2025 - The Year in Review - Sept to Dec

SEPTEMBER

•The Harrow Fair brought together families, farmers, and fairgoers for a weekend of tradition, competition, and entertainment. This year’s new addition — the outhouse races — proved to be an instant hit with the crowd. 

•The Amherstburg Celebrity Cookbook was unveiled at a launch at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. Proceeds from the cookbook benefit the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, with mission president Tim McAllister featured on the cover. Creation of the Amherstburg Celebrity Cookbook was led by mission board member and volunteer Jill Kanwischer, her cousin Annie Hall from OurRecipeTree.com and Kanwischer’s sister Jane Berthiaume. Copies of the cookbook sell quickly.

• “Battle in the Burg” returned to Shooters Roadhouse. It was organized by the Fighting Island Boxing Club (FIBC). The main event saw Fighting Island’s Curtis Realba defeat Grayson O’Conner from Beaver Boxing Club. FIBC owner/coach Joe LeBlanc was also honoured as he was given a championship belt as a tribute by the boxing community.

•The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee presented the “Accessibility Fest-For-All” at the Libro Centre, with the first event having been last year in Colchester. Activities included a Miracle League baseball game, fitness classes for different abilities, adaptive yoga, an Aphasia Friendly Canada information session offered by the University of Windsor, raffles, and sledge hockey courtesy of the Windsor Ice Bullets. 

•The Festival of Hawks was held at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. It was presented by the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory and the Essex Region Conservation Authority. Banding demonstrations, bird watching, an owl prowl, educational demonstrations and more were part of the weekend.

•An initiative to aid homeless veterans and those nearing homelessness came to Windsor-Essex County and Chatham-Kent. The “Ruck to Remember” was held with participants carrying ruck sacks weighing about 50 pounds each to and from participating Legions in the area. One of the participating Legions was Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157. Participants “rucked” for four days, with ruckers walking approximately 140 kilometres in four days. 

•The Pensioner’s Cottage at the Park House Museum reached its fundraising target for repairs building. Thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Stephen P. Copeland Foundation, the museum has surpassed its fundraising goal of $9,000. Over $2,000 was already raised by the museum.

•Members of the Amherstburg Fire Department, including seven retiring members, were honored. Capt. Bill Scott, Capt. Tom Morand, Capt. Dave Varney, Capt. B.J. Wilder, Capt. Nick Renaud, Capt. Adam Mann and Firefighter B.J. Wiley were this year’s group of retirees. Service Awards went to Durocher and District Chief Randy Wismer (30 years); Fire Prevention Officer Mario Fiorito and Rivait (15 years); D’Amore, Capt. Corey Vultaggio, Lt. Grant Wood, Capt. Chris Capaldi and Lt. Dave Bart (10 years) and Lt. Kyle Watts, Firefighter Jeremy Pillon, Firefighter Jamie Lauzon, Firefighter Chris Wismer, Firefighter Bill Thompson and Firefighter Todd Racine. The Beyond the Pager Award went to Capt. Kristi Meloche and Firefighter Tyler Labrecque. The Most Committed in 2024 Award went to Jeremy Pillon.

•World War II veteran Bill Shea served his community as both a soldier and later a police officer. But at 100-years-old, the veteran recently faced one of his most difficult battles after being delayed at a British Columbia hospital. Shea traveled to B.C. with his family but he fell ill and was admitted to hospital, where he remained for more than three weeks. An anonymous donor stepped up with the money to help pay for Shea’s flight home.

•A memorial Mass and a tribute reception that followed paid tribute to Father Donato Lwiyando, who served in Amherstburg from 2015-17 before returning to his homeland to run a shelter for girls impacted by violence and poverty. He died of cancer in June at age 61. The Hope of St. Joseph Shelter has since expanded to include two more shelters. The Mass was conducted by Father Brian Jane, the former head priest at St. John the Baptist Church before he was transferred to Sarnia. A reception was hosted by the James H. Sutton Funeral Home.

