Open Streets Windsor

Open Streets Windsor returns this September with a special edition to honour a true pioneer in radio broadcasting, while connecting our diverse neighbourhoods and people across the community. This year, the popular outdoor event offers a slightly updated route, a special theme, spin-off activities, and takes place Sunday, September 17, 2023 at various times and locations throughout the day. This year’s event includes:

Open Streets Windsor “The Big 8” Kilometre Edition
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sandwich Town in the West to Ford City in the East.

Since 2016, thousands have witnessed this free community event, which involves an eight-kilometre route that spans numerous neighbourhoods from the west end of the city to the east temporarily closed to cars. This year’s route runs along Sandwich Street, University Avenue West, Riverside Drive downtown, Wyandotte Street East, and Drouillard Road. Eight unique hubs along the route will include activations and entertainment, with local musicians covering some of the artists and songs that Rosalie Trombley helped to propel into hits and hitmakers.

In addition to providing a space for people to walk, cycle, roller blade, etc. along the route, hubs are designated for community partners, including individuals, businesses and organizations, to carry out activities that promote health, physical activity, arts and culture. Activities must be free and encourage participation from people of all ages and abilities.

Visit OpenStreetsWindsor.ca for details on this year’s path, and up to date information on programming.

Unveiling of the Rosalie Trombley Commemorative Sculpture
10:30 a.m. Corner of Riverside Drive and McDougall Street.

With the Open Streets Windsor route open and folks exploring, the Trombley family, artist Donna Jean Mayne, sponsors, partners, media, and other special guests will join Mayor Dilkens and City Councillors for the official unveiling of the Rosalie Trombley Commemorative Sculpture. AM800 CKLW will do a LIVE broadcast from the site of the unveiling, there will be remarks from family, dignitaries and special guests, and this portion will culminate with the unveiling of the statue itself. The commemorative sculpture is funded by the City of Windsor, with generous support from St. Clair College.

Grand Opening of the Rosalie Trombley Commemorative Exhibition
2:30 p.m. Chimczuk Museum, 401 Riverside Drive West.

Over at Museum Windsor’s Chimczuk Museum, a temporary exhibition on Rosalie Trombley will have a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony. Remarks from family, dignitaries, and special guests will kick things off as the exhibition opens to the public. The Trombley Family has been working hand-in-hand with the exhibition developers to provide an incredible experience that will include biographical information, stories of Rosalie’s life, musician features, records, audio recordings, fashion, vintage items from “The Big 8”, awards, tributes and more. Admission to the Chimczuk Museum will be free this day.

What is Open Streets about?

As thousands have witnessed over the past seven years, this free community event will see an updated eight kilometre route along Sandwich Street, Riverside Drive West, University Avenue, Wyandotte Street East and Drouillard Road temporarily opened to people but closed to cars.

Open Streets are unique events that have been held in over 100 cities in North America and involve the temporary closure of roadways to vehicular traffic, allowing people to use them for a host of healthy and fun physical activities like walking, cycling, yoga, dancing and fitness.

The goals of Open Streets Windsor are to:

• Encourage active transportation and physical activity;
• Encourage community building activities;
• Promote community-led active living initiatives;
• Showcase recently improved streetscapes;
• Provide an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to participate along the route.