Amherst Island property gifted to Loyalist Township

Loyalist Township accepted a gift of a waterfront property on Amherst Island at their Township Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.

The property being gifted by Dayle and Eloise Gowan is a waterfront piece of property bordering Front Road across from Amherst Island Public School, according to a release from Loyalist Township, dated Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. The Township says the east boundary of the property is the drystone wall models and west includes the wetlands. The property is a flat lot with excellent waterfront with potential use as open public land or parkland, according to the release.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Loyalist to enhance the village of Stella,” stated Loyalist Township Mayor Ric Bresee. “This gift will help to showcase the world-renowned drystone wall structures on Amherst Island, while providing new public access to the waterfront.”

The Gowans added, “We have been involved with Amherst Island for 45 years. We purchased property here and have lived here for the past 20 years. The Island is a truly unique place with a tremendous sense of community.”

“At this time in our lives, it seems like the right thing to do – to give back to the community,” they continued. “It is a lovely piece of property, with a nice shoreline and we would like to see it enjoyed by everyone as a public space.”

While discussing the gifted parcel, the Gowan’s noted that the property adjacent to the school could be purchased if the Township were interested. Following negotiations, Council agreed to purchase 20 acres – across from the new parkland on Front Road, according to the release. The east boundary is the Stella Forty Foot running west along Front Road to the school. 

“Council felt that this was a rare opportunity to purchase property that would encourage the development of additional services and propose new amenities which will serve to enrich the village,” the Mayor said.

Later this year, the Township says advertised public consultation will take place to solicit community input regarding possible uses of both properties along with the naming of the new public space.