Transport minister meets with mayor to discuss Ambassador Bridge, Ojibway Shores

Minister of Transport Marc Garneau met with Mayor Drew Dilkens in Windsor Friday, making some assurances on the two cross-border bridge projects.

"So let me make it very clear, we need two bridges," said Garneau"The Gordie Howe bridge I can assure you, I can assure you with 100 per cent certainty it will be built."

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The minister saidthe government recognizes a need for two spans andthat's why they have issued a permit with conditions forthe bridge company to build a replacement for the Ambassador.

Garneaustressedthat the bridge company will have to provide permits detailing environmental evaluations, engineering studies, and costs to show how the Ambassador Bridge will be demolished.

"If the Canadian Transit Corporation is not able toprovide us with all of that information, the new bridge will not be authorized," he said.

"We're not prepared to accept the risks of an unused bridge ... which has demonstrated that it has deteriorated over time," said Garneau, adding that the new bridge wouldbe closed down if the bridge company does not comply with taking down the old one.

"No, the bridge will have to come down," he said.

Garneausaid he believes work on the Gordie Howe bridge wouldbegin by the end of 2018, after the government receives final bids from a short-list of companies to do the work.

"This is an incredibly important crossing point for trade with Canada and the United States," he said.

Mayor Drew Dilkensand the minister said they also discussed plans for the Ojibway Shores property, which is owned by the Windsor Port Authority.

The minister was in Windsor for theGreat Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Leadership Summit, happening in Detroit and Windsor until Sunday.