What does it mean to be Canadian? We asked residents in Canada's southernmost city.

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]From sports teams and shopping to culture and family connection, life in Windsor has long been shaped by its proximity to the United States. And for many residents, that cross-border connection is part of what makes Windsor distinctly Canadian. A lot of friends over there. Dinners, you know, fun entertainment events. I would I I would say we always go to Detroit. I feel like we're we're almost honorary Detroiters just being here in Windsor, but I definitely feel like we we experience being Canadian differently just because of those close ties with the with the US.

[00:00:30]>> Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island CEO Gordon Orr says Windsor serves as one of Canada's front doors. You know, we're the southernmost city in Canada, without question. The other thing is we're a gateway to this great country of ours, and that includes both trade and visitation.

[00:00:46]>> Orr says more than 1.7 million American visitors come to Windsor Essex each year, making this region the first impression of Canada for many travelers.

[00:00:55]We are the first impression that a lot of Americans receive, and we're a welcoming presence indeed. My name IS JOE, AND I AM CANADIAN.

[00:01:05]MOLSON'S NEW CAMPAIGN invites Canadians to share photos capturing modern Canadian identity. Though Windsor was not among the cities selected for the company's disposable camera giveaway promotion, some residents say the city is often overlooked nationally.

[00:01:19]>> Yeah, you know, we're always ignored, but when you look at Molson as a beer, um, they're very big up up north in Canada compared to us cuz, you know, here locally we have a lot of breweries.

[00:01:28]We're so close to different beers than they are.

[00:01:31]>> very proud to be Canadian. Others say Windsor's connection to Detroit is exactly what makes the city special. I think the flagpole at the waterfront in front of the RenCen. Taking taking that picture.

[00:01:46]To me, I think that identifies, you know, cuz the river's there.

[00:01:51]We're 300-year-old community.

[00:01:54]And, you know, the relationship between it's moved back and forth over the over the centuries.

[00:01:59]>> In Windsor, Chris Campbell, CTV News.