News Release
GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE PROJECT INVESTING IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
WINDSOR, ONTARIO – Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and its private-sector partner, Bridging North America, are asking the public to help prioritize initiatives for the Community Benefits Plan – an important part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project – through an online survey available now.
Since 2015, WDBA has been consulting on community benefits. More than 230 suggestions were submitted by Michigan and Ontario residents, Indigenous Peoples, business owners, community organizations and municipal leaders.
As a result of public input the Community Benefits Plan includes a requirement for a Workforce Development and Participation Strategy that outlines how Bridging North America will engage businesses and local residents from the City of Detroit, First Nations, and Windsor-Essex during the construction and operations phases of the project. WDBA and Bridging North America are undertaking a targeted consultation approach to finalizing this portion of the plan with local municipal, provincial and state governments plus workforce development and training agencies and organizations.
As well, it includes a $20 million Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy which is the focus of the online survey. The initiatives presented for consideration were taken from the previous consultation and will consist of supplementary betterments outside of the project footprint. Once prioritized, WDBA and its private-sector partner, Bridging North America, will review and finalize those that will be included in the final Community Benefits Plan.
The survey can be completed online at https://www.wdbridge.com/en/info-centre-community- benefits and is available in English, French or Spanish. WDBA and Bridging North America are also sharing the survey at various stakeholder and public meetings. Copies can also be obtained at WDBA’s office in Windsor.
Quotes:
“It is important that the Community Benefits Plan for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project reflects what our stakeholders have told us is important to them. WDBA is committed to continuing our consultation with the public to ensure that the project has a positive impact on communities in Windsor and Detroit.”
Bryce Phillips, CEO - Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Quick facts
- Bridging North America is undertaking a six-month consultation period which was a request by the public to receive input into the Community Benefits Plan prior to its finalization and implementation.
- The Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy provides equally for communities on both sides of the border.
- In addition to the Community Benefits Plan, WDBA and Bridging North America are investing approximately $24 million in local street improvements to Sandwich Street in Windsor and streets near the US Port of Entry in Detroit. These investments recognize the Sandwich and Southwest Detroit communities as gateways to the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
- WDBA has already included some of the suggestions received through community benefit consultation into project requirements, such as the incorporation of the multi-use path, Peregrine falcon nesting boxes on the bridge structure, Silver LEED and Envision certification, public art requirements such as dramatic nighttime lighting displays, green roofs on some facilities, and landscaping consisting of native vegetation.
- Additional information about the Gordie Howe International Bridge project approach to Community Benefits can be found at www.wdbridge.com/en/info-centre-community- benefits.
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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 on WDBA visit www.wdbridge.com and follow the project on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.
About Bridging North America
Bridging North America is comprised of some of the most recognized leaders in the construction/infrastructure industry which includes North American and international companies. BridgingNA 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; Harbour Bridge and Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge.
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Mark Butler
Director of Communications
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
519-946-4859 / 519-551-1612
