(BlackburnNews.com file photo by  Jason Viau)(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Jason Viau)
Windsor

Dilkens, West End React to Bridge Permit

Windsor's mayor and an advocate for one of the city's neighbourhoods are reacting to the permit for a new bridge.

The Detroit International Bridge Company, which owns and operates the Ambassador Bridge, announced Wednesday that it had been granted a permit from the Government of Canada clearing the way for a new span to be built alongside the current bridge.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens tells BlackburnNews.com that the federal government had clued him in to what was happening.

"I actually received a call last week from [Transportation] Minister [Marc] Garneau letting me know that the federal government had concluded their process, and that they had intended on issuing a permit to the Ambassador Bridge for the construction of a replacement span," says Dilkens.

Now that Ottawa has made the permit official, Dilkens says that the government has listened to the concerns that were raised locally, and that the permit carries explicit conditions that the bridge company must follow in order to begin the construction of a new cable-stayed span.

Nevertheless, the mayor says there are still some loose ends that need to be tied up, and he has not yet been made aware of the conditions imposed on the bridge company. One of those loose ends is a firehall in west Windsor.

"We did tell the federal government that we think a new firehall needs to be constructed on the west side to make sure that we can serve the needs of our residents, and we need to make sure that it's included as part of the conditions of the permit," says Dilkens.

The mayor also says they need information on zoning as far as ongoing litigation between the city and the bridge company is concerned. With the permit in place, the bridge company can in theory begin clearing houses that are in the zone, though it would not take place until the permit conditions are met.

An advocate for Windsor's west end has also expressed those same concerns. Fabio Costante, founder of the community action group Our West End, says his primary concern is a proposed toll and customs plaza, and its possible effect on the area.

"How far and deep will it cut into Sandwich town? And what does it mean for the neighbourhood?" says Costante. "Frankly, what type of benefits will be provided in the event this twin span gets built? Will there be any benefits?"

In a statement Wednesday, Minister Garneau says the construction of the new bridge, along with that of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, would help provide infrastructure improvements to the local community.

Read More Local Stories