WHATWE LEARNED
Consultations were organized by sector with a goal of eliciting information about the needs, future, and potential
contributions of the University to each of those economic areas. However, many common themes emerged, and
these are describedbelow.
CommonThreads: OurCommunity
Community members from all sectors shared a deep commitment to the Windsor-Essex region, emphasizing
lifestyle, climate, affordability, diversity, and proximity to the amenities of a major metropolitan area as a unique
combination of advantages that no other city in Canada can offer. Many also noted the economic opportunities of
Windsor’s location, particularly access to American markets and employment, but also its advantageous context
for entrepreneurial activity. As one participant put it, Windsor is arguably the best city inCanada inwhich to take a
business risk – with low rents, inexpensive housing, inexpensive labour, and ready access to American markets,
it’s a natural fit for entrepreneurial activity.
Many felt that Windsor has untapped or underdeveloped potential. There is evidence that external perceptions of
Windsor are changing, with increased interest in the city as a small-business startup and retirement destination.
Participants emphasized the critical importance of working to keep our top graduates in the city, and to attract
talented newcomers from elsewhere, if the city is to continue to capitalize on its potential. In many fields, loss of
graduates to the U.S. or to larger Canadian cities was noted. Participants noted settlement patterns among
millennials, who may tend to choose a place they want to live and then look for work there. This suggests that
situating the city in terms of lifestyle is critical to this effort. One underlying themewas the importance of university
research and education in fully capitalizing on the region’s potential, and in inspiring pride in and commitment to
the region to help to retain graduates and attract talent from elsewhere.
Itwaswonderful to
hear fromall these
community leaders
on the importance
theyplaceonour
work. Their
contributionswill aid
us in shaping the
futureof our
institution.
-Dr. AlanWildeman
Report onCommunityConsultations:Winter 2017
