Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens is calling for resumption of construction and renewed federal commitment of the NextStar Energy electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility in Windsor
Dilkens held a news conference on Monday morning with officials from the university, colllege, chamber, county council, Windsor council and Unifor Local 444
“We all recognize the extraordinary opportunity presented by the EV battery manufacturing facility and its location in Windsor,” said Dilkens. “It is a rare chance for our city to undergo a remarkable transformation, emerge as a leader in the green economy, and participate in the evolution of the automotive industry. We must work together to ensure that Windsor receives all that was committed to us – the module, battery-cell and research-and-development components.”
The NextStar facility, boasting a $5 billion investment and recognized as Canada’s top business deal of 2022, is poised to create over 3,000 new jobs, aligning with Windsor’s economic development strategy
On Friday, federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra told media in Windsor that negotiations are continuing between Stellantis and LG and the Canadian government
Stellantis stopped construction at a portion of the site, the module building, in mid-May due to negotiations around incentives
Announced in March 2022, the facility was intended to include both the module and battery-cell components
“The City of Windsor has fulfilled all its project commitments thus far,” said Dilkens. “The Province of Ontario has stepped up with additional funding to safeguard the investment in Windsor. If approved, my motion urges the federal government to move beyond the current impasse and reach a definitive solution that guarantees the completion and operation of the entire facility as originally planned and promised for Windsor.”
Dilkens emphasized the significant risk the construction stoppage poses to Windsor’s jobs, growth, and economic outlook, raising concerns about whether the city will see the full plant as initially promised, including the battery-cell, module, and research-and-development components
He also announced his intention to bring forward a Notice of Motion urging the federal government to act swiftly to finalize the agreement to keep the project moving forward and to avoid jeopardizing other economic development efforts in the future
“The motion, combined with the petition initiated last week, sends a resounding message to the federal government and all stakeholders involved, emphasizing our unwavering determination to seize this opportunity and secure our economic future,” added Dilkens. “I am confident that City Council will stand united and resolute in our call for the fulfillment of all commitments and the resolution of the current stalemate.”
