A provincial legislator is asking the Ontario government to “closely examine” a new concrete operation in Canada supported by the affluent Moroun family from Michigan, expressing “deep concern” over possible air pollution and health impacts on local residents.
Lisa Gretzky, the NDP MPP for Windsor West, sent a letter to provincial environment minister Todd Mc Carthy on Thursday urging the government to “ensure that any proposed approvals related to these operations are subject to rigorous environmental review, comprehensive air quality assessments, and meaningful public consultation.”
The Morouns, who also own the Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor and Detroit, are behind a new venture called CTC Concrete that has emerged in Windsor’s Sandwich neighbourhood, as reported earlier this month by after reviewing business and government records.
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The CTC Concrete site in Windsor, Ont., with the Gordie Howe bridge in the background. (Emma Loop/CBC)
This west end location is situated in an industrial zone near the base of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. It stands across from residential streets.
Gretzky stated that she reached out to the minister after “hearing concerns from residents about the potential environmental impacts of proposed concrete operations and industrial expansion” in their area.
Some of the Morouns’ current concrete facilities in Michigan have faced significant criticism regarding alleged harm to surrounding communities, including poor air quality and blight.
“Understandably these factors have raised serious concerns about expanded operation in the west end of Windsor,” Gretzky’s letter notes.
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The Moroun-owned Kronos concrete facility in Detroit’s north end is seen in early June 2026. (Emma Loop/CBC)
Gretzky’s correspondence highlights that the Morouns have already “caused immense hardship and concern” in Sandwich, where the Canadian side of the Ambassador Bridge is located, particularly regarding “their ownership and oversight of derelict homes.”
The Morouns and their representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
The province did not provide a comment before publication.
Last year, Ontario issued CTC Concrete two approvals – one permit allowing water extraction from the Detroit River for “manufacturing purposes” and an environmental compliance approval related to air emissions and noise levels.
This latter approval indicates that the facility can produce up to 100,000 cubic metres of concrete annually while noting emissions include crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium among others.
Both approvals followed public comment periods during which it appears no comments were submitted.
WATCH | Ambassador Bridge owners behind new concrete business:
Ambassador Bridge owners starting concrete business in Windsor’s Sandwich areaA sign at the corner of this industrial property near Gordie Howe bridge announces that CTC Concrete is “coming soon.” Documents reveal that the Moroun family – owners of competing Ambassador Bridge – are behind this new operation which has already received two provincial permits. CBC Windsor’s Emma Loop reports.
Ambassador Bridge owners starting concrete business in Windsor’s Sandwich areaA sign at the corner of this industrial property near Gordie Howe bridge announces that CTC Concrete is “coming soon.” Documents reveal that the Moroun family – owners of competing Ambassador Bridge – are behind this new operation which has already received two provincial permits. CBC Windsor’s Emma Loop reports.Gretzky’s office mentions she wants a thorough review of existing approvals from province as well as scrutiny on any future ones. She’s also advocating for “meaningful public consultation,” like town hall meetings or direct notifications sent out to residents.
P”Windsor’s west end is home to many seniors children & working families,” Gretzky’s letter reads. “It is also a community facing some of highest rates poverty our region. These residents especially vulnerable health impacts associated with air pollution particulate matter deserve confidence their health well-being prioritized every decision affects neighborhood quality living.”Councillor Frazier Fathers for area previously expressed worries about Moroun-supported facility. Recently he mentioned trying get more information province concerning existing approvals but was told need file Freedom Information Act request access details additional information.
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