Windsor city council votes to start process for Peche Island canal restoration
CBC
Windsor will apply to begin the work needed for restoration of Peche Island's inland ponds, city council decided Monday, even as councillors await more information and will make a final decision during the city's budget process.
Councillors will receive more information about funding for the project during 2026 budget deliberations, but council gave the go-ahead to begin the permitting process. The project to protect the shoreline and restore inland water flow is expected to cost between $800,000 and $900,000, a report to council notes.
"I really wanted to have a conversation with you about this because it does have a budget implication,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, who used his strong mayor powers on Nov. 6 to prompt the staff report before the end of the year.
“But there is some urgency to act on this if in fact you wish to maintain the internal ponds with water.”
Peche Island is located off the shore of the Detroit River in east Windsor.
As it stands, the island's canals have become too blocked with sediment for kayakers and canoers to explore them.
If the canal were dredged it would allow for its continued recreation use, prompting the mayor's report.
The conservation authority and advocates had applauded the mayor's move for action on the issue.
Councillors asked questions about the cost of the project, and the note from staff within the report that other projects might need to be delayed to allow for spending on the project.
The city’s treasurer said that information would come back in the budget report on the item.
And while they had questions about the cost, several councillors said Peche Island was an asset they believe is important to protect.
"I think this is something that goes way beyond our time on council ... we're preserving something that's that's really unique and important to keep because we could lose it," said Coun. Jim Morrison.
Dilkens urged councillors not to wait because of the possibility that the inland ponds of the island would eventually become wetland.
"And if council ever wants to take action in the in the future, it will become difficult to overcome wetland legislation to reactivate the ponds," he said.
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