Years of planning, construction, and general blood, sweat, and tears came to a climax on the west Windsor riverfront on Friday.
Hundreds of invited guests gathered at the sparkling new Windsor point of entry to celebrate the Canadian dedication of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Representatives from the federal government, the Ontario government, and the City of Windsor cut a wide, ceremonial ribbon to dedicate the 2.5-kilometre span, which loomed in the background.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, wearing a red maple leaf jersey, praised the thousands of Canadian and American labourers who helped build the cable-stay suspension bridge, and called the friendship between the two nations strong.
Ford also alluded to the opportunities the bridge brings to boost trade between the neighbours.
"This bridge is an incredible symbol of the potential and opportunities that await workers and families on both sides of the Detroit River," said Ford. "When we work together across borders, just look at the relationship we enjoy."
A beaming Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens recalled the groundbreaking of the span in 2018. Standing on the spot seven-and-a-half years later, he talked about the obstacles the project faced.
"This bridge has risen up against ever-shifting backdrops of uncertainty, amidst a global pandemic that made crossing the border impossible, against a trade war that's amplified all that this bridge stands for," said Dilkens.
Minister of Infrastructure Gregor Robertson represented the federal government, along with Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Mark Wiseman, who joked that it would be the only time he would be seen in public wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey.
The bridge is named after Saskatchewan native and Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, and members of the Howe family were also on hand for the dedication.
Also attending the dedication were local MPPs Andrew Dowie and Lisa Gretzky, most members of Windsor City Council, and mayors and deputy mayors representing all Windsor-Essex municipalities.
"The vibe here is so great; everybody is so positive and happy to be here. I don't think I've ever experienced anything to this degree. It's patriotic; we're proud of how far we've come, and that we can celebrate as a country and as a region, it's incredible," said Warden Hilda MacDonald.
Following the formal speeches and ribbon-cutting, a tractor-trailer crossed the bridge from the Detroit side and checked in at the Windsor port of entry.
-with files from Maureen Revait
