Q & A - Mayoral candidate Chris Gibb
(1) How would you advocate for affordable taxes while maintaining an adequate level of service for residents?
I have a three-pronged approach to achieving long term stability of our residential tax rates.
First, Amherstburg must address our infrastructure issues earlier rather than later. For too many years successive town councils have not addressed infrastructure issues when they first appear.
Instead, we “kick the can down the road” and allow small problems to become larger and more expensive to address.
Second, we must continue to develop our Howard Industrial lands. By bringing in more industrial and commercial development we can generate more revenue sources for the town and lessen the burden on the residential taxpayer.
Third, we must continue to push our capital budgeting process to cover a 10-year planning cycle. This will allow the town to anticipate our infrastructure needs well into the future and plan accordingly to save up funds and transition to a “pay as you go” capital planning model.
(2) What does “responsible growth” mean to you and how does growth in the commercial/industrial sectors factor into that?
Responsible growth means preparing Amherstburg for the growth that is coming rather than pretending we can stop it. Future growth has to be planned, properly serviced and consistent with the community we want to become. We also need to ensure the right mix of residential, commercial and industrial development. New residential development brings new families, but we also need businesses and employment opportunities so that Amherstburg is more than a bedroom community.
Commercial and industrial growth is particularly important because it can broaden our assessment base and help distribute the cost of municipal services and infrastructure. I want to attract businesses that fit Amherstburg, create good local jobs and make use of our strategic location and transportation connections.
At the same time, growth cannot outpace our infrastructure. Roads, wastewater, water, drainage, parks, fire protection and other services must be planned alongside development. My goal is simple: new taxpayers, not simply more taxes on existing taxpayers while protecting the small-town character that makes Amherstburg a great place to live.
(3) How would you balance protecting heritage attributes of Amherstburg against the growth of the town?
Amherstburg’s heritage is one of our greatest assets, and protecting it should be part of our growth strategy, not something that stands in the way of growth.
Our historic downtown, waterfront, museums, and historic homes help to distinguish Amherstburg from other communities. In 2025, the Town established its first Heritage Conservation District, providing a framework for protecting the character of the historic core while allowing appropriate development.
I believe the key is balance. We should preserve buildings, streetscapes and heritage attributes that have genuine cultural value, while allowing new investment and development that respects the scale, character and history of the surrounding area.
Heritage protection also needs to be fair and practical for property owners. We should encourage restoration and adaptive reuse rather than making it unnecessarily difficult or expensive to maintain properties.
Growth should not mean losing what makes Amherstburg special. Done properly, our heritage can actually become an economic and tourism asset that attracts visitors, investment and new residents while preserving our community’s identity.
(4) What police service is best for Amherstburg at this time and how would you advocate for it?
Amherstburg needs a police service that provides strong local service, accountability and value for taxpayers. My position is that we should make the decision based on facts, service levels and comparable costs—not politics or preconceived conclusions.
Our current Windsor Police agreement expires December 31, 2028, and Windsor has advised Amherstburg that it does not intend to renew the agreement for another term under the current terms, but is open to the idea of continuing on renegotiated terms. I have advocated for Amherstburg to obtain actual pricing from Windsor for a comparable level of service before Council makes a final decision. We need to know what each option would cost and what service residents would receive.
As Mayor, I would advocate for the option that delivers effective, responsive policing while providing the best balance of service and long-term financial sustainability. Residents deserve to see the numbers and understand the trade-offs before Council commits millions of dollars.
(5) What is the best way to present Open Air Weekends (if at all)?
I am a big fan of Open-Air weekends and generally attend every Friday & Saturday night throughout the summer. I believe Open Air Weekends can be an important part of Amherstburg’s tourism and economic development strategy and I would like to see the program continue to evolve.
Open Air brings people into our downtown, encourages residents to socialize with one another, and provides an event for people with no out-of-pocket cost in these challenging economic times.
I would like to see an even stronger connection between Open Air and Amherstburg’s unique identity. Our heritage, waterfront, local businesses, restaurants, arts, culture and community organizations should be central to the experience.
While I do enjoy Open Air as it is right now, I am open to look at the data of the 2025 and 2026 season to evaluate how Open Air can be improved to enhance outdoor summer amenities, like music, entertainment, activities and dining, that so many people enjoy.
(6) What goals do you have to move the town forward over the next four years?
Over the next four years, my goal would be to build an Amherstburg that is financially responsible, properly serviced and ready for its next chapter.
First, we need to continue to invest in our core infrastructure such as roads, water and wastewater, drainage, buildings and other municipal assets while developing a realistic long-term financial plan that protects taxpayers.
Second, we need responsible growth. I would like to see us attract new residential, commercial and industrial investment while ensuring development pays its fair share and infrastructure keeps pace.
Third, I want to strengthen economic development and tourism by supporting local businesses, promoting our waterfront and heritage, and making Amherstburg a destination rather than simply a place people drive through.
Fourth, we need to make important decisions about policing and other major services based on facts, costs and the level of service residents need.
Finally, I want a Council and Town Hall that are accessible, transparent and accountable.
Amherstburg has tremendous potential. My vision is to bring people together around a common plan, protect what makes our town special and build a stronger future for the next generation.
Q & A - Mayoral candidate Chris Gibb
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