Windsor’s Peace Fountain Won’t Be Installed As Planned Due To COVID-19 Rules

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The annual installation of Windsor’s Peace Fountain is on hold for the time being.

The City of Windsor says the Charlie Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain will not be placed into the water at Coventry Gardens as scheduled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, the installation is not something deemed essential under Provincial construction orders,” city officials said in a statement to the media.

The installation was originally planned for next week, in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.  But the city says that the installation will not be allowed since construction projects of that type are not considered essential under the province of Ontario’s essential business orders.

The fountain’s installation was also put on hold in 2019 after parts for its pumps were found to have significant wear due to sediment and debris.  Replacement parts were ordered from Germany and the fountain was put back into service in late June 2019 — several weeks ahead of schedule.

The future of the fountain was discussed by Windsor city council in December.  Councillors approved emergency repairs and a study is ongoing for refurbishment or replacement of the fountain the coming years.

The Peace Fountain, which is the only international floating fountain in the world, can propel water 70 feet in the air and displays a light show at night.  It normally operates daily from 11:00am until 11:00pm between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving.

The city says they will install the fountain if COVID-19 rules from the province change, and if time permits.