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Gordie Howe International Bridge

The Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB) is a generational infrastructure project for Windsor Essex County with a Community Benefit Plan as a required element.

Gordie Howe International Bridge

The Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB) is a generational infrastructure project for Windsor Essex County with a Community Benefit Plan as a required element.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a multi-billion dollar public-private partnership project, connecting Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan. Construction is underway for this massive infrastructure project and in coming years, will bring more economic and workforce opportunities to the region.

A Community Benefits Plan is was developed in Windsor-Essex and Detroit, Michigan by the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). $10 million will allocated on each side of the border to specific projects which mitigate the effects of construction or benefit the surrounding communities.

In 2017, the WECBC hosted over 30 focus groups, public meetings and community engagement events collecting over 640 inputs and 900 ideas about Community Benefits in Windsor-Essex. The feedback we received was validated, prioritized and put into a report that was presented to the WDBA.

 

In early 2019, Windsor Essex Community Benefits Coalition undertook a second round community engagement. These consultation sessions prioritized the items put forward by the WDBA through their research conducted in 2015-2017. The WECBC engagement took an equity lens to help bring a voice to marginalized populations in the Community Benefits process. In total, nine events were held and over 400 people from various communities were linked to the research from the Gordie Howe International Bridge. 

 

Under the Windsor/Essex Community Benefits Coalition created a Leadership Table who’s work focus’ on the Gordie Howe International Bridge infrastructure project.

  • Joan Mavrinac – Leadership Table Chair and Resident 

 GHIB Members:

  • Anna Maruska – Windsor Essex Community Foundation
  • Brian Hogan – President Windsor District Labour Council
  • David Hanna – Essex County Resident
  • Eric Hill – Executive Director CanAm Urban Homes
  • Fabio Constante – City of Windsor Councillor
  • Janice Kaffer – CEO Hotel Dieu Grace Health Care
  • Jessica Fontaine – Resident/University Student
  • John Fairley – Vice President St. Clair College Communications and Community Relations
  • Kathleen Thomas – Executive Director Multicultural Council Windsor Essex
  • Keely Murdock – West Windsor Resident
  • Leo Gil – Resident
  • Brian Gray – Resident
  • Lorena Shepley – Essex County Resident/Indigenous Rights Advocate
  • Lori Newton – Executive Director Bike Windsor Essex County
  • Lorraine Goddard – CEO United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County
  • Mary Ann Cuderman – West Windsor Resident/ Sandwich Business Owner
  • Michelle Suchiu – Executive Director Workforce Windsor Essex
  • Mike Cardinal – West Windsor Resident/Sandwich Business Owner
  • Rita Higgins – West Windsor Resident
  • Tammy Murray – Resident
  • Terrance Kennedy – West Windsor Resident
  • Vacant – Seat for University of Windsor

Resource Members:

  • Jelena Payne – Commissioner of Social Services City of Windsor
  • Larry Silani – Director of Strategic Initiatives Town of LaSalle – Resource Member
  • Frazier Fathers – United Way

Request for Qualifications Issued July 20, 2015

 Short-listed Respondent Teams Announced: January 20, 2016

  Request for Proposals Issued November 10, 2016

 Proposals Submitted May 8, 2018

 Preferred Proponent Identified July 5, 2018

  Financial Close

Request for Qualifications Issued July 20, 2015
 Short-listed Respondent Teams Announced: January 20, 2016
  Request for Proposals Issued November 10, 2016
 Proposals Submitted May 8, 2018
 Preferred Proponent Identified July 5, 2018
 Financial Close

Our Organizational Partners

SouthWest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition