The City of Windsor’s Poet Laureate Peter Hrastovec is once again planning to bring poetry to the community in a meaningful way as part of National Poetry Month 2026.

“Windsor’s Voices” is an initiative to celebrate National Poetry Month that will once again place short, six-to-ten-line inspirational poems on television screens in select City-owned facilities across the community, and as part of an online Zine to be published in April, with copies available to view at Windsor Public Library branches.

Submission Period: From February 23, 2026, to March 20, 2026, interested Windsor poets and photographers of all ages, including youth (14 to 24), are encouraged to submit original poems or photos on one of two themes:

Theme # 1: Contributors are asked to share what Windsor means to them, from neighbourhoods, events, work and labour, art and imagination, and cultural traditions to important landmarks, places, people, experiences and inspirations. Contributions will reflect on what makes Windsor special.

Theme # 2: As we say in Windsor, “The River and the Land Sustain Us.” Contributors are asked to reflect on the theme of “LAND & SEA” — which is the League of Canadian Poets’ 2026 theme for National Poetry Month. The organization describes the theme as follows: “Mother Earth began with spirit — first water, then land — alive and sacred. To walk on the land and touch her waters is an act of respect and gratitude. Every stone, stream, mountain, and drop of water is a teacher; every breeze, a messenger. We are called to listen, honour, by giving thanks through acts of care. Speaking with water and land we acknowledge its life-sustaining gifts; carrying the lessons of the past into the future through ceremony… explore the relationship with water and land — write, reflect, and celebrate our shared responsibilities and the sacred bonds that sustain us all.”

Submission Requirements:

• Email to [email protected]
• Subject Line: Windsor Voices Initiative 2026
• Include in the body of your email:Full nameFull mailing address
• Let us know if you are submitting a poem and/or photograph.
• Let us know which of the two themes your work connects with.
• Attach your six-to-ten-line poem/reflection and/or photograph.
• Limit of one submission only per person

Those submitting will hear from a program representative in late March 2026. The City’s Poet Laureate and Poet Laureate Emeritus will select the poems and photos that best capture and align with the two themes.