July 20, 2026 Windsor, Ontario Parks Canada
Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, was in Windsor, Ontario, to celebrate the acquisition of 19 hectares of the former Windsor Raceway lands to contribute to the proposed national urban park in the Windsor area. The designation process for the proposed park continues to progress. Next steps include developing an interim operational plan, public and First Nation community engagement, and establishing the designation agreement between partners.
The Minister was joined at the announcement by Parliamentary Assistant Andrew Dowie on behalf of the Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for the Province of Ontario, Chief Nikki van Oirschot of Caldwell First Nation, Chief Leela Thomas of Walpole Island First Nation, Chief Kimberly Bressette of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Kristyn Ferguson from the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, Mike Fisher from the Friends of Ojibway Prairie, Mayor Drew Dilkens from the City of Windsor, and Chair Molly Allaire from the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
During the announcement, Kristyn Ferguson, Managing Director of the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, shared the acquisition of 19 hectares of the former Windsor Raceway lands made possible in part by an $11.2M contribution from Parks Canada. This acquisition is a significant step for conservation in strengthening ecological connections to the Ojibway Prairie Complex and helping to protect unique and biodiverse landscapes. This outcome reflects years of dedicated advocacy by the City of Windsor, community stakeholders, and local residents, who have championed the safeguarding of these lands for future generations.
With the addition of the former Windsor Raceway lands, the total area being considered for the proposed urban park is now 443.6 hectares, which includes lands administered by Parks Canada, the City of Windsor, the Province of Ontario, and the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
Caldwell First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation play active roles as members of the Partner Committee, contributing their knowledge, perspectives, and leadership to the planning and development of the proposed national urban park.
