As the Gordie Howe International Bridge prepares to open this fall, Toledo leaders are eyeing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the region’s economy.
TOLEDO, Ohio — With the highly anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge expected this fall, excitement is growing among regional leaders who believe the project could spark a new era of economic development for northwest Ohio.
Bruce Rumpf, a longtime Toledo advocate and economic development leader, joined Leading Edge host Jeff Smith to discuss the wide-ranging potential of the bridge. He’s one of the driving forces behind “O Canada Fest,” a year-round initiative that aims to deepen trade, tourism and cultural ties between Toledo and Canada.
“This is not just about jobs,” Rumpf said. “It’s about creating the kind of opportunities that make young people want to stay, return, or relocate here. It’s about building a globally connected economy.”
He noted that 40% of Ohio’s exports already go to Canada and that 750,000 Canadians pass through the Toledo area annually. With the Gordie Howe Bridge offering advanced technology, high-speed customs processing and direct access to major interstates, Bruce sees the potential for explosive growth in trade and tourism.
“This could be the greatest economic boon northwest Ohio has ever seen,” he said.
The bridge, paid for by the Canadian government at a cost of $6 billion, will offer a more modern, efficient alternative to the aging Ambassador Bridge. Unlike the Ambassador, which often closes for maintenance or backups, the Gordie Howe will feature high-tech security and streamlined traffic flow, including future support for driverless trucking technology.
Bruce highlighted a growing coalition of local organizations backing the initiative, including ConnecToledo and private developers.
“We’ve got momentum,” he said. “There’s a buzz here that developers from outside the city are noticing and they want in.”
O Canada Fest is more than a celebration — it’s a strategic economic development initiative. From education and healthcare to retail and hospitality, the project is designed to create connections and opportunities on both sides of the border.
Also on Leading Edge…
The show turned to your household finances with Bobby Rebell, personal finance expert with Cardrates.com, who offered timely advice on how budgeting apps can help you regain control over your spending, especially when it comes to subscription overload.
“We’re at the midpoint of the year and a lot of people are wondering where their money is going,” Rebell said. “Budgeting apps can give you clarity, track your spending and help set financial goals that are actually achievable.”
She recommends tools like:
- YNAB (You Need A Budget) – powerful but has a learning curve and subscription cost
- Monarch – user-friendly and easy to get started with
- Honeydue – geared toward couples managing finances together
- Simplifi by Quicken – well-known and accessible
For those looking to cancel unused subscriptions, apps like Rocket Money and Hiatus can help, but they often charge a hefty percentage of what they save you. Rebell advises caution.
“You can also DIY by scanning your bank and credit card statements for recurring charges and setting reminders to cancel free trials before they auto-renew.”
She also previewed her book “Launching Financial Grownups,” a guide for parents who want to teach their children about money management through transparency and shared life lessons.
Leading Edge with Jeff Smith airs Sundays on WTOL 11. You can watch full segments on our website, WTOL 11+, or on our YouTube channel.
This article was published by Jeff Smith on 2025-07-11 22:58:00
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