'It shouldn’t be a guessing game': 2024 deadline to open Gordie Howe Bridge could be at risk
Construction is humming along at the Gordie Howe International Bridge, with support pylons looming large over West Windsor, more approach bridge deck sprouting by the day and buildings budding from the ground.
“One of the most significant achievements was moving from the individual towers to now moving toward the single pylon that's being built. And you can now see that very clearly on both sides of the border,” said Heather Grondin, the vice president of corporate affairs and external relations with the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority.
When the Canadian government inked the deal with contractor Bridging North America, the bridge was slated to open in 2024.
But that deadline may be in jeopardy.
Bridging North America is the private sector consortium contracted by the federal government to build the $5.7 billion bridge.
Project CEO Michael Hatchell told the media last week he doesn’t expect North America’s largest cable-stayed bridge to be done until 2025, echoing a report from S&P Global that suggests work may slide past the agreed-upon deadline.
Bridging North America reps were not available for comment Tuesday.
“We’re still working toward those the contracted completion date of end of 2024. We're holding our contractor, Bridging North America to that date, and they're continuing to work toward it,” said Grondin.
Windsor-West MP Brian Masse said he would not be surprised if there’s a delay.
“The border authority as well as the minister need to be clear and consistent with Canadians about these timelines,” he said. “It shouldn't be a guessing game. There's investment at stake here.”
Masse said any delays will cause additional grief for Sandwich Town, the host neighbourhood of the project.
He’d like to see any contractual penalties associated with the delay reinvested into the community.
“The people in Sandwich Town, West Windsor and South Windsor and other places don't need to pay for them to get away from the deal that they shook hands on,” said Masse. “That's why we bought insurance. That's why we paid a premium. And that's why we deserve to actually follow through with the contract.”
Grondin said there are a number of steps in place.
“If there's, for some reason, they're not able to meet that contracted date, that would be subject to protracted discussions,” Grondin said.
“We're not at that point. There has been no agreement to change date, and we are very committed to doing everything possible to hit 2024.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.