WINDSOR – Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky was joined by Mary Ann Cuderman, former chairwoman of the Sandwich BIA, and former city councillor Ron Jones on Wednesday, to demand that the Ford government consult with Sandwich residents and local stakeholders before selling the old Windsor Jail, to ensure that the building is repurposed in a way that the community supports.
“In September I wrote to the Minister of Infrastructure regarding the state of the old Jail, and inquiring about the province’s plans for the building,” said Gretzky. “Constituents have approached me with concerns that this historic building was falling into disrepair because the province wasn’t ensuring that it was properly maintained. I was passed to the Ministry of Government and Consumer services, but never received a response – and now, without any warning, the old Jail is for sale.
“The old Windsor Jail rightfully belongs to the people of this community, and they deserve a say in what happens to that property.”
On October 24, Infrastructure Ontario listed the old Windsor Jail for sale with a listing price of $1. Despite her repeated inquiries to Doug Ford’s minsters and the government, Gretzky’s office was not alerted to news of the sale.
Gretzky says the priority now is getting the community involved with the sale, given the historic nature of the 93-year old building and of Sandwich Towne itself.
“Last week I wrote to the ministers involved, and stressed the importance of community input during this process. There have been many ideas about what to do with the building – ultimately the residents of Sandwich Towne and Windsor need to be involved so that final product is something that residents can benefit from, and can be proud of.”
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To print & sign the petition to protect the old Windsor Jail, click here.