07/22/2026
Proposed National Urban Park Takes Major Step Forward
The proposed National Urban Park in the Windsor area moved closer to becoming a reality this week as federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous partners announced another significant milestone. The project now includes an additional 19 hectares of the former Windsor Raceway lands, helping to protect more of the nationally significant Ojibway Prairie Complex.
The future park will bring together lands managed by the City of Windsor, Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, the Essex Region Conservation Authority, and other partners into a connected network dedicated to conservation, recreation, and education. It is designed to preserve one of Canada's most biodiverse ecosystems while improving access to nature for residents and visitors alike.
Next steps include developing an interim operational plan, continuing public and First Nation engagement, and finalizing agreements between project partners. Once established, the Windsor-area National Urban Park is expected to become Canada's second national urban park, creating lasting environmental, tourism, and recreational benefits for the region.