The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) initiates a search for a new chief executive officer following the resignation of Charl van Niekerk. Chuck Andary now acts as interim CEO and chief legal officer, according to the authority’s website.
Van Niekerk’s exit occurs just weeks ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to potentially halt the opening of the $6-billion Gordie Howe International Bridge, which links Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit. Canada fully funded the project.
Personal Reasons Prompt Early Departure
Van Niekerk joined the WDBA in July 2023. He originally planned to leave after construction completion, targeted for late 2026. Personal family considerations sped up his 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 commuted weekly from Toronto to Windsor, spending weekdays away from his five-year-old son. “These are the formative years, and I want to be more engaged,” he added.
His LinkedIn profile confirms employment with Metrolinx, an Ontario transportation agency, since January. Van Niekerk described the move as a return to provincial public service nearer to home.
Bridge Background and Tensions
Established in 2012, the WDBA operates as a not-for-profit Crown corporation. It reports to Parliament through the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
Trump’s threat has escalated cross-border friction. Democrats in Washington launched an investigation into the matter, including scrutiny of bridge stakeholder Manuel Moroun. Windsor’s mayor labeled the threats “just insane.”
