Amherstburg Secures $838,000 Provincial Investment to Transform Industrial Park
The town of Amherstburg has been awarded a significant provincial grant of $838,000 to prepare more than 700 acres of land for industrial development, with the goal of attracting new businesses and creating substantial job opportunities. This funding represents a strategic investment in the region's economic future.
Provincial Program Supports Local Economic Growth
The funding comes through Ontario's Trade-Impacted Communities Program, which is designed to help communities strengthen their economic resilience. Amherstburg has the distinction of being the first municipality to receive support through this $40-million provincial initiative.
"Amherstburg is a great place to invest, do business and create jobs," said MPP Anthony Leardi (PC — Essex). "We are home to a skilled workforce and a long history of manufacturing and talent. This investment from the Ontario government helps position our region for success and a strong economic future."
Howard Industrial Park Development Plans
The funding will specifically support development at the Howard Industrial Park, a 330-hectare area located along the east side of Howard Avenue and south of County Road 8. While the land is designated for industrial use in the town's Official Plan, most of it remains undeveloped.
The grant will enable the town to:
- Conduct comprehensive studies and analysis of the land
- Assess market readiness for industrial development
- Develop targeted strategies to attract new businesses
- Identify gaps in the regional supply chain
- Create opportunities to fill those gaps with local businesses
Strategic Focus on Key Economic Sectors
Amherstburg officials have identified several priority sectors for development at the industrial park, including:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Agri-business operations
- Clean technology companies
"This project is one that is going to transition this community in a very significant way," said Amherstburg's deputy chief administrative officer and director of development, Melissa Osborne. "The grant was our next logical step to move this project forward and go after those markets in a very targeted and focused way to bring those businesses into our community and create job growth much faster than we ever could have done without this funding."
Streamlined Processes for Business Attraction
The town has already taken steps to make the industrial park more attractive to potential investors. Planning requirements have been streamlined to facilitate easier business relocation and establishment.
"We're properly activated to welcome them into our community," Osborne explained. "It's just a matter of identifying which businesses are going to be the best fit for our industrial park and regional economy."
Cost-Sharing Partnership with Provincial Government
The provincial funding follows a cost-sharing model, with 75 percent provided by the Ontario government and 25 percent contributed by the town of Amherstburg. This partnership approach ensures both levels of government have a stake in the project's success.
"We are grateful for this support from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade," said Mayor Michael Prue. "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."
Building on Previous Planning Work
The new funding builds upon previous development work at the Howard Industrial Park, including completion of a secondary plan, updates to zoning bylaws, and implementation of an economic development improvement plan. These foundational efforts have positioned the town to maximize the impact of the provincial investment.
The comprehensive approach to industrial park development reflects Amherstburg's commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities while leveraging the region's existing strengths in manufacturing and skilled labor.
