The Gordie Howe International Bridge project will include a Community Benefits Plan that will have a positive impact on communities in Windsor and Detroit and reflect what our stakeholders have told us is important to them. Since 2015, more than 230 suggestions for community benefits were submitted by Ontario and Michigan residents, Indigenous Peoples, business owners and community and municipal leaders.
The Community Benefits Plan to be delivered as part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project reflects the regional priorities heard to date, and is comprised of two components, the Workforce Development and Participation Strategy and the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy.
The Workforce Development and Participation Strategy is geared toward engaging businesses and focuses on supporting workforce, training and pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship opportunities. Further consultation with workforce development agencies, unions and educational institutions will be undertaken to finalize the proposed Workforce Development and Participation Strategy initiatives identified in the Community Benefits Report.
The Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy is a $20 million community infrastructure investment focused on priorities identified through community benefit consultation undertaken from 2015-2017. A $10 million investment will be allocated to complete initiatives on each side of the border. The Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy will be comprised of initiatives that are consistent with the Crossing Agreement and the key regional priorities identified through consultation including community partnerships, lessening the effects of construction and operation issues for nearby residents, schools, businesses and community facilities, community safety and connections, economic benefits and aesthetics and landscaping.
WDBA’s private-sector partner, Bridging North America, has prepared a list of potential community benefits for further consultation prior to the finalization of the Community Benefits Plan. This will ensure the Neighborhood Infrastructure Strategy reflects the uniqueness of the host communities and meets the request for community feedback on the final selection of initiatives.
Have your say on the proposed initiatives for your community by completing the appropriate survey below.
We look forward to your feedback. The Final Community Benefits Plan will be presented to the public in early 2019.
Learn more about Gordie Howe International Bridge project community benefits by visiting, /en/community-benefits-section.
