After more than two decades representing Ward 6, Windsor Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac has announced she will not seek another term in this fall’s municipal election. Gignac shared her decision at the end of council’s meeting on July 27. “Today, I wanted to share with the community and with my colleagues around the table and administration, who I greatly admire, that I will not be standing for re-election, finally, after 23 years,” Gignac said. With candidate registration closing Aug. 21, Gignac said she chose to make her plans known now in hopes of drawing new voices into the race. “I am hoping, by doing so, this encourages a broad number of people out in Ward 6 — which is an incredible ward — to step forward and consider sitting in one of these chairs,” said Gignac, adding “it’s not an easy job.” Gignac indicated her announcement was only the beginning of her farewell to city hall. “Mr. Mayor, I’m going to have a lot more to say before I leave in September,” she said. Her decision came on the same day the Gordie Howe International Bridge welcomed its first passenger vehicle, giving Gignac an opportunity to reflect on a major file that spanned nearly her entire council career. First elected in 2003, Gignac recalled the early debates over the location of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge crossing and its access route, including alternatives that could have directed traffic through other parts of Windsor and LaSalle. “The community had some very, very strong feelings in terms of what their ultimate choice would be,” Gignac said. “The council of the day listened to those voices, hired the best in the world in terms of Sam Schwartz, put our heads down with administration and fought like heck.” Seeing the bridge enter service offered a tangible conclusion to those years of planning and advocacy. “There have been a number of other projects that I have been privileged to work on for this community over the last 23 years — incredible projects that I am so proud of,” she said. Mayor Drew Dilkens responded by acknowledging the difficulty of Gignac’s decision and the reaction around the council table. “We’re already sorry to hear it, but we’re happy for you because we know that’s a hard decision to make,” Dilkens said. He added that Gignac’s work is not finished yet. “We certainly do expect your voice to carry strong right through until Nov. 15 when the next council takes over,” Dilkens said. “You’ll have more to say, and we’ll have more to say about you at the right time too, I’m sure.” Gignac’s departure leaves the Ward 6 council seat without an incumbent in this fall’s election. Prospective candidates have until Aug. 21 to register. Voters will head to the polls on Oct. 26.
