Windsor, Ontario

Windsor, Ontario is a city located in Southern Ontario, Canada. It is the southernmost city in Canada and is located on the southern shore of the Detroit River, directly across from Detroit, Michigan. Windsor is a major contributor to Canada's automotive industry and is culturally diverse.

History

Windsor was first inhabited by the First Nations and French colonists. It was later taken over by the British. Windsor was established as a village in 1854 (then known as Sandwich), became a town in 1858, and a city in 1892. The city has a rich history as a major entry point into Canada for refugees from slavery via the Underground Railroad and was a major source of liquor during American Prohibition.

Geography

Windsor is primarily flat, with gentle rolling hills and productive farmland to the west of the city. The city covers an area of 146.38 square kilometres. Windsor's climate is humid continental, with four distinct seasons. The mean annual temperature is 9.9 °C (50 °F), among the warmest in Canada primarily due to its hot summers.

Economy

Windsor's economy is primarily based on manufacturing, tourism, education, and government services. The city is one of Canada's major automobile manufacturing centres and is home to the headquarters of FCA Canada. Windsor has a well-established tourism industry. Caesars Windsor, one of the largest casinos in Canada, ranks as one of the largest local employers.

Culture

Windsor has a diverse culture because of its large immigrant population. Many nationalities are represented in Windsor, contributing to its diverse food and culture scene. The city is also known for its several large parks and gardens, many right on the waterfront, as well as its vibrant downtown area.

Education

Windsor is home to the University of Windsor, which is Canada's southernmost university. It is a research oriented, comprehensive university with a student population of over 15,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate students and over 1000 graduate students. The city is also home to St. Clair College, with a student population of full time students exceeding 10,000.

Transportation

Windsor has a well-developed transportation network, including the Windsor International Airport, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and the Ambassador Bridge, the busiest commercial border crossing on the Canada–United States border.

See also

• List of people from Windsor, Ontario
• List of municipalities in Ontario

External links

• Official website