The Windsor Port Authority hopes to open a new lookout over the Detroit River in September.
A cantilevered pier at the foot of Mill Street at the Queen's Dock parkette will cost about $2.5-million to build. The port authority is contributing $950,000, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Program will cover part of the cost while local businesses donate services and materials.
CEO Steve Salmons said the port authority wanted to give residents a place to reflect and connect to the river.
"One of the realities that we are acutely aware of is as we continue to develop and build on port lands, we continuously cut off access to the waterfront for people," said Salmons. "We thought it was really important to not only have parkfront [access] but over top of the water."
The port authority applied for a grant from the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Grant Program, but the project was rejected. Recently, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority reconsidered and offered to contribute.
Salmons said the port authority also consulted with the Caldwell First Nation on the project. The design is influenced by the Indigenous directional path of learning, where people enter from the left and exit to the right.
Caldwell First Nations Chief Nikki van Oischot believes the pier will become a design marvel and enhance the visitors' experience.
"Aesthetically, the suspension pier is sure to become an inspiring platform," said van Oischot. "Its clean lines, mesh railings, open sightlines, and accessible features will be both pleasing to the eye -- and safe."
Students and Faculty from St. Clair College's Landscape Design Program designed the space around the pier. There are benches and signage to commemorate the cultural and historical significance of the area.