Town gets $838,000 for Howard Industrial Park development

The Town of Amherstburg received $838,000 from the province’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) with the announcement being Monday morning. From left: Councillor Linden Crain, Councillor Don McArthur, Councillor Diane Pouget, Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne and CAO Valerie Critchley

The Town of Amherstburg got $838,000 in provincial money for industrial development and made some history in the process.

The town received the money under the Ontario government’s Trade-Impacted Communities (TICP) program to further the progress at the Howard Industrial Park. Essex MPP Anthony Leardi made the announcement Monday morning in council chambers, noting it is a way the province is protecting jobs and communities from the impacts of U.S. tariffs.

Leardi said “Amherstburg is at the heart” of the Canada-U.S. trade area, noting the grants under the TICP are particularly important for border communities. The $838,000 announced Monday was the very first grant under the TICP program.

Noting trade relations with the United States are being “severely tested,” the Essex MPP said tariffs are impacting every corner of the province. He noted it is a $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, with the TICP dedicated to projects geared at strengthening economic resilience and competitiveness across industries and communities disproportionately impacted by global trade disruptions. 

A news release from the province said the program supports the diversification of supply chains across priority sectors, while increasing export and investment opportunities to reduce reliance on U.S. markets.

The provincial grant is part of the town’s investment over over $1.1 million to launch the Amherstburg Investment Readiness and Economic Diversification Strategy. That project is geared towards the region’s competitiveness and investment readiness by preparing more than 700 acres of industrial land at Howard Industrial Park. 

The investment is also designed to support the diversification of Amherstburg’s supply chains, driving growth and expanded trade partnerships across priority sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agri-business and clean technology.

The Howard Industrial Park is bordered by Howard Ave. to the west, Concession 8 North to the east, County Road 8 to the north and North Side Road to the south.

“Amherstburg is a pillar of Essex County and has been for generations,” said Leardi. “Amherstburg is a great place to invest, do business and create jobs. We are home to a skilled workforce and a long history of manufacturing and talent.”Leardi promoted the proximity of the Howard lands to the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Highway 401, the City of Windsor and the fact it is only four hours to Toronto. He said Premier Doug Ford is keen on protecting Ontario jobs 

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb stated the grant will support industrial development planning and readiness. He said the town will be able to get the necessary consultants to help study the market and attract businesses to the site.

Gibb noted town council has done a lot of preparation in trying to get the Howard Industrial Park ready for investment, and he also thanked the town’s economic development advisory committee for its work on the subject. Not only were members of council in attendance for Monday’s announcement, but so too were members of the committee.

The long-term plan is to expand jobs and increase the tax base, Gibb added, though admitted “Amherstburg got a pretty good body blow with what happened with Diageo.”

Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne pointed out the town has developed a secondary plan for the Howard site, zoning is in place and that the town’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) has also been expanded to that area, the latter offering incentives to develop on the site. Current uses can continue at the site and last as long as when the current owners may choose to sell.

Osborne indicated the TICP funds came at a great time, as now efforts can be furthered to put their plans into action. Environmental assessments (EAs) and various studies can be taken to determine what the markets are interested in the site and what can go there. It will also help determine what servicing will be required for the lands.

Work will begin soon with the hope of having industrial firms interested in the property by 2027. The aim is to have construction work on site by 2028.

Osborne said they are excited to receive the grant and are eager to see what can be attracted there, from several companies with possibly 40-80 jobs each or even one large company with thousands of jobs.

This is separate from the issue surrounding Diageo, with Osborne stating there is no update on the St. Arnaud St. site. The town is still in talks with the company. The town is steering interested parties towards the company.

“We’re waiting to hear from them,” she said.

In the press release, Mayor Michael Prue stated: “We are grateful for this support from the Ontario government. This timely funding will enable us to attract investment into our community, creating more jobs and contributing to our tax base. By better understanding the strengths of the Howard Industrial Park and identifying where supply chain gaps exist, Amherstburg will be well positioned to attract the right investment that supports long-term economic growth.”

“Through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are proud to support the Town of Amherstburg’s diversification strategy, which will position them for new trade partnerships and strengthen the resilience of local supply chains,” added Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli.

Town gets $838k for Howard Industrial Park development

By Ron Giofu