Questions answered at Gordie Howe Bridge Community Q&A

A community Q&A was held at Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare about the upcoming construction on the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The event was organized by the Windsor/ Essex Community Benefits Coalition, hoping to provide the answers to the questions from the public and making sure people are aware of the process surrounding the new bridge.

Sarah Morris, Coordinator at Windsor Essex Community Benefits Coalition, hopes those who came had their questions answered.

“The process for community benefits is almost done,” said Morris. “This is a really exciting time where $10 million  is being invested in Windsor Essex. Having the bridge out here today answering those questions, making sure that they’re part of that conversation, ensures that the public stays up to date.”

Terry Kennedy, who is a resident of Sandwich and a member of the coalition, encourages Windsorites to get involved and have their opinions heard.

“There’s something happening here and we want to get involved now. It’s no good once the bridge starts,” said Kennedy. “This is an open process and we’re hoping that the city in itself will continue to come to the neighbourhood to talk to us not not keep these things bottled up until the last moment.”

Kennedy is hoping to bring the protection of historic Sandwich Towne to the top of the city’s priority list.

“With the traffic, of course, comes the dust and the pollution. We already have it on Huron Line, you know coming off the 401 you can see what’s going to happen if these strategies are not taken care of now,” said Kennedy.

“Not only do I want to protect the people that are breathing this air, I want to protect the heritage that’s here. We already get 500,000 visitors a year so I want to make sure that those tourists continue  to come to Sandwich Towne to be part of our festivities that are there that want to learn about their families, their heritage in this neighbourhood.”

Windsor Essex Community Benefits Coalition, as well as Windsor- Detroit Bridge Authority is encouraging everyone to fill out a survey concerning community involvement in the bridge’s development before Friday, Feb. 8, on their website at gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com