STOP Development of Sandwich South Lands

In the early 2000’s when the City of Windsor acquired the Sandwich South Lands, it was determined that once the city reached a population that justified expansion that a secondary plan would be prepared and our community would grow outward.  15 years later and Windsor has not grown substantially, there remain a number of undeveloped areas within the city’s established land area, and over 500 acres of brownfield properties, all ready for re-development.  One may argue that the development of the Sandwich South Lands is not yet justified due to our lack of population growth, and they would be correct, however we should re-consider developing this land for different reason all together.  

The tendency for cities to grow outward in the low development fashion we know as the suburban development pattern has been increasingly challenged.  We are now realizing that low density growth is not environmentally, fiscally or socially sustainable, nor does it build the type of neighbourhoods, main-streets and public places we have grown to cherish in Western Society.   Architects and planners will argue that such development patterns build places of poor quality; simply compare our old “main-street” commercial corridors found in Old Walkerville, Via Italia or the Ottawa Street Neighbourhood with any new big box and strip mall development and you will understand what they are talking about.  Speak to healthcare professionals and your children’s teachers to hear about how low density automobile dependent communities create unhealthy sedentary lifestyles.  Study the financial situation in Windsor and many other cities and municipal officials and accountants will demonstrate that low density development is driving many communities into massive debt.  Finally, speak to environmental experts to hear how low density sprawl is perhaps the largest threat to our environment today.

Perhaps is the early 2000’s when the development of suburbia was at its peak in North America, Windsor’s expansion onto the Sandwich South Lands sounded like a good idea, however 15 years has passed and the whole idea has far less luster.  Windsor has more than enough room to grow within its established footprint.  Our population density is below provincial targets and our core neighbourhoods desperately need re-investment.  The idea of developing outward simply does not make sense anymore.  Focusing Windsor's growth in the Sandwich South Lands instead of the our existing and established footprint takes future tax dollars from our existing schools, libraries, community centres and infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, bike lanes and sewers and lands that revenue in a bean field.  If we want to live in a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city, we must scrap the plan to develop the Sandwich South Lands and plan our new growth within our established communities.