In downtown Windsor, eye-catching orange and black signs have been cropping up on empty buildings, proclaiming “Spirit Halloween Coming Soon.” However, these signs are not related to the actual seasonal store but are part of a project by local street artist Daniel Bombardier, also known as Denial, aiming to draw attention to the abundance of vacant properties in the city’s central area, many of which he describes as having a haunted appearance.
Bombardier embarked on this initiative after acquiring a large number of the Spirit Halloween signs, noting the memes associated with them and the symbolism of their temporary presence in abandoned spaces. He perceives these signs as highlighting a stark contrast between the high number of closed-down establishments and the pride that should be felt for the downtown area. His intention is to spark efforts to repurpose these empty buildings by offering rent subsidies or incentives to prevent them from remaining boarded up, creating a post-apocalyptic ambiance reminiscent of the Halloween season.
The artist collaborated with Jess Reimer on the project and encourages others to use the signs creatively in various locations. Bombardier emphasizes the positive impact of art and creative projects in revitalizing cities, citing Detroit as a successful example that Windsor could emulate, particularly in terms of murals and artistic endeavors contributing to urban renewal.
Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino, who oversees the downtown area, found the signs amusing and views them as a conversation-starter. He believes the signs serve as a playful expression of creativity, resonating beyond just the downtown vicinity. Chris MacLeod, chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, sees the signs as a tool to raise awareness of available spaces in the area, emphasizing the need for more residential development to attract businesses and change public perceptions.
Agostino remains committed to attracting new investments and filling the empty storefronts in the downtown core, focusing on dispelling negative perceptions and bringing about positive change. Despite current economic uncertainties, including trade wars, he remains optimistic about the potential for major companies to return to downtown Windsor, signaling promising developments on the horizon.