Windsor’s connection with the Ambassador Bridge owners has faced challenges, according to Mayor Drew Dilkens, especially after reports surfaced that the bridge owners lobbied the U. S. federal government just hours before Trump criticized the Gordie Howe bridge.
“With respect to Mr. Moroun, I have a very good relationship with him,” Dilkens said Wednesday, mentioning Matthew Moroun, who owns the Ambassador Bridge and is based in Detroit.
“We continue to try and work our differences out to find a pathway that is good for the community.. But in some ways it does feel like one step forward and two steps back.”
Dilkens pointed out a New York Times report indicating that Moroun had a conversation with U. S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick Monday afternoon.
Lutnik then spoke with the president, as per the report which referenced two confidential sources. Later that evening, Trump shared on Truth Social that he wouldn’t allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open until half was owned by the United States.
Dilkens referred to Moroun and Lutnick as “billionaire buddies.”
“So we find it very, very interesting. It is unique and it speaks to the unique circumstance of having an international crossing in private hands.”
CBC has not verified the New York Times report. Moroun and his company that owns the bridge have been contacted for comment.
Dilkens has previously expressed hope about working together with Moroun and the Canadian Transit Company as they tackled long-vacant properties near Windsor’s side of the bridge.
But things changed “even before this” latest issue arose, he mentioned.
“It’s different today than it was when I made those comments. And it has been frustrating. It has been frustrating, but we’re dealing with a partner with whom we’ve had frustration for decades,” he noted.
“It’s a step forward, two steps back sometimes where we think we have agreement and then it falls apart – and it almost never falls apart on the city side.”
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The Ambassador Bridge connects Windsor, Ont., and Detroit. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Moroun and his family have owned the Ambassador Bridge since 1979. The Canadian Transit Company (CTC) manages the Canadian section of the bridge, which is owned by Detroit International Bridge Company-also owned by Moroun’s family.
The bridge company has consistently tried to block plans for opening up Gordie Howe because doing so would likely decrease traffic on their bridge.
Dilkens stated he understands Moroun’s concerns regarding this new bridge – but it’s really about boosting trade and ensuring redundancy so vital trade can keep moving smoothly.
Around $400 million in trade crosses through the Ambassador Bridge each day between Windsor and Detroit according to data from Canada’s federal government; furthermore, it’s claimed by officials that it’s North America’s busiest land border crossing.
Recently , a judge ruled that legal proceedings involving CTC and federal authorities should proceed – concerning whether CTC holds exclusive rights for toll collection at border crossings in west Windsor based on legislation that’s over 100 years old.
The company also possesses numerous properties across west Windsor along Sandwich , many being run-down vacant houses bought previously anticipating another span of bridges.
The city has worked diligently over several years towards demolishing these homes. In fact , more than a dozen were taken down within just last year after receiving necessary permits from CTC approved by city hall.
Despite setbacks , Dilkens feels confident they’re “closer than we’ve ever been before” regarding resolving issues linked to Sandwich homes.
Windsor West Conservative MP Harb Gill communicated with CBC saying he’d discussed matters concerning west end properties directly with representatives from bridge company ; however , he wasn’t surprised about reported access level enjoyed among White House decision-makers.
“Because that’s what this administration is attracting and listening to,” he commented further adding hope they’d begin paying attention towards average Americans grappling through tough times similar situation itself facing locally.
James Blanchard former U. S ambassador towards Canada along Michigan governor mentioned ties existing between past Trump administration & Morouns’ family legacy too noting donations made during inauguration ceremony way back when reflecting family’s ongoing opposition against Gordie Howe project pursuits throughout years ahead making headlines often enough.
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