The issue was never really about Canada tolling; the real issue was about ‘cost overruns’ against the backdrop of how the tolling revenue was being used for repayment to the govt of Canada. It’s a rather sticky situation.
The Canadian government backstopped the financing of the bridge construction. The deal was that Canada would use tolling to pay the govt back and subsequent tolls would split 50/50 with U.S. However, cost overruns made the Canadian payback a little less clear as the govt expected more revenue than originally proposed. Sketchy.
[SOURCE]
The deal currently being revealed as a compromise includes an immediate 50/50 split where Canada gets 50 per cent of the toll profits — after operational expenses — and the other half will go to a U.S-run regional development project for a 15-year time frame.
According to Global News, “The agreement also requires the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority to consult the U.S. on any toll changes greater than 10 per cent, the source said, or if it’s looking to lower tolls below those of comparable regional averages.” Additionally, in Politico “they will guarantee and ensure that we’re not pouring Chinese cars over that bridge.”
I guess I am old fashioned but shouldn’t the tolls go to maintenance and upkeep of the bridge?
Operational expenses would include maintenance I would think.
“The deal… includes an immediate 50/50 split where Canada gets 50 per cent of the toll profits — after operational expenses — and the other half will go to a U.S-run regional development project for a 15-year time frame.
That quote does not appear to accurately capture the details of the agreement nor the “sharing”. This quote doesn’t provide adequate information either, but does suggest this posting and comments do not fully outline the how toll revenues will be applied and allocated, near term and into the future –
“Under the agreement, tolls collected from bridge users will be used to reimburse Canada for the funds it advanced.
Once the costs are fully recouped, toll revenue will be shared with the state of Michigan.”
https://www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/article/fact-check-canada-paid-for-gordie-howe-bridge-but-doesnt-own-it-alone/
I’m sure maintenance is accounted for somewhere in the deal. It’s only right that we get half the tolls..them American roads aren’t going to fix themselves with Canadian cars on them.
If President Trump is happy, I’m happy.
What a terrific name for the bridge. IMHO Mr. Hockey was the G.O.A.T.
Absolutely! I liked Wayne Gretzky, but Gordie Howe is the GOAT.
Fun fact: Wayne Gretzky attended high school in Carmel Indiana for a brief time while playing for the Indianapolis Racers.
I love how President Trump keeps his genius eye on everything that impacts our way of life.
Can’t thank God enough, this site reminds me to do so.
🇺🇸🦅✝️🙏❤️
Handle that, Mark.
Slowly but surely President Trump is getting everything he wants from Canada.
The financial deal sounds fine but…one can’t trust the Canadian government with anything. I hope we’ll have sufficient safeguards on our side of the bridge to prevent “Chinese cars” and Chinese nationals, especially pregnant ones, from United States entry.
Lincoln’s? Buicks?
“However, cost overruns made the Canadian payback a little less clear as the govt expected more revenue than originally proposed. Sketchy.”
Cost overruns……..on a large, goobermint administered project. Who’da thunk………..
“Cost overruns” as in copious quantities of political kickbacks and money laundering, no doubt.
Your comment said everything in one sentence.
Subsequent tolls got moved from the back side to the front end.
Cost overruns by a Canadian company would have meant the subsequent toll-sharing probably would never have been realized while we paid for Canada’s lack of oversight of their construction contracts.
Carney is dealing with a US builder who knows construction. PDJT knows contracts.
The Canadian-made Chinese cars crossing the bridge won’t ever happen either.