Windsor, Ontario – As part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, three kilometres of Sandwich Street will be reconstructed. On top of this significant infrastructure improvement, the project team is investing $1 million into streetscape enhancements to create a welcoming and vibrant space for residents and visitors to the area. To ensure the enhancements reflect community priorities, the project team is requesting assistance in prioritizing the investment areas of most interest.
The $1 million investment is part of the project Community Benefits Plan under the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy, which is a $20 million community infrastructure investment focused on priorities identified through stakeholder and community consultation.
While Sandwich Street will be reconstructed from south of the Rosedale Avenue roundabout to Ojibway Parkway, the $1 million enhancement focuses on the Business Improvement Area, between Detroit Street through Brock Street.
Community members are asked to complete an online or paper survey that will help the project team prioritize how the $1 million investment will be spent and asks participants to rank four categories of streetscape enhancement options in order of importance:
- hardscaping: benches, additional garbage bins and sidewalks made of brick paving stones instead of poured concrete
- landscaping: potted plants and planter boxes, additional trees, perennials, and tall grasses.
- gathering spaces: seating and social areas, tables, and benches.
- active transportation features: additional bike racks, directional signage, or bike repair stations.
The project team will review survey results and identify the areas of highest priority for incorporation into the streetscaping designs for Sandwich Street. Designs will be shared later this year.
The survey and additional information are available online at GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com. An information package including the survey is also being distributed to approximately 1800 households in Sandwich/west Windsor. Paper copies can be requested by email to info [at] wdbridge.com or by calling 1-844-322-1773. Paper surveys can be scanned or photographed and submitted by email to info [at] wdbridge.com or by dropping it off at the Windsor Public Library John Muir Branch at 363 Mill Street, Windsor, Ontario..
The survey closes March 7, 2022.
QUOTES:
“We know a vital part of making the Gordie Howe International Bridge project a success is investing and engaging with the host communities. Through the survey, the Sandwich community can share their unique perspectives and influence how the $1 million Community Benefits investment is spent. This helps ensure we’re making community-driven investments that we all can be proud of.”
- Bryce Phillips, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA)
“Bridging North America is committed to ongoing collaboration with the Sandwich community and being good neighbours and community partners throughout the Sandwich Street reconstruction project. We look forward to learning directly from the Sandwich community what’s important to them, and how we can incorporate their vision into the Sandwich Street reconstruction design.”
- Michael Hatchell, CEO of Bridging North America (BNA)
QUICK FACTS:
- The project team will also host two online community meetings about the Sandwich Street improvements and upcoming construction work on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Register to attend by emailing info [at] wdbridge.com or phoning 1-884-322-1773. The meeting link will be shared upon registration. The presentation, meeting materials and a video of the meeting will be posted to the project website following the event.
- Once the Sandwich Street reconstruction is complete, the City of Windsor will assume responsibility of maintaining the street.
- Sandwich Street reconstruction designs and plans will meet the City of Windsor’s standards and follow the Sandwich Heritage Conservation District, the Community Improvement Plan and Heritage Alteration Permit requirements and processes.
ABOUT THE GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE
The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a once-in-a-generation undertaking. Delivered by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority with its private-sector partner, Bridging North America, it will lead to much-needed transportation improvements for international travellers and provide jobs and opportunities for growth to the Windsor-Detroit region. Its four components include the Canadian Port of Entry, the bridge, the US Port of Entry and the Michigan Interchange to Interstate-75 (I-75).
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; Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas; Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California
For information please contact:
Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations
226-757-1716
