Kingsville firefighters battled a blaze in the downtown core New Year’s Eve.
The blaze broke out in a clothing store at Main Street and Division Road. Crews had the fire under control shortly before 11 p.m. but it was still burning.
The OPP asked motorists to stay out of the downtown area. They also urged motorists to be wary as streets had become icy from water used to battle the blaze.
The area was expected to be closed to traffic for about three hours.
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Whatever their experiences in 2014, many Windsorites ushered in 2015 with hope in their hearts.
Rob Finlay helps his two-year-old son Bryce skate at Lanspeary Park on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
“It’s a new start. New opportunities,” said Rob Finlay. “You gotta look at it positive.”
Rob’s two-year-old son, Bryce, interjected: “And the people!”
The Finlays were one of many local families who braved cold weather to enjoy free skating at Lanspeary Park on New Year’s Eve.
For Rob, the past year was full of change. He, his wife and his two sons moved to Windsor after he lost his job at the Heinz plant in Leamington. He’s still looking for work.
Despite the uncertainty, Rob took joy in Bryce’s new experiences.
“We did a lot of stuff with this guy. We taught him how to swim. We were here the whole summer, we did all the festivals and stuff.”
“It was good. Every year is good,” Rob continued. “You just gotta keep going.”
Staying in motion was important on the last night in 2014.
According to Environment Canada, thermometer readings in Windsor dipped to -8 C (17 F), with the wind chill making it feel like -19 C (-1 F).
But that didn’t deter the Kavanaughs — a family of five who bundled up and took to the ice together.
The Kavanaugh family, from left: Owen, Mary Ellen, Grace, Abby, and Brandon at Lanspeary Park in Windsor on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Brandon Kavanaugh and his wife Mary Ellen said their family had many good times in 2014.
“We went to Disney World. We had our annual trip to our cabin,” said Brandon, who works for a parts manufacturer. “Everybody’s doing good. We’re in good health.”
“We’ve been fortunate enough not to be affected too much by the transitions in the auto industry. We’re quite blessed.”
Mary Ellen Kavanaugh (centre), her daughter Grace (left), and her other daughter Abby (right) at Lanspeary Park on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Middle child Owen, 11, and youngest Abby, 9, said the past year was fun because they both joined hockey teams for the first time.
“I wasn’t really nervous because I like meeting new friends,” said Owen, who plays for the Red Raiders.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Taylor Mason — who brought along her mother Jenn Beck and her grandfather Richard Mason to Lanspeary’s outdoor rink — said 2014 was “the funnest year” of her life, so far.
She also has big plans for 2015.
“On my 13th birthday, in August, I’m going to get my second piercing in my ear,” Taylor said with a grin.
For Taylor’s mother, 2014 wasn’t so fun. Jenn said she dealt with personal losses — the deaths of two people close to her. But she also had some successes: completion of her training as a personal support worker, and her first employment in that capacity.
“Good and bad,” Jenn said. “It’s been tough. I’m hoping 2015 is better.”
Richard Mason, 65, also had a first in 2014 — his retirement from his job of 20 years at a concrete pipe manufacturer. “I’m doing nothing now,” Richard said, with some incredulity. “I’m probably going to be looking for something to do in 2015.”
Brett Werstein (R) and his son Jesse at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex in LaSalle on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
There was similar family entertainment at the Vollmer Culture and Recration Complex in LaSalle, where free swimming, skating, and fireworks drew hundreds of people of all ages.
Brett Werstein, a delivery truck driver, said it was the first time he brought his two sons to the Vollmer for New Year’s Eve, and he’s glad to join the crowd.
“It was packed. A good turnout.”
For another LaSalle family, the Kaschalks, going to the Vollmer on the last night of the year is something of a tradition.
Nancy Kaschalk, her husband Paul, and their daughters Isabella and Sophia set up the back of their Chrysler minivan so that they could stay warm while watching the fireworks.
Only the Kaschalks’ 15-year-old daughter Cassandra was absent — She had other plans for the night.
Asked if they have any resolutions for 2015, Paul replied: “Love my family more.”
Nancy said: “Just to have a happy and healthy year.”
Appreciative onlookers brave cold weather to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex in LaSalle on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Party-goers Rebecca Asefaw (left) Paul Brouwer and Tolulola Taiwo at The Windsor Star News Cafe on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Masked revellers Lauren Oliver (left), Brittany Hayward, Andrew Brien, Paul Brouwer (back) and Rielly McLaren at The Windsor Star News Cafe on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
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The Star’s award-winning photographers covered Windsor and Essex County on the last day of 2014 and the first day of 2015. Check out the gallery.
Masked revellers Lauren Oliver (left), Brittany Hayward, Andrew Brien, Paul Brouwer (back) and Rielly McLaren at The Windsor Star News Cafe on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Party-goers Rebecca Asefaw (left) Paul Brouwer and Tolulola Taiwo at The Windsor Star News Cafe on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Mary Ellen Kavanaugh (centre) laces up the skates of her daughter Grace (left) while her other daughter Abby (right) looks on in the dressing rooms of Lanspeary Park on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
The Kavanaugh family, from left: Owen, Mary Ellen, Grace, Abby, and Brandon at Lanspeary Park in Windsor on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Appreciative onlookers brave cold weather to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex in LaSalle on Dec. 31, 2014. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Bryce Finlay 2, receives help from his father, Rob Finlay and brother Tegan, 13, left, at Lanspeary rink during AM800 New Years Eve celebrations December 31, 2014. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Bret Werstein and son, Jesse, 7, watch fireworks at Vollmer Centre with family members New Years Eve December 31, 2014. The Werstein family got wet in the pool, skated and stuck around with hundreds of others for the fireworks display. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Rob Finlay helps his son, Bryce, 2, around the rink at Lanspeary during AM800 New Years Eve celebrations December 31, 2014. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Rabbi Sholom Galperin proudly holds his newborn son, who was born seven minutes into the New Year at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Met Campus, January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Female cardinal was one of many birds naturalist Karen Cedar and birdwatchers viewed New Years Day at Ojibway Nature Centre January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Naturalist Karen Cedar, right, leads birdwatchers on New Years Day at Ojibway Nature Centre January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Naturalist Karen Cedar, left, leads birdwatchers New Years Day at Ojibway Nature Centre January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
White-breasted Nuthatch was one of many birds viewed New Years Day at Ojibway Nature Centre January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Kingsville Fire Chief Bob Kissner Jr. speaks with Towne Shoppe owners Sharon and Paul Jones outside the Main Street West storefront following $500,000 fire January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Sharon Jones, owner of Towne Shoppe on Main Street in Kingsville, surveys the damage following a $500,000 fire which destroyed the contents of the men’s and women’s fashion store, January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Fire caused $500,000 damage to Towne Shoppe and the entire contents of mens and womens clothing January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Damaged clothing and racks and melted hangers in a huge heap outside Towne Shoppe on Main Street in Kingsville following a $500,000 fire January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Doug Romanek and Gillian Romanek prepare food at Nana’s Bakery for a 6pm dinner at the Windsor Youth Centre. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Doug Romanek and Gillian Romanek prepare food at Nana’s Bakery for a 6pm dinner at the Windsor Youth Centre. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
A number of people who made their mark on Windsor and Essex County in important ways died in 2014. Here’s a look at their contributions to the community, based on reports through the year in The Star.
