Eight community organizations are sharing $100,000 as part of the Community Benefits Plan of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is inspired by our host communities to deliver meaningful benefits that will serve as a catalyst for positive local change for years to come. We are listening and collaborating with local residents and representatives to ensure that our community-based project initiatives continue to reflect local priorities and feedback,” said CEO of the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority Bryce Phillips.
There were four Canadian projects picked out of 30 applicants for this year’s round of funding.
The Essex County Black Historical Research Society received $25,000 to research and film a three-part film series called Across the River to Freedom: Early Black History in Sandwich, Ontario.
“This funding will allow us to create three inter-related, yet stand-alone short films, that convey three significant and engaging aspects of early Sandwich history,” said Shantelle Browning-Morgan one of the lead researchers on the project.
The films will tell the stories of Henry and Mary Bibb, Caroline Quarlls and the Watkins clan from Sandwich, and Thorton and Lucie Blackburn. In addition to the films, the funding will help create companion lessons for school, and a digital walking tour of Sandwich.
The Border City Athletics Club received $10,000 to host a Women Can Summit Series.
The John McGivney Children’s Centre received $8,400 for a new accessible ramp to help the community access the barrier-free playground at the centre.
Finally, the Windsor Police Services Community Services Branch will host a Sandwich Community DiverCity BBQ in partnership with New Beginnings.
Four community projects are also being funded on the US side of the border.
As part of the Community Benefits Plan, the bridge project will select community projects to support during each year of construction. Project submission for 2022 will open in November 2021.
Construction on the Gordie Howe International Bridge has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Though construction has been impacted slightly Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority CEO Bryce Phillips says construction is still on track for completion in 2024.
