Canada is Fully Engaged on the Detroit-Windsor Border Crossing

Canada recognizes that the Detroit-Windsor border crossing is an essential economic link between the U.S. and Canada. More international trade crosses this border in one year than the United States does annually with Japan.

Canadians see the Detroit-Windsor border as a vital economic link for their future. They are engaged at all levels of government and are dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the health and safety of their citizens by getting commercial trucks off Windsor city streets.

Canadian Actions

Canadian actions come in three different areas:

1. Canadians are concerned about Homeland Security, protecting the environment, and ensuring their economic future. This is reflected in the CAPC Report and the passage of C-3 (see Industry and Federal Actions below)


2. Windsor has said “No” to the twinning of the Ambassador Bridge by passing bylaws that block construction of a new, expanded plaza (see Local Actions below)


3. Communities and the provincial government of Ontario are demanding a tunnel under Windsor streets to carry commercial trucks to the next border crossing (see Provincial and Regional Actions, as well as Recent Media Headlines below)

Industry and Government Joint Action: A Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) report published in October 2004 covered a lot of suggestions for improving the Canadian economic climate to protect the automotive business. Among the top priorities was additional transportation infrastructure at the Detroit-Windsor border (see page 5 of the Addendum for additional highlights of the CAPC report).

Federal Action: At the end of January 2007, the Canadian federal government passed a law known as C-3. This law confirms the federal government’s exclusive jurisdiction over international bridges and tunnels; requires governmental approval for the construction or alteration of new and existing bridges or tunnels; requires governmental approval for all changes in ownership, operation and control of international bridges or tunnels; and authorizes the government to make regulations regarding bridge maintenance and repair, safety and security, and operation and use. In short, this law gives Transport Canada control over all 24 border crossings -- including private structures -- and any future border crossings between Canada and the U.S. (see page 6 of the Addendum for additional highlights).

Provincial Action: Last week the Ontario provincial government announced that it would explore a “comprehensive solution” to border traffic problems, with tunneling (of trucks in Windsor) as a part of the discussion. Building a tunnel under Windsor for trucks would provide environmental, health, safety and economic benefits (see page 9 of the Addendum for a Windsor Star article on the Provincial action).

Local Action: Also last week, the city of Windsor City Council passed two bylaws that will be in effect for one year and may be extended to two years while a community improvement plan is completed. The bylaws will not permit the construction of new buildings or structures or the demolition of old ones, and will ensure that the area's attributes and physical features are not negatively affected or destroyed. In effect, this suspends the Ambassador Bridge’s plan to build a new, expanded customs plaza in Windsor (see page 11 of the Addendum for a Windsor Star article on these bylaws).

Canadian Regional Actions: Several local governments have recently passed resolutions in favor of both tunneling in Windsor for the trucks and in support of the Detroit River Tunnel Partnership Jobs Tunnel project.

Recent Media Headlines Regarding the Detroit-Windsor Border Crossing

Local politicians lobby for border help in DC.
–— Windsor Star, Page A2, Dave Battagello, March 2, 2005

Bush fails to bolster northern border patrol –— Windsor Star, Page A3, Dave Battagello, Friday, March 4, 2005

SECURITY BOOST
–— Windsor Star, March 16, 2006

Lobby goes to bat for border
–— Windsor Star, Page A3, Dave Battagello, March 18, 2005

Border runners threaten security: Truckers routinely ignore secondary customs order
–— Windsor Star, Page A1, Dave Battagello, March 23, 2005

Canada Senate report: Don't expand bridge, suggests armed agents at border
–— By Beth Duff-Frown, Associated Press Writer

MPs pass border bill
–— Windsor Star, Sonja Puzic, January 30, 2007

Windsor bridge work uncertain; Federal, municipal laws causing headaches
–— Daily Commercial News and Construction Record, Peter Kenter, February 9, 2007

{Ambassador} Bridge urged to reveal upkeep records: Findings secret after inspections
–— Windsor Star, Page A1, Dave Battagello, September 6, 2005

Ottawa aims to speed cargo crossings; Electronic manifest to ease slowdowns
–— Globe and Mail, Steven Chase, Janaury 12, 2007

Canada and Ontario improving roads in Windsor-Detroit Gateway
–— Canadian News Wire, June 23, 2006

Border guards to be armed: Windsor should be first on the list, customs officers' union says
–— Windsor Star, Page A1, Dave Battagello; September 1, 2006, Files from Dalson Chen

Border is vulnerable
–— Windsor Star, Page A6, Colin Kenny: Guest Column, March 23, 2005

Article Source: http://www.new.citynewslive.com

The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership (DRTP) owns and operates the 100-year-old rail corridor that runs from Highway 401 in Canada to I-75 in Detroit. Learn about the project to build a replacement rail tunnel at www.thejobstunnel.com

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