Work is set resume on large east end road projects in Windsor.
They’re in the Banwell Road corridor and include the construction of an E.C. Row Expressway overpass and interchange.
All in, the projects total more than $100 million and are considered pillars for future housing and business development. They’re also directly tied to more traffic because of the NextStar Energy electric vehicle battery factory.
A Butler’s garter snake is shown on in short weeds on top of a dry surface. (Government of Ontario/Joe Crowley)
Delays have been ongoing since late May, when the endangered Butler’s gartersnake was found.
Under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, the city had to conduct surveys referred to as “targeted salvage,” to collect, remove and relocate them to a “suitable area within their home range.”
In July, the reversed haploa moth was also found within the project’s borders. The moths are designated by the province as “threatened” and could eventually become endangered, according to Ontario’s environment ministry.
Similar rules applied for their removal which kept construction halted.
A Reversed Haploa Moth resting on a plant leaf. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Now, permit amendments have been agreed to by the province and city around both species — allowing construction to begin again.
“Construction work can commence immediately in according with the permit conditions,” environment ministry spokesperson Gary Wheeler told CBC News in an emailed statement.
According to Wheeler, the revisions were issued by the province on Wednesday.Â
“The amendment allows for the completion of Butler’s gartersnake surveys prior to beginning construction activities (e.g. vegetation removal and grading),” he added.
Back in June, a city of Windsor engineering official anticipated work to restart in early July, with a goal for the entire Banwell corridor overhaul to be finished around summer 2027 – including the new overpass.