Southpoint Sun - February 7, 2024

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From The Weather Network WED., FEB. 7 THUR., FEB. 8 high

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FRI., FEB. 9

SAT., FEB. 10

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8

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SUN., FEB. 11 MON., FEB. 12

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These brave Polar Dippers made their way into chilly Lake Erie at Saturday’s Polar Dip at Seacliff Beach, all part of the United Way/Centraide fundraiser. About 100 participants took to the icy waters in support of the charity. A story with more photos is on page 4. SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand

Council votes to save the Big Tomato; work starts soon

By Mark Ribble The much-anticipated decision on Leamington’s Big Tomato was made at the Tuesday, January 30 regular meeting of council. After months of uncertainty, Leamington’s most famous landmark will bypass the wrecking ball for a much-needed refurbishing and continue to occupy the corner of Mill, Fox and Talbot Streets. Council had budgeted $50,000 in the 2024 budget for the landmark to be restored, plus another $2,060 was donated in the memory of former councillor Bill Chaplin, who passed away in 2022. Bill’s final wishes were that donations be made to the save-the-tomato fund at town hall, and friends, families and acquaintances responded with overwhelming support. The Big Tomato was designed in 1960 and opened in 1961 as a collaboration between the Town of Leamington and the H.J. Heinz Company of Canada. The Big Tomato was constructed of concrete

formed around a wood frame, with interior wood shelving built into the frame, a green metal ‘stem’ on the roof supported by interior bracing, and electrical servicing. It acted as Leamington’s official tourist information booth for about 60 years, but was closed in 2019 due to deterioration of the structure and concerns for the volunteers working inside. Since 2019, it has been a hot topic of debate around coffee meetings and dinner tables, with many reminiscing about the days of thousands of visitors logging in and many who remembered going to the tomato for an ice-cold cup of tomato juice. In November of 2023, administration met with Tony Barraco from Barrineti Construction to review the state of the Big Tomato structure. The review concluded that it is surprisingly still very structurally sound, and that the Big Tomato can be rehabilitated. Leamington’s Director of Infrastructure Services, Rob Sharon, made a pre-

sentation to council out- ed that they are targeting ish once again as a vibrant lining what work needed early June for the work to hub for events and comto be done to bring the be complete. munity engagement.” tomato up to today’s stanMayor Hilda MacDonCouncillor Heather Latdards. ald was pleased with the am and her sister Darlene They will be sandblast- vote and even wore her — speaking on behalf of ing the exterior and re- “tomato socks” to the the Chaplin family — painting it, along with re- meeting. said that this warms their moving many of the older “The Big Tomato is not hearts. shrubs surrounding the just an architectural piece, “Bill was a true ambaslandmark. it’s a cherished emblem sador for Leamington, They will also remove of Leamington’s heritage handing out sticky tomathe green metal stem, re- and community identity,” toes wherever he went furbish it and re-attach it. she said. “This restoration and representing our The interior will be have is a step toward preserv- town with pride,” they a spray-foam insulation ing our history while said. “We know that Bill applied, as well as a new adapting it to serve our would be thrilled that the electrical panel, wiring current and future gen- Big Tomato will be preand lights. They will also erations. We’re excited to served for generations to refurbish the existing see the Big Tomato flour- come.” doors and shutters and rebuild the interior to make the tomato viable for various purposes. When asked by Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke to clarify if the Big Tomato was staying where it is, Sharon confirmed that it will not be moving. Councillor Tim Wilkinson asked about a timeline for the tomato to become ‘ripe’ again The iconic Leamington Big Tomato sits in disrepair on Januand Sharon indicat- ary 31, 2024. SUN photo


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