Update — 12 July 2026

The New York Times reports that the Trump administration had been blocking the bridge opening, and the finalized deal has now ended that blockade. The report confirms the bridge will ease congestion at the busiest trade corridor between the United States and Canada.

Update sources: NYT

The 2.4-kilometre bridge spanning the Detroit River between Windsor and Detroit is named after the late hockey great Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. It is expected to become a vital economic link between the two countries.

Two unnamed sources told CBC and Radio-Canada about the agreement but did not share specifics of the deal. One source cautioned that some reports were oversimplifying the agreement. News of the deal was first reported by The Associated Press on Friday.

The opening had been scheduled for June 12 but was postponed at the request of the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney said on June 11 that Canada had "agreed to delay the opening and take the necessary time to resolve outstanding issues."

Canadian officials dealing with the matter include Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, and Mark Wiseman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S. They have been negotiating with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra.

In February, U.S. President Donald Trump demanded on social media that Canada hand over at least half ownership of the bridge to the U.S. government and accept other unspecified demands, as part of broader trade disputes between the countries.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkels said on Friday that the bridge needs to open for the good of both nations but said he would wait for an official announcement from both governments before commenting further.

Canada financed construction of the toll bridge, which is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan. Work began in 2018 under an agreement negotiated by Rick Snyder, the former Republican governor of Michigan. The bridge is expected to ease congestion at the existing Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel.

Source: CBC Top Stories