Point Edward is a village in the Canadian province of Ontario. Adjacent to the city of Sarnia in Lambton County, Point Edward sits opposite Port Huron, Michigan and is connected to it by the Blue Water Bridge, at the meeting point of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. Formerly called Huron, it was renamed in 1860 to mark the visit by the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. Incorporated 1879. In the Canada 2016 Census, the population of Point Edward was 2,037, an increase of 0.1 percent from its 2011 population of 2,034.
In the summer of 2003, Point Edward celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Municipal government
The current mayor of Point Edward is Bev Hand.
In the late 1980s, the provincial government initiated a plan to amalgamate Point Edward with the larger city of Sarnia, although many residents opposed the merger and the plan was abandoned in 1991. Even under the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario government of Premier Mike Harris, which forced amalgamations of many municipalities in the province (including of many towns which were geographically distinct settlements) in the late 1990s, Point Edward remained untouched. Despite this, some municipal government services in Point Edward are provided on contract by the city of Sarnia. For example, Point Edward is served by both Sarnia Transit and Bluewater Power Distribution, Sarnia's municipally-owned hydroelectricity provider.
Economy
Most businesses in Point Edward are independently owned. The only franchises located in the village are hotels and the Gateway Casino Point Edward.
Gateway Casino Point Edward
The Gateway Point Edward Casino is located on the Village of Point Edward's waterfront on Venetian Boulevard. The casino holds over 450 slot machines and tables, and takes pride for being involved within the community. It sponsors town events and helps the surrounding economy by offering and creating jobs and purchasing goods locally. Funds and game revenue are directly paid to the municipal government of Point Edward for hosting the casino, generating 33.4 million dollars to date for Point Edward's economy. The establishment also has an in-casino restaurant called Getaway which seats its guests both inside and outside, viewing the Blue Water Bridge waterfront. The casino was built reusing the frame of an abandoned 1950s Canadian National Railway shed, as it was located right next to the St. Clair River.
Local Business
Albert's Rolling Lunch
A recent fry truck turned restaurant, Albert's now occupies a store on Point Edward’s downtown waterfront on the corner of Michigan and Livingston Street. This two-part business consists of an eatery and ice cream shop serving French fries and barbecued favourites as well as various flavours of ice cream. Albert's offers a well-sized dining area indoors as well as a picnic area just outside of the building, overlooking Waterfront Park.
The Cheese Wedge
The Cheese Wedge is located in the plaza on the corner of Michigan and Arthur Street. It houses a wide variety of cheeses and hosts public tastings every week.
Ice Cream Galore
Originated in 1977, Ice Cream Galore is a household favourite ice-creamery that is located at the heart of Point Edward, on the corner of Michigan and St. Clair Street. The Galore offers a wide variety of ice cream served in their home made waffle cones. Also, a selection of ice cream cakes and beverages are available to customers for any occasions.
The Watermark
The Watermark Bistro is a locally-owned pub and restaurant located in downtown Point Edward. The Bistro offers a diverse food and drink menu with a unique appetizer selection, one that cannot be found anywhere else in Lambton County. The restaurant holds a cozy inside seating area as well as a small outdoor patio overlooking the downtown strip. A daily promotional "Splashy Hour" is advertised from 3:006:00p.m. that offers half off drinks and appetizers during that time.