A west Windsor action group is highlighting an initiative with local police to call attention to safety in the neighbourhood surrounding the University of Windsor.
Our West End, a neighbourhood group, is teaming up with the University of Windsor's campus police force and Windsor Police to ensure students and area residents are safe. Sergeant Chris Zelezney of the UW campus police says much is offered to help keep the area safe.
"There are women's self defence classes, work alone programs, our walk safe program on campus, plus a whole bunch of other services and programs that we have for the students, staff and faculty," said Zelezney.
A press conference Monday promoted a crime prevention workshop for students and area residents, as well as highlight some of the programs the university has put into place to increase safety, such as emergency help stations placed across campus, the new parking garage and the pedestrian streetscape cutting through campus. Zelezney says he is seeing the campus improvements rub off into the surrounding area.
"I've seen, going into the other neighbourhoods surrounding the university that people are more apt to put more care into their properties or light their properties a little bit better," said Zelezney.
Our West End is a group that is dedicated to promoting the neighbourhoods and vitality of the neighbourhood that includes the Ambassador Bridge and the university. The group, a part of Life After Fifty, has spearheaded a community engagement strategy since 2013.
One concern is of the blight that has appeared on the streets surrounding the bridge. Zelezney says he understands the anxiety some students feel as they travel through the area.
A free community town hall concerning crime prevention techniques will take place at the university's CAW Student Centre on Tuesday from 12:30 to 4:30. Click here for information on registering.