Those hoping to cross into the United States on foot or on their bikes will be able to hold onto their toll money once the Gordie Howe International Bridge is completed.
Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities François-Philippe Champagne was in Windsor on Thursday to tell local business and community leaders there are plans to give pedestrians and cyclists toll-free access to the multi-use path. Champagne said Canada and the U.S. will benefit from increased trade, tourism, and new jobs because of the new border crossing.
Mark Butler, the director of communications for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), said local leaders are excited about the plan.
"It's going to attract tourism and increase tourism in the area, especially eco-tourism when you talk about the ability for bikes and pedestrians to cross the bridge for the first time, in this area for many, many years," Butler said.
The minister also toured the construction site of the new Canadian Port of Entry.
Butler said the new bridge will boost the economy.
"The minister wants to talk to both the community and businesses to see exactly how the Gordie Howe International Bridge is going to benefit them," he added.
Butler said the new bridge will provide a variety of benefits to communities on both sides of the border and the minister is here to listen.
"Out private-sector partner, Bridging North America, will be having a community benefits plan rolled out to the communities in Windsor and Detroit, specifically Sandwich and South Detroit," said Butler.
Champagne will visit Detroit on Friday to participate in a roundtable with Detroit and Michigan business leaders to discuss the bridge.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2024.
Bridging North America, WDBA's private-sector partner, expects the project will create 2,500 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs.
- With files from Mark Brown