Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is pushing back as the long-anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains entangled in a broader dispute between the United States and Canada.
“I know that the U.S. government has put a proposition forward to the Canadian government on how they might find a pathway to open the bridge. And what I’ve said is, if it’s a bad deal, don’t take it, Canadian government. We’re willing to let that bridge stay closed for a little while longer instead of taking a bad deal put forward by the United States,” Dilkens said.
The project has been tied up in negotiations for months.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump threatened to keep the bridge closed unless the United States is “fully compensated” by Canada.
“The fact that the United States and President Donald Trump is now saying keep the bridge closed for some false grievance that he has against Canada is just asinine,” Dilkens said.
About one-third of all trade between the United States and Canada moves through Detroit, primarily across the privately owned Ambassador Bridge.
The nearly 100-year-old, four-lane toll bridge is the busiest international border crossing in North America.
“Because of Donald Trump’s tariff policy against Canada, there’s been a decrease in trade, and so the Ambassador Bridge can handle the trade for the moment, but I do want to see the Gordie Howe Bridge open because we’ve worked on it,” Dilkens said.
The White House pushed back on the characterization of the dispute.
“The issues that the president has raised with the Gordie Howe Bridge are separate from trade. The Trump administration remains committed to rectifying Canada’s unfair trade practices,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge broke ground in 2018, and residents on both sides of the Detroit River have watched it take shape piece by piece, with Canada funding construction.
In a statement, Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, said, “The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a symbol of the strong relationship between the Detroit region and Canada and a much-needed piece of infrastructure that will enhance the lucrative U.S.-Canada trade partnership. The Detroit Regional Chamber looks forward to seeing the bridge open.”
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said the project team is continuing testing and commissioning work to prepare for operations upon opening. One of the most visible recent activities has been ongoing testing of the lighting system.
The agency said it is “progressing toward a spring opening,” adding that the exact opening date depends on completion of quality reviews and testing. It said updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
Local 4 also contacted the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, and the office of House Speaker Matt Hall, but has not yet received responses.