This post is the twenty-fifth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Jeremy Renaud was the twenty-fifth candidate to respond. He is running for the Ward 6 seat in the City of Windsor – the catchment area of which is east Windsor – an area which includes Forest Glade, Fountainbleu, and east Riverside.
- Do you support the City of Windsor undertaking a feasibility study for the restoration and future use of the Jackson Park Bandshell? Yes, I fully support the City of Windsor undertaking a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the restoration, adaptive reuse, and future activation of the Jackson Park Bandshell.
- What role do you believe the municipality should play in determining the Bandshell’s future?The municipality must serve as a proactive steward, facilitator, and partner in determining the future of the Jackson Park Bandshell. Rather than treating historic municipal infrastructure as a passive liability, City Council should actively lead the effort to protect our built heritage while ensuring fiscal responsibility and community buy-in.
- What role should council play in strengthening heritage conservation overall? City Council must transition from a reactive, administrative overseer into a proactive strategic leader for local heritage conservation.
- How should Windsor balance growth, development, and the protection of historic places?Balancing economic growth, housing development, and heritage conservation is not a choice between progress and preservation—it is about managing growth thoughtfully so that new investment enhances community character rather than erasing it. Windsor’s historic streetscapes—from Olde Riverside and Walkerville to Sandwich and Ford City—give our neighborhoods their distinct identity, drive local business foot traffic, and foster community pride.
- What is your favourite heritage landmark in Windsor? While Windsor is home to extraordinary historic treasures—from Mackenzie Hall in historic Sandwich to Willistead Manor in Walkerville—my favorite landmark is Willistead Manor followed by the Peace Fountain at Rheaume Park (Coventry Gardens)
- Why does it matter to you?Heritage preservation is deeply personal to me. My very first job was as a playground supervisor at Willistead Park for the City of Windsor’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Spending my days at Willistead Manor allowed me to fall in love with the estate, learn its rich history, and witness firsthand how a historic landmark acts as a living anchor—seamlessly tying our community’s past to its present. Equally close to my heart is the Charles Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain at Reaume Park. Growing up and living in Riverside, the Peace Fountain has always been a symbol of local joy and pride, honoring one of our region’s most impactful labor leaders. To me, it also serves as a powerful metaphor for our community: the fountain rests on a solid, deep foundation—much like our shared local history and roots—from which it propels extraordinary growth high into the air. Heritage landmarks like Willistead Manor and the Peace Fountain remind us that when we honor our roots and protect our history, we inspire individuals and neighborhoods across Windsor to grow, innovate, and thrive together.
To follow the candidate’s campaign, visit his website.
Featured image is from the candidate’s Facebook Page.
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