Windsor, Ontario • With implementation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan at the midway point of its five-year term, the project team has identified new investment opportunities worth $2.3 million. Eleven new projects are being added to the Plan, along with expanded funding to six existing initiatives, all of which bring further benefits to the local communities.
The funding is part of the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy, a $20 million (CDN) direct community investment on both sides of the border. In 2022, the project team accepted several new proposals and undertook community consultation to review the current priorities of the neighbourhoods closest to the project. The $2.3 million will be invested in the following community priority areas:
- $1.1 million for Community Partnerships
- $659,600 for Economic Benefits
- $400,000 for Community Safety and Connections
- $142,000 for Aesthetics and Landscaping.
Funding has been released to the organizations. Their projects will be delivered over the next one-to-two years. Details on the new and expanded initiatives are available at www.GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
Since 2019, the project team has partnered with over 65 US and Canadian organizations to deliver the two components of the Community Benefits Plan - the Workforce Development and Participation Strategy and Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy. The implementation of these initiatives adds six new delivery partners to the Community Benefits Plan family.
QUOTES:
“New trees, art installations, supports for small businesses, youth programming and improvements to homes, parks and community hubs are a few initiatives that are already empowering the local communities to implement their vision for the future. We can’t wait to see similar successes stemming from these new programs in the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.”
- Heather Grondin, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“It is incredibly exciting to reach the mid-way point in the delivery of the Community Benefits Plan where the team is allocating part of the remaining funds to new initiatives and new funding partners as well as adding to successful existing ones. We look forward to the positive outcomes from the contributions made from our partners.”
- Michael Hatchell, CEO, Bridging North America
“Local community organizations are working day in and day out to build stronger and healthier West End neighbourhoods in Windsor. This initiative will support their vital work and positively impact the lives of our most vulnerable residents.”
- Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“This is another great day for Michigan and Canada as we celebrate the connections, both literally and metaphorically, made possible by this iconic structure. These awards further demonstrate the commitment from MDOT and our partners at WDBA and Bridging North America to enriching the lives of the citizens in the neighborhoods near the bridge.”
- Mohammed Alghurabi, Senior Project Manager, Michigan Department of Transportation
QUICK FACTS
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan is being delivered by Bridging North America with collaboration and oversight from Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the State of Michigan.
- In 2019, approximately $14.6 million (CDN) of the $20 million (CDN) Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy was allocated to 29 projects in Windsor and Detroit. To ensure all funding is spent by the end of the five-year plan in March 2025, funding opportunities were identified for the 50 per cent and 75 per cent points in implementation.
- Following the 2023 release of $2.3 million, the remaining $3.1 million will be allocated in early 2024. Information on how the funds will be invested will be shared in 2023.
- Of the 29 original Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy initiatives, five initiatives are complete, 19 are in progress and one was not pursued.
RELATED PRODUCTS
- 2023 Community Benefits Plan Additions
- Backgrounder: Supportive Statements
- 9 Things to Know About the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy
- Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy Progress Highlights
ABOUT WINDSOR-DETROIT BRIDGE AUTHORITY
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public-private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. For more information visit www.GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com and follow the project on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.
ABOUT BRIDGING NORTH AMERICA
Bridging North America (BNA) became the private-sector partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in September 2018. BNA is comprised of some of the most recognized leaders in the construction and infrastructure industry which includes North American and international companies. BNA partners have significant experience carrying out major infrastructure projects such as the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor, Ontario; New Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, Quebec; Autoroute 30 in Montreal, Quebec; Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto, Ontario; Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, Quebec; Automated People Mover at LAX Airport, California; California High Speed Rail; Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California.
- 30 -
Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
226-757-1716
