source:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windso...n-tunnels.html
I know this is from last month, but there is no post about it and it is quite interesting.
One thing that stood out in particular,
Quote:
"Let's have some discussions on closing down streets on a more permanent basis, creating friendly pedestrian opportunities," he said. "I think there's a link to public transit if you do that, because I think it creates more of a desire to use public transit."
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...What public transit? people can only use transit if it is available to them and there is room for them.
I was also researching Farhi Holdings and found lots of hints that he may be planning on developing his sites soon based on the hints he left when he was being interviewed earlier this year. he said he couldn't say what he had planned for the sites, but that it wasn't small. anyway there are four sites, likely they will be high rises (condos, office, retail)... the lots are zoned 26 Floor mix use. If he builds on these spaces, it would bring many people to the area, adding to what the aquatic centre will bring. There will also be very limited parking, meaning more people wanting to use transit.
SO, we need to start telling Francis that we need alternative transit modes like a metro/RT/LRT line, at least through downtown out to Howard and Tecumseh, but preferably to Devonshire mall.
It should not run on the street, it should be grade separated and fast. If i were designing it, i would have it start at above groud at Oak Ave, Just east of downtown. Second station being at the transit terminal just before diving underground. 3rd station would be underground at Caesars Windsor. 4th at the new market if it happens... 5th, Erie & Oullette, just before it becomes above ground again. 6th at Oullette and Tecumseh Rd, 7th Howard & Tecumseh, 8th at Howard & Eugenie and finally, Devonshire mall.
This would quickly connect downtown residents and tourists to Devonshire mall and south windsor residents to Caesars, the river front, the aquatic centre and the transit terminal.
Meanwhile, the transway 1C would have some stops eliminated and maybe signal priority, improving trip times, before another line eventually is built from Howard to WFCU. I would not run the rail all the way to UWindsor, as there would be significantly less ridership that way during summer/weekends and would instead run hourly express buses between the terminal and the campus.
It would be pricey, but I think we could convince Eddie to do it, he loves Windsor and isn't afraid of a radical idea. I'd hope the government of Ontario and Canada could also help fund capitol costs, they would be quite high.