Transport Minister Issues Statement on Windsor ...
24 January 2005
Transport Minister Issues Statement on the Windsor Border Traffic Report
The following statement was issued by Transport Canada on 21 January 2005.
Transport Minister Jean C. Lapierre … released the following statement regarding the presentation of the Windsor Border Traffic report, also known as the Schwartz report, which was presented … at a public meeting in Windsor [on 21 January 2005].
"We are pleased that the City of Windsor has commissioned the report by former New York City traffic commissioner Sam Schwartz to set out its perspective on possible Phase 2 initiatives under the Let’s Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy….
"Transport Canada is anxious to continue negotiations with the Government of Ontario, the City of Windsor and the County of Essex to implement short and medium term projects which will improve local traffic flows and address congestion and security issues at the Windsor-Detroit Gateway….
The Governments of Canada, Ontario, the United States and Michigan are partnering in a long term Bi-National Planning Process that has produced a comprehensive 30-year transportation strategy to help ensure the corridor remains a key gateway between Canada and the United States.
Transport Canada remains committed to this partnership, and the ongoing Bi-National Environmental Assessment Study, to provide for additional long-term capacity in the area. The department will continue to work with its partners to expedite this process, while ensuring that all requirements are met, to attain the goal of having a new crossing under construction in 2010.
This statement is available on the Transport Canada web site, at:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-h013e.htm
Additionally, press reports note that the report’s recommendations include: a new bridge linking Windsor to Detroit; a new truck route from Highway 401; underwater rail tunnel; increased use of river ferries. These changes are designed to transform Windsor into a transportation hub, connecting Canada and Mexico.