City seeks feedback on latest Ojibway Parkway wildlife crossing design
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- December 31, 2023
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Article content The public can have its say on the look of a wildlife crossing over Ojibway Parkway that stretches beyond the Essex Terminal Railway tracks. The City of Windsor would like residents to share their thoughts on the latest design for a structure connecting Ojibway Park and Black Oak Heritage Park, either by completing an online comment form or by attending an in person open house.
The “preferred” option shared by the city this winter would cost an estimated $28 million and include a three span structure 50 metres wide over the rail yard, Ojibway Parkway, and the boulevard between. The structure would have a 5.5 metre vertical clearance over the parkway and a 7.49 vertical clearance over the train tracks, and there would be fences along the train tracks to keep wildlife out.
Three other options range upwards in price to $33 million and include one single span, a four span structure, and two separate single span crossings. Presentation slides with information about the project and the online comment form can be found at . Comments will be collected until Jan. 26. The study team will host in person open houses at the Ojibway Nature Centre (5200 Matchett Rd.) on Jan.
18 from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with study team members to ask questions and make comments. The City of Windsor initiated an environmental assessment to consider the wildlife crossing’s construction in 2020. Designs presented to city council in 2021 — a 50 metre wide green bridge over Ojibway Parkway just south of Broadway Street — would have cost $15.3 million at the time and stopped short of the rail yard.
The proposed crossing to protect wildlife from motor traffic, but which ended at the edge of fenced off train tracks, sparked public criticism. Following the current round of public consultation, the study team will consider the feedback it receives and finalize a preferred design in February. The matter is expected to go to city council in May..
