Funding marks first rollout of Trade-Impacted Communities Program
Province aims to strengthen local economy and create jobs through diversification strategy
AMHERSTBURG, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $838,000 to help protect workers and businesses in Amherstburg from the ongoing impacts of U.S. tariffs, marking the first funding allocation under its Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP).
The provincial investment will support the launch of Amherstburg’s $1.1-million Investment Readiness and Economic Diversification Strategy, an initiative designed to strengthen the town’s economic resilience, attract new investment and reduce reliance on U.S. markets.
The funding announcement comes amid continued economic uncertainty tied to global trade disruptions, with Ontario positioning the TICP as a key tool to safeguard jobs and support long-term growth across affected communities.
“As U.S. tariffs continue to impact industries across Ontario, our government is taking decisive action to ensure our regional communities have the tools needed to withstand these economic pressures and attract new, long-term investment,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are proud to support the Town of Amherstburg’s diversification strategy, which will position them for new trade partnerships and strengthen the resilience of local supply chains.”
Local strategy targets industrial growth and supply chain resilience
As the first recipient of TICP funding, Amherstburg will direct the combined provincial and municipal investment toward preparing more than 700 acres of land at the Howard Industrial Park for development. The initiative aims to improve the town’s competitiveness and readiness to attract business across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agri-business and clean technology.
Located near the Canada–U.S. border, Amherstburg has been particularly vulnerable to tariff-related disruptions. Officials say the diversification strategy will help mitigate those risks by expanding trade opportunities and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The province noted that, in just the past four weeks, related investments and initiatives have already contributed to the creation of nearly 500 new jobs and the protection of 244 existing positions in the region.
“Amherstburg is a great place to invest, do business and create jobs,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “We are home to a skilled workforce and a long history of manufacturing and talent. This investment from the Ontario government helps position our region for success and a strong economic future.”
Municipal leaders highlight long-term economic benefits
Local officials say the funding will play a critical role in enhancing Amherstburg’s ability to attract new businesses while strengthening its existing economic base.
“We are grateful for this support from the Ontario government,” said Michael Prue, Mayor of Amherstburg. “This timely funding will enable us to attract investment into our community, creating more jobs and contributing to our tax base. By better understanding the strengths of the Howard Industrial Park and identifying where supply chain gaps exist, Amherstburg will be well positioned to attract the right investment that supports long-term economic growth.”
The project will also involve assessing infrastructure needs and identifying opportunities to fill supply chain gaps, helping ensure that future investments align with the town’s economic strengths.
Broader provincial strategy to address trade disruptions
The TICP is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to address the economic fallout from global trade challenges, including U.S. tariffs. First introduced as part of a nearly $30-billion provincial relief and support plan, the program focuses on building more self-reliant local economies while encouraging new trade partnerships beyond the United States.
The initiative is open to municipalities, industry groups, economic development organizations and business incubators. It supports projects aimed at boosting competitiveness, diversifying supply chains and increasing export opportunities.
Since its launch, the province has received more than 80 applications from communities across Ontario, with additional projects currently under review. Applications for one stream of funding remain open on a continuous basis, subject to available funding.
The TICP operates alongside other provincial programs, including the Ontario Together Trade Fund, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit.
Focus on resilience amid ongoing uncertainty
As global trade tensions persist, Ontario officials say continued investment in local economic development will be critical to maintaining competitiveness and protecting jobs.
In Amherstburg specifically, recent provincial support has contributed to a total of 739 jobs created or protected over the past month, including through private-sector expansion and long-term care development projects.
The latest funding announcement underscores the province’s broader effort to equip communities with the tools needed to navigate economic volatility while positioning themselves for sustainable growth.