A crush of curious local historians and fans of Windsor's heritage jammed a meeting room Thursday at Willistead Manor for a chance to have their thoughts on a new museum heard.

Approximately 60 people formed a standing-room-only crowd to witness the unveiling of a feasibility study for a new museum in Windsor.

People had the opportunity to be heard and note what they hope to see in such a project. They could provide their ideas and ask questions.

Museum planners cautious

Ted Silberberg is the consultant working on the study. He is with Lord Cultural Resources, the largest museum planning firm in the world.

Silberberg says after 30 years of talk that has gone nowhere, it's time Windsor had a new museum.

He says the city's existing museum is small, and cannot do justice telling Windsor's stories.

But Silberberg adds building a new, larger facility will have to be balanced with what is affordable.

"It's tough economic times we're in, certainly, and so we want to dream but we want to be practical at the same time," Silberberg said. "We have to look at the issues of the size of the facility, the sites, the visitor experience the level of capital investment, staffing. All those key issues have to be taken into account."

Differing opinions

Some people suggest the new museum have a theme, while others say that wouldn't do justice to the city and its history. Others propose a museum that would feature different periods of time.

Windsor Port Authority harbour master Peter Berry said he would like a marine museum.

"We have 400 years of marine history here on the Detroit River between the two communities of Detroit and Windsor," noted Berry.

Coun. Ron Jones prefers the Windsor Jail in the city's west end be converted into a museum.

Coun. Percy Hatfield and Coun. Al Maghnieh have previously said it's too early to decide on a location, although Maghnieh said downtown should be a consideration.

The complete feasibility study is expected within six months, although Silberberg aims to recommend a site and size for the museum in January.