•Legion Week was held with a parade and unveilings of projects that have been in the works. Capt. Ernie Gazdig CD presented Legion Br. 157 a print. The image was donated by the Windsor Regiment for the support the Legion shows them. Legion president Shawn Wilkie also unveiled the first of the banners that were installed along Sandwich St. S. just before Remembrance Day. Town council approved the banners with veterans’ pictures, names, ranks and years of service to go up along Sandwich St. between North St. and Park St. Also unveiled were the “Veterans Way” signs that went up on street signs along Dalhousie St. in the downtown core.

•The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission held its annual general meeting they went over the 2024-25 year. Mission president McAllister and board secretary Shannon Dobson were each given Volunteer Service Awards for their work for the mission. Dobson is the board secretary.

•The dream of Mac and Betty Simpson became reality five decades ago and it is alive and well. The Amherstburg Freedom Museum, originally known as the North American Black Historical Museum, celebrated its 50^th anniversary with a gala at the Caboto Club. The keynote speaker was Bishop Paul S. Morton, a former Windsor resident who now lives in New Orleans. He started and oversees several churches in the southern U.S. and several members of his family were also there. Morton and his family accepted the 2025 Legacy Hero Award on behalf the late Bishop Clarence Leslie Morton Sr.

•The final McGregor Mug Run & Beer Festival was held at Co-An Park. A 5K run/walk was held with it starting and ending at Co-An Park. Race organizer Ryan Raymond has moved his event to his new home near the town of Schomberg in King Township. 

•The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival returned with events, entertainment and activities on downtown streets with additional vendors, children’s activities and events in Navy Yard Park. The Provincial Marine also had activities at the commissariat with the Park House Museum also hosting cooking classes and paranormal investigations in partnership with PO3 Paranormal. Costume contests were held, and while most people were from Amherstburg or other municipalities around Essex County and Windsor, some of the announced contest participants were in town from Tillsonburg, Cambridge, and Seaforth.

•Canada Post and its unionized employees were at an impasse with those represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) returning to the picket lines. The picket lines lasted a few weeks before the union switched to rotating strikes.

•With 2025 being the “Year of the Tree” in Amherstburg, the town planted new trees in Briar Ridge Park. Before that, local residents, business and groups were presented Environmental Stewardship Awards. An outdoor ceremony was held at Briar Ridge Park, with a dozen awards announced. Mayor Michael Prue was joined many of his council colleagues and members of administration at the ceremony. 

•The Town of Amherstburg held ribbon cuttings at local parks. An accessible trail was opened at Jack Purdie Park, with help from the Purdie family. Members of the Thrasher family were at Pat Thrasher Park for the dedication of the new basketball court.

•A request to get costs for the 2025 version of Open Air Weekends was defeated on a 3-3 tie vote. Voting in favour were Councillor Diane Pouget, Councillor Peter Courtney and Councillor Molly Allaire with Councillor Don McArthur, Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb and Mayor Michael Prue voting against. Councillor Linden Crain was absent.

•National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was observed in Amherstburg. Truth and Reconciliation events took place mainly in King’s Navy Yard Park and at the Park House Museum. Events included drumming, vendors, storytelling, a screening of the film “When The Leaves Turn Yellow,” servings of corn soup and bannock, yoga and children’s activities. 

OCTOBER

•Crown Royal could be leaving LCBO shelves due to the planned Diageo plant closure in Amherstburg. The bottling plant on St. Arnaud St. faces closure in Feb. 2026 and Premier Doug Ford has threatened to pull the company’s products from the LCBO, including Crown Royal. Ford appeared at a rally in Brampton and told the crowd that Crown Royal would be leaving store shelves next February upon closure of the plant.

•The County of Essex is anticipating there will be more people living in the area and they are preparing for that growth with a Transportation Master Plan. A plan has not been done since 2005 and the new one, once approved will set a course for up to 2051.

•The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) held its Fall Fair with it an opportunity to showcase the agency, what they do and raise some funds as well. About 50 volunteers helped with the event. There were 64 vendors with the Border City Barkers being another attraction. 

