Hundreds of potential bidders for the new Gordie Howe International Bridge are in Windsor learning about the procurement process.
Mark Butler with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority says today's industry day attracts private sector companies from all over Canada.
"It gives the opportunity for the local, regional companies (and) suppliers to meet with potential bidders to look at opportunities in which they can work together in hopefully supplying some materials or some workers for the new build," he says.
So far the bridge authority has received an "unbelievable " response from interested parties. The request for proposal is expected to be issued later this year. "We'll look at those bids (and) we'll determine a short list of three candidates," Butler says.
The bridge authority is doing what it can to ensure local companies make the most during construction. "One of the issues we're looking at with people who are bidding on the project is looking at their experience in how they've worked with local communities," Butler says. "We urge the candidates to seek out local resources."
By the end of 2016 officials hope to have selected a private-sector partner in building the new bridge. Butler says everything is on track to see the Gordie Howe International Bridge open by 2020.
