New bridge presents opportunities for Windsor-Essex businesses

Over 280 business people attended a meeting to hear about the potential opportunities for supplying, building, maintenance and operation of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The information session was held by WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation on Thursday.

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority representatives discussed the size and scope of the bridge project and what to expect in the next few months and beyond.

“We are pleased to be part of today’s information session to help local businesses prepare themselves for what is the largest infrastructure project on the Canada-U.S. border,” said Michael Cautillo, president and CEO for the WDBA. “This project will offer significant opportunities to local businesses and will generate thousands of jobs.”

Transport Minister Lisa Raitt stressed the importance of Canada-U.S. bilateral trade to Canada’s economic well-being and how the new bridge will help strengthen trade between the two countries.

Raitt says Windsor-Essex will benefit both during the construction and the operation of the new crossing.

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  Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (left to right), Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Murray Howe, Gordie Howe's son, announce that the Detroit River International Crossing will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge, on the waterfront, in Windsor, Ont., Thursday, May 14, 2015. (Dave Chidley / THE CANADIAN PRESS)