By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER and ED WHITE Associated Press
WINDSOR, Ontario (AP) — Canada on Friday celebrated the completion of a new bridge to the U.S. over the Detroit River, cutting a ceremonial ribbon on a multibillion-dollar, multiyear project that will serve as a critical path for trade, jobs and tourism between the countries.
As the six-lane Gordie Howe International Bridge dominated the skyline behind them, officials lined up in Windsor, Ontario, to hail what one described as “one of the most significant infrastructure achievements in Canada’s history.” The bridge opens to traffic on Monday.
“Some days are remembered because they mark the end of a journey. Others are remembered because they mark the beginning of something entirely new. Today is both,” said Chuck Andary, interim CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, which will operate the bridge.
Missing from the event: U.S. and Michigan representatives. Canada scratched a joint gathering after President Donald Trump this week suddenly announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods entering the U.S. A soloist sang the national anthem, “O Canada,” but the U.S. anthem was not performed.
“Our relationship has been challenged over the last few years, and President Trump is threatening tariffs just this month. But team Canada has never been more united,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford told the crowd, which applauded at times during his defense of the country.
Bridges are critical to moving goods between countries
More than 70% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S., making America its largest trade partner, and Detroit is the No. 1 port for truck traffic on the U.S.-Canada border, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Howe bridge will instantly create competition. For nearly a century, the privately owned Ambassador Bridge has been the only route for large commercial trucks moving between the U.S. and Canada at Detroit. Businesses say the new span will be faster and less expensive.
The bridge is named for Howe, a Canadian icon — “Mr. Hockey” — who played on the other side of the Detroit River for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. He died in 2016. Ford and Mark Wiseman, the Canadian ambassador to the U.S., wore hockey sweaters with Howe’s No. 9.
Trump didn’t attend, but his role was felt
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens repeatedly praised Howe and appeared to take a subtle dig at Trump. He said he recently texted Dr. Murray Howe to ask who might be his father’s target these days if he had to slam someone into the hockey boards.
“He’s a gentleman. He didn’t answer,” Dilkens said. “But I think we all know who that person might be if Gordie was going to check one person into the board.”
Surrounded by family, Murray Howe thanked residents of both countries and specifically named Canadian officials and the U.S. president. He recalled how his father grew up in Saskatchewan before moving to Ontario at age 16 for a tryout with the Red Wings.
“This bridge will serve as an unmistakable symbol of the priceless bond and true friendship between the people of Canada and the people of the United States,” Murray Howe said, expressing the same long-term view as other speakers.
Canada paid for the bridge but will share revenue
Construction, which began in 2018, took years, partly because of a global slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada paid to build the bridge at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion. A recent agreement says Canada will share some toll revenue with the U.S. government for 15 years.
Trump praised his administration for that deal in a social media post while the Ontario event was in progress. “We changed the terms,” he said.
Michigan will also get a share, but not until Canada’s costs are recovered, likely decades from now.
The bridge is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long and rises 151 feet (46 meters) above the Detroit River at its highest point. Pedestrians and bicyclists carrying proper identification will be able to cross it for free in a few weeks.
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White reported from Detroit.