Windsor Councillor Urges Tunnel Use Amid Bridge Owners’ Opposition
A city councillor in Windsor, Ontario, is advocating for increased use of the Windsor-Detroit tunnel. This comes amid opposition from the owner of the Ambassador Bridge, a key border crossing. Coun. Angelo Marignani encourages residents to choose the tunnel to support local businesses while raising concerns over ownership dynamics at the border.
Support for Local Economy
Marignani, who serves as the Ward 7 councillor, emphasized the local benefits of using the tunnel. He noted that the City of Windsor earns dividends from tunnel operations, which contribute directly to municipal revenue. “Every time you take the tunnel, you’re buying local, you’re supporting local, and you’re supporting the residents of Windsor,” he stated.
Ambassador Bridge Ownership Concerns
The Ambassador Bridge, in contrast, is owned by American billionaire Matthew Moroun. Marignani expressed his intent to educate the public about this ownership shift. While he refrained from calling for a boycott against the bridge, he underscored the importance of local support.
Recent Political Developments
These remarks follow Moroun’s meeting with the U.S. commerce secretary, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats regarding the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. “I’m just voicing the concerns that my residents have brought up,” Marignani added, highlighting a desire to inform residents about their crossing options.
Cost Comparison
- Tunnel Crossings: $8.25 per single trip, or $5.90 with a prepaid Nexpress card.
- Ambassador Bridge Crossings: $14 per trip.
Tal Czudner, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, backed Marignani’s statements. He emphasized that using the tunnel benefits the local economy, as funds support city finances during budget planning. “Fourteen dollars goes to the billionaire; $5.90 helps our company and the City of Windsor at tax time,” Czudner remarked.
Traffic Capacity and Wait Times
As for the tunnel’s capacity, Czudner noted that daily traffic numbers have decreased significantly since 2001, when new border security measures were implemented. The tunnel carried about 20,000 vehicles daily in the 1980s and 1990s, while current numbers have fallen to roughly 12,000.
“As long as you’re OK waiting about 15 minutes during peak hours, we have lots of capacity,” Czudner stated, encouraging travelers to opt for the tunnel during their trips to the U.S.
