Windsor Lawmaker Asks Province to Examine New Concrete Business

A provincial legislator is asking the Ontario government to closely look at a new concrete operation in Canada backed by the Moroun family, citing deep concern over air pollution and health effects.
Lisa Gretzky, the NDP MPP for Windsor West, asked the government to ensure that any approvals for the concrete operation are subject to environmental review and public consultation.
The Morouns, who own the Ambassador Bridge, are behind a new business called CTC Concrete in Windsor's Sandwich neighbourhood.
The site is in an industrial area near the new Gordie Howe International Bridge and close to residential streets. It is near homes.
Gretzky wrote the letter after hearing concerns from residents about the potential environmental impacts of the concrete operations.
The Moroun family from Michigan is expanding its concrete business to Canada.
The Moroun family donated money to a Trump-supporting group before making threats about the Gordie Howe bridge.
The Morouns' existing concrete operations in Michigan have been criticized for harming nearby communities with poor air quality.
These factors have raised concerns about the operation in Windsor's west end.
The Morouns have caused hardship in Sandwich, where the Canadian side of the Ambassador Bridge is located, with derelict homes.
The Morouns did not respond to a request for comment.
The Ambassador Bridge security director said abandoned homes do not destabilize the area.
The relationship with the Ambassador Bridge company is difficult, says the Windsor mayor.
The province did not provide a comment.
The Ontario government gave CTC Concrete two approvals last year for water and environmental compliance.
The facility can produce up to 100,000 cubic metres of concrete per year and will release certain emissions.
No comments were submitted during the public comment periods for the approvals.
The Ambassador Bridge owners are starting a concrete business in Windsor's Sandwich area.
Gretzky wants the province to examine the existing approvals and scrutinize any future ones. She also wants public consultation.
Windsor's west end has many seniors, children, and working families who are vulnerable to air pollution. They deserve to have their health prioritized.
Some Windsor residents say Detroit industry affects their air quality.
A city councillor expressed concerns about the Moroun-backed facility and tried to get more information from the province.