The Gordie Howe International Bridge remains scheduled to open to traffic on Monday, July 27, but its ribbon-cutting this Friday will proceed without an American delegation, according to Windsor News Today.
The outlet reported July 21 that The Canadian Press, citing the federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, said the July 24 ceremony would be a Canada-only event. The change concerns participation in the opening celebration; the reported date for traffic to begin remains Monday.
According to that report, the ministry said an American delegation would not participate following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose tariffs of 50 per cent on some Canadian goods.
The tariff measure was described as a threat, rather than an action already in effect. The ministry’s reported statement linked that development to the absence of U.S. representatives at Friday’s ceremony.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens had separately confirmed to Windsor News Today that he had received an invitation to an opening event on Friday. His confirmation concerned the ceremony, which is scheduled three days before the bridge opens to traffic.
Windsor News Today said it had requested further details from both the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the federal ministry. The outlet was awaiting replies when its report was published.
