Police blocking in the intersection of Huron Church Road and Tecumseh Road West after all demonstrators and vehicles were removed from the roadway, February 13, 2022. (Photo by Maureen Revait) Police blocking in the intersection of Huron Church Road and Tecumseh Road West after all demonstrators and vehicles were removed from the roadway, February 13, 2022. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

City of Windsor looking to upper levels of government to cover blockade costs

The City of Windsor has declared a state of emergency and is asking upper levels of government to cover the costs incurred during the Ambassador Bridge blockade.

Mayor Drew Dilkens says he is just declaring the emergency now to ensure resources continue to be available to the city and police.

"It wouldn't have provided any benefit upfront, it actually allows us to get things done now that the event is over to be able to deal with rerouting transit lines and all the operational things from a city perspective," said Windsor Dilkens.

Huron Church Road from the E.C. Row Expressway north to Wyandotte Street remains a bridge-traffic route only. Until the security situation improves, Windsor Police will block east-west access for vehicles in this area to ensure the safe flow of traffic to the bridge.

Provided by the Windsor Police Service. Provided by the Windsor Police Service.

Transit Windsor has detoured the Central 3/Central 3 West routes. Riders on these routes should expect delays, and service to some areas will be suspended until further notice. In addition, riders may experience delays on the other east-west routes in the area (1C and 2).

Windsor Police Deputy Chief Jason Bellaire said they continue to closely monitor the situation.

"We have a sustained supplement of resources right now that we feel is going to carry us where we need to go, and if anything emerges outside of what we're dealing with right now, we can make that pivot on pretty short order and make sure that we get our resources in place," said Bellaire.

Over the weekend, 42 people were arrested and charged. Of those, only two remain in custody. The remaining individuals were released with court orders that they stay away from the area of Huron Church and the Ambassador Bridge.

Bellaire indicated he cannot estimate when all roads leading to Huron Church will be reopened.

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