The city of Windsor will be taking a more proactive approach to illegal dumping and squatters on CP Rail property in downtown-Windsor — an issue AM800 News first reported back in August of 2017.
A report received by the Environment, Transportation and Public Safety Standing Committee says those issues are ongoing throughout the city, but the property on Crawford Ave. between University Ave. W. and Wyandotte St. is unique as CP Rail is a Crown Corporation.
Section of CP Rail property in the 300 block of Crawford Ave. between University Ave. and Wyandotte St. W. in Windsor. (Photo courtesy of www.google.ca/maps)
The report points to the company when it comes to addressing issues and the city hopes to work with them to develop a more proactive approach moving forward, but its status makes it exempt from by-laws and leaves the city with no enforcement authority if they chose not to comply in a timely mannor.
Executive Director of Operations Dwayne Dawson tells AM800 News the city is now looking to catch illegal dumping on city property as residents continue to raise concerns.
"In the alley that abuts the property, where a lot of the illegal dumping happens, it's kind of out of sight so it's an easy spot to target," he says. "It's those locations that our cameras can be installed."
Dawson tells AM800 News the city doesn't want to throw CP Rail under the bus, officials have been receptive to issues.
"Some people would like some of the stuff cleaned up in a more timely manner than what's being addressed," says Dawson. "They [CP Rail] have been responsive and they have been taking care of things, we continue to work with them in trying to get the large items picked up."
As for the squatting issue that litters much of the property with needles and other unsafe items, the city will continue to try and get people help and shelter when they can.
"We work through our social services department along with Windsor police to try and bring some assistance to those that are staying there in makeshift shelters," added Dawson.
A $45-million housing development is slated for the corner of Wyandotte St. W. at Crawford Ave. — it will run alongside the CP Rail property.