Here’s how the city is closing off water access at Sandpoint Beach

City closing Sandpoint Beach to swimmers. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco explains how.

Windsor city council voted unanimously to close Sandpoint Beach to swimmers and the city is taking several steps over the next few weeks to ensure water access is closed off.

The decision took effect on Monday, June 9, 2025. It eliminates public access to the water while council awaits the results of a coroner’s investigation currently underway.

The decision has been made to support community safety and wellbeing, and in response to the ninth tragic drowning incident since the beach opened to the public in 1980.

“We understand how much Sandpoint Beach means to residents and families, especially during the summer months. However, safety must always be the priority. The Parks and Recreation team is moving quickly and with urgency to put safety measures in place to protect the community. We are already on site, developing signage, arranging for additional fencing, and speaking directly with visitors. We want people to know we’re taking this seriously, and we’re doing everything we can — right now — to prevent further tragedy,” said Michael Chantler, commissioner of community services.

Over the next few weeks, the City of Windsor will facilitate closing off water access at the beach through the following measures:

Scheduling city staff to be at the beach to inform visitors of the closure

Installing additional signage to remind visitors that the waters are dangerous

Installing additional fencing to close off the remainder of the waterfront access

The city anticipates having all measures to close off water access at Sandpoint Beach in place by June 24, 2025. Water access at the beach will remain closed indefinitely.

Sand area, playground, parkland will remain open

While water access is closed at this time, the sand area around the playground and the parkland will remain open and accessible for families to enjoy the sand and outdoor waterfront setting.

City council also directed city administration to review the Sandpoint Beach Master Plan to determine whether the planned work to relocate the beach, modify the existing shoreline, and upgrade amenities will be able to effectively eliminate the risks posed to swimmers entering waters adjacent to the mouth of the Detroit River, where they may be susceptible to the dangerous currents that exist within the established nearby shipping channel.