Bill Petruniak elected as deputy mayor, incoming councillors are Jen DeLuca, Molly Allaire, Peter Courtney, Wes Ewer and Keith Boussey

Elaine Dufour is retiring after 50 years of service at McDonald’s, split between the Dougall Ave. location in Windsor and the restaurant on Sandwich St. S. in Amherstburg. Her last day on the job is Oct. 30. A long-time McDonald’s employee is heading into retirement after a half-century of service. Elaine Dufour is retiring Oct. 30 after 50 years of service, splitting her time between south Windsor and Amherstburg locations. Dufour said she never envisioned spending 50 years

Mayoral candidates (from left) Michael Prue, Chris Gibb and BIll Fryer pose for a photo prior to their Oct. 8 debate at the McGregor Columbian Club. It was presented by the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC). Things got interesting in a lengthy debate between the three mayoral candidates last week. The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) hosted the debate between incumbent Michael Prue, Chris Gibb and Bill Fryer Oct. 8 at the McGregor Columbian Club with numerous issue

Mayor and deputy mayor candidates fielded questions from the public Sept. 29 at the Columbus Community Hall, in an event organized by the Amherstburg Residents Forum. Seated, from left, are mayoral candidate Bill Fryer, deputy mayor candidate Linden Crain, mayoral candidate Chris Gibb, mayoral candidate Michael Prue and deputy mayor candidate Bill Petruniak. Candidates for mayor and deputy mayor in the Oct. 26 municipal election fielded questions from the public last week in

National Truth & Reconciliation Day events were held in King’s Navy Yard Park and at the Park House Museum last Saturday. Music was part of the event with drumming and singing in the gazebo in Navy Yard Park. Documentary screenings were held and Indigenous food was served at the Park House Museum with vendors in the park. National Reconciliation Day is Sept. 30 but events to observe it occurred last weekend. Events and activities were held in King’s Navy Yard Park and at the

Despite frequent bouts of rain throughout the Sept. 18-20 weekend, the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival was held with people dressing up and having a good time. Ron “Bob” Ross enjoyed the festivities (below) while the adult entrants in Sunday’s costume contest were recognized (Above). The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival still drew crowds over the weekend, even if they did get wet at points. Rain came across the region last Saturday and attempted to dampen proceedings, but those wh

Students and staff at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School joined members of the LaSalle Fire Department, in remembering 9/11. A Memorial Climb was held in the school’s bleachers to remember firefighters who were going up and down several flights of stairs in attempts to save lives at the World Trade Center in New York. Staff and students at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School did their part to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11

Monique Moisenko Open Air Weekends have been concluded for 2026 and the results of the next election could see a change in the 2027 format, depending on who is elected. Meanwhile, Amherstburg tourism officials are pleased with how this season went and are now shifting to putting the final touches on planning for the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival. “It was a good year, action packed,” said Jen Ibrahim, the town’s manager of economic development, tourism and culture. Ibrahim sa

Emma Fleming was one of the plein air artists at Art by the River. An end-of-summer favourite returned to Amherstburg for its 59th year. Art by the River was held at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada over the weekend and drew thousands of people over the two days. The event is presented by and is a fundraiser for the Gibson Gallery. Crowds stream through Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada at Art by the River. Tracy Atkinson, office administrator for the

The Marsh Historical Collection presented “Barrels & Brass” last weekend in Amherstburg’s downtown core with events and activities both on the street and inside local businesses in the area. The downtown core of Amherstburg was transformed back into the 1920’s last weekend. The Marsh Historical Collection presented “Barrels & Brass,” a look back at Prohibition-era Amherstburg. The event was in the Open Air Weekends footprint though was a fundraiser for the Marsh Historical Co

The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show included the annual parade. The 40th annual Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show returned to the museum of a similar name last weekend and gave the public a look back at farming eras gone by. The show was held at the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, located on the grounds of Co-An Park in McGregor, and featured tractors, antique farm equipment, tractor pulls, threshing demonstrations, vendors, children’s activities, live enterta

A rally was held outside the Essex County Civic Centre Aug. 5 to support staff with Essex-Windsor EMS. A rally was held outside the Essex County administrative offices last Wednesday as an estimated 200 supporters rallied to support the Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics. Contract negotiations between CUPE Local 2974 have come to a standstill and many of those who attended the rally were upset that talks are not moving forward. A strike date has now been set for Oct. 5 at 12 a.m.

