The addition of the new EV battery plant in Windsor has brought the potential for increased investment in the region, but if Amherstburg wants a slice of the pie, it will have to do more to stand out.
Earlier this week, town councillors signed off on a new Community Improvement Plan they hope will do just that.
The plan offers potential industrial and commercial investors lucrative financial incentives, including a tax rebate and a rebate on building and development fees. It's open to businesses already within the CIP area that wants to expand.
"It's up to 100 per cent on the tax rebate. That's the difference between the taxes that are currently paid, versus the taxes that would be paid post-development on that particular property. That could be up to ten years," explained Amherstburg's Deputy CAO and Director of Development Services, Melissa Osborne. "In the case of the development charges, it's up to 100 per cent associated with that particular project.
Companies could also be eligible for a rebate for building and planning fees of up to $20,000.
Investors may have a new interest in Windsor-Essex, but that's not the only place they're looking to set up shop. Many are considering locations across the border, and Osborne said the town doesn't want to miss out.
"In discussions with Invest WindsorEssex, one of the first questions that's always asked is what financial incentives are made available," said Osborne. "That really reaffirmed for us that if we're going to plan this space and be a formidable economic development player, we needed to get that CIP program up and running as soon as possible."
The CIP covers an area of Amherstburg that stretches along Front Road between Texas Road and Lowes Sideroad. That includes the former General Chemical site, now called Amherstburg Land Holdings. The town is especially eager to showcase the 200 acres to investors because it has access to a rail line and water.
"Depending on how it unfolds and the interest and opportunities it creates, we'll look, at some point, to expand it," added Osborne.