One of the busiest and most exciting street festivals in the City of Windsor is coming back this year but will be shifting east to highlight a different part of the Rose City.
Open Streets stakeholders pose for a photo at the Riverside Miracle Park in Windsor, Ont. on Aug. 27, 2024. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
Open Streets Windsor is an annual festival which invites residents and visitors to explore the streets in a different way, as the entire corridor is closed to vehicular traffic.
"As one of Windsor's favourite annual community traditions, we're excited about the new Open Streets for 2024. Open Streets promotes walking, biking, and other forms of active transportation, while fostering eco-friendly practices and highlighting local businesses in our community," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. "It's a day to come together, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and diverse spirit of Windsor."
This year's 'East End Edition' takes place on Sept. 22, 2024, with the route starting at Howard Avenue and traveling an eight-kilometre stretch of road to St. Rose Avenue.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the streets will be blocked to motorists and lined with various activities, including music, art, sports, and a festival-like atmosphere where people can travel the accessible route by foot, bike, blade, or wheel.
The event also touches eight hubs and four business improvement associations, including Via Italia, Ottawa Street, Pillette Village and Olde Riverside.
"Since 2016 when the city first offered Open Streets, I've been attending and the numbers have been growing and growing and growing," said Ward 6 City Councillor, Jo-Anne Gignac. "I am so excited that this year, we are seeing the East End Edition of Open Streets."
St. Clair College and its Alumni Association are the title sponsors of the event.
"It's about engaging our community. It's fostering connections and celebrating the spirit that makes this East End so special," said John Fairley, the Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Relations for St. Clair College. "Open Streets Windsor is just another way in which we demonstrate our support and dedication to the community we call home."
St. Clair College has over 140,000 alumni and thousands of students studying at multiple campuses this Fall Semester and is extending the invitation for all to attend the free event.
"Over the past 57 years, we have lived the value of local by supporting our community and commitment to student life by transforming lives and strengthening communities through high-quality and accessible educational experiences that support career readiness, innovation, and life-long learning," Fairley said. "And again, our students and alumni are engaged in transforming this community."
To learn more about Open Streets Windsor 2024, click here.
