, music, dance, and art from other cultures!
ART
The internationally acclaimed Art Gallery of Windsor proudly features over 3,000 breathtaking works to lose yourself in! The musical mastery of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra at the historic Capitol Theatre is not just for classical music lovers anymore! They have successfully meshed genres of music from classical to rock with their Jeans n’ Classics series, proving themselves innovators! Also, be entertained by live stage performances which include the WSO and various talented theatre companies in our area. The Windsor International Film Festival was hailed the 2nd biggest film festival in Canada in 2016 out of 158 (TIFF) Toronto International Film Festival circuit events! Windsor’s Eclectic Walkerville, a modern-style “Haight Ashbury” district not mistaken for any other pocket in the city and a highly-desired neighborhood for busy professionals and progressive families alike, features the Walkerville Artist Co-Op which displays works from many local artists. Annually the ROTARY Club of WINDSOR 1918 Art in the Park event takes place at Willistead Manor and yard, features our own plus traveling artists from around the province & country.
FAMILY FUN
Windsor’s newest city-owned attraction, Windsor’s Adventure Bay Family Water Park, has made quite the splash with visitors and local residents with 35,000 square feet of water rides! Test your golfing skills at On the Water Miniature Golf a 36- hole the beautifully landscaped miniature golf course or Silver Tee Golf & Virtual Gaming Centre.
WORLD RENOWNED ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Home to Caesars Windsor, the only Las Vegas-owned casino property in Canada, where you will experience non-stop excitement in world-class gaming and entertainment! Enjoy world-famous artist performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor and the WFCU Centre. Sip & be served at one of the many stylish & trendy restaurants & nightclubs scattered around Downtown, Walkerville & South Windsor especially.
GOLF AND MORE GOLF
As Canada’s most southerly region, our climate allows at least 4 more weeks of outdoor activities. Windsor-Essex has bragging rights to over 20 beautiful courses, including greens crafted by legendary designers Donald Ross & Thompson McBroom. Several of our courses have also hosted Canadian Tour Championships. If the weather is not cooperating and you are craving the game, Visit On the Green Indoor Golf, North America’s largest indoor virtual golf facility, Silver Tee indoor golf and gaming and Dominion Golf Dome, the largest indoor driving range in Windsor.
APA
Golf | Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island | Page 3. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://visitwindsoressex.com/outdoor-adventure/golf/page/3/
WINERIES, BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES
No need to plan weekend getaways when you live here! Visit one or tour 17 spectacular area wineries, 8 thirst-quenching breweries, and classic & historical distilleries. Windsor-Essex is truly EPIC. Click here for updates and event information http://visitwindsoressex.com/
WATER RECREATION
Drop your anchor in Windsor-Essex!! The location of our amazing peninsula and our unique climate that allows for lengthened summers also allows for fishing year round and the best water recreation Canada has to offer!! We’re home to over 2,800 recreational marine berths and countless marinas including our own Windsor Yacht Club. Calm currents invite great boating, jet skiing and water skiing, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing/kayaking & scuba diving. View legendary shipwrecks or just bask in the sun at one of our great beaches. Boating can take you to many great islands including Ontario’s Peche Island & Pelee Island and Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands. Don’t own a boat? Rent from companies like Urban Surf Company and River Canard Canoe Company. Windsor Essex has also been dubbed “The Muskie Capital of Canada.” and Canadian residents can take advantage of license-free fishing during annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekends.
MOTORCYCLING ROUTES
Windsor Essex roadways are part of the Cruise the Coast Motorcycle Route (www.cruisethecoast.ca) which includes 5 counties stretching along Ontario’s sprawling scenic south coastline. WE also proudly host many charity motorcycle rides, amongst those, the Annual Bob Probert Memorial Ride. Feel the thunderous roar on the open road and enjoy the sights of lush greenery, abundant farm fields, shimmering waterways and acres of vineyards along the way!
SPORTS & SPORTING EVENTS
Over the years, Windsor-Essex has hosted numerous sporting events, from regional tournaments to major international competitions and championships, creating a winning experience for organizers, participants and spectators alike! Our world-class venues, state-of-the-art facilities, stellar accommodations and amenities, convenient location and vast experience, ensure we can accommodate, coordinate & manage virtually any type of event.
