Boblo Island history: Amherstburg to weigh heritage designation

Boblo Island. (Source: Detroit Historical Society)

Amherstburg is debating a heritage designation for Boblo Island.

The Heritage Committee is being asked to protect the Dance Hall, Roller Rink, and Northern Bathrooms.

Administration is recommending the town embark on a Heritage Designation to protect the three structures.

Amico, owner of the island, is currently creating a 200-lot residential development of the island and they oppose the designation, but not because they want to demolish the buildings.

Amico spokesperson Cindy Prince says when their development was approved by the town council, the company agreed to keep the buildings in part because they provide protection for endangered species, which live on the island.

“There are things required in the interest of natural environment heritage that a designation under the Heritage Act might interfere with,” Prince wrote in a letter to the town.

“For example, all three buildings are within the Habitat Restoration areas for the development, and the foundation areas of the buildings provide certain natural environment benefits.”

Designating them would not only result in Amico being in conflict with the Endangered Species Act, but the company would also request a property tax exemption, which would ultimately mean less money flowing into town coffers.

Prince says the company plans to abide by the terms of their contract with the town.

The town is fearful, however, that contractual agreement “lacks the legal power to permanently prevent demolition.”

A designation, the report indicates, would give Amherstburg the authority to refuse a demolition permit if one was ever sought.

Prince says the old tower and bumper car track were removed for safety reasons in 2021, but Amico does not plan to remove the ferry dock on the island.

The Heritage Committee meets Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Amherstburg town hall.