Inside Windsor's most dangerous neighbourhood — and efforts to make it safer
CBC
A community garden, in the midst of Windsor's most dangerous neighbourhood, is described as a point of pride that "means everything" to some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
But the carrots, beets and tomatoes harvested weekly from the gated garden, on their own, are not enough to solve the deep-rooted problems in the Glengarry neighbourhood.
From the back porch of his first-floor apartment, Michael Duke builds LEGO to keep himself busy. He has a front-row seat to many of the problems that exist in the courtyard, just steps away.
Duke describes Glengarry as a "stressful, depressing and sad" place.
"Constant stress for anybody that lives here that doesn't do drugs, that doesn't do crime. It's almost like living in prison. It feels like prison," said Duke, who's lived in the Glengarry complex for five years.
Windsor police, and other community resources, have stationed themselves at the 500-unit complex 24/7. It's a first-of-its kind partnership with the Community Housing Corporation (CHC) which started at the beginning of August.
Between Sept. 12 and Sept. 14, police arrested 26 people in the Glengarry neighbourhood. The 48 charges laid include assault with a weapon, break and enter, theft and failure to comply with different conditions.
Still, Duke said not a lot has changed, from his perspective.
"As soon as they make arrests, those people are back within 24 hours in the neighbourhood being louder, rowdier than ever. Things have not gotten better," said Duke.
Others say some progress has been made, and they remain hopeful for the future.
"I don't have tent city in my backyard anymore," said Abby Eplett, who has lived in Glengarry for nearly one year.
"I'm a little more hopeful, I'd say. I can't say I have high hopes," she added.
The 23-year-old said she never really feels unsafe, with her large dog by her side, but her surroundings make it difficult to have visitors.
"I can't have my friends and family around here because they're worried. That's a downside," said Eplett.
