The Gordie Howe Bridge, a $6.4 billion project linking Windsor and Detroit, will now share a portion of its net operating profits with the United States under a revised agreement.
Canadian officials said the arrangement was necessary to avoid delays and keep the bridge open, even though the entire cost was covered by Canadian taxpayers.
Under the original 2012 deal, the bridge was expected to repay Canadian investors over a minimum of 50 years; the new terms extend that period, though the exact length remains uncertain.
The revised agreement channels 50 percent of the bridge’s net toll revenues into a U.S.-controlled regional economic fund for 15 years.
How this will affect Canadian returns is unclear, as the calculation of “net profits” has changed.
According to the agreement, U.S. payments will be made only after all operating expenses, including debt servicing, have been covered by Canada.
However, U.S. officials argue that the debt servicing costs are excluded from the net profit calculation, potentially shifting more funds to the United States.
Such a shift could mean reduced financial benefits for Canada compared to the original arrangement.
Political leaders have called for full disclosure of the contract details before the bridge’s scheduled opening on July 27.
Citizens are demanding transparency on a project that represents a significant national investment.
