Windsor talk

[Symz]

Originally Posted by north 42

I feel that they were forced by Tecumseh's threat to steal the raceway and slots from the city, so they had to make a quick decision that has worked our pretty well.

I have to agree on that.

On that note north, I'm off to get ready for my shift, cheers!

[north 42]

Originally Posted by Symz

It's np. I understand you and I don't always have the same point of view, and I like Eddie, I voted for him twice, but I try to look at things objectively and I don't always like what the haters have to say, but it doesn't mean they're not saying something worth listening to.

Eddie is a mover and a shaker, I give him credit for actually getting things done and there in may lie the problem, maybe Windsor didn't change for so long that it's too much too fast for some folks? I don't know.

I know that Windsor now is 'different' than it was, in some ways good, some ways bad. It just leaves mixed feelings sometimes.

Have you seen the latest? Now due to the arbitrator ruling for the firefighters and how they were given a 15.1% raise retroactive Eddie Francies is so hell bent on not giving up any money from other departments he is trying to back the fire department into a corner to close a station!!?!?

Now that is backwards, and scary at the same time.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windso...osed-1.2449858

I don't trust the firefighters association at all, they are sneaky and hate the mayor. Maybe firefighters in windsor shouldn't be the highest paid force in the province, since it's one of the most affordable cities to live in. Keep demanding more and more money for less work, hard decisions have to be made. Hopefully something can be worked out that will keep everyone safe though, and keep costs from escalating further as well.

[north 42]

Originally Posted by Symz

I have to agree on that.

On that note north, I'm off to get ready for my shift, cheers!

K, good talking with you!

[Symz]

Ok, looks like I have a little time. Got done early.

[Symz]

Hey, a new development!

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windso...ntre-1.2450888

Our Lady of the Rosary church will become an art centre! I like that old church, it pains me to drive by it on my way downtown and see it derelict, now it will come back to life!

[north 42]

I hope it pans out! Such a landmark building in that area.

[north 42]

Our mayor's hard work is finally being recognized by the national media!

http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/12...ut-a-tax-hike/

[william.l]

Has anyone considered that Assumption College School may be a prime location for the new mega hospital?

It is obviously not ideal (to loose a school and all the associated green space), but it may be the most practical urban site for the hospital since:
- it is a large (relatively) green-field site (which was an expressed desire)
- the adjacent park and Century School could be purchased later (expansion)
- it would be easy to purchase/expropriate since it is a single property
- the board may be looking to consolidate anyways (low enrollment)
- it is located next to the university (education-health care hub for med school)
- it is located close to the Tayfor Campus (more integrated hospital network)
- it is located on Huron Church Road (easy highway access after DRIC diverts trucks)
- the ambulances would travel through more industrial region (less noise issues)

Just my brief thoughts after pondering Google Maps for a while...

Comments?

[manny_santos]

http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/12...-killed-heinz/

This makes my blood boil. To me, the Ontario Liberals simply don't care about protecting jobs in this province.

[north 42]

Originally Posted by william.l

Has anyone considered that Assumption College School may be a prime location for the new mega hospital?

It is obviously not ideal (to loose a school and all the associated green space), but it may be the most practical urban site for the hospital since:
- it is a large (relatively) green-field site (which was an expressed desire)
- the adjacent park and Century School could be purchased later (expansion)
- it would be easy to purchase/expropriate since it is a single property
- the board may be looking to consolidate anyways (low enrollment)
- it is located next to the university (education-health care hub for med school)
- it is located close to the Tayfor Campus (more integrated hospital network)
- it is located on Huron Church Road (easy highway access after DRIC diverts trucks)
- the ambulances would travel through more industrial region (less noise issues)

Just my brief thoughts after pondering Google Maps for a while...

Comments?

I thought they said they would need 50 to 60 acres for a site. I don't think this site is large enough. Do you have the amount of acres for this location?

[north 42]

Originally Posted by manny_santos

http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/12...-killed-heinz/

This makes my blood boil. To me, the Ontario Liberals simply don't care about protecting jobs in this province.

The Liberals have really screwed this province up big time! I am voting for the Conservatives in the next provincial elections, the other two parties will surely make our economy worse than it already is. Hudak is kind of a dick though, but his party is really the only alternative to fix this province this moment.