Jan. 2: Harold “Hal” Newton, one of the best high school athletes to come out of Patterson Collegiate and a local star of basketball, football and boxing in the 1950s, dies at the age of 80.
Hal Newton of Windsor died Thursday at the age of 80. (Courtesy of Gwen Newton)
Newton set a number of records in track and field, signed contracts with major-league baseball teams including the Detroit Tigers, and later went on to the Canadian Football League, winning a Grey Cup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1957.
Jan. 8: Windsor native Ken Mossman, a health physicist and adviser to U.S. president Barack Obama on the safety of U.S. nuclear defence facilities, dies suddenly while on the subway in Washington.
Mossman also spent 40 years as a university professor in Washington and Arizona. He was 67.
Jan. 12: Pat Malicki, a tireless advocate for the preservation of local architecture for decades, succumbs to severe burns and smoke inhalation suffered in a fire in her home two days earlier.
Malicki, 67, was a regular delegate at city council meetings when anything involving the fate of Windsor’s architectural history was being discussed.
Jan. 26: Windsor artist Mary Celestino, who loved to paint the natural world of Essex County, dies at 78 after a lengthy illness.
Celestino maintained studios in Windsor and Pelee Island and taught art for many years at the University of Windsor, Wayne State University and St. Clair College.
Feb. 4: Kevin Siddall, the son of former Detroit Tigers catcher and Toronto Blue Jays radio broadcaster Joe Siddall, dies after a six-month struggle with blood cancer.
Siddall, 14, loved baseball as much as his father and touched the hearts of many people in Windsor’s sports community.
Feb. 20: Jim “Madman” McKay, a former Windsor Star sports reporter known for his gruff exterior and coverage of the Detroit Red Wings, dies at the age of 88.
Former Windsor Star sports reporter Jim ‘Madman’ McKay. (Star Files)
McKay was in the Soviet Union covering a tour by the Windsor Bulldogs in 1963 when U.S. president John F. Kennedy was assassinated and covered the reaction to his death there.
Feb. 22: Dr. Ray LaRocque, an old-fashioned doctor who delivered hundreds of local babies during his career, dies at 85.
LaRocque continued making house calls right up until the 1990s and delivered multiple generations of the same Windsor families.
Feb. 24: Edward Gatfield, a beloved local priest who served in numerous parishes throughout Windsor and Essex County, dies at the age of 92.
Known as Father Ted, the Amherstburg native dabbled in other pursuits and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War before settling on a career as a priest.
March 23: Second World War veteran Stan Scislowski, who authored the book Not All of Us Are Brave, dies at the age of 90.
Scislowski was a fixture at Remembrance Day ceremonies and a frequent letter writer to The Star. He joined the Perth Regiment 11th infantry in 1943 and spent 18 months fighting in Italy.
April 20: Internationally acclaimed writer and University of Windsor English professor Alistair MacLeod dies as a result of complications from a stroke suffered in January. He was 77.
MacLeod’s masterpiece, No Great Mischief, won several international awards and helped him to be named an Officer of the Order of Canada.
April 21: Herb Gray, the longest-serving MP in Canadian history and former deputy prime minister, dies at the age of 82.
Gray, the first Jewish cabinet minister in Canadian history, was elected for the Liberals in Essex West in 1962 and would be re-elected in 12 subsequent elections in the riding that became Windsor West.
Herb Gray at the age of 31, June 19, 1962 – on the night he was first elected to Parliament. (Archival photo / The Windsor Star)
May 8: John McGivney, known for his volunteer work throughout Windsor and whose name graces the local centre for children with disabilities, dies at the age of 91.
McGivney served on several local boards and was a longtime member and president of the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918). He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War.
May 15: Don “Scotty” Robertson, a bundle-of-energy Scotsman who was a fixture at the University Avenue West Tim Hortons and a tireless volunteer for several causes, dies at 78.
Robertson could be seen walking along the riverfront between the Ambassador Bridge and Hiram Walker’s during his twice-daily walks.
May 20: Jules Janisse, the fourth-generation owner of Windsor Chapel Funeral Homes Limited, dies suddenly at the age of 73.
Janisse had been a funeral director for half a century and was dedicated to his staff as well as the grieving families he served.
May 31: Bryon Gero, the former president of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County and a man who dedicated his life to community service, dies at the age of 79.
Gero was a social worker and served with the provincial government, which gave him insight into how to get government into action for the good of the community.
June 22: Carlo Negri, an Italian immigrant who came to Canada 34 years ago and as a winemaker helped put Colio Wines on the map, dies at the age of 71.
Negri became the region’s first local winemaker since prohibition and his creations won awards internationally and made Colio a national wine giant.
July 6: Clayton Moore Sr., a fixture on the local Windsor music scene for nearly five decades, dies at 70 following a bout with cancer.
Moore, a native of Springhill, N.S., moved to Windsor in the 1960s and formed the influential band Windsor Tunnel, which received widespread airplay. Moore was a pianist and drummer.
July 20: Laszlo Gati, conductor of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra from 1979 to 1985, dies in Vancouver at the age of 89.
Gati was known as a tireless promoter of the arts who was a showman who believed in the power of classical music.
July 26: Rev. Fred Zakoor, a former principal at Brennan and St. Joseph’s high schools, and the founder of the Zakoor Cup hockey game, dies at age 84.
The first Zakoor Cup was played just before the Christmas holidays in 1984 and has been an annual fixture since.
Aug. 21: Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment veteran Howard Large, the second-last survivor of the force that deployed in the Raid on Dieppe in the Second World War, dies at 96.
Canadian Army and Essex Scottish veteran Howard Large at his Lincoln Road home, Thursday August 16, 2012, (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Large passed just two days after the Aug. 19 memorial of the raid when current members of the regiment visited him in the hospital.
