Civil Municipal Magazine - Dec 2023

37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 AMHERSTBURG ONTARIO University of Windsor and Saint Clair College, in complementing local educational efforts. “Our partnership with these institutions is vital,” he says, noting the availability of bus services facilitating student commute between Amherstburg and Windsor. “We hope these students return to Amherstburg, bringing their skills and knowledge to further enrich our community.” Critchley builds on this, highlighting the strong relationship with post-secondary institutions. “We actively engage with these institutions to identify and address skill gaps in our community,” she says. She mentions a recent initiative to tackle the shortage of building inspectors across the province, showcasing proactive steps taken by educational institutions in response to municipal needs. “It’s an excellent example of how educational institutions and municipalities can work hand in hand for mutual benefit,” Critchley adds, underscoring the importance of such collaborations in workforce development. Forging Strategic Partnerships for Amherstburg’s Growth Strategic collaborations with various organizations and entities buoy Amherstburg’s journey toward economic development and community enhancement. Mayor Prue talks about the ongoing efforts to establish a Business Improvement Area (BIA) in the downtown core. “Though it’s a challenging task, there is progress, and we believe it’s achievable,” he says. He also mentions the town’s Economic Development Committee, which is crucial in advising the council on strategies to make Amherstburg more business-friendly and retain local enterprises. Critchley chimes in, highlighting key partnerships that drive the town’s agenda. “A significant collaborator is the Invest Windsor/Essex Economic Development Office,” she notes. This entity, representing multiple municipalities, aids in foreign direct investment and provides essential information on various federal and provincial programs. Critchley also emphasizes