Amherstburg Moves to Protect Boblo Island's Historic Structures

Amherstburg's heritage committee has initiated a process to seek provincial heritage designations for three key structures on Bois Blanc Island, commonly known as Boblo Island. The committee voted to endorse staff recommendations for the dancehall, carousel building, and washrooms. This action is influenced by recent provincial legislation requiring municipalities to formally designate properties on their heritage registers by January 1, 2027, or risk removal.

Developers who own the island have voiced opposition, stating that current preservation agreements and ongoing work already ensure the buildings' protection. They argue that heritage designation could create unnecessary complications, particularly for efforts to conserve species like the eastern fox snake that rely on the buildings' foundations. The town maintains that designation provides an additional layer of protection under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Historic records indicate the former dance hall was built in 1913 and was once a large venue designed by architect John Scott. The former roller rink, constructed in 1905, originally housed a carousel and is recognized as a landmark contributing to the area's former amusement park character. The town council will consider the committee's recommendation.

The developers are scheduled to hold Discovery Days every Sunday in August, offering free public ferry access to the island. This initiative follows a 2016 Heritage Impact Assessment that developers are bound by as part of their subdivision agreement with the town.