Windsor and Detroit historical and infrastructure updates

Windsor, Canada, and Detroit, USA, maintain a historical connection rooted in the Prohibition era, during which the Windsor-Detroit corridor served as a primary route for alcohol smuggling. Approximately 75% to 80% of alcohol smuggled into the United States passed through this region.

In Windsor, the Hiram Walker distillery, owned by the French company Pernod Ricard, remains the largest distillery in North America. The area is also seeing significant infrastructure development with the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge, a project spanning approximately ten years.

There are ongoing local disputes regarding the financial arrangements for the Gordie Howe Bridge. Previous agreements between Canadian and American leadership suggested that Canada would cover 100% of construction costs in exchange for keeping 100% of the tolls until costs were recouped, after which tolls would be split equally between the two nations.