Should Windsor's Ojibway Prairie Become a National Urban Park?

Parks Canada wants to create a national urban park in Windsor, centred on the Ojibway Prairie Complex. This rare tallgrass prairie ecosystem would become part of a new network of urban parks across Canada. The City of Windsor is working with Parks Canada, Indigenous nations (Walpole Island, Caldwell, and Chippewas of the Thames First Nations), and other partners to figure out boundaries, governance, and how to protect the land while making it accessible.

Why This Matters

Live in Windsor or LaSalle? This could transform how you access nature in your backyard. The Ojibway Prairie is one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in North America—home to rare species you won't find anywhere else. A national urban park would protect it permanently while creating trails, programs, and green space for 350,000+ residents. It's also about reconciliation—Indigenous nations are partners in shaping what this park becomes.

What Could Change

If designated (expected as early as 2025), the Ojibway Prairie Complex would become federally protected parkland. Parks Canada would share governance with Indigenous partners and local governments. New trails and facilities could be built. Land currently managed separately by the city, province, and Hydro One would be unified under one management framework.

Key Issues

What should the park boundaries include?
How should governance be shared between Parks Canada, Indigenous nations, and local governments?
How can the park balance conservation with public access and recreation?
How can the park advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples?

How to Participate

Visit the consultation page to stay updated on the project and upcoming engagement opportunities.
Review the Natural Heritage Assessment and Engagement Summary Report to understand the research and past feedback.
Contact the project team at nationalurbanpark@citywindsor.ca with questions or to share your input.

Submit Your Input

Draft Email

Email Template

Dear National Urban Park Project Team,

I am writing regarding the proposed National Urban Park centred on the Ojibway Prairie Complex in Windsor.

I [support / have concerns about / would like to comment on] this proposal because:
[Your reason]

My connection to this area:
[e.g., I live nearby, I visit the Ojibway Prairie, I'm interested in conservation]

On park boundaries:
[Your thoughts on what areas should be included]

On balancing conservation and public access:
[Your thoughts]

On reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples:
[Your thoughts]

Thank you for considering my feedback.

Sincerely,
[Your name]