It is time to celebrate Amherstburg

Amherstburg is not the best small town in Ontario, but it has come so far; and it’s pretty darn good!   

Sure there are the small group of people who complain about its weaknesses and think it was far better years past; but how about we ignore them? 

Instead let’s celebrate what we have - a great location by a world heritage river, over 160  heritage buildings, many new unique shops, award winning events and a growing arts scene. 

Like I said, “pretty darn good.” 

I spend a lot of time downtown in our shops and on our streets. Daily, I see our progress and importantly receive an incredible amount of positive feedback from residents and visitors alike. So over the course of 2026, the River Bookshop is going to shine a light on “What Makes Amherstburg Great,”  a Wednesday post on riverbookshop.com in its Discovery section. Learn more about the Freedom Museum, beautiful heritage restorations like Hotel STRY, annual events like the Uncommon Festival, artistic contributions by the Gibson Gallery, long-time successful shops like A La Mode; and very important community organizations like The House,  the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, the Chamber. 

Fifty! Fifty stories that will remind us weekly that Amherstburg is a truly a great small town. Please read along.

—Richard Peddie

Amherstburg

It is time to celebrate Amherstburg