The snowfall in Windsor is much less than that found in other cities throughout the Great Lakes Region, but� despite this, there are usually several major blizzards each winter. Summers are the warmest and most humid anywhere in Canada, rife with thunderstorms and daily maximum temperatures over 86 degrees. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Windsor is -29�C (-20�F) and the warmest is 40�C (104�F).

Windsor and Tornadoes

Back in 1946, the strongest and deadliest tornado to date hit Windsor. In 1974, during the Super Outbreak, a tornado killed nine people at the Windsor Curling Club while all other Canadian cities remained untouched by its destructive force. During the Southeast Michigan Tornado Outbreak of 1997, the city as was hit by another one of lesser grade, which caused some street flooding but did not result in the loss of life.

Windsor Population

The latest census information indicates that the population of metropolitan Windsor has grown 7.3% since 2001. Over 20% of Windsor's residents are foreign born, comprising the fourth highest numbers for any Canadian city. There is a significant French speaking population (75,780) in Windsor and the surrounding areas. Many of them are in the Lakeshore, Tecumseh and LaSalle areas. Other nationalities residing in the area and their numbers include:

English, 62,210
Irish, 42,645
Italian, 30,730
Scottish, 38,545
German, 24,580
Polish, 11, 545
Other Nationalities, 39,325

Windsor Economy

The city's economy is primarily based on manufacturing, tourism, education and government services, almost defying its motto which states:� "the river and the land sustain us." Often referred to as the "Automotive Capital of Canada," Windsor is the headquarters of Chrysler Canada. Industries include: Chrysler mini-van assembly plant, a Ford Motor Company plant, a General Motors transmission plant and some smaller tool and dye and automotive parts manufacturers. Windsor is also home to an historic distillery founded by Hiram Walker, which dates back to 1858.

There is also a significant and growing local pharmaceutical industry whose companies include: Accucaps, Pharmaphil, Jamieson Laboratories and Gelcell.

Windsor Tourism and Casinos

The tourist industry in Windsor is very well established. Since its opening in 1996, Caesar's Windsor (formerly Casino Windsor) ranks as one of the largest local employers and is a powerful magnet for visitors. The city's extensive riverfront parks system and fine eating establishments, particularly those found in Little Italy and along Erie Street, draw many gourmand/tourists annually as well.

The Lake Erie North Shore Wine Region in Essex County is growing rapidly and is already a viable contender as a stable source of tourism and employment in the region.

The University of Windsor and St. Clair College are important local employers too, and both have expanded significantly in recent years. A full-program medical school, which is slated to open in September, 2008, at the University of Windsor, is sure to improve both the region's economy and the status of the university.

Windsor Casinos

Casino Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive East, (800) 991-7777
MGM Grand Detroit, 1300 John Centre Lodge Freeway, (313) 393-7777
Motor City Casino, 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, (877) 777-0711
Greektown Casino, 555 East Lafayette, Detroit, (888) 771-4386
Windsor Raceway, Windsor, 5555 Ojibway Pkway, (519) 250-3600

Ontario Casinos

OLG Casino Brantford
40 Icomm Dr.
Brantford, Ontario N3S 7S9
Canada
Phone: (519) 752-5004

Thousand Islands Charity Casino
380 HWY 2
Gananoque, Ontario K7G 2V4
Canada
Phone: (613) 382-6800

Golden Eagle Charitable Casino & Entertainment Centre
Golf Course Rd.
Kenora, Ontario P9N3X8
Canada
Phone: (807) 548-1332

Casino Niagara
5705 Falls Ave.
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6T3
Canada
Phone: (905) 374-3598

Fallsview Casino Resort
6380 Fallsview Blvd
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 7X5
Canada
Phone: (905) 374-3598

OLG Casino Point Edward
2000 Venetian Blvd.
Point Edward, Ontario N7T 8G4
Canada
Phone: (519) 383-7770

Great Blue Heron Charity Casino
21777 Island Rd.
Port Perry, Ontario L9L 1B6
Canada
Phone: (905) 985-4888

Casino Rama
5899 Rama Rd.
Rama, Ontario L0K 1T0
Canada
Phone: (705) 329-3325

Casino Sault Ste. Marie
30 Bay St. W
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 7A6
Canada
Phone: (705) 759-0100

OLG Casino Thunder Bay
50 S Cumberland St.
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5L4
Canada
Phone: (807) 683-1935

Casino Windsor
377 Riverside Dr. E
Windsor, Ontario N9A 7H7
Canada
Phone: (519) 258-7878

Things To Do in Windsor, Canada

Canada South Science & Discovery Center, 930 Marion Avenue, Windsor (519) 973-3667
Windsor's Community Museum, 54 Pitt St. West, (519) 253- 1812
Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside Drive West, (519) 256 2262
Windsor Wood Carving Museum, 850 Ouellette Avenue, (519) 977-0823
Canadian Historical Aircraft Association, Group Box 40, Airport Road, Windsor, (519) 996-9742
Canadian Auto Museum, 95 Laurier Drive, Windsor, (519) 734-7943
Detroit Science Center, John R Street and Warren Avenue, Detroit (313) 577-8400
Detroit Institute of the Arts, 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, (313) 833-4005
Motown Historical Museum, 2648 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, (313) 875-2264
Leamington And Mersea Historical Society, 121 Co Rd 14 Leamington, ON (519) 326-7252
Odette Sculpture Park, 2450 McDougall Street, (519) 253-2300

The City of Roses

Windsor is noted for the several large parks and gardens that adorn its waterfront. In the center of the city at Jackson Park, stands The Queen Elizabeth II Sunken Garden. Currently removed for restoration, a World War II era Lancaster bomber had been on display in this location for more than 40 years.

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