Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed the long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, calling it “positive news” after reports on Monday said that the bridge would open later this week.
“The bridge will be open at the end of the week. A symbol of, but also a fact of co-operation between our countries,” Carney said to reporters on Tuesday in Ottawa ahead of a cabinet meeting. “Great for Canadians going across the border, Americans coming across the border and for commerce.”
On Monday, citing sources familiar with the plans, the Detroit News reported that a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Windsor-Detroit crossing is expected to take place Friday, with the bridge officially opening to traffic on June 15. Carney did not specify when traffic would start to flow on the bridge.
“I just want to salute those who constructed it on both sides, and (we are) looking forward to getting it done,” the prime minister later added.
Earlier this year, CTV News reported that both sides were trying to quietly negotiate an opening date after U.S. President Donald Trump complained in February that Canada was not treating the U.S. fairly on trade. Trump went on a lengthy tirade that included the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge as part of his grievance.
In a statement to CTV News on Tuesday after Carney’s comments, a White House official said that the “president’s position on the Gordie Howe Bridge has not changed.”
“The Administration remains committed to securing the best possible deal for the American people,” the statement goes on to say.
READ MORE: Gordie Howe bridge: Officials try to avoid angering Trump
Construction on the bridge began in 2018 and its opening has recently been stalled amid trade tensions between Canada and the U.S.
The cable-stayed bridge - which has an estimated cost of $6.4 billion - will have three Canadian-bound and three U.S.-bound lanes and will be among the top five longest bridges in North America.
A deal to construct the project was first signed in 2012 as part of the Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, during which Canada agreed to front the full construction costs and recoup its investment through tolls. The federal government will later split the money with Michigan once the money has been recouped.
Opening ceremony expected Friday
In an invite obtained by CTV News that was sent to invitees on Tuesday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was confirmed to be scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, who is one of the invitees, described Trump’s previous Truth Social post about the bridge as a “derailer.”
“We knew it was just a matter of time and so the community is eagerly anticipating it,” Dilkens said in an interview with CTV’s Power Play with Vassy Kapelos on Tuesday. “It’s not just the Windsor community. It’s the Detroit community as well. This is good from an economic perspective.”
Asked by Kapelos if he is concerned about Trump further delaying the opening, Dilkens said “no.”
“At the end of the day, the bridge has to open,” Dilkens said. “I don’t see a universe where Canada, when they worked with the United States (on the) construction of the bridge, didn’t simply put an operating clause in the agreement that said given 30, 60 or 90 days of completion, both sides agree to open, staff and operate the bridge. I’m confident something like that exists in a contract and the U.S. can only stop this for so long.”
When asked about the behind-the-scenes work to get the bridge open, Dilkens said “there’s been lots of advocates on both sides of the border.”
“This thing has got to the end. It’s been built. Everyone’s waiting. Open the bridge, and we’re happy to see that it’s getting closer,” Dilkens added.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford however, appeared less assured while speaking to reporters during a trip to Washington, saying “I hope so” when asked if the bridge will open. He later added “let’s see what really happens.”
‘This is a long time coming’
Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah called the developments “a long time coming,” while also describing details on the official flow of traffic “a little fuzzy.”
“These are two nations that have worked together so well over the century plus. This is a kind of a stake in the ground that really reconfirms the very close and very symbiotic U.S.-Canada relationship,” Baruah said in an interview with CTV News.
Baruah also acknowledged what he called the “unusual political times” happening in North America and “across all industrialized political times.”
Former Ontario finance minister Dwight Duncan, who previously served as the chair of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and oversaw the initial planning phases of the project, said he “felt confident” the bridge would open despite Trump’s previous claims on social media.
“I’ll be honest with you, I’m surprised that it’s been resolved as quickly as it has,” Duncan told CTV News. “And kudos to Canada and to our American friends… the many, many American friends who have long supported this project.”
With files from CTV News Ottawa Bureau Chief Graham Richardson, CTV News’ Senior Political Correspondent Mike Le Couteur, CTV News’ Brennan MacDonald and CTV Windsor’s Robert Lothian