The union representing construction workers in Windsor-Essex says they're well positioned for any of the work involved with building another bridge.
The federal government has given the Ambassador Bridge Company approval to build a second crossing and to tear down the existing 87-year-old structure.
Business Manager for LiUNA Local 625, Rob Petroni, believes this will add even more construction jobs to an area that's already been experiencing a "quiet boom" for the past nine or ten years.
Patroni says when they were building the Herb Gray Parkway, the union had just over 1,300 members working and today, with no major projects on the go, they have a little over 1,700 people working. "We're at full employment and by the end of the year we expect to be around the 1,900 to 2,000 membership mark."
Petroni explains that although they haven't run the numbers on the new bridge, they know they need 75 to 100 workers for construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge.
He is encouraged by the announcement. "This is just, I guess renewed hope, that the work is going to continue and that these legacy projects drive the economy here," says Patroni. "The more projects like this that we build, the more businesses we attract to the area which in turn relates to more construction work."
Petroni calls this a bit of a 'golden age' for the local construction industry.
"It does help the economy, all the restaurants, businesses and local shops in town do well. Hotels, motels, restaurants, so it's great for the economy anytime, any industry including construction starts booming like this."
Petroni says they haven't run the numbers on the new bridge but they know they need 75 to 100 workers for construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge. He believes the two projects will need in 150 to 200 workers just from his membership.