Lifeline Windsor Project Launches Canada’s First COMPASS Station Network to Save Lives and Strengthen Waterfront Safety

Nov 17, 2025

Windsor, ON – A new community initiative is making waves along Windsor’s waterfront. The Lifeline Windsor Project officially debuts Tuesday, November 18, introducing an innovation that integrates modernized rescue infrastructure with mental health outreach – a system designed to prevent drownings, suicide attempts, and deaths by water.

Developed through a strong partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), Windsor Police Service, City of Windsor, Port Windsor, the Gordie Howe International Bridge team, and the University of Windsor, the initiative represents a new era in collaborative community safety.

Funding for the Lifeline Windsor Project has been provided by the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. In addition to the safety stations along the waterfront, crisis-intervention signage will be installed on the Gordie Howe International Bridge to enhance safety for all users.

At the heart of the initiative are COMPASS Stations — innovative, multi-purpose safety hubs featuring new life buoys, GPS-coded location markers, crisis and public safety signage, and QR codes connecting directly to 24/7 emergency and mental health supports.

Two distinct COMPASS Station models serve complementary purposes:

• General Public Safety COMPASS Stations – addressing a wide range of waterfront emergencies, including accidents, medical distress, and security concerns.
• Crisis COMPASS Stations – focused on suicide prevention and rescue, offering direct messaging of hope and immediate access to 24/7 crisis supports.

“Policing has always been about protecting life, and that responsibility extends beyond emergencies,” said Inspector Jen Crosby, Windsor Police Service. “The Lifeline Windsor Project turns compassion into action, reminding everyone that help and support are never far away. It’s a network of safety and care that lets people know they’re seen, valued, and never alone.”

“Safety is a top priority at the Gordie Howe International Bridge, not just for the workers who have been active on our construction site, but also for the communities we are part of, and for the future drivers, walkers and cyclists who will cross the bridge,” said Charl van Niekerk, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. “In addition to safety measures already incorporated on the bridge, we are proud to fund the Lifeline Windsor Project that extends this attention on safety across the riverfront to save lives and assist those in crisis.”

Each location is precisely mapped for rapid emergency response, creating an intelligent system that merges technology, accessibility, and compassion. Together, these stations transform the riverfront into a safer, more connected public space — one that speaks to prevention, readiness, and human dignity.

“This project is about more than equipment and signs — it’s about community compassion and action,” said Nicole Sbrocca, CEO, CMHA-WECB. “By coming together to make small but meaningful changes, we’re helping to save lives and show that Windsor truly cares about the wellbeing of all.”

The Lifeline Windsor Project builds on the national Roots of Hope framework through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, aligning with its pillars of means safety, awareness, research, and collaboration — but taking them a step further through on-the-ground innovation and real-time intervention capability.

The official launch will take place Tuesday, November 18 at 10 a.m. at the Great Canadian Flag (Riverside Drive & Ouellette Avenue). The event will feature remarks from project partners, a ceremonial unveiling of the COMPASS Stations, and an overview of how this unique Windsor model is setting a new national benchmark in waterfront safety.

About the Lifeline Windsor Project
The Lifeline Windsor Project is a multi-agency initiative dedicated to preventing deaths by water through a coordinated network of modern rescue and crisis intervention tools. The initiative integrates environmental design, digital connectivity, and mental health outreach — redefining what community-based prevention looks like. It reminds everyone who visits the waterfront that help is always within reach, and hope is never out of sight.

The Lifeline Windsor Project is funded by the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.