Windsor seeks public input on future of W.D. Lowe site

The City of Windsor is turning to residents for feedback on the future of the former W.D. Lowe High School.

The survey, which launched Tuesday and runs until Sept. 16, asks residents how the two-hectare property at 874 Giles Boulevard East should be redeveloped.

The site has been identified as one of six priority locations under the city’s Housing Solutions Made for Windsor initiative, which aims to create more homes on municipally owned land.

Mayor Drew Dilkens said the city wants to protect the heritage character of the building while repurposing the site to add badly needed housing.

“They don’t build schools like that anymore. So, the facade is something worth protecting,” Dilkens said.

“In terms of heritage, that’s what we’re primarily concerned about — a developer who will actually protect the facade but redevelop the rest of the five acres. Think of the amount of housing we can get on that five-acre parcel.”

The school, which opened in the 1920s as Walkerville Technical School, became known for its trades programs before closing in 2000 due to declining enrolment.

Some residents welcome the idea of housing, provided it balances green space and community needs.

“I think it’s a great idea. We absolutely need housing, and it’s great for the neighborhood,” said area resident Dina Colombia.

Others, however, are opposed to the project.

“That was the best trade school in Ontario,” said longtime neighbour Lou, who has lived in the area for four decades.

“The government is crying about trades. Open that back up as a trade school, get the kids in there, learn everything. That’s what they need to do with that school.”

City officials said the survey is designed to capture those perspectives, giving residents a chance to weigh in on building height, parking, and how the school itself might be reused.

“It’s a chance to hear directly from the people who live there,” Dilkens added.

“They may say don’t go more than three stories or four stories. We’ll take the feedback that makes sense and build it into the Expression of Interest.”

Colombia suggested the school could be reused as a long-term care home.

“I think that could be a viable solution,” she said.

“Anything that anyone in the community can offer for ideas would be greatly appreciated.”

An Expression of Interest will be issued after the survey closes, outlining the city’s expectations to developers interested in renovating the site.

Residents can fill out the survey online through the city’s engagement platform here.