New projects lands at Windsor International Airport

By Mandy Mathews

A plane took off at the Windsor International Airport as the announcement ceremonies began for the implementation of new international cargo facilities for Fedex, learning facilities at the University of Windsor and testing facilities for border logistics and securities.

The project which has been five years in the planning was announced to the public Oct. 2. The investment made by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will help establish and advance an economic “cluster” in border logistics and securities of up to $19.9 million.

The cargo facilities are to be built on the Northwest quadrant of the airport to make them accessible by land, air and train. The 35,000 square foot building costing $12.6 million will be leased to Fedex and an additional 27,000 square foot building is for lease to other businesses. A 10,000 square foot testing facility will be built at the airport to train and test employees for international border crossings. The University of Windsor will be receiving $7.3 million to establish an institute within the Logistics and Securities Centre of Excellence for the fostering of new development and ideas for border services.

Mayor Eddie Francis said due to the economic recession of 2007-2008 unemployment was over 15 per cent and is now under nine. He said at the height of the economic crisis, Feddev was supporting Windsor and while others talked about the city, Windsor’s city council worked towards a goal. Francis had been criticized for his trips to Frankford, Germany. However this project is backed by Germany’s House of Logistics and Mobility, Europe’s leading platform for research and innovation among science businesses and society in the fields of mobility and logistics.

“This is a good example of how you diversify your economy,” said Francis. “It’s not an issue about throwing money at it, but it was an issue of identifying what the right path for it was and how can we strategically leverage the opportunities to create economic clusters.”

Minister for Feddev Gary Goodyear said Windsor has growing potential.

“I think frankly, the fact that they are involved is some affirmation and indication of the strength and possibilities behind this growing economic area,” said Goodyear.

Windsor has one of the fastest growing airports in Canada and the busiest border crossing in the world. Around 400 million goods travel across the border every day and between 2007 and 2011 Windsor has doubled flight numbers.

“This initiative has the overall goal of engaging stake holders in purposeful partnerships to foster prosperous communities that will contribute to southern Ontario’s overall competitiveness with a focus on the new global economy and our collective prosperous futures,” said Goodyear.

Goodyear said Windsor is a “knowledge hub” of critical mass, meaning partnerships being developed spearhead all aspects of building something that can meet world demands and stay ahead. The government is implementing a protection plan for the nation by solidifying the economies that we have and adding economies because Canada will face another recession.

Along with the Government of Canada, City of Windsor and Your Quick Gateway, the University of Windsor became involved with the project three years ago when president Alan Wildeman called Francis.

“There is some incredible ideas that young people have got, we need to open up the channels and let them be apart of this as much as possible,” said Wildeman. “If we can do that for our students, they are going to want to stay here, they are going to want to live here, they are going to attract jobs themselves.”

Goodyear said the multi-mobile cargo operation will establish Windsor as a strong long term power “hub” in advanced logistics and border services. He said it will create 105 initial jobs and promised more to come as it becomes recognized as a world leader. He said some design and foundation have started and Fedex will be in by 2015.

Vice President of Finance for Fedex Express Canada, Peter McQuillan said this is a significant capitol investment for their more than 600-aircraft company. Fedex’s strategic plan includes building Windsor’s economy and providing potential to grow.

“Be assured, when you see Fedex vehicles about in your city, it is a sign that good things are about to happen. When it comes to Windsor and Canada, we really believe this is true,” McQuillan said.

 

CUTLINE: Mayor Eddie Francis announces the new partnerships between Feddev Ontario, the Government of Canada, Your Quick Gateway and the University of Windsor October 2 at the Windsor International Airport.