Windsor's mayoral front-runners face off in second debate

When asked to name one good thing Drew Dilkens has done as mayor, Matt Marchand's response was simply, "I'll have to get back to you."

The two front-runners for Windsor's mayoral seat faced off in a two-person debate for the second time Wednesday on the CBC's Windsor Morning, following their initial meeting on Oct. 9.

Both Dilkens and Marchand answered a number of questions concerning whether they would opt-out of allowing cannabis retails stores in the city, strategies for creating a "sprawling" Windsor and avoiding any longstanding division between council.

Marijuana retail stores

Municipalities will have until Jan. 22 — exactly three months after the upcoming municipal elections — to opt out of allowing private cannabis retailers within their boundaries.

Marchand didn't commit on what he would do if-elected, saying he would consult with the community before making a decision.

"We want to maximize the economic opportunity ... There's also some social risks that we want to minimize. But also, we have to look at best practices across North America," said Marchand, adding there are many layers to unpack.

Dilkens slammed that remark, saying his mayoral challenger won't reveal how he feels about the issue because he "needs to think about it some more."

"I think we have to move forward with retail shops ... don't forget. We have seven other municipalities surrounding us. Anyone of those or all of those could opt-in to the sales," said Dilkens, adding he would further impose restrictions on where people consume cannabis, like at bus stops.

Building consensus on council

The "6-4" split has been seen on a number of city council decisions, like the $3-million Bright Lights investment, the banning of animals in circus acts and approving the University of Windsor's request to demolish the Stuart-MacDonald house.

Dilkens denies there is a predetermined split and said the "healthy debate" between council is an expression of democracy.

"I don't know that you ever will get consensus ... I don't buy the narrative that there's some divide on council. In fact, 99 per cent of our votes are actually unanimous," said Dilkens, adding he has an open-door policy with members of council.

Marchand echoed the "6-4" narrative, saying an open-door policy is not enough. He said it's important to work with council to have "broad consensus."

"I think the track record that I have certainly demonstrates that."

Vision for a 'sprawling' Windsor

"We need to continue on what we've been doing," said Dilkens regarding how to create a "sprawling" Windsor.

He pointed to examples like a $1-million investment in the city's Community Improvement Plan and Monday's announcement of Quicken Loans opening up their first Canadian office in downtown Windsor, adding his strategy is inclusive of surrounding communities like Walkerville and Sandwich Towne.

As for Marchand, he said "urban intensification" is a key focus of his Windsor 2022 plan.

"We also need to do a better job in terms of transit. Part of our plan calls for more directionally-focused, east-west-north-south transit," said Marchand, adding his plan looks to improve "scale," while also addressing the opioid and homeless crises to make downtown Windsor more attractive.

Reducing bridge congestion

Dilkens slammed Marchand for "throwing the City of Windsor under the bus" after the former Chamber of Commerce president sent a letter to Canada's public safety minister Ralph Goodale about opening up six additional customs booths west of Huron Church Road.

"He wrote that letter to support the Ambassador Bridge. I think everyone in this community knows what the Ambassador Bridge has been like for this community for the past decade," said Dilkens.

Marchand was quick to respond, saying truck backups affect Windsor's ability to move goods across the border.

"We have 7,000 people a day in Windsor working in Detroit, so we have to make sure the border is fluid on both sides."

Dilkens' rebuttal came just as quickly, going after Marchand for not having the appropriate support from integral city partners.

"Why is it that Chrysler and the casino refused to be signatories to his letter? ,,, If it was that big of an issue for our largest employer, I would've expected them to become signatories to that plan. They did not," said Dilkens.

Marchand didn't dispute that. Instead, he pointed to signatories like Barry Zekelman, chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, who did support the letter, adding the intention of the letter was to ensure the border is "free-flowing."

Tap the player to watch Wednesday's debate on the CBC's Windsor Morning:

There are three other candidates running for the seat of mayor in Windsor — Ernie Lamont, Frank Dyck and Tom Hensel.

The municipal election is October 22.