The Windsor Construction Association says many local contractors are turning down work on the Windsor-Essex Parkway because they’re afraid they’ll lose money on the project.

Executive Director Jim Lyons won’t say how many local firms have opted out, but says ”everyone’s concerned.”  He says the contracts are hundreds of pages thick and penalize contractors who don’t finish by a fixed date.  Lyons says that’s not realistic.  “The project’s got a long duration.  There are literally hundreds of packages coming out for tender.  There’s dates of construction that are set, and there’s Mother Nature out there playing games with you.  They’re just saying either you simplify these contracts or we’re not interested.”

Lyons says the contracts are unnecessary when the industry has standardized forms, but he’s met resistance from the Windsor Essex Mobility Group.  “It’s our way or the highway, basically.”

If enough local contractors back away from the Parkway, Lyons fears it could delay the project.