Imagine, if you will, standing where the heart of Windsor beats today. It is right here at Windsor City Hall. This place is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of a city’s spirit.
Windsor City Hall overlooks the downtowns of both Windsor and Detroit. This makes it a unique vantage point. From here, you can see the close relationship between these two cities.
The Detroit River flows between Windsor and Detroit. This river has been a vital link for centuries. It connects people and economies. Mayor Drew Dilkens has his office in Windsor City Hall. He says Detroit feels like an extension of his backyard. He went to grad school in Detroit. He spent part of his professional life there.
The relationship between Windsor and Detroit is strong. About a quarter of all trade value between the U.S. and Canada crosses the bridge between these cities. The auto industry is key to this relationship. Each vehicle made here crosses the border about eight times. This shows just how integrated the economies are.
Windsor has a rich history. It was settled by French farmers after 1701. At that time, a fort was established in Detroit. Windsor was first known as “the Ferry”. Later, it was called Richmond. In 1836, it was renamed Windsor after Windsor, England.
Windsor’s location is strategic. It’s on a navigable waterway opposite Detroit. This helped it grow into a major railway terminal. It also became a significant Great Lakes port. Many industries were attracted to Windsor. These included branch plants of large U.S. companies. Windsor expanded by annexing nearby cities. East Windsor, Walkerville, and Sandwich joined in 1935. Riverside followed in 1966.
Windsor is a commercial and manufacturing hub. It serves a productive farming area. This area produces fruits, vegetables, corn, soybeans, grain, and tobacco. Windsor’s manufactures include vehicles and parts. You can also find foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals produced here. Salt, machinery, and steel products are also important.
Windsor is Canada’s leading port of entry from the United States. Tunnels, car ferries, and a suspension bridge connect it to Detroit. This makes Windsor a crucial point for international trade.
The city is home to the University of Windsor. It was founded in 1963. Assumption College federated into the university then. St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology is also located here.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens spoke about the close ties. He said that economic threats hurt. He expressed disbelief at the idea of an economic assault by the U.S. on Canada. Dilkens noted Canadians were starting to avoid U.S. products. They felt burned by the situation. He emphasized that Detroit and Windsor will remain close. He said these two cities would be on the front line if a trade war occurred.
The city skylines of Detroit and Windsor face each other. People in Windsor grew up listening to Motown. They root for the Detroit Lions. People in Michigan watched CBC kids’ shows. They know the lyrics to “O Canada”. There are many cultural touch points. These include sports and food.
Windsor City Hall stands as a testament. It shows the enduring connection between Windsor and Detroit. It symbolizes the resilience and shared identity of these border cities.