The Living History Festival returned to Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada Aug. 1-2, though rain throughout much of the day Sunday prevented demonstrations from being held. Part of Saturday’s festivities were a flag raising ceremony. Military history from bygone eras was on display last weekend at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada. The Living History Festival returned and featured different military eras ranging from Roman re-enactors, those representing

Bud Bondy of Amherstburg and his 1937 Pontiac convertible won the Paulie Award as best in show and he accepts the trophy from Eleanor Renaud and organizing committee chair Scott Elliott (left). Amherstburg’s major local car show featured an overall winner from Amherstburg. The Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy show returned to the town’s downtown streets and Toddy Jones Park with Bud Bondy of Amherstburg and his 1937 Pontiac convertible being the overall winner. Bondy and his car

Wildfire smoke from northern Ontario came through Essex County and Windsor last week before spreading to the United States. The Boblo ferry is seen running as the smoke surrounds it (above) while wind turbines in Malden Centre are shrouded in smoke (below). Smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario came through this area and created quite an impact locally. Cancellations, postponements and changes to events and sporting activities were reported as a result of the wildfire smok

After a heated debate in council on Monday, the policing issue for Amherstburg was deferred to the next council term to make a decision. Tempers flared and voices were raised but it was learned the policing issue won’t actually be formally decided until the next term of council. After over an hour of back-and-forth discussion and accusations, it was learned that while an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) community resource plan won’t be back until, most likely, September, counc

A violent storm came through the area last Friday evening, causing trees to come down and hydro to be lost for many residents for a portion of the weekend. A large tree was uprooted in front of the Belle Vue property and the roof was damaged as a result of the storm. A powerful thunderstorm rolled through Windsor-Essex County last Friday evening, and left damage and power outages in its wake. The storm came through around 6:30 p.m. and resulted in high winds and heavy rain. A

Minister of National Defence David McGuinty (centre) toured the Canadian Coast Guard base in Amherstburg during a stop in the region June 29. McGuinty first met with members of the tool and die industry in Windsor about possible work in the defence sector before coming to Amherstburg later on Monday afternoon. As part of a visit where he tried to introduce job opportunities in the defence sectors to local industry, the Minister of National Defence made a stop in Amherstburg.

A Father’s Day tradition returned to the AMA Sportsmen’s Association June 21

Rain that poured down for part of the day June 14 didn’t slow down the McGregor Music Festival. People came under the pavilion at Co-An Park to enjoy seven bands, a pig auction, raffles, a rib/chicken dinner and more. Photo by Donna Tuckwell. The All Nighters (left) were one of the bands with the Border City Brass band (right) also entertaining the large crowd at the 35th annual festival. Photo by Donna Tuckwell. Proceeds benefit the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and the f

The Legion Br. 157 colour guard parades into Rose Hill Cemetery. A pair of ceremonies were held by Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 to pay tribute to veterans who passed away outside of wartime and Legion members who died within the past year. The first ceremony was conducted in Rose Hill Cemetery in Amherstburg with the Legion and dignitaries that attended shifting to the St. John the Baptist Cemetery side for the second ceremony. The ceremonies were held last Sunda

Over 300 motorcycles arrived at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 for the Motorcycle Ride for Dad May 31 (above and below). The roar of the motorcycles and the spirit of the riders was again on display last Sunday morning. The Motorcycle Ride for Dad rumbled through Amherstburg May 31, maintaining an annual tradition that takes place the last Sunday in May. After leaving Thunder Road Harley Davidson in Windsor, the riders made Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157

A ribbon cutting was held May 21, 2026 to celebrate the opening of the new Collavino Conservation Area. It is located on North Side Road between Front Road North and Concession 2 North. A dream over 20 years in the making came to fruition last Thursday morning. The Collavino Conservation Area officially opened to the public May 21, with it being the idea of Loris Collavino and his family. The Collavino family owned the land with Loris Collavino stating that he fell in love wi

“Battle of the Hors D’oeuvres” was held May 13 with five local restaurants involved. The O won the top prize with Kat Crosby and Jordan Kennedy accepting the trophy from organizing committee member Linda Jackson. A fundraiser last week saw people sample food and help out a local non-profit historical organization at the same time. Battle of the Hors D’oeuvres was held last Wednesday night and involved five downtown Amherstburg restaurants and a sold out crowd of people divide

The winners of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce’s 21st annual Business Excellence Awards gather for a group photo after the ceremony at the Columbian Club in McGregor May 7. The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) has paid tribute to the business community and to service groups thanks to its 21st annual Business Excellence Awards (BEAs). The BEAs were presented last Thursday night at the Columbian Club in McGregor with 16 local businesses, individuals and non-profit org

