Over the past decade, Windsor has undergone many changes of which everyone should be proud.

The Windsor Business Enhancement Society (WBES) and the Chamber of Commerce have helped to establish a vision for the future.

In the past few years alone, there has been a litany of projects undertaken by the WBES. The Hockey Heritage Museum, murals on many 'landmark' buildings, Star's Bride Park, hanging baskets for downtown businesses, waterfront work, Friday Night Concert Series, Farmers Market and entertainment and hiring a regular street cleaner are but a few of the positive things business owners have developed.

The WBES sponsor an amazing amount of projects, but moreover they helped create an atmosphere where people work together to re-instill faith and pride in the community.

Examining the possibilities Fort Edward offers includes individuals from all areas of the community -- the West Hants Historical Society, Town of Windsor, WBES and other groups are working towards finding a mutual goal for the benefit of everyone.

For the for the first time in years the Town is actually seeing a decline in its population, while at the same time tens of millions in investments is occurring at the Cole Drive region. One major concern of the WBES is to try and draw people from the highway and stop in Windsor.

At a recent business meeting, town CAO Louis Couthino said he had driven by Windsor for more than two decades before stopping in – for his job interview.

Since then Couthino has moved here and has been very involved in his new job while simultaneously working to form partnerships with other municipal units to encourage various capital projects. He has his work cut out for him as there has never been a busier time in the town and industrial parks.

Many citizens are taking a stand on important issues such as the 'crack house' raid where the community took back their street and restored the peace and quiet once enjoyed there. Spurred on by a business owner, residents living near said 'house' banded together to voice their frustration over how long the problem had plagued the area refused to give up until the problem was eradicated. It reflects the power in numbers people possess. This 'can do' attitude is what it will take to turn the downtown around and make it place of interest for not only to tourists, but also residents of surrounding communities.

The recent feral felines 'spay/neuter program was spurred on by local volunteers and the WBES to help of a lot of cat problems in Windsor that were previously ignored. It was agreed by all parties involved that enough cats should be running at large to keep the rat population down – so they do serve a useful purpose with the potential of becoming a family pet.

For a small town, Windsor has accomplished some big projects. The new library is a jewel in the centre of town, and the new Aquatic Centre will not only bring more visitors to the downtown area, but will provide children and seniors much-welcomed cool reprieve from summer heat.

The work for the projects mentioned, along with countless others, is a direct result from the stalwart efforts from local business owners and residents who strive to make the area a better place.

The Hants Journal salutes everyone who helped in any way to make a positive difference in Windsor and subsequently setting a course enabling more success stories to come as the town continues to be revitalized.