Leamington launches Waterfront Destination Master Plan online

LEAMINGTON — The Municipality of Leamington is embarking on a project to develop and implement a Waterfront Destination Master Plan.

The plan will be a visionary document to guide the transformation of the waterfront into a mixed use, pedestrian-focused community and visitor destination. It will build on an existing foundation that includes Sunset Stadium, the Lakeside Marina and ferry connections to Pelee Island. It will support existing elements along the waterfront, while building capacity for tourism, economic development, active transportation, and improving connections to other municipal properties along and near the waterfront. The plan will leverage and celebrate the full potential of Leamington’s waterfront.

“Leamington’s waterfront has always had so much untapped potential,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “We are developing a plan to realize upon the great value of our waterfront and transform it into a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.”

“Leamington Council is very supportive of creating this vision and sees community input as an important part of the process in shaping the future of our waterfront,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “When complete, the goal is for Leamington’s waterfront to be a vibrant destination that drives tourism, fosters economic success and attracts and retains a new generation to Leamington.”

Working with consultants from thinc design, the municipality will inform and engage the community in developing the plan through a variety of opportunities to participate.

COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings have prompted a shift to an interactive online platform. Throughout the plan’s preparation, the online platform will present updated information and community perspectives, and will continue to ask for community input and feedback.

Public participation in a number of online activities will be requested including: identifying recommended improvements / enhancements on a map; sharing and discussing ideas for the waterfront with other members of the community; and providing feedback via short surveys, opinion polls, etc.

Seacliff Park hill, overlooking Lake Erie. Leamington is looking to further develop the waterfront area. Sun photo

The study process will confirm community interests in developing Leamington’s waterfront, and how these interests can be woven into a responsive design that proposes exciting future directions. The online platform is available at www.leamingtonwfmp.ca.

The plan will provide council with design and programming concepts that will contribute to making Leamington a premier waterfront destination. The plan will also include priorities and next steps to guide the implementation of recommendations, so the municipality can proceed to budgeting and tendering specific improvement projects.

The municipality will also use social media,to update citizens on the latest information and what’s happening on the waterfront plan.

For additional information, please contact Alexander Del Brocco, C.E.T, Engineering Project Manager for the Municipality at 519- 326-5761 ext.1369.