Aug. 27: Art Ouellette, the owner of Professional Property Management and a well-respected fixture on the local condominium scene, dies at the age of 60.
Ouellette succumbed to injuries suffered in a fall from the roof of a building adjacent to his building at 540 Ouellette Ave. while performing a visual inspection.
Sept. 10: Maurice (Moe) Closs, the Chrysler Canada president who presided over the 1983 launch of the groundbreaking Dodge Caravan at the Windsor Assembly Plant, dies at the age of 86.
Closs served from 1980 to 1989 and oversaw massive changes in the corporation, including the development of the minivan, which is the fifth-best selling vehicle in Canada after more than 30 years.
Sept. 23: Clifford Hatch Jr., a former executive with Hiram Walker and the son of well-known Windsor philanthropist Clifford Hatch Sr., dies in Toronto at the age of 72.
Hatch Jr. left Windsor in 1987 to take a position in London, England, with Allied-Lyons PLC. It marked the first time in 61 years Hiram Walker did not have a Hatch at the helm.
Oct. 3: Shirley Gould, who started the Unemployed Help Centre’s community garden and was known as a good elf, dies at the age of 66.
Gould, who had battled ovarian cancer for years, became a board member of the help centre in 1994 and would dress up as a green elf at the agency’s Christmas party, handing out gingerbread cookies.
Oct. 21: Bobby Brew, a veteran big band drummer and long regarded as Windsor’s “King of Swing”, dies at the age of 84.
Brew had performed locally since his teenage years, and went on to perform in the Elmwood Casino Orchesta, Abar’s Island View Tavern band and at Boblo Island.
Nov. 11: Local philanthropist and physician Dr. George Yee, who led Medical Laboratories of Windsor, dies at the age of 79.
Yee first came to the area in the 1950s to study pathology in Detroit and remained a pathologist in Windsor for five decades.
Dec. 14: John (Jay) McKee, a former auto worker and founder of the Essex Medieval Heritage Society, dies at the age of 65 in a head-on crash in Michigan.
Known as Sir Ragnar, McKee had a passion for organizing and participating in re-enactments of the Middle Ages, as well as educating others on the history of the period.
Dec. 18: Lawyer John Holland, known as a gentle giant in the local legal community, passes away suddenly at the age of 66.
Holland joined the firm then known as Gignac Sutts in 1976 and was known for being very sympathetic to his clients.
Dec. 26: Larry Glendenning, who portrayed Santa Claus in Windsor’s parade for nearly two decades, died at the age of 69 due to complications from an operation.
Glendenning, who became a community icon, got his start as Santa Claus at the Windsor and Essex County Hospice, where he served as a board member and volunteer.
Dec. 27: Godfrey (Bob) Regier, the founder of D & R Vacuum, which had locations on Ottawa and Wyandotte streets, dies after a brief illness. He was 87.
Regier, a native of Zurich, Ont., continued to work most every day at the vacuum business he started 60 years ago, selling vacuums and playing cards in the back of the store with his friends.
Residual burning embers in a charcoal barbecue are responsible for more than $500,000 in damage to a store in downtown Kingsville New Year’s Eve.
An OPP officer on routine patrol smelled smoke downtown and discovered the fire at the Towne Shoppe about 9 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters quickly got the blaze under control, but were on the scene for more than five hours, until 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
When firefighters arrived, the blaze was raging in the back of the store. The heat was so intense in the building, all the clothing had fallen to the floor after the hangers had melted, Kingsville fire Chief Bob Kissner said Thursday.
“The structure is repairable but the interior is severely burned. None of the stock will be salvageable.”
Damaged clothing and racks and melted hangers in a huge heap outside Towne Shoppe on Main Street in Kingsville following a $500,000 fire January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Kissner said the fire is still under investigation, but the cause has been attributed to a barbecue in the alley behind the store.
“The fire originated from the exterior. The stockroom was well-involved when we got there.”
Smoke also got into shops on either of the burnt-out store.
“It’s a significant loss,” Kissner said.
Thirty firefighters battled the blaze. Kingsville has a volunteer service, so many of the firefighters had been at New Year’s Eve parties, arriving in dress clothes they shed for firefighting gear.
With every piece of firefighting equipment from the south station as well as a pumper truck from the Cottam station in use, Leamington’s fire department spent the night on standby.
Kingsville Fire Chief Bob Kissner Jr. speaks with Towne Shoppe owners Sharon and Paul Jones outside the Main Street West storefront following $500,000 fire January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Kingsville’s history books are filled with tales of fires ripping through commercial buildings downtown. Kissner said there was a “real fear” that could have happened again with the Towne Shoppe fire, but the blaze was caught early enough that adjacent buildings were spared.
Main Street near Division Street was closed to traffic for about three hours.
The store’s owners, Paul and Sharon Jones of Amherstburg, were at the site Thursday assessing the damage. They took photos of the charred interior and walked past the debris piled in the alley out back.
The couple opened the Kingsville shop in 1998, a second location to the Town Shoppe they have operated in Amherstburg since 1970.
Sharon Jones, owner of Towne Shoppe on Main Street in Kingsville, surveys the damage following a $500,000 fire which destroyed the contents of the men’s and women’s fashion store, January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Fire caused $500,000 damage to Towne Shoppe and the entire contents of mens and womens clothing January 1, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Environment Canada is warning of a “significant winter storm” headed for Windsor this weekend that could bring heavy snowfall, pounding wind and freezing rain.
The medley of messy weather will be followed early next week by bitter cold temperatures with daily highs dipping to -10C.
“Indeed, what we’re going to see next week are the coldest temperatures of the season,” senior climatologist Dave Phillips said Friday morning. “So we’re going to go from kind of a teaser of milder and southerly air, short-lived, a buffet of precipitation types from snow to freezing rain to ice pellets to rain, then back into some snow flurries. All of this is going to unfold in probably 48 hours.”
The weather agency said the storm will track southwest to northeast across Southern Ontario over the weekend. Precipitation will start as snow earlier on Saturday before changing to rain later in the day or Sunday.
“There is also a risk of freezing rain,” said Phillips. “When the warm rains come over and the cold air is still hugging the ground, that rain can fall through the cold air and turn to ice pellets or freezing rain. So it could coat the surface before the warm air kicks the cold air out.”
Environment Canada said the exact timing and amount of precipitation is still uncertain. But the agency added that travel will likely be difficult over the weekend with the changing weather patterns during the storm.
