WINDSOR - The Governments of Canada, Ontario and Windsor today announced new measures that are part of a joint $300 million federal-provincial investment to help improve the Windsor Gateway, Canada´s busiest border crossing. Today´s agreement identifies five initial project investments, including: · Improvements to the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Plaza in order to provide for more effective traffic management, including the implementation of the NEXUS program; · The construction of a pedestrian overpass near the intersection of Huron Church Road and Girardot Street by Assumption High School to improve the safety and convenience of residents and children in the community; · The final design and construction of the Walker Road rail grade separation at Grand Marais Road and the completion of an Environmental Assessment for the Howard Road rail grade separation to reduce traffic congestion and support the efficient movement of goods by rail and trucking modes; · Improvements to the Industrial Drive/Huron Church Road intersection to support the development of a pre-processing facility on Industrial Drive; and · The implementation of intelligent transportation systems along transportation corridors leading to the border crossings (eg. changeable message signs) in order to maximize the efficient operation of the network. The Governments of Canada and Ontario are jointly committing a total of $300 million to Windsor Gateway improvements. Today´s announcement represents the first important steps in the new Let´s Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy. It will be a multi-year strategy that will improve road safety, speed up the flow of cross-border-traffic, protect and strengthen local jobs and growth, and beautify transportation corridors. «The strategy will help boost Windsor´s economy and the vital role the city plays in the economies of Ontario and Canada,» said Transport Canada Minister Tony Valeri. «More than $140 billion a year in exports and imports pass through Windsor.» «Perhaps the biggest change of all is a change in attitude. There is a new spirit of cooperation among all levels of government,» said Ontario Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar. «We are now working together to build strong and safe communities for the people who live here. I expect to see construction start this summer on some of the initiatives announced today.» «This is good news for the citizens of Windsor,» remarked Minister of State (Infrastructure) for Canada, Andy Scott. «Today&#acutes announcement moves us all forward on a package that will benefit Windsor through significant upgrades in infrastructure and increased trade with the USA.» «Our new approach is far superior,» said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis. «It´s much more collaborative and it focuses much more on addressing community and regional needs ¿ including less congested streets. More importantly, it recognizes the dual role of Windsor as both a community in its own right and as the largest Canada-U.S. gateway.» A subsequent agreement will be developed between the three governments on a priority basis to identify additional projects that will be pursued to improve the efficiency of the Windsor Gateway. This new approach replaces the nine-point Windsor Gateway Action Plan. For further information, please contact: BacgrounderLET´S GET WINDSOR-ESSEX MOVING STRATEGYContext Windsor is the single-most important border crossing point between Canada and the U.S. More than 20 million cars, trucks and buses travel through the city each year, representing approximately thirty-three per cent of Canada-U.S. truck trade. In 2001 alone, this two-way merchandise trade totalled over CDN$140 billion. As Canada´s automotive industry heartland and a major economic hub for the Province of Ontario, Windsor´s economy is intricately linked with the international border crossing. Windsor is also a local community, home to many people and families. It has the same aspirations as other communities ¿ a good quality of life, clean environment, attractive urban design, and safe, predictable transportation within the city´s neighbourhoods.Unfortunately, congestion and pollution have been a cause of frustration for Windsor-Essex residents and businesses for some time. In today´s «just-in-time» economy, regular truck traffic delays and congestion on Windsor streets not only result in heavy economic costs for local industry, but also present safety and environmental concerns for the people who live in Windsor-Essex. Let´s Get Windsor-Essex Moving Strategy Today, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Windsor signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Let´s Get Windsor-Essex Moving Strategy. The strategy sets out initial investments in projects that recognize Windsor´s unique needs to maintain a safe environment and high quality of life for residents while hosting an international Gateway. With new leadership at all three levels of government, there is a keen understanding and appreciation for Windsor´s role in the Canadian economy, and a willingness to work in cooperation with the community to find the best possible solutions to the current traffic and congestion problems. The three levels of government, in consultation with Essex County, will continue to work together on a priority basis to come to agreement on additional projects that will be pursued to improve the efficiency of the Windsor Gateway. Such discussions will include consideration of, but not be limited to, improvements to Huron Church Road, EC Row Expressway, Lauzon Parkway and other options as they may be presented. The Let´s Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy replaces the nine-point Windsor Gateway Action Plan. New projects announced today include: 1. Improvements to the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Plaza in order to provide for more effective traffic management, including the implementation of the NEXUS program. Canada and Ontario will each contribute up to $10 million towards the plaza redevelopment, subject to approval by Windsor City Council and Windsor Tunnel Commission.2. Construction of a pedestrian overpass on Huron Church Road at Girardot Street near Assumption High School in order to improve the safety and convenience of residents and children in the community. Canada and Ontario will contribute equal funding. 3. Final design and construction of the Walker Road rail grade separation at Grand Marais Road and the completion of an Environmental Assessment for the Howard Road rail grade separation to reduce traffic congestion and support the efficient movement of goods by rail and trucking modes. Canada and Ontario will contribute equal funding.4. Improvements to the Industrial Drive/Huron Church Road intersection to support the development of a pre-processing facility on Industrial Drive. Canada and Ontario will contribute equal funding.5. Implementation of intelligent transportation systems along transportation corridors leading to the border crossings in order to maximize the efficient operation of the network. Canada and Ontario will contribute equal funding. The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are committed to investing in the Windsor-Essex economy to ensure continued growth and jobs, and an enhanced quality of life.For further information, please contact: Transport Canada
