Amherstburg secures $838K in provincial funding to ready industrial park for new jobs

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Amherstburg is receiving $838,000 in provincial funding to help prepare more than 700 acres of land for new industrial investments and jobs.

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The funding, distributed through Ontario’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program, is part of a $1.1-million investment aimed at positioning the town’s Howard Industrial Park as a “premier location” to attract investors and development opportunities.

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“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.

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“This investment from the Ontario government helps position our region for success and a strong economic future.”

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The town is also the first to receive funding through the province’s $40-million program, officials said. The money will build on previous  work at the Howard Industrial Park, including a secondary plan, zoning bylaw updates, and an economic development improvement plan.

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The Howard Industrial Park covers roughly 330 hectares along the east side of Howard Avenue and south of County Road 8. While the land is designated industrial in the town’s Official Plan, most of it remains undeveloped, according to town officials.

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The grant will fund studies, consulting services, and dedicated staff to analyze the land, assess market readiness, and develop strategies to attract new businesses.

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The town said the work will also help the town identify gaps in the regional supply chain and find opportunities to fill them.

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“This project is one that is going to transition this community in a very significant way,” said Amherstburg’s deputy chief administrative officer/ director of development Melissa Osborne.

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“(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.”

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Osborne said the town has streamlined planning requirements to make it easier for businesses to move in.

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“We’re properly activated to welcome them into our community,” she said. “It’s just a matter of identifying which (businesses) are going to be the best fit.”

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Officials said the project will focus on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agri-business, and clean technology.

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The provinical funding is cost-shared, with 75 per cent provided by the provincial government and 25 per cent by the town.

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“We are grateful for this support from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade,” said Mayor Michael Prue.

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“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.”

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