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Windsor, Ontario needs a second bridge says west-end activist

February 10, 2010

WINDSOR, Ont. — The Canadian government's interest in purchasing the Ambassador Bridge should not derail efforts to build a second crossing, says West Windsor activist Mary Ann Cuderman.

Cuderman says she fears negotiations to purchase the 80-year-old span may be a stalling tactic on the part of bridge owner Matty Moroun.

"Get the other bridge built. That's the priority," Cuderman said. "I can see this as another of his tactics not to get the (second) bridge built."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently instructed his cabinet ministers to explore the possibility of purchasing the Ambassador Bridge -- the busiest international border crossing in North America -- from Moroun. The bridge carries one-quarter of all trade between Canada and the U.S.

The Canadian government is also a partner in the binational Detroit River International Crossing team assigned to build a bridge downriver.

"Take the trade away with the new bridge and his bridge is worth much less," Cuderman said. "That's the time both (federal) governments can go in.

"The other bridge has to go through," Cuderman said. "We can't dilly dally with this any longer. The priority has to be the new bridge. The priorities can't change."

A spokesman for federal Transportation minister John Baird said Tuesday the focus remains on construction of the DRIC bridge.

"The government of Canada remains committed to the building of a new bridge between Windsor and Detroit as additional capacity is needed along this corridor to support the anticipated growth in border traffic," said James Kusie.

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