A new automated external defibrillator was unveiled last Thursday morning at the fieldhouse on the Libro Centre grounds. Members of town council, Amherstburg Fire Department, Essex-Windsor EMS, Windsor Police were on hand. The Amherstburg Pickleball Association received AED training the same day. The unit is seen in the photo below. A new defibrillator has been installed at the Libro Centre and it was officially unveiled last week. The new automated external defibrillator is

Marsh Historical Collection collections co-ordinator Meg Reiner does likewise in Navy Yard Park during the Windsor-Essex Jane’s Walk Festival. April 23-26 was the Essex County weekend while the Windsor weekend is this coming weekend. Amherstburg Freedom Museum curator Mary-Katherine Whelan addresses the crowd in front of First Baptist Church. A history-themed festival returned to Essex County last weekend, with several stops in Amherstburg. The first weekend of the Windsor-Es

Both of this year’s recipients were joined by the Baillargeon family and Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery co-owner Steve Mitchell to display KCC’s 13-year total. Kids Curing Cancer (KCC) has gone out with a bang. In what was KCC’s 13 th and final year, this year’s campaign raised $48,452.30 with cheque presentations taking place late last Friday afternoon at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. The money will be split between the Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) and the Winds

Town council has voted to go down the heritage designation route for the former General Amherst High School. Town council has voted to go down the heritage designation route for the former General Amherst High School. The building, located at 130 Sandwich St. S., is proposed to be transformed by the Valente Development Corporation into a residential and commercial site, including eight and 11-storey towers. Despite a vow from owner Peter Valente to recreate the southern facad

The Class of 2026 for the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame included (from left): Alyssa Thibodeau & Cole McLean (representing the late Walter McLean), Leo Guilbeault, Neil McBeth and Rochelle Deslippe. They were inducted last Thursday night at a ceremony held at the Harrow Agricultural Exhibition Hall. Four new members have been inducted into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame. Rochelle Deslippe, Leo Guilbeault, Neil McBeth and Walter McLean were honoured last T

The Town of Amherstburg received $838,000 from the province’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) with the announcement being Monday morning. From left: Councillor Linden Crain, Councillor Don McArthur, Councillor Diane Pouget, Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne and CAO Valerie Critchley The Town of Amherstburg got $838,000 in provincial money for industrial development and made some history in

The launch of the “March for Meals” campaign took place Monday morning at Amherstburg Community Services. Top photo (from left): Melissa Lokun from Seasons Amherstburg, Tammy Dufour from Seasons Royal Oak Village in LaSalle, ACS program co-ordinator Branka Stewin, ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo, Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Councillor Linden Crain. The “March for Meals” campaign is underway to highlight a valuable program to help seniors and those needing a healthy me

North Star High School students held a protest over OSAP changes last Thursday afternoon. Changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) has prompted protests from high school students in the province, with a recent protest being in Amherstburg. Students from North Star High School held a walk out last Thursday afternoon with many coming to the front step of Amherstburg town hall to share their chants and signs with vehicles that passed by. Students walked from the

Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta (fifth from left, holding her son Matthew) was at the site of where the new Chateau Park Long-Term Care Home is being built. She provided an update during her March 4 visit. Ontario’s minister of long-term care was in Amherstburg last week to get a look at the new long-term care home under construction. Chateau Park Long-Term Care Home is moving to the building currently under construction at 140 Fryer St., at the co

Doug Benekritis, Unifor chair in the Diageo Amherstburg plant, speaks to the media after the final shift last Wednesday. It was an end of an era in Amherstburg last Wednesday afternoon. Workers filed out of the Diageo bottling plant in Amherstburg for the last time, many hugging each other and others shedding a tear or two. The company announced last August it would close the St. Arnaud St. facility this month and followed through, albeit a couple days earlier than anticipate

Family friend Pat Durance presents Lauren, Ty and Kierstyn Baillargeon as well as the rest of their family with a plaque during last Saturday’s fundraising dinner. Kids Curing Cancer’s final year included another big crowd at its pasta and music night on the weekend. A packed house of 250 people attended KCC’s fundraiser Saturday night at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery in Amherstburg, with the Baillargeon family, their friends and supporters and the general public in full su

Invest WindsorEssex will get $500,000 for economic development “with a focus on Amherstburg and the surrounding area,” and an additional $500,000 is for “other community projects to support residents of Amherstburg"