•Fire Prevention Week was observed with the Amherstburg Fire Department holding an open house at the Libro Centre. Fire trucks were on hand for young and old to look at, with children getting a chance to spray a hose and ride in a fire truck also available. Families also enjoyed a barbecue and received fire safety materials from members of the department.

•A tender for $214,203.78 including HST was approved for enhancements to the Simcoe St. and Meloche Road intersection. Work that was undertaken at the intersection included a four-way stop, concrete curbs, accessible sidewalks and the implementation of traffic calming measures. The intersection was closed for three weeks in November for the work to be completed.

•The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) presented its Heritage Awards in Toronto, and there were two winners with Amherstburg connections. The building at 79-81 Murray St. captured the Paul Oberman Award for Adaptive Reuse in the Small-Scale/Individual/Small Business category. The Amherstburg Freedom Museum won the ACO Public Education and Engagement Award. 

•An alleged incident involving a town committee member and a town staff member will be the subject of an integrity commissioner investigation. While originally expected to be an in-camera meeting item, town council voted to conduct the matter in public session. Councillor Don McArthur believed the matter should be held in the open and was the one who requested it not be in-camera.

•The Greater Essex County District School Board accepts the resignation of Amherstburg/LaSalle trustee Ron LeClair. After an application and interview process, the position (along with one in Leamington/Pelee Island) was filled by the public board. Chandrika Abhang was later appointed to the Amherstburg/LaSalle trustee position.

•Visitors to North Star High School got an early jump on their Christmas shopping as over 200 vendors packed the building inside and out for the annual Pumpkinfest. Several North Star students helped out during the day including greeters who welcomingly took donations at the door.

•“Sully’s Monster Dash” was held by the family of Sully Lowe at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. At least 150 walkers and runners participated in the event. Roughly $10,000 was raised for the Children’s Hospital at the London Health Sciences Centre.

•Veterans banners went up along Sandwich St. S., starting at the corner of North St. and Sandwich St. S. and finishing up near the public works yard in the 500 block. That is slightly longer than was originally anticipated as the plan was to end at Park St. The project was initiated by Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157. The banners honour local veterans and stayed up through Remembrance Day.

•Town council voted against having administration start negotiations with the Valente Development Corporation, the owners of the former General Amherst High School at 130 Sandwich St. S., and instead will have a report drafted with costs and details on the other options for a new town hall as presented as part of the administrative report on the matter. The motion was passed after roughly four hours of delegations, questions and debate. The other options for a potential new town hall include building a new town hall at Bill Wigle Park, a renovation/addition to the Libro Centre, building on land not yet acquired, building at the public works site, renovating and upgrading the current town hall and rebuilding at the current location. The motion was made by Councillor Linden Crain and he was joined by Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Councillor Molly Allaire, Councillor Peter Courtney and Councillor Don McArthur in support. Administration said the $13-$15 million costs for the potential site could grow to over $20 million when works like heritage facade preservation and other technical components are factored in.

•Halloween was celebrated in various ways, with residents collecting food items for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. A “witches walk” was held on Boblo Island for the Mission, while “CandyPalooza” was hosted for families at Encounter Church. North Star High School held a Halloween band concert. Trunk or Treats were at Bryerswood Youth Camp, in McGregor by the Reaching for the Stars Optimist Club and in the Town of LaSalle.

NOVEMBER

•Amherstburg Fights Cancer was held at the AMA Sportsmen Association with Norm Mickle, his wife Janet and a team of supporters and sponsors presenting it. All 200 tickets for the fundraiser were sold. It featured a raffle and music from Bethany D’Alimonte and Tom Hogarth & Friends. Mickle, a cancer survivor, was an ambassador Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s “Grow On” campaign. The event raised $13,120.

•The Amherstburg Soccer Club presented a cheque for $4,804.90 to Kids Curing Cancer, marking both a community contribution and the end of an inspiring 12-year fundraising journey led by the Baillargeon family. It is part of what is now the final year for KCC.

•Christmas on the Farm returned to Sarah Parks Horsemanship. The event is coordinated with the Windsor Parade Corporation through a grant from Experience Ontario, and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. 

