A Hidden Gem: Windsor’s Newest National Park Amidst Industrial Landscapes

A Hidden Gem Amidst Industrial Shadows

The beach here is more characterized by shards of broken glass, remnants of decades of clandestine gatherings, than by soft, inviting sand. The cacophony of a nearby railway locomotive, with its thunderous roars and piercing squeals, competes fiercely with the melodious songs of local birds. The wind carries an oddly sweet, chemical scent from a nearby cooking oil processing plant located to the west, creating a unique olfactory backdrop.

Across the Detroit River, the skyline of the United States is dominated by a grimy factory, which continuously emits clouds of steam and periodically belches out orange flames from its towering chimney, as it processes coal into coke for the region’s steel mills. Yet, amidst this backdrop of industrial blight, a surprising sight emerges: bright yellow signs adorned with the iconic beaver logo of Parks Canada.

In a nation renowned for its breathtaking national parks nestled in majestic mountains and expansive wilderness areas, this unassuming stretch of land in Windsor, Ontario, is poised to become part of Canada’s newest national park.

Excitement in the Community

“People were genuinely thrilled to see the first signs,” shared Mike Fisher, a dedicated member of a volunteer group that has tirelessly advocated for the establishment of a national park in this area. “This marks the beginning of what will be the smallest national park in Canada, but it’s a significant step towards recognizing the ecological value of this place.”

Mike Fisher, alongside fellow board member Michelle Bondy, both active members of the Friends of Ojibway Prairie—a group committed to promoting conservation and awareness—can often be found walking along the shoreline of the Detroit River, envisioning the potential transformation of this unique landscape.