How the new Gordie Howe bridge deal differs from the 2012 agreement

Canada and the United States have reached a new agreement that clears the way for the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. The deal comes after weeks of confusion about toll revenue, debt repayment and who controls parts of the bridge’s finances. The bridge was originally covered by a 2012 CanadaMichigan agreement that set out how Canada would fund construction and recover costs through tolls. Under that arrangement, toll revenue would first go toward the bridge’s debt, which could take decades to repay. After the debt is cleared, Canada and Michigan would split the revenue. The new 2026 agreement does not replace the 2012 deal. Instead, it changes how toll revenue is handled for the first 15 years after opening. During that period, revenue will first cover operating costs such as maintenance, snow removal and staffing. Any remaining amount will be split, with Canada receiving half and the other half going to a U.S. federal economic development fund. Officials say Canada can use its share to begin reducing the bridge debt, but the amount available will be smaller than under the earlier plan. The new agreement also gives the U.S. government some control over tollrate changes. Canadian officials are set to hold a ribboncutting ceremony before the bridge opens to traffic on Monday.