Upcoming Events
- 2017 – Mastercard Memorial Cup
- 2017 – Swimming Canada Para-swimming CAN/AM Championships
- 2018 – Swimming Canada Eastern Canadian Swimming Championships
- 2018 – Swimming Canada Eastern Canadian Swimming Championships
Proud to have Hosted:
- 2016 – Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) 25m Short Course World Swimming Championships
- 2016 – Canadian Adult Recreation Hockey Association (CARHA) Hockey World Cup
- 2016 – Canadian Outdoor Archery Championships
- 2014 – Ontario 55+ Summer Games
- 2014 – Ontario Summer Games
- 2014 – Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)/NVA Diving World Series
- 2014 – Eastern Canadian Swim Championships
- 2014 – Ontario Masters Swimming Provincial Championships
- 2013 – International Children’s Games (ICG)
- 2013/2014 – Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Woman’s Basketball Championships
- 2012 – Skate Canada International Figure Skating Championships
- 2012 – World Under-17 Hockey Challenge
- 2012 – Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championship
- 2011 – Canadian Tour Golf Championships
- 2010, 2011– Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Women’s Basketball Championships
- 2010 – National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Frozen Four – Division Ice Hockey Tournament
- 2010 – Grey Power World Cup of Curling
- 2010 – Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Prospects Game
- 2010 – Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Badminton Provincial Championships
- 2010 – Canadian Intercollegiate Baseball Association (CIBA) Men’s Baseball National Championships
- 2009, 2010– Red Bull Air Race World Championship (exclusive Canadian site)
- 2009 – Ontario Hockey League (OHL) All-Star Game
APA
Sports Tourism | Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://visitwindsoressex.com/sports-tourism/
OFFICIAL WINDSOR TEAMS
WFCU Centre is the home to The Windsor Spitfires hockey team and Windsor Express basketball team.
THE WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL AQUATIC CENTRE
Proudly hosted the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) 25m Short Course World Swimming Championships in 2016.
UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR SPORTS
Home of the Lancers, the university fields 17 athletic teams that compete for provincial and national championships. In 2015, the women’s basketball team captured its fifth straight Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) title.
The St. Denis Centre boasts indoor and outdoor tracks, a championship pool, a 2,000-seat indoor fieldhouse for basketball and volleyball games, and a new football and soccer stadium that features a FIFA-approved artificial turf surface and seating for up to 10,000 spectators.
APA
Fast Facts | University Of Windsor. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.uwindsor.ca/45/fast-facts
Featuring a triple gymnasium, 10,000 sq. ft. Fitness centre, elevated walking track, workout studios, 12 team rooms, classrooms and more! Located directly across from a student residence and holds up to 2,000 spectators http://saintsathletics.ca/
APA
St Clair College, Saints Atheltics, Schedules, Game Recaps …(n.d.). Retrieved from https://inplaymagazine.com/college/st-clair-college/
CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS
Central Park Athletics is one of the largest and most advanced covered sports facilities in Ontario. A 250,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose sports, recreation, and education facility featuring two NHL-size ice pads, a full gymnastics facility, a 45,000 sq. ft. World-Class indoor soccer facility, an indoor baseball training area, quick-serve and full-service restaurants, banquet and meeting rooms, physiotherapy, and much more. Also home to the Windsor-Essex YMCA, Windsor AAA Zone hockey, International Figure Skating Academy, Winstars Gymnastics, the Windsor Rugby Football Club, South Windsor Youth Soccer Club, Giovanni Caboto Soccer Club, and the Essex County Broomball Association. It also hosts specialized Programs of Excellence for F.J. Brennan High School, Corpus Christ Catholic Middle School, Ecole E. J. Lajeunesse and Hockey Canada.
APA
Central Park Athletics | Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.centralparkathletics.com/
ON THE BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Windsor’s Largest Beach Volleyball Complex, a 1-1/2 acre facility with 12 regulation V-Sand Courts in a tropical setting.
U.S. PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENTS
Just across the border, celebrate and support our American neighbor professional sports teams: Detroit Pistons Basketball, Detroit Tigers Baseball, Detroit Red Wings Hockey, and Detroit Lions Football.
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
Windsor Essex educational facilities are proudly educating the future! The University of Windsor and St. Clair College are both celebrating over 50 years in our community, both offering state-of-the-art education.
