Windsor aims to make downtown cleaner with new electric street sweeper

CTV News

6 days ago

The City of Windsor is hoping a new street sweeper will help cleanup the downtown core.
As part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area through the Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, the city introduced Monday a new electric-powered Glutton Zen street sweeper to its fleet.
Officials say this investment reinforces the city's commitment to maintaining a clean, vibrant, and sustainable downtown environment and it's the first of its kind in the region.
'The new electric-powered sweeper will play an important role in creating the Downtown Windsor we all want to see, which is essential as we continue to implement improvements aimed at attracting more residents, businesses, investments, and visitors,' says Ward 3 councillor Renaldo Agostino.
The Glutton Zen is a compact, 100 per cent electric vacuum designed for sidewalks, pathways, and paved alleyways, areas that are often difficult to access with traditional equipment. The unit's silent, emission-free operation makes it ideal for use in pedestrian zones, laneways, heritage areas, and mixed-use spaces, minimizing disruption to residents and businesses while supporting environmental goals.
'Cleanliness is one of the most visible and immediate ways we show that we care about our downtown; by investing in modern equipment like the Glutton, we're taking real action to support our local businesses, make our public spaces more enjoyable, and deliver on the promises of the Strengthen the Core strategy,' said Jim Leether, manager of environmental services.
While initially deployed to support the Strengthen the Core initiative, the Glutton Zen will eventually be used across all business improvement areas (BIAs) citywide. This summer, the focus will be on the area of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), with plans to expand to other BIAs in the coming year.
'The deployment of the Glutton Zen sweeper is a visible step forward — one that supports a higher quality of life for current residents and helps attract new ones,' says DWBIA ChairChris MacLeod.
Officials say this initiative builds on the success of the city's 'Curb the Trash' campaign.
To learn more about the City's Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, visit LetsTalk.CityWindsor.ca/strengthen-the-core.