Windsor set to launch largest-ever road rehabilitation program

A sign detailing road rehab and repaving investments by the city in the individual wards across Windsor. April 30, 2026.(Rusty Thomson/AM800 N ews)

Windsor is set to begin multiple road construction projects as the city launches what officials say is the largest road rehabilitation and repair program in its history.

The 2026 municipal budget includes $36.6 million for road rehabilitation and repair, marking a 13 per cent increase over 2025 spending.

Ward 2 will see the largest share of funding at nearly $4.7 million, followed by Ward 3 at nearly $4.5 million. Ward 4 will receive about $2.8 million.

The investments in those three wards were highlighted during a news conference Thursday at Riverside Drive and Aylmer Avenue. Mayor Drew Dilkens was joined by Ward 2 Coun. Frazier Fathers, Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino and Ward 4 Coun. Mark McKenzie to outline roughly $12 million in projects across the wards.

Fathers pointed to two key projects in Ward 2, including work on Wyandotte Street West between Campbell and Cameron avenues.

“It’s right in front of Adie Knox,” Fathers said. “About that time we’ll be hopefully opening Adie Knox up again with a new road in front of there with the new community centre in the neighbourhood.”

He also highlighted planned work on Peter Street in Sandwich Town.

“The street got a little beat up during the Gordie Howe Bridge benefit work, when all the buses moved off of Sandwich onto Peter. So rehabbing that road in through Sandwich Town is going to be really good for the west end as well,” he said.

Construction on Peter Street will run between Mill and South streets, along with South Street from Peter Street to Bloomfield Road. Work begins May 4 and will include road reconstruction, mill-and-pave resurfacing, water main installation, and replacement of curbs, sidewalks and driveways. Remaining sections will receive full-depth asphalt milling and paving with minor concrete repairs.

Work on Wyandotte Street West near Adie Knox Arena is scheduled to begin this fall.

In Ward 3, highlighted projects include Riverside Drive East between Goyeau Street and Aylmer Avenue, where full-depth asphalt milling and paving will be carried out along with replacement of curbs, sidewalks and driveways. That work is set to begin May 4.

Giles Boulevard East between McDougall Street and Howard Avenue will also undergo full-depth milling and paving, along with new water main installation. That project is expected to begin in June 2026 after the Tour di Via Italia race.

Agostino welcomed the investment in his ward.

“Some of these roads really needed it fast,” he said. “I just say you guys tell me which roads are the worst. I drive my car and go by, have a look, and say okay, let’s do it. That’s how I decide; I let the experts do it.”

In Ward 4, projects include work on Riverside Drive East between Aylmer Avenue and Devonshire Road, also starting May 4.

Giles Boulevard East between Howard and Langlois avenues will receive similar upgrades, including full-depth milling and paving and new water main installation, with work beginning in June after the Tour di Via Italia race.

McKenzie said Riverside Drive has been a frequent concern among residents.

“I know Councillor Agostino has been hearing from residents as well about Riverside Drive,” he said. “That’s going to be a big one. It’s a road that a lot of people travel every day; it’s one of the busiest roads in the city.”

The city says more than $317 million has been earmarked for capital projects in 2026, including $163.8 million for roads. Much of the construction will focus on milling and paving — a process that removes and replaces the top layer of asphalt — extending road lifespan by 10 to 15 years.

Other ward allocations include just over $3 million for Ward 1, nearly $3.5 million for Ward 8, about $2.2 million for Ward 6 and nearly $2.1 million for Ward 9. Ward 5 will receive just over $1.7 million, while Ward 7 is slated to get $789,550.