“It is a nasty system that is coming in on the weekend, coming from Texas,” Phillips said. “Right now we’re into some cooler air. So this system is from Texas, Gulf of Mexico, so it’s going to bring some warm air and also some warm rain, and it’s going to bump into the warm air. That always creates a messy kind of situation.”
Temperatures will be well above freezing on Sunday, reaching double digits in some areas. But that will be short-lived. A cold front will sweep across Southern Ontario late Sunday bringing a return to low temperatures, strong winds and flurries.
“By the time we get back into Monday there will be no confusion as to what the air is,” said Phillips. “It will be arctic air, it will be cold. Precipitation if there is any on Monday will only be snow flurries. Tuesday there are more flurries with some pretty cold temperatures.”
twilhelm@windsorstar.com
Find Windsor Star on FacebookCity and county councils will be asked to contribute a total of $1.2 million over five years to the next phase of a campaign aimed at luring retirees to the region.
Organizers of the Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative plan to appear before Windsor and Essex county politicians early in the new year to make their funding request, said Krista Del Gatto, president of WEARCI.
Each council will be asked to kick in $125,000 a year – up from $60,000 annually that was secured for the first phase of the five-year campaign that launched in 2009.
“The more money we have, the more we can do,” said Del Gatto. “Our hands are tied because we can only do so much advertising because we don’t have the funds. The bottom line is we’re not hitting the big cities.”
The marketing initiative, dubbed “WindsorEssex 100 Mile Peninsula,” primarily focused on the Greater Toronto Area, she said. “In the last couple of years, we’ve tapped into the West Coast, and we want to continue that. But that requires advertising dollars.”
The group is also seeking funding from other community and business stakeholders, she added.
Politicians seek “bang for buck”
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the group’s funding request will be a “tough sell” at a time when the city is trying to deliver another zero-per cent property tax increase.
“I appreciate the service they provide, but we have to be wise to the fact we’re in a world of fiscal constraints. I think it would be a tough sell doubling their budget.”
Tom Bain, Essex County warden and mayor of Lakeshore, said he supports the campaign’s goals but stressed that any new funding request would have to be reviewed by administration.
“I believe it has been successful. We have to look at how successful it’s been,” said Bain. “We’re going to have to re-evalute how much bang for our buck did we get. Now, when you’re asking for double, are we going to get double the value?”
Rino Bortolin, newly elected councillor for Ward 3, said he would like to see funding tied to planning department priorities, such a drawing new residents to Windsor’s core neighbourhoods.
“It makes perfect sense promoting the region’s low cost of living and weather as the sun belt of Canada,” said Bortolin. “I think we could piggy back off the initiative to get more people to move to the city.”
Rejuvenating downtown “is one of the things we can push,” he added.
Of the 1,124 migrating families, 50.9 per cent relocated to Windsor, according to statistics compiled by WEARCI. Lakeshore was the second most popular destination, followed by Kingsville, Leamington, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Essex, Tecumseh and Pelee Island. Almost 75 per cent came from other parts of Ontario, followed by Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
Economic impact
Bill Courtney, outgoing president of the WindsorEssex Association of Realtors, said the 100 Mile Peninsula campaign is generating economic benefits to the region.
“The statistics speak for themselves,” he said, citing the more than 1,100 families who’ve moved to the region as a result of the campaign. “The other thing is we have people who have relocated and started businesses. That stimulates the economy. We have an individual who has purchased three or four properties. He’s not retired yet and is renting them out. There’s a spinoff to everything and it’s doing what we want it to do.”
Boomers “most affluent consumers on the planet”
Canadians over the age of 45 will control 72 per cent of Canada’s wealth by 2024. There are more than 15. 3 million boomers across the country. In the GTA, their numbers total about 2.6 million.
Fifty-one per cent of Boomers are considering a warmer climate, 58 per cent are ready to downsize for a smaller home and 53 per cent are intending to sell their home.
Move to Kingsville “dream come true”
Connie and Robert Nelson traded Canada’s northwest corner for its southernmost point when the couple decided to retire in Ruthven — a small community between Leamington and Kingsville.
“We came here for the real estate, the weather and family,” said Connie, who has been running Appletown Bed and Breakfast since moving from Dawson Creek, B.C., in 2009. “We always wanted to run a bed and breakfast and we thought this would be a good area.”
The couple paid “cash” for a two-storey, five-bedroom home, that also features two kitchens. A similar house would have cost at least double in Dawson Creek, she added. “Because we lived near the oil patch, house prices were going up substantially.”
The pull of family also was a factor, said Connie. “Our parents are getting older. We have brothers and sisters here. We knew we wanted to be in this area.”
Jane and Dave Horne spent five years searching for a smaller community in which to retire before they decided on Kingsville.
“We have a daughter and two grandsons in Lakeshore,” said Jane, who moved to Kingsville earlier this year after spending 15 years in Kitchener-Waterloo. “But the community, itself, was just amazing.”
Kingsville, she said, “is a thriving town,” offering a relatively warmer climate and amenities, such as walking and biking trails. The couple built a new 1,600-square foot, three-bedroom bungalow — a style of housing that is hard to come by in their former city. “We were able to get the house we wanted for the price we wanted. We wouldn’t be able to afford this in Kitchener-Waterloo.”
For more information, visit retirehere.ca.
– Source: Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative
The Windsor Star’s reporters and photographers covered the city and county the weekend. Check out the gallery.
A transport truck rests on its side after flipping over on the 401 near Puce Road on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. The truck lost its cargo of milk. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
A transport truck rests on its side after flipping over on the 401 near Puce Road on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. The truck lost its cargo of milk. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
A transport truck rests on its side after flipping over on the 401 near Puce Road on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. The truck lost its cargo of milk. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
A transport truck rests on its side after flipping over on the 401 near Puce Road on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Windsor firefighters put out fire at 333 Glengarry Ave on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Windsor fire crews work to put out a fire in a fourth floor apartment at 333 Glengarry Ave., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. No injuries were reported. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Windsor fire crews work to put out a fire in a fourth floor apartment at 333 Glengarry Ave., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. No injuries were reported. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Helen Piatkowski, left, takes part in the World’s Largest Simultaneous Group Workout at Bryan’s Fitness Inferno, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Hoda Abdulhamid, 25, takes part in the World’s Largest Simultaneous Group Workout at Bryan’s Fitness Inferno, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Amherstburg firefighters work on a fire at Allen’s Supermarket in McGregor on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
The Windsor Star’s award-winning photographers covered the city and county yesterday. Check out the gallery.
