Windsor's Lancaster bomber could get $50K per year from city

The future of Windsor's Lancaster bomber may very well be decided Tuesday night at council.

The Second World War plane was purchased in 1964 and displayed at Jackson Park for 40 years.

Windsor's Lancaster is owned by the city and is being restored by a group of volunteers with the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association.

In 2006, the council back then approved 10 annual payments of $35,000 to the association to restore the plane.

Now, Windsor's Social Development, Health and Culture Standing Committee recommends spending $50,000 per year on the restoration efforts.

Coun. Rino Bortolin wants the city to give the association even more money.

He called it a cultural asset owned by the city and said it's important to restore it. The proposed $50,000 per year isn't enough do that, he said.

Getting $100,000 would ensure the plane is completed in seven years, explained Aircraft Association vice president Don Christopher.

"Just to store an artifact like this, which takes up almost 6,000 square feet, would cost $50,000 to $100,000 a year," he said. "We're not just storing it, we're restoring it and that involves a lot more effort."

With fewLancastersleft in the world, finding parts is a significant challenge, Christopher explained. What the association can't find, they have to manufacture,which also requires heavy investment.

"This aircraft is an icon, there are only 17 left in the world, so for the city to have one is very special," he said.