Local student wins scholarship to preserve Windsor’s Mackenzie Hall

Windsor is coming together to preserve Mackenzie Hall in Sandwich Town.

David Piper-Clark, a St. Clair College horticultural student, has been named the landscape steward for the building, which was built in 1855 by Alexander Mackenzie.

Piper-Clark was given a $5,000 scholarship by the Windsor Port Authority and The Friends of the Court for Mackenzie Hall. In his role, he will work with city staff to take care of the landscaping.

“Our storied Mackenzie Hall in historic Sandwich Town is one of our community’s true gems,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“It has been wonderful to see this initiative build on solid partnerships between the city and various community partners; and to watch the spin-off impacts of this work in the neighbourhood.”

Dilkens continued, adding the landscaping will help improve the space, which is key in Windsor’s history.

The horticulture scholarship started in 2016 as a need for more attention to the property was needed.

“Mackenzie Hall’s unique historical and locational positioning makes for a great opportunity for a student to practice and hone their landscape maintenance skills,” said Sandy MacDonald, professor of horticulture at St. Clair College.

“We always seek a student who is diligent and keen, with a great work ethic. Our consideration is also toward someone who can work independently and troubleshoot small issues as they occur; someone whose friendly personality means that he can communicate well with the public and individuals involved with this project.”

MacDonald said Piper-Clark exhibits all these characteristics and is positively considered within the department.