Treasurer Onorio Colucci, Mayor Drew Dilkens and CAO Helga Reidel (left to right) face the media during a press conference to announce the 2015 budget at city hall in Windsor on Monday, January 5, 2014. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Copies of the budge are seen during a press conference to announce the 2015 budget at city hall in Windsor on Monday, January 5, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Mayor Drew Dilkens faces the media during a news conference to announce the 2015 budget at city hall in Windsor on Monday, January 5, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Treasurer Onorio Colucci, Mayor Drew Dilkens and CAO Helga Reidel (left to right) face the media during a press conference to announce the 2015 budget at city hall in Windsor on Monday, January 5, 2014. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
A bundled up walker battles the cold and wind along the downtown Windsor, ON. waterfront on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
A bundled up woman and child brave the cold and wind in downtown Windsor, ON. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
A bundled up walker battles the cold and wind along the downtown Windsor, ON. waterfront on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
A woman was taken to hospital following a collision near Highway 3 and the Arner Town Line on Jan. 5, 2015. (Dax Melmer/The Windsor Star)
Stacy Harford tries to keep warm with a scarf, tuque, and hooded jacket while on an afternoon walk as temperatures in the region plummeted to start the work week, Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
One woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries after the Chrysler Minivan she was driving collided with a transport truck at the intersection of Highway #3 and the Arner Townline, Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
General Amherst’s Savannah Bouzide, left, brings the puck up the ice while being chased by Belle River’s Taylor Malenfant during girls high school hockey at the Libro Credit Union Centre Monday. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Windsor-built 2015 Dodge Grand Caravans and Chrysler Town and Country minivans leave Windsor Assembly Plant after rolling off the line Monday January 5, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
City councillors Ed Sleiman, left, John Elliott, Hilary Payne, Fred Francis and Chris Holt listen intently to presentation by delegations dealing with the issue involving Lakeview Park Marina at council meeting Monday January 5, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
City councillors Irek Kusmierczyk and Bill Marra, right, listen to presentation by former Parks and Rec Commissioner Lloyd Burridge on issue involving Lakeview Park Marina at council meeting Monday January 5, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Retired Parks and Recreation Commissioner Lloyd Burridge makes his presentation to City Council on the issue involving Lakeview Park Marina at council meeting Monday January 5, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
City Council delegate Bruce Wightman makes his presentation involving Lakeview Park Marina at City Council meeting Monday January 5, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Jan Wilson, left, City of Windsor Executive Director Recreation and Culture and Jelena Payne, right, Community Development and Health Commissioner answer questions involving Lakeview Park Marina at council meeting Monday January 5, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Highway 3 near the Arner Town Line is now open following a closure stemming from a collision between a minivan and a transport.
The collision occurred shortly before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 3 and the Arner. The driver of the minivan was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Find Windsor Star on FacebookThe delivery of Tuesday’s print edition of The Windsor Star may be delayed.
A problem with the printing press has delayed production and newspapers will be delivered later in the day.
Click here for The Windsor Star’s e-edition.
As always, our website will continue to be updated with the latest news
Find Windsor Star on FacebookThe Windsor Star’s award-winning photographers covered the city and county yesterday. Check out the gallery.
Hoda and Andre Abouasli are photographed in front of the soon to open after being rebuilt strip which was derailed by a fire a year ago in Windsor on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
A panhandler known as Gramps panhandles for money on Ouellette Ave. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, in Windsor, ON. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
A panhandler known as Gramps panhandles for money on Ouellette Ave. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, in Windsor, ON. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
A panhandler known as Gramps panhandles for money on Ouellette Ave. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, in Windsor, ON. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
A panhandler known as Gramps panhandles for money on Ouellette Ave. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, in Windsor, ON. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Marjorie Brown, 84, saw the signs of Alzheimer’s disease on her own a few years ago and was diagnosed in 2011 in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Marjorie Brown, 84, saw the signs of Alzheimer’s disease on her own a few years ago and was diagnosed in 2011 in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Holy Names’ Alex Mosher, right, gets tangled up with Kingsville’s Auston Wilds during high school hockey action at South Windsor Arena Tuesday. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Holy Names Knights Chris Scalia shoots on Kingsville goaltender John Prout during WECSSAA boys high school hockey action at South Windsor Arena on January 6, 2015 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Holy Names Knights Max Sieberer during action against Kingsville in the WECSSAA boys high school hockey game at South Windsor Arena on January 6, 2015 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Holy Names Knights Jake Bailey during action against Kingsville in the WECSSAA boys high school hockey game at South Windsor Arena on January 6, 2015 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Holy Names Knights Max Sieberer during action against Kingsville in the WECSSAA boys high school hockey game at South Windsor Arena on January 6, 2015 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Milica Vizirakis and her children George, 3, and Yianna, 4, enjoy Serbian Orthodox Christmas at Serbian Community Centre January 6, 2015. A traditional badnjak, a cluster of oak branches, was carried into the hall by President Gracanica Peter Dobrich and Vice President Gracanica Nikola Zubic for the festive event attened by over 600. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Jelka Supic, left, and Mirjana Knezevic toss candy and walnuts to children in front of badnjak, a cluster of oak limbs during Serbian Orthodox Christmas celebrations at Serbian Community Centre January 6, 2015. The decorated badnjak was carried into the hall by Peter Dobrich and Nikola Zubic and children followed to collect candy and coins, which were added to symbolize prosperity. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Milica Vizirakis and her children George, 3, and Yianna, 4, enjoy Serbian Orthodox Christmas at Serbian Community Centre January 6, 2015. A traditional badnjak, a cluster of oak branches, was carried into the hall by President Gracanica Peter Dobrich and Vice President Gracanica Nikola Zubic for the festive event attened by over 600. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Celebrating Night of Badnja Vece, children gather coins, candy and nuts after Badnjak tree was brought into the Serbian Centre hall by Peter Dobrich and Nikola Zubic during Orthodox Christman event attended by over 600 January 6, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Essex’s Michael Vieira, right, checks Wallaceburg’s Connor Johnston during the second period in Essex Tuesday. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Herman Griffins Vanesa Vrhovac, left, and Hailey Dugall collide but still return the volleyball against Walkerville in senior girls volleyball from Walkerville gym January 6, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Essex 73’s Dallas Pereira dumps the puck past Lakers Mike Brown during second period of Junior ‘C’ action from Essex, January 6, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Herman Griffins Hailey Dugall sets the ball in game against Walkerville Tartan at the Walkerville Collegiate Institute gym January 6, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Essex 73’s Scott Bromley controls the puck while sliding on his back against Wallaceburg in Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ hockey action from Essex Centre Sports Complex January 6, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Walkerville Tartan Taylor Bendig tips the ball against Herman Griffins is senior girls volleyball from Walkerville gym January 6, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
The westbound lanes of Highway 401 were closed for over an hour Wednesday after a tractor trailer jackknifed west of Highway 77.
