Windsor Seeks Legal Takeover of 45 Vacant Properties Owned by Ambassador Bridge Operator
Windsor, Saturday, 22 August 2026.
Windsor has launched legal action to expropriate 45 vacant properties near the Ambassador Bridge, seeking to end a costly decades-long dispute over neighborhood blighting with the border crossing operator.
Municipal Action Initiated
The City of Windsor has formally begun legal proceedings to expropriate 45 vacant and derelict properties owned by the Canadian Transit Company (CTC), the operator of the Ambassador Bridge [1][3]. On 2026-08-17, the municipality served notices to the CTC to initiate the expropriation process for these properties located in the Sandwich Town area [1]. This move follows a unanimous decision by the city council during a closed-door meeting in July 2026 to acquire the lands for urban redevelopment and safety improvements [1]. Mayor Drew Dilkens emphasized the city’s commitment to west-end residents, stating, “This is what we are fighting for here. To west end residents, hang on just a little bit longer. We will not give up.” [1]
Bridge Operator Counters
In response to the expropriation notice, the Canadian Transit Company expressed willingness to transfer select derelict lots while challenging the broader scope of the municipal action [1][2]. The CTC claims it has offered to demolish the structures at its own expense if the City grants them city-owned road portions required for the Ambassador Bridge plaza expansion [1]. A company statement warned that the city’s current path “will only result in unnecessary conflict, delay and taxpayer expense.” [1] The CTC asserts there is an easy solution where they demolish all structures and transfer almost all properties to the City, provided the City permits the action [3].
Cost of Dispute
Financial records indicate the City of Windsor has spent approximately $3 million in legal and engineering fees since 2018 attempting to resolve disputes with the CTC [2][3]. These properties were primarily acquired by the bridge company in the 1980s for a second bridge span that was never constructed [2]. Ward 2 Councillor Frazier Fathers noted, “We’ve waited long enough to move forward, in my opinion. This isn’t the end of the process, though.” [1] The city intends to eventually sell the expropriated properties for private residential development to recover costs, with property appraisals currently underway [2].
Political and Legal Horizons
Property owners have 30 days from the service of notice to request a hearing with the Ontario Land Tribunal, a window that remains active as of 2026-08-22 [1]. The specific execution of the property redevelopment will fall to the next city council, to be elected on October 26, 2026 [1]. While the CTC proceeds with construction of a new secondary inspection plaza, the city has ceased negotiations and has been unwilling to meet during 2026 [3]. Mayor Dilkens remarked, “If they were willing to transfer these properties to begin with, why would they fight us if we’re going to expropriate them and pay them fair market value, plus the expropriation cost?” [2]