APA
Windsor, Ontario – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Windsor
University of Windsor
Offers 190 undergraduate programs, 65 graduate programs, and 6 professional programs and is one of the most affordable, comprehensive educational experiences of any university in North America. Join the many University of Windsor Alumni that have gone on to achieve greatness!
APA
University – Windsor-essex Immigration. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.welcometowindsoressex.ca/en/education-and-learning/university.asp
St. Clair College
Offers over 100 degrees, diploma and certificate programs. There are four campuses in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent with state-of-the-arts facilities in health sciences, engineering technology and skilled trades, business and I.T. and media, the arts and design programs. Since 1967 St. Clair College has graduated more than 95,000 alumni whose knowledge, skills and expertise have been the backbone of our economy locally, nationally and around the world.
APA
St. Clair Alumni Association – Info | Facebook. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/St.ClairAlumni/about
RELOCATION SERVICES
If you are considering relocating to Windsor visit:
http://choosewindsoressex.com/relocating
http://www.welcometowindsoressex.ca/en/settling-here.asp
If you are looking for a home in the area, contact Cris Kambouris at (519) 995-7600
CITY SERVICES
City of Windsor http://www.citywindsor.ca
350 City Hall Square W.
Windsor, ON N9A 6S1
From Windsor: dial 311*
Phone: (519) 255-CITY (2489)
Toll-free: 1-877-RING311 (746-4311)
Text: 311**
Email: 311@citywindsor.ca
HOME SERVICES
Planning & Building Services http://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/building/building-permits/Pages/default.aspx
350 City Hall Square W, 4th Floor
P. O. Box 1607
Windsor, ON N9A 6S1
From Windsor: 311*
Phone: (519) 255-6267
buildingdept@citywindsor.ca
Property Tax & Assessment http://www.citywindsor.ca/cityhall/Taxes–and-Assessment-/Pages/Taxes-and-Assessment.aspx
City of Windsor Finance Department
P.O. Box 1607
Windsor, ON N9A 6S1
From Windsor: dial 311*
Phone: (519) 255-2489
Toll-Free: 877-746-4311
Windsor Utilities Commission http://www.wuc.on.ca/
787 Ouellette Ave.
P.O. Box 1625
Station A
Windsor, ON N9A 5T7
Automated Directory (519) 251-7300
After Hours Hydro & Water Emergencies: (519) 255-2727
info@enwin.com
Union Gas https://www.uniongas.com/
P.O. Box 2001
Chatham, ON N7M 5M1
Account Information: 1-888-774-3111.
Gas related emergencies: 1-877-969-0999
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers
Ontario Electricity Support Program for Low-Income Families (OESP) https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers
INTERNET, TV & PHONE SERVICES
Kelcom (Local office) http://www.kelcomtv.ca/
Cogeco Cable https://www.cogeco.ca/en/
MNSI (100% Local) https://www.mnsi.net/
Shaw Cable https://www.shaw.ca/store/
Bell http://www.bell.ca/
STARTING A BUSINESS
Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation http://choosewindsoressex.com/
(519) 255-9200
888-255-9332
info@choosewindsoressex.com
City of Windsor Economic Development office http://www.citywindsor.ca/business/Economic-Development/Pages/default.aspx
(519) 255-6100 ext. 6608
ecdev@citywindsor.ca
Windsor Essex Small Business Centre http://www.windsoressexsmallbusiness.com/
700 California Avenue, Suite 200
Windsor, ON N9B 2Z2
519-253-6900
info@windsoressexsmallbusiness.com
WE Tech Alliance http://www.wetech-alliance.com/
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
The Unemployed Help Centre http://www.uhc.ca/
6955 Cantelon Drive
Windsor ON N8T 3J9
Phone: (519) 944-4900
Email: uhc@uhc.ca
City of Windsor Employment Services & Training Services Centre http://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/socialservices-/Ontario-Works/Looking-For-Work/Pages/Employment-Services.aspx
