Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada will not share toll revenues from the new $4.7 billion bridge with the U.S. until its initial investment is recouped.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Carney explained, “Any sharing of the toll revenue won’t happen until all of the debt is repaid.” He further stated that after the debt is cleared, Canada intends to split net revenues with the U.S. for the first 15 years, after accounting for operational costs such as maintenance and snow removal.
Canada’s decision to retain all toll profits from the Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, aligns with the original agreement with Michigan, established in 2012.
Carney also noted that the net revenue for the initial years is expected to be negative to modest, after accounting for the operational costs. Once the revenue sharing begins, all U.S. portions will be reinvested in economic development.
The bridge is set to open on 27 July.
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Bridge Deal Faces Political Heat
This decision follows months of uncertainty over the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The two countries reached an agreement on toll governance, transparency, and regional investment. The U.S. will receive 50% of the bridge’s toll revenue and will have the authority to veto any toll increase exceeding 10% above current rates.
Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers said the U.S. expects to reopen the bridge under improved terms, adding that the country has shifted from earning no revenue to generating significant revenue from the arrangement.
The bridge’s opening was initially scheduled for early June but was abruptly cancelled amid a dispute between U.S. and Canadian officials. Democrats have accused the Trump administration of delaying the opening of the bridge between Detroit and Windsor to benefit President Donald Trump‘s billionaire donor Matthew Moroun, owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, reported the Guardian.
Critics, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib, allege the delay was intended to protect Moroun’s business interests, while the new agreement gives the U.S. greater oversight over bridge toll pricing.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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