The Mayor of Windsor says progress is being made to preserve Ojibway Shores in west Windsor and keep the land as green space.
Drew Dilkens says the city and the Windsor Port Authority have been working through different scenarios, which he's choosing to keep private for confidential reasons. The mayor says the city has put aside $1.5-million to buy that parcel of land if it becomes available but the port authority wants to lease it to the community for 30 years at a cost of $10-million to $12-million.
Dilkens doesn't believe that price tag is realistic but believes both sides can eventually reach an affordable agreement.
"We don't believe that's realistic or would ever come to fruition. So, we're still trying to work through what we think are realistic options," says Dilkens.
Mayor Dilkens says the city wants to buy and preserve the entire woodlot, link it to the rest of the Ojibway Complex and eventually to the riverfront.
West Windsor MP Brian Masse wants Ojibway Shores transferred to Environment Canada or the city, fearing the land will be developed.
Dilkens says both sides are not far off and a resolution is closer than it was a few years ago.
"We're not quite there yet but we have had good discussion back and forth and I hope that 2018 we can find a resolution to reach our goal," Dilkens says.
The mayor says linking the Ojibway Complex to the riverfront will take years but it will be worth it.
"It's more difficult to complete the puzzle when you have one missing piece and Ojibway Shores is that missing piece. I think from the city's perspective, we'd love to acquire that property and maintain it in its natural state in perpetuity," says the mayor.