The order to demolish the century-old building was given in December. A newly released report from the city’s Chief Building Official, however, shows the rationale for the decision may have been cemented much sooner.

A new study prepared by the University of Windsor’s Cross-Border Institute suggests that Windsor and Detroit could both realize huge economic benefits from the creation of a transportation, distribution and logistics cluster around the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The two-year construction project will create as many as 550 construction jobs. The project has been awarded to Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc and is expected to begin immediately.

The assessment is expected to take as many as three years to complete; a construction schedule beyond that is unknown. The proposed permanent road would connect Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation to each other and to emerging Ring of Fire mining sites.

The program has provided $550 million in funding for a wide range of projects in communities across the province.