to comply with Provincial Orders. Additionally, the City ramped up the enhanced cleaning measures across all facilities that remained open during that time. During these unprecedented times which includes provincial regulations which limits gathering restrictions, the department in consultation with the local Health Unit has been forced to cancel many events in 2020 including but not limited to Open Streets and Bright Lights. As a result, Administration has been exploring options to increase the presence of the Bright Lights infrastructure/displays in the Community in consultations with the BIAs.

Discussion:

As a result of cancelling Bright Lights 2020, Administration looked at alternative holiday lighting options for the City. One potential alternative is to take some of the Bright Light displays that are normally at Jackson Park, and utilize them across the City. This alternative would still allow for the displays to been seen throughout the City and it would help to disperse the large crowds that would normally be seen at Bright Lights Windsor. While this opportunity exists, there is a great security risk that comes with this alternative. When operating Bright Lights at Jackson Park, the site is fully fenced and there is security on site during the entire period to ensure the displays are not tampered with or stolen. As these displays would be quite costly to replace, it is not recommended that they be left outside without security. Operating multiple outdoor displays would require security for each location and would add significant costs.

With the lights and displays currently sitting in storage, there is an opportunity to use some of them at various indoor locations throughout the City. One alternative that can be offered is to set up some of the displays at City facilities such as the atrium at City Hall, the WFCU Centre and the atrium at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre. These buildings are already open to the public and would provide a safe and secure location for a display. Facilities that are still closed to the public would not be considered to house any displays.

BIA Matching Partnership Program

On Friday, October 9th, Administration invited representatives from each of the BIAs to discuss holiday lighting opportunities for the 2020/21 season. While not all BIAs were able to attend the meeting, at the time this report was written, Administration has reached out to those not in attendance to discuss these opportunities. In discussion with the BIAs, a matching fund partnership program was discussed as an option, as it would enhance the holiday lights in various areas of the City. If approved by Council, this program would allow the BIA’s to apply for City funding to further enhance their displays. The funds provided would need to be used specifically to purchase or rent temporary beautification items such as holiday displays or lighting, window displays, floral items or it could be used for infrastructure upgrades to display these items (e.g. electrical outlets). The BIA’s would need to come up with the initial funding however; the City could match the funding amount between $1,000 and $20,000 per BIA. With a total of nine (9) BIA’s throughout the City, the maximum amount that would be funded by the City would be a total of $180,000. This BIA matching partnership program would be for the 2020 season only. Any unused funds from the BIA matching partnership program will be used to invest in additional holiday displays across the City.