Windsor unveils Canada’s first COMPASS Station for drowning prevention and crisis support

A new project combines GPS safety stations with access to 24/7 crisis supports to prevent drowning and suicides. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell explains.

A first-of-its-kind safety and mental-health intervention system is being installed along Windsor’s waterfront, aiming to prevent drownings, suicide attempts and water-related emergencies through a coordinated network of rescue equipment and crisis supports.

The Lifeline Windsor Project — a partnership involving the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex (CMHA-WECB), Windsor Police Service, the City of Windsor, Port Windsor, the Gordie Howe International Bridge team and the University of Windsor — officially launched the new COMPASS Station network Tuesday morning at the Great Canadian Flag.

The system features more than 100 stations stretching from Mill Street to Clover Avenue. Each includes a modern life buoy, GPS-coded location marker, research-based crisis messaging and QR codes connecting directly to 24/7 mental-health and emergency supports.

Police say the combination of technology and rescue tools makes Windsor’s approach unlike any other.

“There’s pieces of this worldwide where they would have suicide crisis signage,” said Sgt. Ron Bercovici of Windsor Police.

“But what’s unique about it is the zone identifiers, the GPS location and the QR code. All of that in combination makes it quite unique. There are none that I know of that have this companion lifebuoy at any waterfront.”

Officials say the technology will help first responders locate emergencies faster.

“If somebody scans that code, they will have the option to call somebody direct, text somebody or connect in person,” Bercovici said.

“They’ll walk them or provide a cab ride directly to the 24-hour crisis centre. And there will be tracking for visitors. We want everyone to come and learn about this.”

The project stems from concerns about water-related deaths in the region.

“We had 10 fatalities, including accidental drownings and suicide completions,” Bercovici explained. “In early January 2025, Inspector Crosby said, ‘Is there something more we can do?’ And that conversation turned into a partnership.”

Inspector Jen Crosby said the goal is simple: keep people safe along the waterfront.

“This is a beautiful waterfront and we want people to feel safe down here,” she said. “We want our first responders to react to any emergencies — whether water or on land, mental or physical injury.”

The Gordie Howe International Bridge team contributed $175,000 through its Community Benefits Plan, aligning the project with safety features already built into the bridge, including means-restriction fencing, specialized lighting and emergency call buttons.

“This is a great example of the long-lasting impact of our Community Benefits Plan,” said Heather Grondin, chief relations officer at Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.

“There was a lot of synergy between these projects, and we were very happy to provide funding.”

Grondin noted rising mental-health concerns in the region.

“According to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, self-harm emergency department visits increased by about 13 per cent from 2013 to 2022,” she said.

“These signs use research-based messaging proven to help deter self-harm.”

CMHA officials say the stations serve as both practical tools and symbolic reminders of hope.

“You matter — two simple words, but for someone in crisis, they can interrupt despair,” said CMHA CEO Nicole Sbrocca.

“Incidents of self-harm continue to be the leading cause of injury-related death here, and there are many more people who come close to the edge.”

Officials say the system also addresses long-standing challenges for first responders, especially when callers can’t pinpoint their location.

Windsor Harbour Master Peter Berry stated the stations bring clarity to chaotic situations.

“If someone says, ‘I saw them jump by Station One,’ now first responders know where to go,” he said.

“The numbers on the back of the signs give fishermen or boaters exact coordinates. We can get there faster and hope for a positive outcome.”

Berry said waterfronts naturally attract people in crisis and expects calls to increase when the new bridge opens.

“It’s very unfortunate that people in crisis come to the water. We’re going to see it more the way society is and the need for mental-health treatment, so yes, we’re going to see an increase” he said.

Kim Willis, CMHA Windsor Essex director of communications said the initiative follows best practices and came together quickly through community collaboration.

“It’s such an amazing project that supports community safety and will save lives,” she said.

“Even just walking by, it’s awareness — that you do matter, that there is hope.”

Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino said the system addresses recurring concerns raised by residents and tourists.

“We hear of incidents and people who need help,” he said. “Tourists often don’t know the names of streets, and as soon as I saw this project, I thought, what a great idea — something our city, our riverfront needs.”

Officials reiterated they hope the Windsor model inspires other cities to adopt similar measures.

“We’re all coming together as a community to support our most vulnerable,” Bercovici told CTV News. “Anybody who requires assistance — we’re there for you.”

So far, six stations have been installed with upwards of 150 expected by in place soon. Bercovici added there are plans to expand the initiative to Peche Island as well.