Here’s a bold statement: Your choice of border crossing could be more impactful than you think. A Windsor city councilor is urging Canadians to rethink their route between Windsor and Detroit, suggesting the Windsor-Detroit tunnel over the Ambassador Bridge. But here’s where it gets controversial—this isn’t just about convenience; it’s about where your money goes. Coun. Angelo Marignani points out that the tunnel is partially owned by the City of Windsor, meaning every toll supports local residents and the city’s budget. Meanwhile, the Ambassador Bridge is privately owned by American billionaire Matthew Moroun. Is choosing the tunnel a form of 'buying local'? Marignani thinks so.
This call comes on the heels of reports that Moroun met with the U.S. commerce secretary shortly before President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the new publicly owned Gordie Howe International Bridge. Coincidence? Many are skeptical. Marignani isn’t calling for a boycott of the Ambassador Bridge, but he’s clear: ‘I’m just showing people they have a choice that supports their community.’
And this is the part most people miss—the financial impact. Tunnel CEO Tal Czudner highlights that the tunnel paid a $5-million dividend to Windsor in 2026, directly benefiting the city. Crossing the tunnel costs $8.25 (or $5.90 with a prepaid Nexpress card), compared to $14 for the Ambassador Bridge. ‘That $5.90 helps our city,’ Czudner says. ‘The $14? That goes to the billionaire.’
But can the tunnel handle more traffic? Czudner assures it can. While daily vehicle counts dropped from 20,000 in the 1990s to around 12,000 post-9/11 due to tighter border security, the tunnel still has plenty of capacity. ‘You might wait 15 minutes during rush hour, but after that, it’s smooth sailing,’ he says. ‘Save seven bucks and take the tunnel.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Does your border crossing choice reflect your values? Is supporting local infrastructure worth a few extra minutes? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about where our money goes and what it means for our communities.
