Amherstburg

The Town of Amherstburg is located in the County of Essex, in the extreme southwestern corner of Ontario. Poised gracefully along the west bank of the Detroit River, Amherstburg is approximately 25 kilometers south of the cities of Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. Amherstburg has a population of approximately 21,748 (2006 Census).

Amherstburg has historic and economic ties with larger metropolitan areas and prides itself in the natural setting, its history and its caring people. From a long-term development standpoint, municipal councillors in Amherstburg have committed to continuously renew and upgrade its infrastructure, providing the area with a solid foundation going into the future.

Amherstburg is home to over 100 public recreational marine berths and houses an active Canadian Coast Guard Station. With the Detroit River and Lake Erie forming two of Amherstburg’s boundaries, water sports, boating and water based recreation play key roles in the area’s leisure activities. Marshes around River Canard also provide an abundance of duck hunting and fishing opportunities. A number of golf courses also populate the Amherstburg area, providing yet another leisure opportunity.

Its close proximity to Windsor and Detroit, its natural setting, and its affordable land value and services have made Amherstburg an attractive and affordable place to live.

Tourism in the town and the Region continues to grow. Amherstburg boasts special events and a physical location which promotes the wine industry and vineyards, bird watching and leisurely driving and sightseeing.

Commercially the town has attracted Wal-Mart and two major grocery stores.   With a strong residential population base, the retail and service industry continues to expand.

Amherstburg is a great place to do business. Its caring people, its motivation, its physical environment and its history make it a place to consider.

Key Landmarks

Fort Malden

The town, dockyard, and the original Fort (Fort Amherstburg constructed in 1796) played a strategic role in the defense and development of Upper Canada guarding the Detroit River. The original Fort was burned by the British when they were forced to retreat in 1813.  Americans occupied the Fort from October 1813 until July 1815, when the British regained control of the area.  Its replacement, Fort Malden, was built as a replacement in 1838-40, and played a pivotal role in the British defense during the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-39. Today, Fort Malden is operated by Parks Canada and is a living monument to the Region and its past.

The Underground Railway

Amherstburg also was a vital link in the underground railway in 1786, in which black slaves who escaped or were freed fled to Canada, out of reach of the U.S. bounty hunters.

Communities

The following communities make up Amherstburg: River Canard; Amherst Pointe; Holiday Beach; Malden Centre; Willow Beach.