Sandwich residents make their voices heard at CBC Windsor listening session event

Derelict and vacant houses. Amenities within walking distance. Issues caused by the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, and the long-running construction on Sandwich Street.

These were just a few of the topics at a free event held by CBC Windsoron Wednesday where residents were urged to talk about the benefits, challenges and possible solutions of living in the N9C postal code.

More than 40 Windsorites who live and work in thearea shared their thoughts with eight CBC journalists over the course of an evening at Mackenzie Hall in the heart of Sandwich.

They voiced the most pressing issues facing the community from the number of derelict and vacant houses to availability of groceries within walking distance.

But residents also shared what they love about living in the neighbourhood, including the sense of community, the walkability and the history.

They also highlighted that while Sandwich is often perceived as one neighbourhood, it's actually a diverse and distinct set of areas.

CBC Windsor heard from a diverse group: People who have lived in the community for more than 60 years, to those who own new businesses, to newcomers who recently moved to Sandwich and want to be more involved.

A listening session is a form of community engagement journalism allowing reporters to hear directly from the communities they serve in a two-way dialogue with the goal of building trust and relationships in the community.

While the event has now concluded, this is just the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between CBC and the Sandwich community. It kicks off our Communities in Focus project in Sandwichrunning this fall. Butwe'll continue to be working to build trust and relationships in the community going forward.

While people spoke about the challenges of the changing community, one thing was clear: There is a deep sense of pride, grit and togetherness among people who live in Sandwich.

If you weren't able to make it to the Listening Session, we still want to hear from you. Please consider filling out this short survey to help us further improve our reporting in the community.

Stay tuned to cbc.ca/windsor for more, as well as our Windsor News at 6 TV broadcast and Windsor Morning radio show from 6 to 8:40 a.m. weekdays on97.5FMin Windsor.