About Fred Francis
Fred Francis was born on November 22, 1980, in Windsor, Ontario, the youngest of three sons to Farid and Arlette Francis, who immigrated to Windsor from Lebanon in the early 1970s.
A lifelong Windsor resident, Fred grew up in South Windsor and attended Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School and Holy Names Catholic High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with combined honours in History and Political Science from Western University in 2003, followed by a Master of Arts degree in History in 2006 and a Bachelor of Education degree in 2009 from the University of Windsor.
Before entering municipal politics, Fred built a career in both the private and non-profit sectors. Notably, he served as Director of Business Development for one of the region’s largest automotive retailer groups and currently serves as Executive Director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County.
Fred and his wife, Carolyn, reside in Ward 1 with their daughter, Bianca. As a husband, father and Windsor resident, Fred understands the importance of building a community where families can afford to live, work, raise a family and build a successful future.
Fred was first elected to Windsor City Council in 2014 and has been re-elected twice, in 2018 and 2022. During his time on Council, he has advocated for fiscal responsibility, job creation, stronger neighbourhoods and practical investments that benefit all residents. His priorities have included supporting the new Fancsy Family hospital project, keeping City Hall spending under control, strengthening the City’s financial reserves while lowering debt, and investing in roads, sewers, parks and other essential infrastructure.
Fred remains focused on growing a strong local economy, creating good paying jobs, keeping our neighbourhoods safe, revitalizing our downtown and ensuring the City has the financial strength to invest in the services and infrastructure residents rely on.
After more than a decade representing Ward 1, Fred is running for Mayor of Windsor to bring a fresh perspective and a collaborative, proven style of leadership focused on meaningful and real results.
As Mayor, Fred will prioritize affordability, housing, community safety and economic growth. He will work to increase the supply of affordable homes, address homelessness, keep streets and neighbourhoods safe, support local jobs and businesses, protect the environment, and continue investing in Windsor’s infrastructure.
Fred believes effective leadership means listening, working together and finding common ground. Rather than relying on Strong Mayor powers, he will work with all members of City Council to build consensus and make decisions in the best interests of Windsor residents.
Fred brings practical leadership experience and a deep understanding of Windsor to his campaign for Mayor. He is committed to building a strong, vibrant city with a quality of life that is second to none and a future that works for families, businesses and residents in our community.
Agencies, Boards and Committees
Since his first election to Windsor City Council in 2014, Fred has served on a range of municipal agencies, boards and committees, including:
- Environment, Transportation & Public Safety Standing Committee
- Community Services Standing Committee
- Development and Heritage Standing Committee
- Windsor Canada Utilities/ENWIN Energy
- Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Windsor Detroit Tunnel Corporation
- International Relations Committee
- Court and Committee of Revision
- Town & Gown Committee
- Roseland Golf Club Board of Directors
- Your Quick Gateway (YQG) Board of Directors
- Museum Development Project Steering Committee
- Windsor Essex County Environment Committee
- Essex Region Conservation Authority
- Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority
- Huron Lodge Committee of Management
- Institute of Border Logistics and Security Committee (IBLS)
