An iconic part of Windsor’s waterfront is set to make its return after a three-year absence. Work is about to begin to reinstall the Peace Fountain at Coventry Gardens. “I’ve missed it for the last few years, but I’m looking forward to it coming back,” Gail Stoneman told CTV News while walking the dog at Reaume Park. She’s not the only one anticipating the return of the fountain. “We’d definitely like to see it come back,” said Alec Anderson. The original fountain was removed in 2023 after over four decades of service. The next year, council approved a $10.5 million project to replace the fountain. “We really enjoy it. We think it’s a great attraction for Windsor,” Anderson said. Stoneman added, “It was lovely to brings guests to the city down here to see it and hang out.” Nearby residents received a letter from the city saying work will begin later this month. “What’s important is that we have the proper transformers, which are going to be going in this year, as well as all the other pumps that are necessary, making sure that everything is up to par and ready for the final installation on the Peace Fountain,” explained councillor Angelo Marignani. He says the park will remain open and, if necessary, barriers will be put up while crews are working. The new fountain will be reminiscent of the old one with water shooting skyward and cascading back into the Detroit River. “This fountain is going to be very similar to the last one, but it will have better components which will be able to endure the weathering effect of the fountain,” Marignani said. He expects reduced maintenance costs for a fountain he suspects will endure for between 30 to 50 years. The contractor for the project is Burlington based Bronte Construction. The fountain is expected to be done and ready for installation next year. “Then we’ll have that day, that grand opening on Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace, and the Peace Fountain will be lit up for the first time in a long time,” Marignani said. Charles Brooks, the former president of the United Auto Workers Local 444, was shot and killed at the union hall on Turner Road in 1977 by a disgruntled Chrysler worker who had lost his job.
