WINDSOR – The Gordie Howe International Bridge welcomed pedestrians and cyclists this morning under clear blue skies.
This cross-border bridge linking Windsor, Ont., with Detroit opened to cars last week after a lot of debate about the project’s funding.
According to officials, a man from Windsor waited 28 hours to be the first Canadian to cross into the United States using the new 2.5-kilometre path.
A resident from Michigan was the first individual to make his way into Canada from the U. S. and was awarded a celebratory certificate.
The bridge honors Gordie Howe, a legendary Canadian hockey player who spent 26 seasons in the NHL, mainly with the Detroit Red Wings.
Officials noted that while there are long lines today for the multi-use path, they reassured visitors that the bridge is expected to last around 125 years, providing plenty of chances to walk or bike across in the future.
The project faced political issues, as U. S. President Donald Trump claimed in a social media post back in February that compensation would be necessary before he would permit the bridge’s opening.
A joint celebration with U. S. officials planned for marking the bridge’s opening was called off due to Washington’s recent threats of new tariffs on Canadian products.
Liberal MPs have halted parliamentary hearings intended to clarify what Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government assured Trump in order to facilitate the bridge’s opening.
The proposed agreement indicates that Canada will share half of net toll revenues with the U. S. for a period of 15 years.
This report by The Canadian Press was first August 5, 2026.
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