More than a dozen vacant homes are being demolished in Sandwich Town

As a bulldozer clears the rubble of a demolished home that once stood in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge, west end Coun. Fabio Costante says there's a hopeful future ahead.

"This is the last piece of the puzzle to really completely see a revitalization of Sandwich Town," he said, standing on the sidewalk.

"I'm much more hopeful and optimistic than I've ever been."

More than a dozen abandoned and boarded up homes are being torn to the ground on Indian Road and Rosedale Avenue after the Canadian Transit Company (CTC) had demolition permits approved by the city. 

The homes were purchased by CTC to clear a path for a second international crossing next to the Ambassador Bridge. 

However, the Ambassador Bridge owner said there is no plan to move forward with the project after the federal permit expired in 2022.

But the owner is moving forward with extension of the plaza at the base of the Canadian entrance to relocate the secondary inspection area for transport trucks closer to the port of entry. 

Representatives did not reply to CBC's request for an interview about future plans for the area.

Changing relationship between city, bridge company

Costante and Mayor Drew Dilkens both said the company is making an effort to improve its relationship with the city. 

"I think Mr. Moroun genuinely wants to put all of these issues and some of the ill will that has come in the past levelled against his father and the Canadian Transit Company, he wants to put that to bed and turn the page," said Dilkens. 

The Moroun family has owned the Ambassador Bridge since 1979 and has in the past battled with the local and federal governments. 

Those fights include a legal battle to stop the government from opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge that failed in 2021 and the ongoing negotiations about what to do with the vacant, abandoned properties.

"We've got a great relationship with the Ambassador Bridge, with Mr. Moroun, trying to get to the other side of this," said Dilkens.

"It's the likes of which I've never felt before in terms of that type of relationship. So I'm very positive that we're going to find a common ground that resolves the issues."

Those issues include what happens next with the expansion of the relocation of the Canadian Border Services Agency's operations near College Avenue and Huron Church. 

"The nuances and some of the intricacies are things that are being worked out right now among parties and I can't share details," said Costante.

"I'm very hopeful that we're going to see something sooner than later."