Gordie Howe International Bridge to open July 27 amid U.S., Canada trade tensions

The long-awaited new border crossing from Windsor to Detroit will finally be operational this summer. 

Canadian and American officials confirm that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open on July 27, after a ribbon-cutting event was delayed last month and weeks of demands from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The ambitious vision to expand traffic flow into the State of Michigan will become reality later this summer as both Canada and the U.S. came to terms on its operations.

Yesterday, Canada’s Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson released a statement saying, “Canada and Michigan have agreed to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, with the support of the United States Government.”

The long-awaited moment comes after a planned ribbon-cutting ceremony was delayed last month. Canada paid for the $6.4-billion bridge and it was completed back in February — right around the same time U.S. President Trump threatened to block the opening unless Canada renegotiated their original agreement.

When asked by a reporter if Canada was willing to renegotiate the current agreement to ensure the bridge opens, given that the U.S. ambassador noted issues regarding control of the bridge and tolls, Prime Minister Mark Carney responded, “We’re willing to clarify aspects of the current arrangements.”

READ MORE: Gordie Howe International Bridge opening delayed

Yesterday, Carney didn’t elaborate on the aspects of the deal, but his infrastructure minister confirmed that the agreement includes toll governance and regional investments tied to toll profits.

A source with The Canadian Press, not authorized to speak on negotiations, says under the deal, Canada gets 50 per cent of the toll profits after operational expenses. The other half will go to a U.S.-run regional development project for a 15-year timeframe. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is also required to consult with Trump officials on toll changes greater than 10 per cent.

U.S. President Trump took to his social media today and said in part, “I was able to cut a MUCH BETTER DEAL for America” and “The original deal made was unacceptable to me! The new deal is great, and fair. Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government.”

“This is something that’s been going on for nearly 20 years in terms of the negotiation process and the eventual construction,” said Fraser Johnson, operations management professor at the Ivey Business School at Western University. “I’ve got confidence in the Canadian negotiators to make sure that they’re protecting our best interests.”

Johnson says the crossover to Michigan has the largest economic value for Canada. He says the move adds critical efficiency for the transportation business, particularly when moving automotive parts.

“There’s about $300 million a day in goods — these are in U.S. dollars — that go back and forth across the border,” Johnson said.

The bridge’s ownership is shared between Michigan and the Government of Canada.

READ MORE: ‘Much better deal’: U.S. President Donald Trump confirms Gordie Howe bridge opening