The Windsor/Essex Community Benefits Coalition (WECBC) is very happy with community benefits announced by the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) on Friday.
The WDBA said $20-million is coming to Sandwich and Delray for community infrastructure improvements focused on priorities identified through community consultation since 2015. The benefits from the $5.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge are aimed at community partnerships, lessening the effects of construction and operation issues for nearby residents, schools, businesses and community facilities, improving safety, economic prosperity and beautifying neighbourhoods through landscaping. WDBA said it is also investing $12 million to improve Sandwich Street.
“We congratulate both Bridging North America and the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority on reaching this important milestone of financial close in this transformative project,” said Brian Gray, co-chair for the Windsor/Essex Community Benefits Coalition. “We are very pleased to learn of the size and scope of the community benefits announcement. $20-million in addition to the Sandwich Street Improvements, Workforce Development, Designed Cycling Infrastructure and Greenspaces in and around the Plaza are all a part of this iconic project that has the potential to help transform our region.”
The WECBC, a regional advocacy group made up of residents, organizations and institutions that support the use of community benefits, worked extensively in 2017 to actively engage the Windsor Essex community to identify the priorities they wish were addressed as a result of the Gordie Howe International Bridge's construction. Over 900 ideas were collected, put into five key pillars and were submitted to the WDBA and all three proponents in late 2017.
“Ensuring inclusive and accessible opportunity for the region’s members to identify what priorities they want addressed through community benefits is important work,” said Gray. “We look forward to working with the community, the WDBA and Bridging North America over the coming months to ensure that the community benefits are reflective of the priorities that have been identified.”
