Amherstburg
Amherstburg | |
---|---|
Town of Amherstburg | |
519 and 226 | |
Website | www.amherstburg.ca |
Amherstburg is a town near the mouth of the Detroit River in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. In 1796, Fort Malden was established here, stimulating growth in the settlement. The fort has been designated as a National Historic Site.
The town is approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of the U.S. city of
Communities
Besides the town proper of Amherstburg, the town of Amherstburg comprises a number of villages and hamlets, including the following communities:
- Former Anderdon Township: - Edgewater Beach, McGregor (partially), River Canard (partially); Golfview, Kingsbridge, Pointe West; Auld, Delisle's Corners (partially), Loiselleville, Paquette Corners (partially), Rivière-Aux-Canards, Southwick, Splitlog
- Former Malden Township: - Amherstburg, Amherst Point, Bar Point, Busy Bee Corners, Erieview Beach, Glen Eden, Lake Erie Country Club, Lakewood Beach, Malden Centre, McGregor (partially), Sunset Beach, Willow Beach, Willowood; Gordon, North Malden, Quarries; Good Child Beach, Sinasac Corners, The Meadows, Boblo Island
History
French colonists had settled along what became the Canadian side of the Detroit River during the colonial era, establishing small farms. The Petite Côte settlement was founded along the river to the north.
In 1796, after losing the Thirteen Colonies following the American Revolutionary War, the British established Fort Malden as a military
The Crown also wanted to increase population and development in Upper Canada. The new settlers built many of their houses in the French style of a century before, giving the new town a historic character. French-speaking colonists also settled here, some of whom were descendants of soldiers and traders associated with Fort Detroit, or other early colonists. They were known as Fort Detroit French, in contrast to later migrants of the 19th century from Quebec, who became known as Canadian French.[4] St. Jean was their Catholic church.
During the days of the
By 1869, the town of Amherstburg in the Township of Malden, County of Essex had a population of 2,500. When the fort was no longer needed for military purposes, the government adapted it for use as a provincial "lunatic asylum". Its main building was later used as a Port of Entry, Money Order office, Post Office & savings bank.[7]
Amherstburg was incorporated as a town in 1878. The town is named after
In 1998, The Town of Amherstburg absorbed the neighbouring Township of Anderdon (to its northeast) and Township of Malden (to its southeast) to form a larger Town of Amherstburg.
At 20:01
The Amherstburg Police Service was dissolved at the end of 2018, with its officers and responsibilities transferred to a detachment of the Windsor Police Service.[15]
Education
The local public high school in Amherstburg is North Star High School. Up until 2022 the high school was General Amherst High School, named after Jeffrey Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst. Although North Star High School is located in the town, some youth residents choose to attend St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School, located near the neighbourhood of River Canard. French-speaking students in Amherstburg may also attend École Secondaire E.J. Lajeunesse, located in Windsor, Ontario.
Tourist attractions
Amherstburg is home to several tourist attractions, including Fort Malden and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (formerly the North American Black Historical Museum). This explores the history of African-American refugees in western Ontario, who sought freedom from slavery and made their homes here.
An Ontario Historical Plaque was erected in Amherstburg by the province to commemorate Bellevue House. Built c. 1816-19, it was the home of Catherine Reynolds, a landscape painter, and her brother Robert Reynolds.[16] Additional tourist attractions include the Park House Museum and King's Navy Yard Park, both of which are located in the heart of old Amherstburg.
The Gibson Gallery is located in a former Michigan Central Railroad Station (c. 1896), which has been fully restored. The gallery operates year-round, featuring exhibits by local artists, the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Windsor, travelling exhibits from Ontario museums and galleries, and student art/photography exhibits. A restored Essex Terminal railway caboose is operated as a railway museum.[17] Gordon House was built in 1798 as a residence overlooking the Detroit River. Since being restored, it houses a Marine exhibit.[18]
The Holiday Beach Conservation Area is one of the best fall birding sites in North America for viewing migratory birds. The 546-acre (2.21 km2) nature reserve contains over 2,000 feet (610 m) of beaches, picnic areas, a 2-kilometre (6,600 ft) trail along the edge of Big Creek Marsh. Holiday Beach is considered a premiere spot to view the fall migration of raptors (birds of prey). A 'Festival of Hawks' event takes place in September.[19]
BobLo Island, which has been developed into a 240-acre private residential community, also has white sand beaches, full-service marina, nature trails, the BobLo Island Beach House Restaurant, Captain Bob‘s Island Ice Cream and Coffee Cabin and South Beach Water Sports. BobLo is accessible via a 10-minute private ferry ride, which runs every 20 minutes, 365 days per year.[20]
Economy
Amherstburg is a town of trade and services to support regional agriculture. It has also become known for several
Amherstburg also has a high proportion of retirement residences and second homes.
