distancing rules are in place and being followed, enhanced cleaning measures are in place and a limited amount of people are in a facility/at the amenity at any one time. In addition, the displays will be placed so that they can be viewed from the outside the venue wherever possible.
Security Risks:
The City has made a significant investment in holiday lighting and displays that is expected to be enjoyed for many years. There is a significant risk that the displays would be vandalized or stolen if left in unsecured public areas. There would be an increased burden on the BIA’s to provide security and/or replacement costs should the City’s displays become damaged or go missing. This risk can be mitigated by using some of the pieces within city facilities, and supporting lighting displays across the City through a partnership program between the City and the BIA’s.
Financial Matters:
The City of Windsor has an operating budget of $592,000 for holiday lighting program for various sites around the City and for Bright Lights in 2020. Approximately $92,000 of the overall annual budget has already been spent on the removal of the 2019/2020 displays. Funding will be used on setting up Holiday displays in the traditional locations such as the lighting near the underpass at Dougall Avenue and Howard Avenue, the outdoor trees at Mackenzie Hall, Garry Dugal Park, etc. Should Council wish to move forward with enhanced displays at secure indoor City of Windsor facilities, part of the operating budget would be used to enhance these locations.
If approved, $180,000 is the maximum amount that would be used to fund the BIA Matching Partnership Program, which would leave a savings from the Holiday Lights operating budget of $195,000. The table below shows the full breakdown of the funding:
| Holiday Lighting Operating Budget 2020 | $592,000 |
| Expenses 2020 YTD for Holiday Lighting Program | ($92,000) |
| Projected Estimate of Non-Bright Lights Holiday Lighting Requirements including enhanced existing locations and secure indoor sites | ($125,000) |
| BIA Matching Partnership Program/Enhanced Holiday Displays | ($180,000) |
| Total Holiday Lighting Expenditures Forecasted and Spent for 2020 | ($397,000) |
| Available Savings From Bright Lights Operating Budget | $195,000 |