Living in Amherstburg: A Community Guide

Community Overview

Located along the Detroit River and just 30 minutes away from Windsor, lies the beautiful and historic town of Amherstburg. This Essex County town was established in 1796 making it one of the oldest settlements in southwestern Ontario. And yet, the town’s age shines beautifully through its heritage homes, historic sites, and quaint layout. 

Amherstburg enjoys a modest population of 22,000 residents, but it offers the amenities of a much larger community. Residents enjoy convenient access to schools, healthcare facilities, and recreation centers. Given its variety of affordable homes, proximity to amenities, and reputation of being Canada’s safest community, this small, waterfront town is a choice location for incoming families of all sizes.

Housing Options and Neighborhoods

Receiving awards for its safety, infrastructure, and beautiful landscapes; Amherstburg captures the attention of families seeking a peaceful community. The town’s amazing quality of life, coupled with its affordability, makes it a popular destination for families of all types. 

Amherstburg offers a variety of housing options ranging from subdivisions and waterfront cottages to condos and townhomes. Private country estates and acreage properties are also available for those seeking a more rural lifestyle. Amherstburg is even initiating new housing developments to accommodate the growing demand for homes in Essex County.

City Gems

Amherstburg might be a small town, but it offers a robust mix of amenities for both utility and leisure. The town is equipped with health and safety essentials such as emergency services, senior services, and a coast guard station. It also has various facilities for shopping, dining, and recreational activities. 

Due to its vibrant culture and historic background, Amherstburg is home to several fairs and festivals throughout the year. There are so many options for fun and entertainment in Amherstburg, but here are a few town favorites. 

Libro Credit Union Centre

The Libro Credit Union Centre (Libro Centre) is Amherstburg’s LEED Silver-certified, modern recreation center. This 165,000 square foot facility provides a wide variety of features to accommodate the community’s needs. The Libro Centre is outfitted with two NHL-sized ice pads, an indoor turf field, a walking track, banquet and meeting rooms, a community kitchen, and an on-site sports shop. 

The Libro Centre also provides outdoor features including 15 grass soccer fields; a baseball diamond; an accessibility, Miracle-League baseball diamond; a football turf field; an accessible playground; and much more. Amherstburg residents use the Libro Centre for sports events and competitions as well as private events. 

Festivals

Under normal circumstances, residents of Amherstburg come together several times a year to put on community festivals and parades. Most are family friendly, and with the range of options, there is a festival for everyone to enjoy. Below is an interactive list of community festivals held in Amherstburg. Click the links for more details about the events:

• Beef in the Burg BBQ
• Canada Day fireworks
• Canada Day Treats N Eats Festival
• Mardi Gras
• Annual Rotary Ribfest
• Woof-a-Roo Pet Festival
• Gone Car Crazy Show
• Christmas Parade
• River Lights Winter Festival
• Festival of Hawks

*Due to COVID-19 many of these festivals were not or will not be held this year.

Holiday Beach Conservation Area

Residents frequent Holiday Beach for weekend getaways and day trips. The sandy beach stretches along Lake Erie’s shoreline, offering plenty of room to enjoy the lake. The Holiday Beach Conservation Area includes seasonal campsites, a beautiful rental cottage, showers and restrooms, picnic areas, a playground, nature trails, a boardwalk, and a three story observation tower. The Holiday Beach Conservation Area is also the venue for the world-renowned Festival of Hawks -- where people gather every September to watch as thousands of birds of prey migrate across the Detroit River to warmer destinations. 

Schools

Amherstburg is an ideal place for families with young children as there are many options for elementary and secondary schools. Given the town’s large Italian and French communities, Catholic and French Immersion options are available. Parents may choose between four different school boards for their children’s education with public and private, faith-based options. 

School boards available to Amherstburg:

• Greater Essex County District School Board (Public)
• Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board (Catholic)
• Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence (Catholic French)
• Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (Public French)

Older students often attend General Amherst High School, but they have the option to attend Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle or St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School in River Canard.

For students seeking local postsecondary education, St. Clair College and the University of Windsor are within a 30-minute drive from Amherstburg.

Business

Positioned near two international airports, a national railroad, and a major highway; Amherstbug is an ideal location for those who travel or wish to commute. Amherstburg is located in an industrial region which is convenient for the many residents who work in manufacturing and construction.

 One of the area’s largest employers is Daigeo, a British, multinational beverage company that operates a bottling plant for Crown Royal whiskey. The prominence of spirits has had influence on the emerging winemaking industry in the area. The art of viniculture is sweeping throughout Essex County as it quickly becomes Canada’s prized wine region!

Real Estate

Thinking about buying in Amhersburg? Contact Kris Ramotar at 519.259.9310 to learn more about the Amhersburg community and to find a property that fits your needs!