Local industry includes Diageo, a whiskey bottling plant for the Crown Royal Canadian whiskey, Windsor Mold's Precision Plastics, one of Ontario's largest full-service suppliers of industrial plastics and thermoplastic, and Honeywell Performance Materials and Technology. Marathon Oil has a coke storage site near the river.
Chemical plant history
The production at the Honeywell plant of
The plant's gypsum pond was identified in 2008 as the source of high levels of arsenic pollution in the area, which have been a provincial
Honeywell now owns the adjacent
The plant was once part of
Transportation
In September 2022, Transit Windsor began a providing service between Amherstburg and Windsor (the nearest local metropolis), on a two-year pilot project.
Commercial rail service is provided through Essex Terminal Railway, which operates a 35 km line to Windsor.
The former
Small boats are welcome to call at any one of three local marinas that serve Lake Erie and the Detroit River.
Amherstburg Ferry Company operates private ferry service to Bob-Lo Island community. The ferry service once operated MS Windmill Point, a car ferry acquired in 1960s after the Ogdensburg–Prescott Ferry service closed following the opening of the Ogdensburg–Prescott International Bridge.[28] In July 2020, the Amherstburg Ferry Company acquired the Daldean Ferry which had been operating on the St. Clair River between since 1951.[29]
Sports
Amherstburg is home to the following competitive sports teams:
- Amherstburg Admirals Jr. C Hockey
- Amherstburg Stars Minor Hockey
- Amherstburg Cardinals Baseball
- Amherstburg Timberwolves Football
- North Star High School Wolves (various Men's and Women's sports teams)
The Amherstburg North Stars Midget "B" hockey team were winners of the 1976 OMHA playdowns and winners of the town's first-ever OMHA All-Ontario title for any age group.
The Amherstburg North Stars Juvenile "BB" hockey team were the winners of the 1977 OMHA playdowns and winners of the town's first-ever OMHA All-Ontario title for that age group.
The Amherstburg Stars Midget "A" hockey team were winners of the 2010 and 2011 OMHA playdowns and winners of the town's first-ever OHF title.
Festivals
In the first week of every August, Amherstburg holds a heritage festival, consisting of activities at several locations around town. At Fort Malden, re-enactors depict eras ranging from the Roman Empire to the Second World War, establishing camps and performing battle demonstrations.
Since 2006, Amherstburg has held an annual Shores of Erie Wine Festival. As of 2017, the event has been cancelled indefinitely after a liquor breach fine and the death of a teenager in 2014.[30]
Amherstburg also celebrates Canada Day with a yearly fireworks display and a day of family activities.
Art by the River (established in 1967), is an annual two-day arts and craft festival that takes place the weekend before Labour Day weekend on the grounds of Fort Malden National Historic Site.
Other festivities include:
- TRUE Fest - inclusive disco dance party in the streets (January)
- Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society Garden Tour (June)
- Open Air Weekends (Fridays at 3 pm - Sundays at 3 pm, June–September)
- Canada Day Celebrations & Fireworks (July 1) is an annual two-day arts and craft festival that takes place on the grounds of ⠀⠀Fort Malden⠀⠀ National Historic Site the weekend before Labour Day
- Ribfest (June)
- Woofa Roo Pet Festival (June)
- Gone Crazy Car Show, showcasing hundreds of vintage classics (July)
- Art by the River on the beautiful Fort Malden grounds (last weekend in August)
- The Uncommon Festival (September) - AWARD WINNING!
- Santa Parade (Late November)
- River Lights (November through December) - AWARD WINNING!
