The Federal Bridge Corporation has launched a token redemption program at the Blue Water Bridge that will run until the end of next year. (Dec 31, 2022)
Director of Communications Todd Kealey said they're looking to collect all of the old tokens that are still in circulation.
"Prior to 2016, people could buy tokens, little metal coins, that will allow them to pay their tolls and people would typically buy these at a roll at a time for a small discount," said Kealey.
He said they'll stop accepting the tokens at toll booths July 1, 2022.
"Next summer, the Blue Water Bridge on both sides -- the Canadian and American side -- will be deploying a new toll system and that toll system won't be able to accept these little tokens anymore."
Blue Water Bridge Authority token. Image courtesy of Todd Kealey.
Kealey suspects there could be a lot collecting dust in junk drawers or vehicle glove boxes.
"There were at one point over half a million. I think the number precisely was 650,000 tokens were in circulation. At present, there's about 50,000 left."
He said they can be redeemed for an equivalent number of crossings using the ConneXion program.
"You can exchange your tokens up until December 31, 2022. So there's a whole year plus on the horizon to do that. The thing to do is to take them to the Blue Water Bridge Corporate Centre office on the fourth floor, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or the currency exchange house on the bridge plaza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. any day except Saturday."
They can also be redeemed seven days a week at the 24 hour Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Store.