Windsor West MP Brian Masse is ready to give his recommendations for community benefits stemming from construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Masse has two recommendations for the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority. He wants investments in Sandwich Towne to start right away, and for those investments to continue through the life of the project.
The bridge authority will next put together a benefit plan that will address impacts on the neighbourhood including increased traffic volumes.
Masse, who has been very critical of the federal government for a perceived lack of transparency surrounding that project and approval for the Ambassador Bridge's new span, has gone door-to-door in Sandwich Towne gathering community feedback. He has also held public meetings so residents can air their point of view.
"We did a survey, and we had some more input dropped off at the office to hear back from the citizens of Sandwich Towne with regards to priorities of how to use the funds and what should be taking place in Sandwich Towne," says Masse.
During his consultations, Masse says he was surprised by some of the feedback, especially when plans for the new Ambassador Bridge crossing came up.
"There was a lot of surprise that the prime minister and the government gave the Ambassador Bridge a green light," he says. "But at the same time, there was still a lack of understanding of the construction and the timetables."
Masse says he was pleased to also discuss the project with federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh during his weekend visit to Windsor.