Residents of Village Lodge in McGregor and congregation members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church celebrated a 25-year partnership as part of last Sunday morning’s service. Following the service, everyone enjoyed a lunch together. A special service at a local church marked a milestone in caring for people in a McGregor residential home. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Amherstburg commemorated 25 years of ministry with the residents of Village Lodge in McGregor. Resident

Amherstburg Freedom Museum co-presents Windsor-Essex County joint kickoff event Teajai Travis plays the drums as part of the Windsor-Essex County Joint Annual Black History Month kickoff last Friday night. Black History Month is underway and a local museum had a hand in kicking it off in the region. The Amherstburg Freedom Museum joined the Essex County Black Historical Research Society (ECBHRS) and the Windsor-Essex Caribbean Association (WECA) in a Black History Month launc

Former employees, family members and the general public take a look at the “Small Town, Big Industry” exhibit during a busy opening reception last Friday night at the Gibson Gallery. An exhibit detailing the history of Brunner Mond, Allied Chemical and General Chemical has been unveiled by the Marsh Historical Collection. “Small Town, Big Industry: The Story of Brunner Mond Canada Ltd. and its Successors in Amherstburg” opened last Friday night with a reception and continued

Funding under HSWS will be used for Richmond St. sewer line

The Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) held its annual chicken or rib fundraising dinner last Saturday night at the Columbus Hall in River Canard. The event raised $1,600 to help fund camp operations. The next camp at Bryerswood is Jan. 16 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Members of the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) were joined by people from the community in raising money for the camp over the weekend. The BYCOC, in co-operation with the River Canard Knights of C

The year 2025 has ended and here’s a sample of just some of the things we covered over the past 12 months. For further details on these stories and for even more information on the year gone by, visit www.rivertowntimes.com . JANUARY •Family and friends of Kathleen “Kay” Bertrand gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. Bertrand has four children, ten grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Mayor Michael Prue, Councillor Diane Pouget, Essex

Volunteers with the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission helped serve 105 turkey dinners to people on Christmas Day. It is a labour of love for Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister and the team of volunteers. The Mission served its Christmas turkey dinner at noon on Christmas Day with 105 meals served both in-person and by take-out. The meal featured turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, carrots, sweet potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese, buns and de

Squirettes of Mary #1001 and McGregor K of C Council #2844 help with meal

Among the volunteers were the father and son duo of Mike and Dean McGowan. More photos are available on the River Town Times’ social media sites. The AAM Goodfellows looked for financial support in their newspaper sales drive, and the community provided it. AAM Goodfellows president Rick Murray said they raised in the area of $15,700 in this year’s two-day campaign. “We did good, around the same as last year,” he said. “A little over $15,000.” Murray said the volunteers raise

Music Ministry of New Life Fellowship perform at "Christmas at the Museum" Dec. 7 inside the Nazrey AME Church. The Amherstburg Freedom Museum also welcomed the Tanner-Price Singers as part of the annual event. An event that has become a cherished tradition to its organizers helped spread holiday cheer on the weekend. “Christmas at the Museum” was presented by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum last Sunday afternoon. The day included a performance by The Tanner-Price Singers, who

St. Arnaud Street plant. - Photo courtesy of Windsor Aerial Drone Photography. A ratification vote was held on the weekend to approve a deal between Diageo and Unifor Local 200, with the agreement putting the closure one step closer to happening. Unifor Local 200 president John D’Agnolo said the agreement was, in part, to approve new language in the contract but also to secure packages for staff still in the St. Arnaud St. plant once the plant closes in February. The curre

The Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade was held with thousands lining Sandwich St., Richmond St. and Dalhousie St. to watch the festivities. The arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus capped the event, which ended at Toddy Jones Park. It was presented by the Windsor Parade Corporation. Santa & Mrs. Claus then met with children at the warming house in Toddy Jones Park. The Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade was held last Saturday night with thousands lining Sandwich St. N., Sandwich St. S., R

The countdown to Christmas is on in Amherstburg with a pair of festive events last Saturday night. Roughly 700 participants took part in the Super Santa Run, Walk & Wheel (above) and that was followed by the official opening of the River Lights Winter Festival. The Santa Claus Parade is this coming Saturday (Nov. 22) at 6 p.m. A record year for the Super Santa Run, Walk and Wheel has raised approximately $25,000 for local conservation projects. The annual run last Saturday ni