Ontario Provincial Police said the crash happened just after 9:30 a.m. west of Comber.
The tractor trailer was reportedly driving westbound when it lost control and jackknifed across the lanes.
The driver of the truck was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
OPP reopened the westbound lanes of Highway 401 around 11 a.m.
Find Windsor Star on FacebookThe Windsor Star’s award-winning photographers covered the city and county yesterday. Check out the gallery.
Brianna Soulliere performs during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Dancers Lily Whithead, Leah Stroud and McKenzy Waldie (left to right) chat while warming up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Dances warm up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Dancers Lily Whithead, McKenzy Waldie and Leah Stroud (left to right) chat while warming up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Dancers perform during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Watchful parents watch as their daughters dance during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Erin Lehmann dances during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Dancers stretch during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Erin Lehmann dances during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Erin Lehmann dances during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Erin Lehmann dances during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Ilianna Mendyk warms up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Murphy Combs warms up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Murphy Combs warms up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Dancers McKenzy Waldie, Lily Whitehead and Leah Stroud (left to right) warm up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Murphy Combs warms up during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
instructor Ilza Titova leads a group of dancers during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Murphy Combs dances during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Dancers Lily Whitehead, Leah Stroud and McKenzy Waldie (left to right) perform during a tryout for the National Ballet School at St. Clair College in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Portrait of Walkerville Brewery’s Mike Brkovich at the windsor brewery in Windsor, Ontario on January 7, 2015. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Walkerville Brewery’s Mike Brkovich at the windsor brewery in Windsor on January 7, 2015. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Sandwich’s Sylvia Dean (L) and Villanova’s Mandy Brunet battle for the puck during their game Wed. Jan. 7, 2015, at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle, ON. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Villanova’s Avery Mertz (L) and Sandwich’s Jamie Naccarato battle for the puck in front of goalie Allison Victor during their game Wed. Jan. 7, 2015, at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle, ON. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Villanova’s Mandy Brunet (L) and Sandwich’s Sylvia Dean race for the puck during their game Wed. Jan. 7, 2015, at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle, ON. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Trucker Rob Ouellette assisted Windsor Police after coming face-to-face with a potentially dangerous wanted man at Husky Truck Stop on County Road 46 Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Trucker Rob Ouellette spoke to a potentially dangerous wanted man in restaurant at Husky Truck Stop on County Road 46 Wednesday January 7, 2015. The man was looking for a ride out of town, but Ouellette happened to notice an alert by WPD and gave them a call. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Police take a man into custody at Husky Truck Stop on County Road 46 following a manhunt, Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Police take a man into custody at Husky Truck Stop on County Road 46 following a manhunt, Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Police take a man into custody at Husky Truck Stop on County Road 46 following a manhunt, Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Police at Husky Truck Stop on County Road 46 following the arrest of a man wanted for running the U.S. Canada border, Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Police take a man into custody at Husky Truck Stop on County Road 46 following a manhunt, Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Windsor police arrested an alleged border runner at the Husky truck stop on Jan. 7, 2015. (Nick Brancaccio/The Windsor Star)
Leamington Flyers goalscorer Alex Friesen, right, is congratulated by teammates Jacob McGhee, left, and Travis Campbell in game against LaSalle Vipers in Junior ‘B’ hockey action from Vollmer Centre Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
LaSalle Vipers Nathan Veres, front, and Leamington Flyers Eric Henderson keep their eyes on the play in Junior ‘B’ hockey action from Vollmer Centre Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
LaSalle Vipers Dalton Langlois, left, and Eric Kirby, swarm the net as Leamington Flyers goaltender Michael Barrett makes a save in Junior ‘B’ hockey action from Vollmer Centre Wednesday January 7, 2015. Flyers Zak Parlette, centre, keeps Langlois from the rebound. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
LaSalle Vipers Nathan Savage tries to control the puck on a breakaway which was broken up by Ryan Muzzin ofLeamington Flyers in Junior ‘B’ hockey action from Vollmer Centre Wednesday January 7, 2015. Muzzin was given a minor penalty on the play. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
LaSalle Vipers Brendan McGhee dives to keep puck in Leamington Flyers zone in first period of Junior ‘B’ hockey action from Vollmer Centre Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
LaSalle Vipers Brett Langlois glances over his shoulder as Leamington Flyers Travis Campbell approaches in Junior ‘B’ hockey action from Vollmer Centre Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Leamington Flyers Blaine Bechard is congratulated by teammates after Ryan Muzzin’s goal against LaSalle in Junior ‘B’ hockey action from Vollmer Centre Wednesday January 7, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Environment Canada has ended its cold weather warning for Windsor and Essex County.
A warning was placed into effect early Thursday with wind chill values dropping near -30C.
The national weather agency continues to warn the public that these freezing temperatures can cause frost bite and hypothermia.
People should always wear appropriate clothing and limit time spent outdoors.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit issued a cold weather alert for the county Wednesday.
Find Windsor Star on FacebookIcebreakers began crunching through the waterways around Essex County on Thursday as a drop in temperature and high winds scattered chunks of ice across Lake St. Clair and through about half of the Detroit River.
“There’s a lot of ice coming all the way from Lake Huron,” said Denis Lambert, an ice specialist with Environment Canada. “With the extreme weather that we got, it’s almost like a flash freeze.”
Canadian and American Coast Guards began Operation Coal Shovel on Thursday, sending out two icebreakers to clear shipping routes and ensure ice buildup is broken down before it can backup and cause flooding.
Map of ice on the Great Lakes as of Jan. 7, 2015. Source: Environment Canada
Lambert said the gale winds push ice forming in Lake Huron down the St. Clair River and into the lake, where it piles up near the St. Clair Lighthouse. Hunks of ice are also flowing into the Detroit River.
“We had so much gale winds recently that it’s all broken up to pieces,” Lambert said. With strong southwestern winds pushing up against the water flow, the ice can get caught up in the waterways, blocking the shipping lanes.
Ships transport iron ore, coal, limestone, oil derivatives, cement and other cargoes through the winter.
Last year’s record temperatures led to some of the harshest ice conditions ever seen in the Great Lakes. At one point 92.5 per cent of the lakes were covered in ice, the highest amount since 1979.