•A move to amalgamate conservation areas is met with concerns locally. Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy announced the province will introduce legislation to create the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) “with the aim of improving the province’s conservation authority system to help get shovels in the ground faster on homes and other local infrastructure projects, while strengthening the vital role conservation authorities play in managing watersheds and protecting communities from floods and natural hazards. This action will help the province deliver on its plan to protect Ontario by cutting red tape and building an economy that is more competitive, resilient and self-reliant, to help keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty.” ERCA chair Molly Allaire said the news was surprising, and the board of directors opposed the move at a meeting. The ERCA board passed a resolution stating ERCA has already undertaken “significant modernization work aligned with provincial objectives” such as implementing a digital permitting and inspection system, improvements in transparency and client communication, improvements to data and network systems, doing internal reviews to identify opportunities for savings and efficiencies, and the conversion of redundant support and non-mandatory positions to front-line mandatory positions. Other concerns include “substantial” transition costs and greater uncertainty and delay for builders, developers and farmers. The board agreed to the resolution that opposed the creation of the “Lake Erie Conservation Authority” and called for “further provincial evaluation of a more focused specific model as a geographically coherent, cost-effective and locally accountable alternative that advances the government’s priorities of efficiency, red-tape reduction and timely housing delivery.” Amherstburg town council also sends a letter to the province opposing the proposed move. 

•A protest at the new Amherstburg fire station now under construction revolved around workers used on the site and where local ironworkers say those workers are from. Members of Ironworkers Local 700 say they are looking for work but many don’t have it, alleging that out-of-town, non-unionized workers were on the job. The town states the lowest bidder received the tender with Mayor Michael Prue adding it is the job of the contractor to hire subcontractors. The River Town Times contacted Niacon about the union members’ claims, but the company did not wish to comment.

•A former Amherstburg resident and basketball all-star from General Amherst High School is one of the newest members of the Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame (WECSHOF). Korissa Williams was one of ten inductees welcomed into the WECSHOF. 

•Remembrance Day was once again well attended, with the public taking time to pay tribute to those who served and continue to serve. Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 organized the parade and ceremony, with the parade leaving from the branch and head down Murray St., Sandwich St. S., and Richmond St. before arriving at the cenotaph in King’s Navy Yard Park for the service. The Amherstburg Legion also hosted its second annual veterans dinner this year. Students at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School had been at Victoria Memorial Gardens previously planting flags on veterans graves a few days earlier.

•Community Living Essex County received $104,000 in OTF funding, with that being the focal point of an announcement. The proceeds went towards the agency’s “Future Proof” project, one that is designed to help the organization adapt, innovate and continue delivering high quality supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. CLEC executive director Corey Dalgleish said the concept of “Future Proof” arose about 18 months ago and has been worked on since then.

•The Hope of St. Joseph Shelter Inc. held a dinner at the Coachwood Golf and Country Club and saw a crowd of 180 people attend. Proceeds will help children and youth housed at the three shelters in the D.R. Congo.

•The best of the academic best at North Star High School were recognized at the “Night of Excellence.” Honored were 242 students making the honour roll in the 2024-25 school year. Those students were from last year’s Grade 9, 10 and 11 classes. 

•The Ontario Heritage Trust - in partnership with the County of Essex, the Town of Amherstburg and the Town of LaSalle - unveiled a new provincial plaque commemorating the River Canard Bridge. This bridge was described by the Ontario Heritage Trust as one that “exemplifies rapid change and growth in Depression-era Ontario, when infrastructure design balanced beauty with innovative engineering.” 

•The Christmas season officially gets underway locally with the start of the River Lights Winter Festival. It ran Nov. 15-Jan. 4, with the gingerbread warming house in Toddy Jones Park lasting until Dec. 21. Fireworks capped the kickoff celebration, which also included town crier Norm Ross, carollers and storytelling. The Essex Region Conservation Foundation’s Super Santa 5K Run, Walk and Wheel saw 700 runners and walkers raise about $25,000 for local conservation projects.

