The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) announces the resignation of its CEO, Charl van Niekerk, and appoints an interim leader amid heightened cross-border tensions.
Reasons Behind the Departure
Van Niekerk’s exit occurs just weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to halt the opening of the new Gordie Howe Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit. He planned to leave after construction wrapped, targeting late 2026, but personal circumstances sped up the timeline.
“My departure was slightly accelerated due to personal reasons: My home and family are in Toronto, and as you can imagine, it is not feasible to totally relocate a family to a different city for a limited term contract,” van Niekerk stated. He joined the WDBA in July 2023 and commuted weekly from Toronto, missing time with his then five-year-old son during the week.
“These are the formative years, and I want to be more engaged,” he added, noting the weekly absences proved too challenging.
New Interim Leadership
The WDBA website now designates Chuck Andary as interim CEO and chief legal officer. The authority has initiated a search for a permanent replacement.
Van Niekerk has returned to Metrolinx, an Ontario transportation agency, in a provincial public service role closer to his family since January.
Bridge Context and Tensions
The $6-billion Gordie Howe Bridge, fully funded by the Canadian government, faces uncertainty from Trump’s threats, escalating U.S.-Canada relations. Democrats in Washington have opened a probe into the matter surrounding these statements.
Established in 2012, the WDBA operates as a not-for-profit Crown corporation, reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Pacific Economic Development Canada.