Lambert said this year temperatures are on par with the 30-year average, but that the quick descent to frigid weather created some problematic conditions.
“The weather forecast is still in freezing temperatures until early next week,” Lambert said. With strong winds that could lead to unstable ice. “It’s not frozen solid yet.”
Lt. Cmdr. Jillian Lamb of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit said as ice forms people may think it’s safe to head out on the water. She urged anyone thinking of doing so to take precautions: dress for the water temperature, not the air; wear a personal flotation device; carry communications devices; and notify family and friends of your route and return time.
“We understand that this is a beautiful area and there are lots of individuals who like to take advantage, however there are significant risks to recreation in and around the ice,” she said.
Last year the U.S. Coast Guard responded to about 80 search and rescue calls in the Detroit region, from people plunging through the ice to ships stuck in frozen parts of the waterways.
“The Great Lakes ice is always unpredictable and should always be considered dangerous,” Lamb said.
ctthompson@windsorstar.com or on Twitter @caroethompson
The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Griffon makes its way down the Detroit river near Windssor, ON. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
The Windsor Star’s award-winning photographers covered the city and county yesterday. Check out the gallery.
The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Griffon makes its way down the Detroit river near Windssor on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Mayor Mike Duggan speaks with the media as crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Newly renovated portions of Cobo Hall are seen ahead of the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Newly renovated portions of Cobo Hall are seen ahead of the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Newly renovated portions of Cobo Hall are seen ahead of the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Newly renovated portions of Cobo Hall are seen ahead of the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Newly renovated portions of Cobo Hall are seen ahead of the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
The City of Windsor’s skyline is pictured from downtown Detroit on Jan. 8, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Mayor Mike Duggan speaks with the media as crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
The neighbourhood of Walkerville in Windsor, Ont. is pictured from downtown Detroit on Jan. 8, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Paul Sabatini, vice president NAIAS, Mayor Mike Duggan and David Tillapaugh, Ford Motor Company, (left to right) tour the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Crews put the finishing touches on the displays for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Mayor Mike Duggan toured the site today. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
University of Windsor associate professor Narayan Kar, left, and Unconquered Sun founder and CEO Sean Moore, with a solar-powered, 11-passenger bus at Unconquered Sun on January 8, 2015, worked together to develop new solar powered electric vehicle technology that extends the range of solar-powered vehicles. (JULIE KOTSIS/The Windsor Star)
University of Windsor associate professor Narayan Kar, left, and Unconquered Sun founder and CEO Sean Moore, with a solar-powered, 11-passenger bus at Unconquered Sun on January 8, 2015, worked together to develop new solar powered electric vehicle technology that extends the range of solar-powered vehicles. (JULIE KOTSIS/The Windsor Star)
University of Windsor associate professor Narayan Kar, left, and Unconquered Sun founder and CEO Sean Moore, with a solar-powered, 11-passenger bus at Unconquered Sun on January 8, 2015, worked together to develop new solar powered electric vehicle technology that extends the range of solar-powered vehicles. (JULIE KOTSIS/The Windsor Star)
Unconquered Sun founder and CEO Sean Moore, left, and University of Windsor associate professor Narayan Kar, with a solar-powered, 11-passenger bus at Unconquered Sun on January 8, 2015, worked together to develop new solar powered electric vehicle technology that extends the range of solar-powered vehicles. (JULIE KOTSIS/The Windsor Star)
Quadriplegic Mike Outram works with physio therapist Kris Desjardins on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at her Tecumseh, ON. business. Desjardins specializes in pilates for rehab. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Quadriplegic Mike Outram works with physio therapist Kris Desjardins on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at her Tecumseh, ON. business. Desjardins specializes in pilates for rehab. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Quadriplegic Mike Outram works with physio therapist Kris Desjardins on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at her Tecumseh, ON. business. Desjardins specializes in pilates for rehab. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Express president and CEO Dartis Willis, and head coach and director of basketball operations Bill Jones present Rose City Ford President and CEO John Chisholm with a replica 1936 Windsor Ford V-8 Canadian Senior Basketball team jersey at Rose City Ford on January 8, 2015. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Tony Meriano, 68, member of the Windsor Essex Senior Recreational Hockey Association talks about the City of Windsor raising ice rental fees by 20%. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Leamington’s Jake Lewsaw celebrates a second-period goal against Kennedy Thursday at Adie Knox Arena. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Leamington’s Jesse Fast and Kennedy’s Ty Benjamin Seney battle for the puck during the WECSSAA boys hockey game at Adie Know Arena on January 8, 2015 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
Leamington’s Noah Santos handles the puck as Kennedy’s Joel Ramirez gives chase during the WECSSAA boys hockey game at Adie Know Arena on January 8, 2015 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/The Windsor Star)
St. Joseph’s Marc Pineault, left, and Lowhya Lako defend against Matt Broderick of St. Anne in high school basketball Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Windsor’s Quinnel Brown, left, switches to his left hand for a shot against Brampton’s Brian Oliver Thursday at the WFCU Centre. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Brampton’s Akeem Scott, right, loses the ball against Windsor’s Kevin Loiselle, left, and Gary Gibson in NBL of Canada action from the WFCU Centre Thursday. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Families of the 1936 Windsor Ford V8’s senior basketball team were honoured with a beautiful plaque recognizing the ’36 Olympic medalists along with the 2014 NBL of Canada Champs Windsor Express. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Diane Girard, left, and Rosalind Dawson-Knight, members of the Norm and Ed Dawson families were given a ceremonial plaque by Windsor Express president Dartis Willis at halftime of game against Brampton A’s in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. Dawson brothers were members of Windsor Ford V8’s basketball team from 1936, a remarkable team who won the Canadian Championship and won Silver Medal at the ’36 Olympics. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Brampton A’s Akeem Scott has no where to go after tough defence by Windsor Express Kevin Loiselle, left, and Gary Gibson in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. Express caused a turnover on the play. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Diane Girard, left, and Rosalind Dawson-Knight, members of the Norm and Ed Dawson families were given a ceremonial plaque by Windsor Express president Dartis Willis at halftime of game against Brampton A’s in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. Dawson brothers were members of Windsor Ford V8’s basketball team from 1936, a remarkable team who won the Canadian Championship and won Silver Medal at the ’36 Olympics. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Chris Commons, left, and Kevin Loiselle grab a rebound against Brampton in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Family members of Stanley ‘Red’ Nantais, who played on the 1936 Windsor Ford V8’s, pose with Windsor Express president Dartis Willis, right, during halftime of game against Brampton A’s in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. Charlie Nantais, left, and Dan Nantais, sons of Red Nantais, grandson David Nantais and family friend Mike Beale, right, were presented a plaque by the Express. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Express Ryan Anderson, left, sits on the bench with teammates during game against Brampton A’s in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Peggie Aitchison, daughter of Gord ‘Scrubby’ Aitchison, receives a cermonial plaque by Windsor Express president Dartis Willis at halftime of game against Brampton A’s in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. Gord Aitchison was a members of Windsor Ford V8’s basketball team from 1936, a remarkable team who won the Canadian Championship and won Silver Medal at the ’36 Olympics in Berlin. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Half-time of Express game against Brampton, Windsor Ford V8’s basketball team from 1936 was honoured. The ’36 Windsor Ford V8’s won the Canadian Championship and won silver medal at the Olympics. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
John Chisholm receives a ceremonial plaque on behalf of Irving ‘Toots’ Meretsky from Express president Dartis Willis during half-time of game against Brampton A’s battle Windsor Express in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. Meretsky was a member of Olympic silver medalists Windsor Ford V8’s basketball team who won silver in the ’36 Olympics in Berlin. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Express head coach Bill Jones emphasises a point to referee in second half against Brampton A’s in NBL Canada league action from WFCU Centre January 8, 2015. At half-time, Windsor Ford V8’s basketball team from 1936 was honoured. The ’36 Windsor Ford V8’s won the Canadian Championship and won silver medal at the Olympics. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
A deer cull will begin Monday at Point Pelee National Park where there are an estimated 100 to 130 deer.
