Big-budget projects getting set to open
The winter loop at LaSalle Landing is seen in this image from November 2024. (Source: Town of LaSalle)
The Loop at LaSalle Landing is almost complete. 'It is nice to have it coming together,' said LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche.
The fencing is down, and citizens can now see what has been going on since late last year. 'Residents are getting really excited, and they're excited to come walk in and see what it's all about,' Meloche said.
People should be able to enjoy the park and trail, estimated at around $9 million dollars, at the end of the month. The Loop will be ready for its first official event on June 28th when the Rotary Club of LaSalle has a grand opening for the Rotary Circle.
'And then we have our first big event here on Canada Day,' Meloche told CTV News.
The Canada Day celebration at the Loop will include food trucks, buskers and entertainment followed by a different kind of show in the sky at night.
'We're going to do a drone show at night,' Meloche said. 'Something a little bit different than all of our neighbors who are going with fireworks this year (to celebrate Canada Day). We've decided we wanted to do something unique and get people down to the LaSalle Landing to come check it out.'
Another project to check out soon takes place July 13, when the City of Windsor celebrates its 133rd birthday. Along with the festivities will be the grand opening of the long-anticipated new City Hall Square.
'Growing up in downtown Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square, we have our own now,' said Ward 3 City Councillor Renaldo Agostino.
The project cost just over $15 million dollars and like LaSalle, caught heat from some members of the public.
'I know what everyone says, 'Well, we could have spent it on more supports. You spent $25 million on supports last year,' Agostino noted. 'You got to have fun things for people to do in your city. You got to make people want to come downtown. You got to breathe life because life adds life.'
Both Windsor and LaSalle look forward to opening each facility for skating in November.
There is a side bet between Meloche and Agostino with the loser having to skate on the winner's ice, but both agree the amenities are important to the region for personal well-being and economic growth.
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