- For more event information visitamherstburg.ca
Climate
Climate data for Amherstburg (1981−2010) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 15.0 (59.0) |
19.0 (66.2) |
24.5 (76.1) |
30.0 (86.0) |
33.0 (91.4) |
36.0 (96.8) |
38.0 (100.4) |
37.0 (98.6) |
34.0 (93.2) |
28.5 (83.3) |
23.0 (73.4) |
18.0 (64.4) |
38.0 (100.4) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 0.5 (32.9) |
2.1 (35.8) |
7.1 (44.8) |
14.2 (57.6) |
20.5 (68.9) |
26.1 (79.0) |
28.5 (83.3) |
27.4 (81.3) |
23.3 (73.9) |
15.9 (60.6) |
8.7 (47.7) |
2.3 (36.1) |
14.7 (58.5) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | −3.0 (26.6) |
−1.8 (28.8) |
2.3 (36.1) |
8.9 (48.0) |
15.0 (59.0) |
20.8 (69.4) |
23.2 (73.8) |
22.3 (72.1) |
18.1 (64.6) |
11.3 (52.3) |
5.1 (41.2) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
10.1 (50.2) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −6.5 (20.3) |
−5.7 (21.7) |
−2.4 (27.7) |
3.5 (38.3) |
9.4 (48.9) |
15.4 (59.7) |
17.9 (64.2) |
17.3 (63.1) |
12.9 (55.2) |
6.6 (43.9) |
1.3 (34.3) |
−4.2 (24.4) |
5.5 (41.9) |
Record low °C (°F) | −28 (−18) |
−22.5 (−8.5) |
−20.5 (−4.9) |
−8 (18) |
−2.0 (28.4) |
5.0 (41.0) |
8.0 (46.4) |
8.0 (46.4) |
1.0 (33.8) |
−5 (23) |
−10.5 (13.1) |
−22.5 (−8.5) |
−28 (−18) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 66.2 (2.61) |
54.9 (2.16) |
62.5 (2.46) |
89.4 (3.52) |
96.8 (3.81) |
79.6 (3.13) |
81.2 (3.20) |
81.9 (3.22) |
85.6 (3.37) |
74.2 (2.92) |
71.1 (2.80) |
62.7 (2.47) |
906.0 (35.67) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 40.0 (1.57) |
38.1 (1.50) |
46.7 (1.84) |
86.1 (3.39) |
96.8 (3.81) |
79.6 (3.13) |
81.2 (3.20) |
81.9 (3.22) |
85.6 (3.37) |
73.8 (2.91) |
68.1 (2.68) |
44.9 (1.77) |
822.7 (32.39) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 26.2 (10.3) |
16.7 (6.6) |
15.9 (6.3) |
3.3 (1.3) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.4 (0.2) |
3.0 (1.2) |
17.8 (7.0) |
83.3 (32.8) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 12.0 | 9.1 | 11.7 | 13.6 | 12.8 | 10.1 | 10.5 | 10.0 | 9.2 | 10.4 | 11.8 | 12.4 | 133.5 |
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 6.6 | 5.5 | 8.8 | 12.8 | 12.8 | 10.1 | 10.5 | 10.0 | 9.2 | 10.4 | 10.7 | 7.8 | 115.1 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 6.6 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.16 | 1.4 | 5.8 | 24.3 |
Source: Environment Canada[31]
|
Demographics
Year | Pop. | ±% |
---|---|---|
1841 | 985 | — |
1871 | 1,936 | +96.5% |
1881 | 2,672 | +38.0% |
1891 | 2,279 | −14.7% |
1901 | 2,222 | −2.5% |
2021 | 23,524 | +7.2% |
[32] |
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Amherstburg had a population of 23,524 living in 9,193 of its 9,548 total private dwellings, a change of 7.2% from its 2016 population of 21,936. With a land area of 183.76 km2 (70.95 sq mi), it had a population density of 128.0/km2 (331.6/sq mi) in 2021.[33]
2021 | 2016 | 2011 | |
---|---|---|---|
Population | 23,524 (+7.2% from 2016) | 21,936 (1.8% from 2011) | 21,556 (-0.9% from 2006) |
Land area | 183.76 km2 (70.95 sq mi) | 185.61 km2 (71.66 sq mi) | 185.68 km2 (71.69 sq mi) |
Population density | 128/km2 (330/sq mi) | 118.2/km2 (306/sq mi) | 116.1/km2 (301/sq mi) |
Median age | 45.6 (M: 44.4, F: 46.4) | 42.2 (M: , F: ) | 42.2 (M: 41.6, F: 42.8) |
Private dwellings | 9,548 (total) 9,193 (occupied) | 8951 (total) | 8600 (total) |
Median household income | $$98,000 |
Population trend for former municipalities:[39]
- Population in 2001: 20,339
- Amherstburg (former town): 10,822
- Anderdon (former township): 6331
- Malden (former township): 3186
- Population total in 1996: 19,273
- Amherstburg (town): 10,245
- Anderdon (township): 5730
- Malden (township): 3298
- Population total in 1991: 17,577
- Amherstburg (town): 8921
- Anderdon (township): 5502
- Malden (township): 3155
Notable people
- fur trader
- Shelton Brooks - songwriter/composer
- Seth Bullock - Wild West sheriff, hardware store owner and U.S. Marshal
- Robert T. Burton - early Mormon leader and Utah pioneer, born in Amherstburg
- Jay "Nig" Clarke - Major League Baseball player
- George "Rube" Deneau - early minor league baseball player, manager and promoter
- Norman Hackett - actor, born in Amherstburg
- Terry Jones - racing driver
- Malcolm Knight - economist and financier
- Henry William McKenny - politician, Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta 1905 - 1917
- Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment
- John Richardson - military officer and author
- Anne M. Squire - 31st Moderator of the United Church of Canada
- Wesley Weber - counterfeiter
- Kevin Westgarth - Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL player
- Eugene Whelan - politician, Federal Minister of Agriculture, born in Anderdon Township
See also
References
- ^ 2021 Census of Population. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- 2021 Census of Population. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- 2021 Census of Population. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- ^ Jack D. Cécillon, Prayers, Petitions, and Protests: The Catholic Church and the Ontario Schools Crisis in the Windsor Border Region, 1910-1928, McGill-Queen's University Press, 2013, Chap 1: "Early Struggles for Bilingual Schools and the French Language in the Windsor Border Region", in pp. 16-41
