The Hub December 2017/January 2018 | Page 16

TRANSIT WINDSOR RIDERSHIP INCREASE WINDSOR SOLDIERS AWARDED MEDALS OF BRAVERY Local transit has seen a 5 per cent increase in ridership since this time last year. The report has led to suggestions of improving the city’s busiest route: 1C. The bus currently runs on an every-15-minute schedule. The increase would cost more than 600 thousand dollars which is expected to be covered by the increase in revenue. Two soldiers with the Windsor regiment were awarded the Medal of Bravery on Nov. 23 at a Rideau Hall ceremony. Governor General Julie Payette awarded the medals. Corporal Matthew Lepain and Master Corporal Alexander Zawyrucha rescued a woman from a burning vehicle in August 2015. Thank you to these two soldiers for their quick action and courage. NEW PELEE FERRY The Pelee Islander II is floating, but not quite ready for passengers. Being built in Chile, the ferry can hold 34 vehicles and almost 400 passengers. Painting and interior finishing is left to be finished before the ferry begins service in spring of 2018. GORDIE HOWE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is expected to begin construction in summer of 2018. More than 83 per cent of the homes on bridge land are now under Michigan department of transportation ownership. 16 The HUB December 2017/January 2018 GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE $300 million in funding was almost cut by the Trump administration, but has passed thanks to the efforts of lawmakers in the U.S. Senate. The funding focuses on the existing environmental problems in the Great Lakes region. These include toxic pollution, farm and urban runoff, invasive species and declining wildlife habitat.