Amherstburg is buying more than just Duffy's Tavern and Motel.
The town is buying the entire property including the nearby marina as part of a larger plan that will see King's Navy Yard Park extended by another 3.6 acres and re-developed.
A concept drawing of the proposed development shows an expansion of the marina from 54 slips to up to 70, and room to park tall ships. The ferry dock would be relocated, and a wharf would provide a safe place for fishing and viewing of the shipping channel.
CAO John Miceli, who gained experience in parks development during his tenure as the executive director of parks and facilities in Windsor, says the redeveloped park would boast an amphitheatre, a civic plaza, three areas for event tents and have what food trucks need to operate.
A concept drawing of the redeveloped Kings Navy Yard Park in Amherstburg.
The design isn't final, but as it is, Miceli estimates it would cost $7-million.
"I think it's an investment in the town," says Aldo DiCarlo, mayor of Amherstburg. "I've heard from an overwhelming majority of residents that, 'This is something we should've done a long time ago.'"
Miceli agrees and says the hope is the project will spur greater development to the west of King's Navy Yard Park.
The deal to purchase Duffy's for $1.7-million — which is still subject to some conditions — was announced Monday night.
DiCarlo says the marina has always been a big draw for Amherstburg.
"It's a bit rough looking where it stands, so cleaning up that property and turning it more into our cultural and heritage look that the town has all along the waterfront I think is really going to finish it up nicely," says DiCarlo.
There aren't any firm timelines yet for the project, but DiCarlo says the first and most crucial step has been taken.
"The only real critical timeline that we had was getting the property before someone else did," says DiCarlo.
Duffy's had been in operation for 55 years before officially closing in 2013.
- With files from Adelle Loiselle.