•The North Star Wolves senior girls basketball team advances to the WECSSAA “AA” finals but lost a 50-33 decision to Tecumseh Vista Academy at St. Clair College. The young Wolves got to the finals despite having only two senior-aged players, with the rest having been still eligible for junior girls basketball. 

•The North Star Wolves football team ended its season with a 29-22 loss to Belle River in the St. Clair College Bowl, which was the WECSSAA Tier 2 championship game. The game was played at Acumen Stadium on the campus of St. Clair College. Both teams were 7-0 heading into the title game. North Star’s regular season saw them have six straight shutout victories to start the year.

•Essex County put a hold on its proposed development charges. Director of financial services/treasurer Melissa Ryan brought forth a report that noted that information from the Province of Ontario’s proposed Bill 60 adds new information for the county to consider. 

•A pair of new support vehicles are now part of the Amherstburg Fire Department’s fleet. They were built by Dependable Emergency Vehicles. The cost of the new trucks was roughly $232,000 each before tax.

•A debate on library windows delves into overall costs for upgrades to the historic Amherstburg building, with estimates ranging from $4-7 million. During budget deliberations, council would vote to get a consultant to come in and review what needs to be done.

•The town’s updated Parks Master Plan (PMP) was approved. There are master plans within the PMP for all of the town’s parks. She said the PMP allows for a plan on what can go into each park and lets the town apply for further grant opportunities with a plan in place. It is the first update to the plan since 2018.

•The Windsor Parade Corporation’s annual Santa Claus Parade returns to the streets of Amherstburg. Thousands enjoy the parade, which had a special Canadian theme to it this year. The parade used Sandwich St. North, Sandwich St. South, Richmond St. and Dalhousie St. and ended at Toddy Jones Park.

•The North Star Wolves junior boys volleyball team caps a successful season with a SWOSSAA “AA” championship. They defeated Chatham John McGregor on the road 25-21, 25-22 and 25-19 to win the title. The Wolves had previously travelled to Kingsville to win the WECSSAA “AA” championship in a match against the Erie Migration Coyotes.

•Community Living Ontario, and its regional agencies, embarked on a campaign to shorten waiting lists and give more supports to those with intellectual disabilities. The #WaitingToBelong campaign started and is attempting to shine a light on families and experiences they have.

•Studio Seven Pilates Boutique held a fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and donated the proceeds in-person to the Toronto hospital.

Owners Laura and Danijela Dobrich presented a cheque for $6,000.

DECEMBER

•The Amherstburg Fire Department received a financial boost to assist training for new and veteran firefighters. The fire department received a grant for $5,000 from Enbridge Gas through the company’s Safe Community Project Assist program, one that is run with the Fire Marshal’s Public Safety Fire Council (FMPFSC). 

•Amherstburg Public School’s ongoing shoe drive sees them raise over 2,100 pairs of shoes. Their goal is 10,000 pairs of shoes. Donations of old shoes can be made at the school or at the Libro Centre. Donations go to “Soles4Soles” and is being done in partnership with BioPed in LaSalle.

•Amherstburg town council passes its 2026 budget, with it calling for a 2.86 per cent tax increase. That increase roughly translates into a $85.13 increase on a home valued at $250,000. Two days of budget deliberations see only $1,000 cut from the budget, though several items were shuffled around in the capital budget. That included reallocating money in the capital budget – roughly $500,000 – for H. Murray Smith Centennial Park and $200,000 for work at the intersection of Lowes Side Road and Sandwich St. S. Town council voted to move a $100,000 amount for a consultant’s report for the Carnegie Library from 2027 to 2026. There was also $51,547 divided among local community groups and non-profits. 

•“Christmas at the Museum” was held at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The day included a performance by The Tanner-Price Singers, who are based out of the Tanner-Price African Methodist Church in Windsor, a church that dates back to 1852. Also performing was the Ministry Ministry of New Life Fellowship.

They are from the New Life Fellowship Church, formerly known as Harrison Memorial, also from Windsor.

