As the Ambassador Bridge turns 90 where is the replacement span?

The Ambassador Bridge has connected Canada and the United States for 90 years and current construction work willextend the lifespan for another 75years, according to thecompany which owns and operates the crossing.

That's a long time for a bridge the Canadian government wants demolished five years after the company builds its approved replacement span.

For years, the Ambassador Bridge has been at the heart of battles between the owner, the federal government and the communities the bridge connects.

Those battles includecourt challenges over boarded up homes, commercials appealing to President Donald Trumpto reject a government owned bridge projectand the City of Windsor hiring a lawyer to stop the construction of a second span.

Federal governments sorting it out

When the government quietly announced they had approved an application from the Canadian Transportation Company (CTC) to build and operate a six-lane international bridgein 2017, it outlined nearly 30 terms and conditions while referring to it as a replacement bridge.

The order-in-council conditions induces thata time and cost estimate for the demolition of the Ambassador Bridge be provided to the Minister of Transportbefore construction of the replacement bridge.

It's also stipulated that the Ambassador Bridge mustbe demolished five years after the replacement bridge opens to traffic.

But the owner of the bridge has said that's something they can't do because the replacement bridge's permits in the United States were approved under the condition the Ambassador Bridge stay standing.

Two years later, nothing has changed.

WATCH: In 2017, bridge company presidentDan Stamper gives CBC News his thoughts on tearing down the Ambassador Bridge.

Bridge Demolition

7 years ago

Duration 0:36

Dan Stamper answers questions about if the Ambassador Bridge will be demolished.

"We're having the two countries have that discussion, to let us know what to do."said Stan Korosec, director of Canadian government relations and security for CTC. "This is beyond us."

Canada argues it's a safety and security risk, while the American permit includes conditions from the State Historic Preservation Office that the bridge carries historical significance and must be preserved.

Korosec said, until that's settled, the company will continue to maintain the bridge so it's safe for the thousands of vehicles that use the international crossing each day.

A spokesperson for Transport Canada confirmed that CTC has not submitted documents to show they have met the pre-construction conditions, which have not changed since they were announced two years ago.

Sandwich Towne: What could have been?

"When I look at the bridge, it doesn't give me fond memories," said Fabio Costante, ward councillor for the area.

"I think about 120 or more boarded up properties that could have been livable properties for families," said Costante, sitting in his Law Office in the heart of one Ontario's oldest communities.

"I wonderabout it a lot, and what it could have done for the stability and vibrancy of Sandwich Towne."

WATCH: Adam Wydrzynski reflects on his childhood home being slated for demolition in 2017.

Slated for Demo

7 years ago

Duration 1:37

Adam Wydrzynski tours his old neighbourhood as homes are demolished.

Starting in 2004, the bridge companybought more than 100 properties in the community, homes they neglected and left boarded up for years until the city issued demolition permits for dozens of the homessince the replacement span was approved.

Costante said the Canadian conditions clearly call for the bridge to meet the same fate as the family homes purchased for its replacement's path: a complete demolition.

'A lot of work to get done'

"It's another example of the bridge company doing things unilaterally without accepting our laws, and our agreements that have been made," said Costante.

The City of Windsor isnegotiating with CTCfor the replacement span to move ahead, with many conditions calling for road closures and reconstruction, according to councillor Costante.

Korosec, standing beside the 90-year-old bridge as construction crews work to re-enforce the ramp on the Canadian side, said the demolition of the houses has been a "big improvement."

He said the company is working with stakeholders in the community and are working on plans to re-develop property the don't need.

"There's a lot of work to get done."