dilkens said it’s “not right” and “unfair” to put $900,000 “on the backs of the taxpayers.”
in a phone interview following council’s meeting, mp irek kusmierczyk (l — windsor-tecumseh) told the star monday night he respectfully disagrees with the mayor.
“this is a mischaracterization of a partnership,” kusmiercyzk said.
“we said that we were going to reimburse the city up to $6.9 million for eligible costs. that was always clear.
“this is not a federal area of jurisdiction. this is a provincial area of jurisdiction, but we stepped up, we knew that it was the right thing to do. we are a good partner.”
regardless, kusmierczyk said he will continue to advocate for additional funding to cover the city’s outstanding blockade costs.
according to a city staff report, finalized costs relating to the bridge blockade totalled just shy of $7 million. the majority of those expenses stemmed from policing and legal fees, with the rest coming from public works, transit windsor, emergency medical services, fire and rescue services, parks and facilities, and communications.
‘middle finger to the people in our community.’ windsor mayor drew dilkens is seen during city council’s meeting on monday, dec. 11, 2023.
taylor campbell
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windsor star
in december 2022, then-minister of public safety marco mendicino announced up to $6.9 million in funding to cover the city’s blockade-related costs, including for policing.