Strategic Location
Geographically large, the present municipality was established in 1998 with the amalgamation of the Town of Amherstburg and the neighbouring townships of Anderdon and Malden. Covering 186 square kilometres with a regional market of 375,000 people, the municipality’s location in south-western Ontario is highly strategic and accessible to major urban centres in both Ontario and Michigan. An outstanding quality of life combined with a positive business climate and potential for growth; make Amherstburg an attractive location for families, visitors, business and industry.
Amherstburg is only 20 minutes to the Windsor, Canada – United States border. This border is a significant gateway for the region and Canada as a whole, as cross-border shipments average 400 million dollars per day. The border is important to the region because Amherstburg is conceivably within reach of 25 million Americans. In addition to border peripheries, the Windsor-Essex region holds an additional 400,000 local residents, further demonstrating that Amherstburg is within reach of a sizable population. These peripheral populations provide Amherstburg with the opportunity to increase its tourism market.
The Essex County region continues to improve its tourism industry. Canada's most popular gaming destination, Caesars Windsor was recently renamed upon completion of their $400 million expansion. Amenities include a four-diamond hotel with two towers featuring 758 beautifully-designed guestrooms, a 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art convention centre, and a 5,000-seat entertainment centre that features premiere entertainers. With such immense traffic flocking to the new casino, Amherstburg is in a great position to create a “piggyback affect,” latching on to Caesars Windsor’s tourism market.
Amherstburg is also in close proximity to Leamington, the home of Pelee Island and Point Pelee National Park, Canada’s most southern geographic location. Tourists that wish to visit Leamington will often travel through Amherstburg to get to their destination, allowing Amherstburg access to a larger tourism market. This approach is further demonstrated with Amherstburg’s affiliation with the South Western Ontario Wine Route. Point Pelee is also a major player on the South Western Ontario Wine Route sending tourism traffic in Amherstburg’s direction.
Amherstburg’s rich history is grounded in a highly marketable tourism region. Windsor has been known as an entertainment district, catering to the many visitors who wish for lively nightlife. With Amherstburg’s beautiful landscape and exciting festivals and events, Amherstburg can capitalize on its versatile and unique environment.
Proximity to Major Urban Centres
| CITY | KILOMETERS | MILES | HOURS |
| CANADA | |||
| Windsor | 10 | 6 | 0.1 |
| London | 185 | 115 | 2 |
| Kitchener/Waterloo | 280 | 174 | 3 |
| Hamilton | 305 | 190 | 3.25 |
| Toronto | 360 | 224 | 3.75 |
| Ottawa | 800 | 497 | 8 |
| Montreal | 895 | 556 | 9 |
| USA | |||
| Detroit | 20 | 12 | .25 |
| Cleveland | 290 | 180 | 3.25 |
| Columbus | 345 | 214 | 3.75 |
| Chicago | 475 | 295 | 5 |
| Indianapolis | 520 | 323 | 5.5 |
| Washington DC | 860 | 534 | 9 |
| New York | 1000 | 621 | 10.5 |
| BORDER CROSSINGS | |||
| Windsor/Detroit | 20 | 12 | 0.25 |
| Sarnia/Port Huron | 170 | 106 | 2.25 |
| Niagara Falls/Lewiston | 385 | 239 | 4 |