Politicians endorse assessment for pedestrian tunnel

The controversial proposal to build a pedestrian tunnel under Riverside Drive in downtown Windsor will be coming to council again soon.

Members of the transportation committee endorsed an environmental assessment of the project that could cost an estimated $4 million to build, if it gets enough support from council to proceed.

• Heated debate over Riverside Drive underpass continues

The report looks at two main site options. One location could be between Bruce Avenue and Church Street near the Aquatic Centre. Further east is a second location between Goyeau Street and McDougall Avenue.

Committee members made it clear that their endorsement of the environmental assessment is in no way a recommendation to build the tunnel.

"There is no commitment for construction," Coun. Hillary Payne told CBC News. "The environmental assessment...can sit there until some other council agrees to spend $4 million."

Despite some political opposition to the pedestrian tunnel, comments collected during the public consultation portion of the assessment indicate people "preferred that the crossing be an underpass."

Several residents told CBC News on Wednesday they, too, would like to see the underpass.

Brian John agrees an underground tunnel would make it safer to access the waterfront from the downtown. The feature would also be an attraction for the area.

"It'll be nice if the walkway brought in people from other areas to come and check out the city," he said. "We just need something to attract the people."