•The County of Essex approved its 2026 budget. County council voted to spend $145,144,950 next year, up from $140,043,690 in 2025. The county has a 2.25 percent increase to the tax rate. In 2025, the county’s operating budget was $92,745,240 and that will jump to $98,811,780. The net capital budget was $47,298,450 which increases slightly to $48,905,770.

•A screening of the “Radio Renaissance” documentary takes place at the Fort Fun Centre, shortly after it debuted at the Windsor International Film Festival. The documentary, directed by Gavin Michael Booth, follows the creation of 107.9 FM The Burg (CKBG) and its founder Marty Adler. It can be viewed in six parts on Bell Fibe TV1.

•A possible new mountain bike skills park could be built at the Libro Centre. The skills park is being proposed by the Windsor-Essex Bike Community in partnership with the town. The open house was held by WEBC and the town’s recreation, parks and facilities department. The cost of the skills park is estimated by WEBC, with fundraising to be held this winter and spring, to be between $30,000-$50,000. 

•Amherstburg received $52,821.07 in a provincial Fire Prevention Grant. Essex MPP Anthony Leardi announced the grant and said the grant will help protect firefighters from hazards they face while fighting blazes. A breakdown of the equipment is five sets of bunker gear, along with five helmets, five pairs of boots, ten pairs of gloves, and protective hoods. The project also includes a new gear washer extractor for proper cleaning and decontamination of personal protective equipment, as well as renovations to the fire station to improve decontamination shower facilities, helping reduce occupational exposure to harmful contaminants. 

•An option to partner with LaSalle for policing vanishes, at least for the time being. LaSalle cites cost, staff resources, and a lack of adequate time to get things ready for the end of 2028 as reasons not to proceed at the current time.

•Various can drives, food drives, stores, organizations, groups, medical facilities, schools, and individuals step up to donate to help those in need in town. The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, Amherstburg Community Services, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul among others were thankful for the donations.

•A number of Christmas events were around Amherstburg, from dinners at churches, to concerts and cantatas, the Santa Shoutout, the Community Living Essex County/River Lights party, Santa showing up at various businesses, the Holiday Gift Shoppe at the Gibson Gallery, the #202 Fort Malden Army Cadet Christmas party and much more were ways the community celebrated the season. In addition, 91 families and 246 children were aided through the Amherstburg Firefighters Association’s “Stuff a Fire Truck” campaign. Breakfast with Santa events were held throughout the region.

•The AAM Goodfellows collect over $15,000 in their newspaper drive and pack 90 food baskets for those in need who pre-registered. Volunteers step up to help out, both during newspaper sales and with packing and distributing food baskets.

•The ERCA board of directors approved its draft 2026 budget for circulation to member municipalities. More than 50,000 trees will be planted and 70 acres of habitat restored. ERCA will also continue to sample watercourses throughout the region to measure watershed health. ERCA announced the 2026 draft budget totals $13.9 million and will be funded with approximately $3.5 million from current year cost apportionment. Of the municipal cost apportionment, $3 million is required to fulfill the Authority’s mandatory obligations. 

•The McGregor Community Christmas Dinner serves approximately 600 meals to people. The meal was free, with donations accepted. The Squirettes of Mary #1001 and Knights of Columbus Council #2844 hold the event at the McGregor Columbian Club.

•It was announced that the Woofa-Roo Pet Festival will not be held in 2026. Organizers are aiming for a 2027 return.

•The cost of waste disposal is going up. Michelle Bishop, general manager of the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA), presented the annual financial forecast to Essex County council. In 2025, Amherstburg paid $600,780, that will jump by $18,160 to a total of $618,940 in the upcoming year.

•The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission hosts its annual Christmas meal. Roughly 105 meals were served, both in-person and via take-out.

•The 29^th annual Hockey for Hospice tournament raise $611,237 for the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County. A total of 132 teams and nearly 2,000 players played in Amherstburg, LaSalle, Essex and Tecumseh.

2025 - The Year in Review - Sept to Dec

2025 - The Year in Review - 2025