Ontario Trucking Association criticizes Windsor mayor’s proposed truck tolls on Huron Church Road

Trucks seen driving down Huron Church Road towards the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont. on March 5, 2026. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

The Ontario Trucking Association says a proposal by Drew Dilkens to impose temporary tolls on trucks using Huron Church Road to access the Ambassador Bridge is impractical and could harm the regional economy.

In a statement Thursday, the trucking industry group said the plan could worsen congestion and add costs for businesses that rely on cross-border trade between Windsor and Detroit.

Dilkens has asked the Ontario government to allow the city to introduce temporary tolls on trucks travelling along Huron Church Road beginning May 1 until the Gordie Howe International Bridge opens later this year.

“The proposal does not make sense from a practical perspective by adding additional stops on an already congested stretch of road,” said Lak Shoan, director of policy and industry awareness programs for the trucking association.

Shoan said Huron Church Road functions as the only commercial route linking Windsor to one of North America’s busiest international border crossings, meaning there is no alternative route for trucks heading to the bridge.

“With the Gordie Howe bridge set to open soon, any proposal to toll trucks utilizing Huron Church Road is illogical, as there is no alternative access point to the Ambassador Bridge,” Shoan said.

The association said thousands of trucks use the corridor daily and warned tolls could have broader impacts on businesses and supply chains.

Industry officials also raised concerns about potential unintended consequences, including increased congestion and safety risks for motorists and residents, as well as administrative challenges tied to collecting tolls.

The trucking group suggested the move could also divert truck traffic to the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, potentially increasing congestion and border delays there.

The association added that companies involved in cross-border shipping are already facing rising operational costs and uncertainty tied to U.S. tariffs and Canada–U.S. trade tensions.

The mayor has said the temporary tolls would help offset the cost of maintaining Huron Church Road, which carries heavy truck traffic bound for the Ambassador Bridge.

The trucking association is urging the city to reconsider the proposal and instead work with governments and industry partners on solutions that support the Windsor–Detroit trade corridor.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he generally opposes tolls but praised Dilkens for putting forward the idea, adding the province is open to discussing it.

“Well, first of all, I’ve always said that I’m against tolls,” Ford said while in Windsor on Thursday.

“But in this case… you know what I love about Mayor Dilkens? This guy thinks outside the box.”

Ford said the priority for both Canada and the United States remains opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge as soon as possible, which is expected to divert significant truck traffic away from city streets currently used to access the Ambassador Bridge.

Meanwhile, reaction from Windsor residents who live near the Huron Church Road corridor was mixed.

Frank Howell, who lives in the area, said he isn’t convinced the proposal would make much difference.

“I use the street regularly. It’s a mess, that’s for sure,” Howell said, adding he believes the road may need to be repurposed once the new bridge opens.

Another nearby resident, Joe Gibble, said he isn’t sure tolls would change much.

“I don’t think it’ll really change anything,” Gibble said.

“They’ve got to get over it one way or another, right?”

Betty Koliqi said she worries the idea could simply add more costs at a time when many people are already feeling financial pressure.

“I think it’s bad... because we have enough expenses,” she said.

“Everything costs lots of money.”