Mayor Drew Dilkens sworn in, will map out 20-year plan

Mayor Drew Dilkens and 10 Windsor city councillors were sworn in Monday night at the first council meeting of the new term.

In his inaugural address, Dilkens announced city council will sit down early in the new year to map out a 20 year plan for the city.

"The 20-year vision will provide us with a reasonable picture of where we are headed as a city," Dilkens said. "For example, we know that our city will be unable to reach the provincial target for waste diversion unless we adopt an organics recycling program."

He also promised to hold the line on taxes, diversify Windsor's economy over the next four years.

A crowd of about 600 city administrators and other leaders in the community watched the ceremony and speech at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts at its downtown campus.

Dilkens told the crowd he has scheduled phone calls with Chrysler Canada CEO Reid Bigland and Ford of Canada CEO Diane Craig to emphasize the importance of the investment in Windsor.

The calls are to take place later this week.

"I want to assure them of our recognition of the importance of both companies to this city and our commitment to work with both of them to ensure their future success, growth and investment in the city of Windsor," he said.

Dilkens also pledged to work closely with partners such as the University of Windsor and Essex County; to help develop neighbourhoods, such as Olde Sandwich Towne; and increase cultural diversity in the workforce at City Hall.

New Ward 4 councillor Chris Holt agrees with the mayor's long-term plan.

"I think one of the biggest pitfalls of elected politics is the fact that we tend to think in four-year chunks, and that's good for the immediate needs for the city," Holt said. "But it's time for Windsor to think big."

Dilkens will fly to Doha, Qatar today to make a speech and accept the flag for the 2016 FINA swimming championships.
City council will hold it's first formal meeting on Dec. 15.