“We are well above what the park should have,” new park superintendent Karen Linauskas said Thursday of the target population of 25 to 35 deer.
A helicopter count could be held Friday to confirm the number but the cull will start Monday even if weather does not allow the aerial count, she said.
Parks Canada, in partnership with Caldwell First Nation, would be holding a cull from Jan. 12 to 23. The park will be open to the public on weekends but will be closed on weekdays when culling is taking place.
As in 2009, the last time a cull was held, Caldwell members will do the shooting and use all the meat and hides, she said.
“Our research is showing that deer over-browsing has a really negative impact on our forests as well as on our savannah ecosystems,”Linauskas said.
The park wants to move towards more regular and smaller culls. The park’s preferred herd size of 25 to 35 animals is based on about six to eight deer per square kilometre of land.
“For the next few years we’ll focus on getting the number down to a level that is closer to our target.”
Since 1991, Parks Canada has held eight culls at Point Pelee National Park. In 2009, 22 deer were shot in the cull.
Linauskas became superintendent in September.
Find Windsor Star on FacebookThe Star’s award-winning photographers covered the city and county on Jan. 9, 2015. Check out the photos.
Windsor firefighters battle apartment fire at 935 Goyeau Street, Friday January 9, 2015. Firefighters pulled several burning bed frames to the fifth floor balcony. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Kathleen Pringle, legal secretary for the Crown Attorney’s office, receives a massage from Gwen Couture from the Canadian College of Health Science and Technology at the Ontario Court of Justice Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Ari Freed and Dan Orman at the Freed’s store in Windsor on Friday, January 9, 2015. Local BIAs are hoping a proposed tax rebate would help attract American shoppers. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Emergency crews respond to a two-car accident along Highway 3 and Sexton Side Road Fri., Jan. 9, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star/Twitpic)
John Salvatore, president of Mid South Contractors ULC.(Electrical), has plenty of work ahead of him and says there’s a need for hundreds of electricians for the massive plant retooling project at Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
University of Windsor’s Krystin Lawrence, right, tangles with Laurentian’s Megan Burr in OUA women’s hockey action at South Windsor Arena, January 9, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
University of Windsor’s Candace Kourounis, right, passes in front of Laurentian’s Sara Habal during OUA women’s hockey action at South Windsor Arena, January 9, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Wayne Zheng, left, from Academie St. Cecile, drives to the basket while being guarded by Harrow’s Matthew Bilek during WECSSA boys basketball at St. Cecile Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Sasha Korolov, centre, from Academie St. Cecile, takes a jump shot over Harrow’s Andrew Bray, left, and Collin Hedges during WECSSA boys basketball at St. Cecile Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Star reporters and photographers covered the city and county this weekend. Check out the gallery.
Nino Vario takes his two daughters tobogganing at Malden Park for the first time, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Nino Vario, left, pushes his youngest daughter, Christina Vario, 2, down the small hill at Malden Park Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. It was the first time his two daughters, aged 5 and 2, had been tobogganing. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Christina Vario, 2, slides down the hill at Malden Park Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
From front, Jessica Turner, 15, Chloe Walker, 14, and Madison Oliphant, 14, slide down the hill at Malden Park Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Heath McIntyre, 12, back, has a laugh after his friend, Evan Facecchia, 12, gets his face covered in snow after sliding down the hill at Malden Park Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
From front, Evan Facecchia, 12, and brothers, Calvin McIntyre, 14, and Heath McIntyre, 12, are all smiles as they slide down the hill at Malden Park Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Heath McIntyre, 12, back, has a laugh after his friend, Evan Facecchia, 12, gets his face covered in snow after sliding down the hill at Malden Park Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Windsor’s Holly Clarke dives for the ball during OUA women’s volleyball between the Windsor Lancers and the McMaster Marauders at the St. Denis Centre, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Members of the Windsor Lancers women’s volleyball team celebrate a point during OUA women’s volleyball between the Windsor Lancers and the McMaster Marauders at the St. Denis Centre, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Windsor’s Hannah Robson dives for the ball during OUA women’s volleyball between the Windsor Lancers and the McMaster Marauders at the St. Denis Centre, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
WINDSOR, ONT.: (1/10/15) — Two pedestrians were struck by a car at the intersection of Wyandotte Street East and Chilver Road Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. Police said a man sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. (RICK DAWES/The Windsor Star)
WINDSOR, ONT.: (1/10/15) — Two pedestrians were struck by a car at the intersection of Wyandotte Street East and Chilver Road Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014. Police said a man sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. (RICK DAWES/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Express’ Kevin Loiselle, 10, recovers a rebound under the Saint John Mill Rats net Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at the WFCU Centre. (RICK DAWES/The Windsor Star)
Saint John Mill Rat, 5, goes for a layup while Windsor Express’ DeAndre Thomas, 2, tries to block the attempt, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at the WFCU Centre. (RICK DAWES/The Windsor Star)
Windsor Express’ Chris Commons, 24, knocks the ball from a Saint John Mill Rats player in the third quarter of a game, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at the WFCU Centre. (RICK DAWES/The Windsor Star)
