Another Ambassador Bridge blockade would have swifter police response, report says
CBC
Another blockade of the Ambassador Bridge wouldn't play out like what happened in February 2022 — thanks to police being empowered to act faster and harder, according to a report that's going to Windsor city council next week.
Meant for council information, the report describes how the province's Bill 100 — the Keeping Ontario Open for Business Act — gives law enforcement organizations "additional tools to help prevent and swiftly respond to future blockades."
The Ontario legislation defines international border crossings such as the Ambassador Bridge as "protected transportation infrastructure."
Under Bill 100, police don't need a court injunction to take action against those who impede access to such infrastructure. Officers can also suspend the driver licenses and vehicle permits of those involved, and level heavier fines against participants — or even supporters.
"This should create a deterrent against future disruptions, helping the Ambassador Bridge remain open and functional," the report states.
"The ability to act immediately, with additional powers beyond those provided in the Criminal Code or waiting for court authorization, marks a significant shift in the speed of response and enforceability."
Bill 100 was passed by the Ontario government in April 2022, just two months after the original protest was cleared.
Since then, Windsor police were asked to develop a "comprehensive action plan" for similar situations, incorporating the measures provided by the legislation.
"The WPS currently has a detailed operational plan that addresses responses to the Ambassador Bridge," the report advises.
Windsor police did not respond to CBC's request for comment on the plan.
Marta Leardi-Anderson of the University of Windsor's Cross Border Institute — a border issues research group — believes Bill 100 addresses what was a gap in border infrastructure enforcement.
"I think the legislation is very targeted," Leardi-Anderson said. "That's not a regional issue. That's a national issue. The legislation is speaking directly to that. How do we prevent these things from happening? Additionally, how do we then dismantle any kind of obstruction?"
Leardi-Anderson said the need to address the gap has been all the more pressing with the coming completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge — which she describes as a "purpose-built, very critical piece of infrastructure."
"Deterrence is a good first step," she added.
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