EcDev committee creating new workplan for the coming year

Amherstburg Municipal Building.

With a new year coming soon, the town’s economic development advisory committee is looking ahead to see what they want to focus on.

The committee met last Wednesday evening at Amherstburg town hall where part of the two-hour meeting was devoted to the committee’s workplan and what they still want to focus on this term.

Items they are highlighting include that administration be directed to look at additional festival and event programming devoted to culture, art and music as well as to have administration “find solutions” for electrical and water deficiencies that may exist to attract industrial and agricultural development.

The plan, which is still ongoing, may also include administration looking at Murray St. and the proposal to close a block between Dalhousie St. and Ramsay St., with town council already having tasked administration to seek input from businesses in the area.

Research on additional marketing opportunities to attract tourists are also items still in the workplan, as is programming for festivals and events with such things as community bands as well as performing spaces for them to play.

Exploring “pop up” galleries in vacant venues and have a report come back was another part of the plan with the committee also stating it may further explore potential themes for districts of Amherstburg.

Overnight accommodations continue to be an issue in Amherstburg, with the economic development wanting to see a plan with competitive benchmarks included as part of a possible workplan.

Incentive programs to find someone to take over “generational” businesses was another item of discussion that could be part of the workplan.

The committee went over the current plan as well, with committee member Alan Buterbaugh stating it requires “special attention” to sell and encourage people to come to Amherstburg. Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne stating the town is seeking grant funding to help bring hydro and water services to the Howard Industrial Park. Osborne added economic development officer Myrtle Donnipad works with local businesses and often guides them to seek financial support through sources outside of the municipality.

Councillor Linden Crain wondered about the status of the Murray St. issue, but Councillor Diane Pouget advised caution about the issue, citing controversy around Open Air Weekends and the ability for people to speak on the issue. Crain replied that he was simply looking for feedback on the Murray St. matter.

Committee member Michael Deneau noted the ongoing issue of overnight accommodations, noting large amusement parks and tourist attractions build on-site hotels with the intent of having people stay over. Osborne later noted hotels want assurances of room rentals throughout the year, though pointed out there are incentives for companies to build a hotel between Texas Road and Simcoe St.

Crain wanted to see festivals like Open Air Weekends with more programming. Manager of economic development, tourism and culture Jennifer Ibrahim told the committee additional themes being explored for Open Air Weekends in 2026 include being a stop on the Carousel of Nation, a possible rumrunners weekend, having some involvement with soap box derbies, historical themed events and greater involvement with the Amherstburg Fire Department on possible events and competitions.

Committee member Jack Edwards wanted to ensure items on the workplan could be accomplished and that the committee didn’t overreach what its capabilities are. He pointed out there have been successes, stating there were 27 vacant storefronts seven years ago and that number has now been reduced.

EcDev committee creating new workplan for the coming year

By Ron Giofu