- ^ Tobin, Jacqueline L. From Midnight to Dawn: The Last Tracks of the Underground Railroad. Anchor, 2008. p200-209
- ^ "Uncle Tom's Cabin". Liberal Studies Guides. Institute for Liberal Studies. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
- ^ The Province of Ontario Gazetteer and Directory. H. McEvoy, Editor and Compiler, Toronto : Robertson & Cook, Publishers, 1869
- ^ "What's in a name? Questions raised about Amherstburg namesake's history with Indigenous people". CBC News. September 14, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
- ^ "M 3.4 - 2km E of Amherstburg, Canada". US Geological Survey. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
- ^ Ainsworth, Amber (April 19, 2018). "Metro Detroit shakes after 3.6 magnitude earthquake hits Canada". ClickOnDetroit. Graham Media Group. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
- ^ Ainsworth, Amber (April 19, 2018). "Canadian earthquake that rocked Metro Detroit is most significant in region since 2015 quakes". ClickOnDetroit.com. Graham Media Group. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
- ^ Bacon, Gord (April 19, 2018). "Amherstburg Mayor Says Earthquake Sounded Like Something Exploded". AM800 CKLW. Bell Media. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
- ^ "3.6 magnitude earthquake hits Amherstburg Ont., felt across Windsor-Essex". CBC News. April 19, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
- ^ "No damage or injuries reported after minor earthquake hit southwestern Ontario". CTV News. The Canadian Press. April 19, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
- ^ Hill, Sharon (January 2, 2019). "Windsor police officially take over Amherstburg policing". The Windsor Star. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
- ^ ""Bellevue" 1816". OntarioPlaques.com. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
- ^ "The Gibson Gallery". WorldWeb.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
- ^ "Amherstburg Historic Sites & Interpretive Centres". WorldWeb.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
- ^ "Festival of Hawks 2019 | Holiday Beach". Eyes on Windsor. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
- ^ "In the Spotlight // Boblo Island – Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce". amherstburgchamber.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
- ^ "Honeywell suspends Amherstburg operations, lays off 75". cbc.ca. CBC News. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Honeywell suspends operations in Amherstburg". The Windsor Star. October 21, 2013. Archived from the original on May 5, 2014. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
- ^ "Honeywell Plans $208 Million Expansion At Its Four Louisiana Production Plants - Area Development". areadevelopment.com. July 15, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ "Honeywell suspending HF production, laying off 75 employees". rivertowntimes.com. October 23, 2013. Archived from the original on May 6, 2014.
- ^ "Amherstburg arsenic levels shrinking, residents told", Canada.com, February 21, 2008
- ^ a b c Daily Commercial News: "Amherstburg, Ontario chemical plant set to come down piece by piece," April 26, 2012 Archived May 6, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Remediation of Amherstburg’s former General Chemical plant on schedule" April 29, 2013 Archived May 6, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Bridge or Ferry? > Thousand Islands Life Magazine > Thousand Islands Life Magazine All Archives". www.thousandislandslife.com. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ Romphf, Jake (July 8, 2020). "Popular family-run Sombra ferry sold over two years after causeway damaged by ice". Sarnia Observer. Postmedia Network. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
- ^ "Shores of Erie Wine Festival finished after $66K liquor breach fine and teen death | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
- Environment Canada. October 31, 2011. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ "Population. Volume 1. General characteristics, households and families". Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1956. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
- ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions (municipalities), Ontario". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
- 2021 Canadian Census. Statistics Canada. February 4, 2022. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- 2016 Canadian Census. Statistics Canada. August 12, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
- 2011 Canadian Census. Statistics Canada. March 21, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
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- 2001 Canadian Census. Statistics Canada. July 18, 2021.
- 2016census