A local artist in Windsor is shedding light on the abundance of vacant storefronts in the city’s downtown by putting up large orange and black “Spirit Halloween Coming Soon” signs on empty buildings. The artist, known as Denial, aims to draw attention to the eerie appearance of these deserted locations.
Denial, also referred to as Daniel Bombardier, acquired hundreds of these signs and started displaying them around the area. He believes that the visual impact of the signs serves as a stark reminder of the high number of unoccupied properties, questioning why there are so many abandoned businesses in a district that should be thriving.
The artist hopes that by showcasing the emptiness, it will spark initiatives to repurpose these spaces through rent subsidies or other incentives to prevent them from remaining neglected and rundown. The signs serve as a symbolic representation of a post-apocalyptic atmosphere akin to a Halloween setting.
In collaboration with Jess Reimer, Denial encourages others to participate in the project by putting up the signs in various locations. The intention is to bring a smile to people’s faces and create a playful atmosphere reminiscent of the Halloween spirit.
Drawing inspiration from Detroit’s successful revitalization efforts, Denial emphasizes the potential for a similar transformation in Windsor by utilizing art and creative projects to breathe new life into the downtown area. Reimer echoes the sentiment, expressing a desire to restore the city’s core to its former vibrant state.
Councilor Renaldo Agostino acknowledges the humor in the signage campaign, recognizing its role in sparking conversations about the downtown area. He emphasizes the importance of filling these empty spaces with new investments to rejuvenate the district and dispel negative perceptions.
Chris MacLeod, chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, underscores the need for residential development and events to enhance the downtown’s appeal and attract businesses. Agostino is committed to attracting new investments to the area and revitalizing the core to its full potential.
As Windsor aims for a brighter future, the community is hopeful that ongoing efforts will lead to a thriving downtown scene once again.