A huge tower crane that has become a part of the Windsor skyline and a visual reminder of UWindsor’s exciting expansion was removed yesterday from the Centre for Engineering Innovation construction site.

Matt Soulliere, project manager for PCR Contractors Inc., says the crane was used mainly for concrete placement and has been at the site since shortly after groundbreaking in January 2010. With most concrete work completed, the iconic symbol of progress is no longer needed.

“We have metal decking coming across the top of the atrium and it will cover the opening where the crane used to be,” Soulliere said Wednesday.

Removal of the massive piece of equipment took 10 hours and nine workers using a 50-ton rough terrain mobile crane and another 200-ton crane.

“Am I going to miss it? Not at all,” Soulliere said. “It’s definitely been part of the landscape, but having the tower crane removed is a milestone for us — it means more progress.”

Funeral to close Assumption parking lot Thursday morning

The parking lot east of Assumption Church will close to the public from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, January 26, to accommodate a funeral service at the church.