[haljackey]

Sad news about Heinz.

The Liberal party is so screwed up that even Mcguinty jumped ship.

I think all 3 parties suck in Ontario. I'd consider myself to be more PC leaning, but their wacko leader and polices will never get my vote.
-Decided to give the NDP a chance in my local by-election during the summer. She won by a surprise landslide.

[william.l]

Originally Posted by north 42

I thought they said they would need 50 to 60 acres for a site. I don't think this site is large enough. Do you have the amount of acres for this location?

The Assumption site and nearby park total 42 acres (a bit less than desired); however, the Century site could add 9 acres (if needed) and the plaza could add 12 acres (if needed).

I think the 50-60 acres required is a bit high and could be reduced significantly by using a parking garage instead of parking lots: that said, there are enough large properties to meet the 50-60 acres if absolutely necessary (without resorting to expropriating dozens of houses).

[Blitz]

The city is very different than it was just 10 years ago and continues to improve. The turnaround in the finances has been remarkable - for years Windsor was run by mayors who would never dream of standing up to the unions but Eddie has completely changed that culture and remains very popular (but very much hated by the union thumpers).

I understand the argument about community centres and neighbourhood arenas closing but I would much rather have the amenities like the WFCU Centre and the aquatic complex (especially considering that these are things every other city our size has had for decades).

Another thing is that city council always seems on board with all of Eddie's plans - with unanimous votes. Everyone is always on the same page and that really helps. It's much different in London for example where you have a bunch of councillors who always vote against Fontana (which makes it hard to get things done).

[north 42]

Originally Posted by Blitz

The city is very different than it was just 10 years ago and continues to improve. The turnaround in the finances has been remarkable - for years Windsor was run by mayors who would never dream of standing up to the unions but Eddie has completely changed that culture and remains very popular (but very much hated by the union thumpers).

I understand the argument about community centres and neighbourhood arenas closing but I would much rather have the amenities like the WFCU Centre and the aquatic complex (especially considering that these are things every other city our size has had for decades).

Another thing is that city council always seems on board with all of Eddie's plans - with unanimous votes. Everyone is always on the same page and that really helps. It's much different in London for example where you have a bunch of councillors who always vote against Fontana (which makes it hard to get things done).

I totally agree with what you said, it's unbelievable how much this city has progressed and modernized in the past 10 years under Eddie's watch. We still have a long way to go, but now, at least, we have a much brighter future.

What kills me is the accusations that Eddie has control over most of city council, when in reality, they are just supporting him because he has great ideas and a proven track record. It seems that most of the city's voters support him, and it's only a small handful of haters who constantly complain, no matter the story.

We are truly lucky to have Eddie as our mayor! I see great things happening here in the next decade that will again, completely transform this city for the better. Windsor-Detroit will be a very interesting place to live in and visit as both cities transform into something better!

[north 42]

Very, very sad day for Windsor!!!!!!

http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2014/01...tical-shocker/

[north 42]

And now some good news!

http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2014/01...ss-rate-falls/

[Symz]

The unemployment rate falling is probably a seasonal bump from Christmas, wait until February's numbers come in to get a better idea of where we sit.

On the topic of Francis not running again, I feel kind of sad, but it probably is time. I think the biggest thing about this is the fear of who's going to run for mayor and control the city when he's gone? Are we going to take 2 steps back now?

[north 42]

Originally Posted by Symz

The unemployment rate falling is probably a seasonal bump from Christmas, wait until February's numbers come in to get a better idea of where we sit.

On the topic of Francis not running again, I feel kind of sad, but it probably is time. I think the biggest thing about this is the fear of who's going to run for mayor and control the city when he's gone? Are we going to take 2 steps back now?

That's my fear, two steps back!

As for the unemployment rate, we gained jobs, 2,100 new jobs, the labour force grew by 1,100 people, and unemployment fell by 1,100 while other cities lost jobs and had their rates rise, so it gives me hope it's not just a blip or a seasonal bump.

[Blitz]

Sad day indeed. I wonder if Francis will run provincially and then become leader of the PC party or something. Hudak isn't getting it done and the party has been courting Francis for years. I'd have to say Pupatello is a pretty good candidate for mayor. All of her big-wig contacts couldn't hurt anyway.