(519) 977-6444 Ext. 5527
ets@citywindsor.ca
St. Clair College Employment Centre http://www.stclairemploymentcentre.com/
Roundhouse Centre
3015 Howard Ave. Unit 2
Windsor, ON N8X 3Y9
519-253-4461
adelis@stclaircollege.ca
Fort Malden Plaza
400 Sandwich St. S.
Amherstburg, ON N9V-3L4
519-736-2827
SERVICES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS
Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County http://themcc.com/
245 Janette Ave.
Windsor, ON N9A 4Z2
(519) 255-1127
East Windsor
7651 Tecumseh Rd. E.
Windsor, ON N8T 3H1
(519) 948-3443
New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. http://www.ncceinc.org/
660 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N9A 1C1
519-258-4076
South Essex Community Council http://www.secc.on.ca/
215 Talbot St E,
Leamington, ON N8H 3X5,
(519) 326-8629
23 Mill St W,
Kingsville, ON N9Y 1W1
The Unemployed Help Centre http://www.uhc.ca/
6955 Cantelon Drive
Windsor ON N8T 3J9
Phone: (519) 944-4900
Email: uhc@uhc.ca
612 Notre Dame Street
Belle River ON N0R 1A0
Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor, INC. http://www.westofwindsor.com/
647 Ouellette Avenue Suite 201
Windsor, ON N9A 4J4
(519) 256-6621
YMCA http://ymcawo.ca/new-to-canada/
3400 Grand Marais Rd E.
Windsor, ON N8W 1W7
Phone – 519-419-1267
Collège Boréal for French settlers. http://www.collegeboreal.ca/employment-services/immigrant-training/
(800) 361-6673
info@collegeboreal.ca
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada funded programs are free of charge
Eligible clients: Convention Refugees & Permanent Residents including Government Assisted Refugees and Privately Sponsored Refugees (Syrian or otherwise) http://www.welcometowindsoressex.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/2016_Windsor-Essex_Chatham-Kent_Settlement_Agency_and_Services_Directory.pdf
GETTING AROUND / PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Transit Windsor Bus Service http://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/transitwindsor/Fares/Where-to-buy/Pages/Hours-of-Operation.aspx
Terminal location: 300 Chatham Street West, between Dougall and Church Streets
3700 North Service Rd. E.
Windsor, ON N8W 5X2
For detailed inquiries, call (519) 944-4111.
For general inquiries, call 311
tw@citywindsor.ca
Detroit Windsor Tunnel Bus http://www.dwtunnel.com/TunnelBus.aspx
Operated by Transit Windsor
Via Rail http://www.viarail.ca
298 Walker Rd.
Windsor, ON, N8Y 2M9
Arrivals and departures: (888) 842-7245
Information and reservation: (888) 842-7245
Baggage: (888) 842-7245
CREDIT UNIONS
Meridian Credit Union https://www.meridiancu.ca/
Roundhouse Centre
3065 Howard Avenue, Unit 1
Windsor, ON N8X 3Y9
(519) 254-4324
Windsor Family Credit Union https://www.wfcu.ca/
3000 Marentette Ave.
Windsor, ON N8X 4G2
519-974-3100
Motor City Credit Union https://www.mcccu.com/
6701 Tecumseh Rd. E.
Windsor ON N8T 1E8
(519) 944-7455
Libro Credit Union http://libro.ca
HOSPITALS
Windsor Regional Hospital https://www.wrh.on.ca/
Metropolitan Campus
1995 Lens Ave.
Windsor, ON N8W 1L9
(519) 254-5577
Ouellette Campus
1030 Ouellette Ave.
Windsor, ON N9A 1E1
(519) 973-4411
Hotel Dieu Grace Rehabilitation, Mental Health & Palliative Care http://www.hdgh.org/
1453 Prince Road
Windsor, Ontario N9C 3Z4
(519) 257-5111
TOURISM
Tourism Windsor Essex http://visitwindsoressex.com/
333 Riverside Dr. W. Suite 103
Windsor ON N9A 7C5
(800) 265-3633
info@tourismwindsoressex.com
ONTARIO
Ontario Works: Social Assistance http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/
400 City Hall Sq. S, Windsor, ON N9A 6L7
800-267-8097
Service Ontario Windsor locations https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario-locations-hours-and-contact
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/
Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child & Youth Mental Health http://www.excellenceforchildandyouth.ca/
Ontario Student Assistant Program (OSAP) https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program
Ontario Financial Assistance & Welfare http://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/need-wel
CANADA
Canada Helps – Canada’s platform for donating & fundraising online https://www.canadahelps.org/en/
Action Canada http://www.actioncanada.ca/