06/04/2026
"IF YOU BUILD A PLACE PEOPLE WANT TO VISIT, YOU BUILD A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE" —Maura Gast
✅Almost all small towns are hoping to attract industry. And pretty much all of them are failing. Primarily they struggle due to lack of skilled labour, inadequate infrastructure, and limited amenities. Subsequently, they lose out to better prepared urban areas both in
Canada and internationally. Amherstburg’s luck has been no different, and the recent decision by Diageo proves that even existing industry is vulnerable.
✅Because of that, a fiscally healthy Amherstburg absolutely needs tourism. It’s vital for economic growth, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Thankfully, the town has a beautiful river setting, heritage buildings, and a growing arts’ scene. But to be competitive, tourists need to know about the town and what interesting things are going on each weekend to help them decide whether they should visit. Amherstburg’s Tourism department has created some award-winning events like Open Air weekends, the Uncommon Festival, and River Lights, just to name a few, that really resonate with visitors AND residents.
✅However, Tourism’s budget for events and advertising is small, which makes it very difficult to get the town’s message out through all the advertising clutter. On top of that, their marketing budget has been essentially the same for the past three years. Inflation during that time period has been around 10%, so real tourism spending has actually declined. Recognizing the link between Tourism and Economic Development, the two departments were recently combined. But if the combined department doesn’t receive more funds to promote tourism, it’s a very hollow move.
✅Amherstburg is beautifully positioned to be a leading tourism town, but it needs to invest for success. Open Air is an award-winning Ontario best practice, but due to lack of funds it has too many quiet weekends. This causes some to challenge its importance, often using phoney “research” that is only anecdotal and biased. So before you go to vote on October 26th, ask the candidates, Where do you stand on investing in tourism?
✅WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT
We are a big believer in public spaces and public gatherings, so we are delighted that Amherstburg’s Open Air is starting up again this Friday. It activates our downtown every weekend until September 6th. Visit the town's website here for up-to-date details of all the exciting things going on. See you there!
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT WMAG...
"OYE … OYE!" Next week, meet Town Crier Norm and the Docents.
