From design innovation to environmental leadership, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project is earning accolades for setting new standards in infrastructure excellence.
The project has received two prestigious engineering awards, highlighting excellence in technical execution, sustainability and cross-border collaboration.
The Willis Chipman Award
The Ontario Engineering Project Awards (OEPA), hosted by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Ontario (ACEC-Ontario), were presented on May 1, 2025, in Toronto. The Gordie Howe International Bridge project received the top distinction of the night – the Willis Chipman Award.
Parsons, who serves as Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority’s (WDBA) General Engineering Consultant, was recognized for its outstanding work on the design and construction of the bridge. The award highlights the team’s ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements across two countries, manage rigorous technical specifications and implement comprehensive environmental strategies.
“We’re proud to see Parsons’ hard work and dedication recognized with the Willis Chipman Award,” said Grant Hilbers, Chief Capital Officer, WDBA. “The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a massive undertaking that will improve infrastructure, strengthen communities and create lasting positive impacts.”
The gala also marked the 50th anniversary of ACEC-Ontario and celebrated excellence and innovation among engineering consultants across the province.
Outstanding Technical Achievement Award
Just a few weeks later, WDBA received the Outstanding Technical Achievement Award from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). This award recognized the project’s leadership in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.
Activities include the team’s ESG integration into policies, environmental mitigations, stakeholder engagement and initiatives from the Community Benefits Plan in both Canada and the US.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge has always been more than an infrastructure project – it’s an example of what community-driven, sustainable infrastructure can look like,” said Zaher Yousif, Chief Bridge Engineer and Vice President, Engineering at WDBA. “We are honoured to accept the Outstanding Technical Achievement Award from OACETT.”
The award was presented on June 14, 2025, at the OACETT 2025 Conference and Awards Gala in Windsor.
