Civil Municipal Magazine - Dec 2023

35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 AMHERSTBURG ONTARIO housing initiatives largely fall under the City of Windsor’s social services,” she explains. Critchley emphasizes the town’s role in facilitating such developments through supportive planning policies and procedural assistance, acknowledging limited resources at the municipal level. Melissa Osborne, Director of Development Services and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, echoing these sentiments, confirms the impact of labor shortages on housing projects. “We have several developments ready, but they can’t all proceed simultaneously due to the labor crunch,” she says. Osborne details the pipeline of over 400 homes and approximately 330 apartments across various developments. She also mentions ongoing efforts to incorporate affordable housing options, “We’re seeing interest from developers to partner with organizations like Habitat for Humanity,” Osborne notes, indicating a proactive approach towards inclusive community development. Charting a Course for Industrial and Commercial Growth Osborne further highlights the town’s industrial development prospects. “The Amherstburg Land Holdings property is a significant opportunity,” she explains. This 200-acre land parcel, ripe for development, has garnered increased interest following the council’s approval of an economic development Community Improvement Plan (CIP). “The CIP’s introduction, offering tax rebates and other financial incentives, has heightened interest, particularly with the Stellantis development in Windsor,” Osborne notes. She also mentions the Howard Industrial area, strategically located near the 401, which is currently being studied to transition from agricultural to industrial land. “This secondary study will determine the infrastructural needs and potential for future industrial development,” she adds. Critchley then speaks about the town’s support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. “Our downtown core is thriving, with hardly any empty storefronts, a rarity in small southwestern Ontario communities,” she observes. This vibrancy results from the town’s efforts to support and retain entrepreneurs. Critchley highlights the success of securing a rural economic development grant, which has led to the launch of a business expansion and retention program. “This program is designed to assist entrepreneurs in growing and establishing their businesses,” she says, adding that the town’s economic development officer is actively involved in this initiative. Osborne further elaborates on the business Expansion and Retention Program. “We’re employing techniques and tools from Omafra, ensuring a solid foundation for the program,” she says. She mentions the involvement of the Economic Development Advisory Committee, ensuring community engagement in these