Critics and fiscal observers have raised concerns regarding the financial terms of the agreement that secured the bridge's opening. By agreeing to forego a significant portion of potential toll revenue to satisfy U.S. demands, the federal government has effectively altered the project's original economic projections. Skeptics point out that Canada, which has invested heavily in the construction of the crossing, will now see half of its share of toll profits diverted into an economic development fund, the management of which remains undefined.
The requirement that the United States must approve any toll increases exceeding 10 per cent, or any reductions below regional averages, has also drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that this provision cedes a degree of sovereign control over the infrastructure's financial operations, potentially limiting the ability of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority to respond to market conditions or maintenance needs. This arrangement raises questions about the long-term autonomy of the bridge's management and whether the financial trade-offs were necessary to overcome political pressure.
There is also lingering uncertainty regarding the oversight of the newly announced economic development fund. Without a clear framework for how these funds will be distributed or managed, some stakeholders worry that the revenue could be subject to political influence rather than being used for the most effective regional improvements. As the opening date approaches, the focus remains on whether these concessions will ultimately undermine the project's financial sustainability or if they were a necessary price to pay for ensuring the bridge finally becomes operational.