Notice of Motion

This page will be updated only when a City Councillor gives notice of a motion for discussion at a future meeting of Windsor City Council.

15.1      Timely Opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

Moved by: Councillor Kieran McKenzie
Seconded by: ___________________

WHEREAS the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a vital piece of international infrastructure, representing a $6.4 billion investment entirely funded by the Government of Canada;

WHEREAS this bridge will serve as a critical economic lifeline between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, supporting millions of jobs and ensuring the security of the North American supply chain;

WHEREAS U.S. President Donald Trump has recently made public threats to block the opening of the bridge, citing inaccurate claims regarding its ownership, funding, and construction materials;

WHEREAS any delay to the scheduled early 2026 opening could cost the regional economy an estimated $7 million weekly in lost productivity and increased transit costs;

WHEREAS the project has already reached major construction completion and is currently undergoing final safety testing and commissioning;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The City of Windsor formally urges the Federal Government of Canada to take every step possible—including legal, diplomatic, and economic measures—to ensure the Gordie Howe International Bridge opens as soon as possible in early 2026 without further delay.
2. The Federal Government be encouraged to continue its high-level diplomatic engagement with the U.S. Administration and the State of Michigan to reaffirm the 2012 Crossing Agreement, which governs the joint ownership and operation of this asset.
3. The Federal Government work closely with U.S. congressional allies, such as the Michigan representatives currently sponsoring legislation to protect the bridge from executive interference, to ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staffing is secured for the Detroit port of entry.
4. A copy of this motion be sent to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Minister of International Trade, the Premier of Ontario, the Governor of Michigan, both U.S. Senators for the State of Michigan as well as all senior elected officials in the Windsor-Essex region, along with the Mayor and Council of the City of Detroit to signal unwavering regional support for the project’s timely completion.