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CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Windsor adopts new rules for flag raisings
Windsor city council has approved a new policy that changes how requests for ceremonial flag raisings will be handled at city hall. The revised rules mean the city will now largely follow the lead of the federal and provincial governments — only approving flag raisings tied to nationally or provincially recognized days of awareness, or organizations that have a direct partnership or funding agreement with the City of Windsor. Alongside the updated flag policy, council also voted to eliminate the city's proclamation and illumination programs — which allowed residents or groups to request official proclamations or to have city hall lit in specific colours to mark causes or events. The changes were approved Monday, with councillors Kieran McKenzie, Fred Francis, and Angelo Marignani voting against. 'I've participated in many of the flag-raising ceremonies, and the sense of pride that you get and the feeling the residents have that they are part of our team, I think is really important,' said Marignani during the meeting. 'We need to represent the people, and that is 100 per cent of the people.' Francis argued he saw no need to change the current policy. City administration brought forward the updated policy citing the time and effort staff spend reviewing each request — and the reputational risk if one slips through, that later causes controversy. The proposed changes first appeared on council's agenda in May, prompting concerns from members of Windsor's 2SLGBTQIA+ community who feared it could impact the rainbow flag being raised during Windsor-Essex Pride Fest — a city-sponsored event. Derrick Biso, Director of Education and Operations for Trans Wellness Ontario, attended that May meeting, where the matter was ultimately deferred so administration could clarify its intent. When the revised policy came back this week, it made the allowance for special flag requests tied to city-funded organizations or recognized civic events clearer — something Biso acknowledged. 'I do appreciate the change in direction. I don't think [a new policy] is necessary per se. However, I can understand the reasoning, the logic, the rationale that they're going with,' he said. Mayor Drew Dilkens said the new approach adds clarity and brings Windsor in line with other levels of government. 'Recognizing that our city clerk's office — they're not diplomats trained to be working in diplomatic affairs and understanding all of the international relations that our country or province would have,' he said. He added that it also reduces the risk of the city inadvertently making the wrong call. 'I think this is a sensible and appropriate policy change that at least allows us to be in a defensible position and not offside with our nation.' According to city data, 425 requests have been made for flag raisings, proclamations, or illumination since the current policy was first adopted. Of those, 345 were approved, 79 denied and one withdrawn. Going forward, residents wishing to request a flag raising can apply online or pick up a form at city hall.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Windsor city council passes new flag policy
Windsor city council has passed a revised flag policy for the ceremonial pole outside City Hall. The new rules defer largely to federal and provincial recognition. Going forward, flag-raising requests will only be approved if they are either tied to a recognized national or provincial day of awareness — or if the organization has a direct partnership or funding relationship with the City of Windsor. Staff say the changes are meant to provide clarity and consistency, while reducing the administrative burden of reviewing individual requests. Councillors Kieran McKenzie, Fred Francis, and Angelo Marignani voted against the policy. More to come.
CTV News
21-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Brian Masse named MCC's Employment Services Specialist
Former Windsor West MP Brian Masse seen in Windsor, Ont. on Jan. 20, 2025. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor) Former Windsor West MP Brian Masse has been named the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County's (MCC) newest Employment Services Specialist. Before Masse went and completed a 23-year career within the government, he worked with the MCC, focusing on employment-based services and helping newcomers and locals get job opportunities. 'I'm excited to come back to where it all started,' said Masse. 'The MCC has always been a place that makes a tangible difference in people's lives. I'm honoured to now help lead a team of professionals who are on the front lines every day – supporting clients, working with employers, and making sure Windsor-Essex continues to thrive through workforce inclusion.' Employment services through the MCC are available for all ages and backgrounds. The MCC said it focuses on identifying skills, preparing clients for work, and connecting people with employers who are actively hiring. 'Brian brings an incredible level of insight and commitment to the work we do,' said Fred Francis, executive director of the MCC. 'His return strengthens our mission and helps shine a light on the exceptional work our staff do each day – matching talent to opportunity, providing one-on-one support, and helping individuals build sustainable career paths.'
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Windsor to hold byelection for vacant Ward 2 seat this fall
Empty Ward 2 seat at Windsor city council in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor) Windsor's Ward 2 residents will return to the polls this fall to choose their new representative on city council. Council voted Monday to hold a byelection to fill the west-end seat left vacant by the resignation of Fabio Costante, who stepped down last month to become CEO of the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation. The decision came after brief but pointed debate around the council table — with the majority in favour of letting voters decide, despite the cost. 'You're talking about a billion-dollar budget,' said Ward 1 Coun. Fred Francis, who made the motion to opt for by-election over appointment. '$150,000 is a small investment to make in democracy.' The byelection is expected to cost between $150,000 and $200,000 — a price tag that drew concern from Ward 8's Gary Kaschak, the only councillor to vote against the motion. 'We're one year away from this next election,' Kaschak said. 'I hear a lot of outcry in LaSalle right now of us spending a couple hundred thousand dollars on a one-year by-election.' Mayor Drew Dilkens supported the move, arguing that appointing someone would give that person an unfair head start in the next general election. 'Let the public choose who they want to represent them,' said Dilkens. 'I think you can never go wrong doing that.' Ward 9 Coun. Kieran McKenzie echoed that, calling the by-election an important step in democratic accountability. 'The person who's going to represent those folks should go door to door to door,' he said. 'This race will sort of be a precursor for what we'll see in the larger general election.' Ward 4 Coun. Mark McKenzie was absent from Monday's meeting. The remaining seven councillors and the mayor all supported the by-election. Among those already signaling their intention to run is Sam Romano, who finished second in Ward 2 in the 2022 election with 11 per cent of the vote. Speaking to media after the decision, Romano — a retired banker with 40 years of experience — said he's ready to get back on the campaign trail. 'I'm available. I'm retired. I can jump into it right away,' he said. 'I'm on my bike all the time riding around — and then stopping at McDonald's for a quick ice cream.' Romano previously said he hoped to be appointed to the vacant seat, but welcomed the opportunity to earn it at the ballot box. The nomination period for candidates will open July 21 and close at 2 p.m. on September 12. Election Day is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27. Whoever wins will serve the remainder of the current term — with Ontario's next municipal election already set for October 2026.
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Organizers 'blown away' by the crowds at Carrousel of the Nations
Windsor Watch Fred Francis, said attendance at this past weekend's villages topped 100,000, putting the overall attendance for the two weekends at 150,000.
