Windsor: Strengths and Weaknesses

The Agenda on the Road  - Agenda Camp - Session II section D

Topic: What does a diversified economy look like? Is there a post-manufacturing structural model?

Sectors:

1. Manufacturing
2. Retail
3. Tourism
4. Arts and media
5. Public
6. Education
7. Culture

Windsor’s Strengths:

1. River/ Waterfront
2. Logical transportation centre (border)
3. Heritage/ History
    - Underground railroad
    - French and British Roots
    - War of 1812
    - First Nations
    - Prohibition/"Rum Running" (Al Capone, The Purple Gang, The "Real McCoy", etc.)
    - Henry Ford/Ford Motor Co.
    - First Electric Street Car in North America

4. Cultural diversity 9third in nation)
5. Affordable housing
6. Quality of Life
7. Available workforce
8. Growing Volunteer sector
9. Strong grassroots across the city
10. Mild climate
11. Availability of goof food and wines

Windsor’s Weaknesses;

1. Dependence on automotive manufacturing
2. Lack of Vision/ innovation
3. Crumbling/outdated infrastructure
4. Lack of political will at all levels
5. Pollution
7. High Incidence of some diseases (asthma, some cancers)

New Economic Model:

1. Green technology with current manufacturing
2. Heritage driven tourism
3. Greater Sports Events
4. Promote Windsor as a Retirement Centre
5  More prominence for arts/Culture.