Giant duck floats on Detroit River to mark Jeep anniversary
A 40-foot rubber duck has been installed along the Detroit River near Windsor’s waterfront as part of Jeep’s celebrations marking 85 years in Canada. The oversized installation sits close to the Great Canadian Flag and honours the informal pastime known as "Jeep ducking," a custom that has spread across Canada and internationally.
Jeep ducking involves owners leaving rubber ducks on other Jeep vehicles as a friendly gesture and community signal among enthusiasts. Stellantis Canada president Trevor Longley described the practice as a "gracious custom" that grew out of social disconnection during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become part of the brand’s culture.
"During the COVID time frame, a Canadian just east of the GTA came up with this, I would say gracious custom, which was about people were disconnected," Trevor Longley said. "We have a community at Jeep we value and cherish and the community is very strong, and so they created this tradition. It’s gone not only across Canada, but globally."
Longley said Windsor was a natural choice for one of Jeep’s anniversary events because of the city’s historical and current ties to the company and the wider automotive industry. He noted the city’s role in engineering work and the presence of company operations here, calling Windsor a meaningful part of Jeep’s Canadian story.
The temporary display in Windsor is one of several locations chosen for anniversary activities, with other events noted in Auburn Hills and Toledo. The anniversary programming coincides with significant regional transportation developments that industry leaders say will affect cross-border commerce.
Bridge opening expected to ease cross-border trade
Longley highlighted the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge as an important development for the auto sector and cross-border trade more broadly. He told reporters the new crossing will help ensure the smooth flow of goods between Canada and the United States, calling the relationship "our most important trading partner."
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duck height | 40 feet |
| Vehicle traffic opening (Gordie Howe Bridge) | July 27 |
| Multi-use path (pedestrians, cyclists) | August 5 |
The bridge is scheduled to open to vehicular traffic on July 27, with pedestrians and cyclists gaining access via the multi-use path on August 5. Stellantis leaders say improved infrastructure will support the flow of parts and finished vehicles between Windsor and neighbouring U.S. manufacturing centres.
Local residents can view the duck along the waterfront, where it serves both as a promotional piece for Jeep’s anniversary and as a visible nod to a community-driven custom that developed in Canada and travelled internationally among Jeep owners.
- Jeep ducking began during the COVID period and spread from eastern Greater Toronto to nationwide and global club culture.
- Windsor’s manufacturing and engineering links to Jeep helped secure the city as an anniversary site.
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening is positioned as a key logistics improvement for the regional auto industry.
