Waterfront Destination Master Plan

The Municipality of Leamington is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Boardwalk Extension Project, a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform Leamington’s waterfront into a must-experience destination. This transformative project now seamlessly connects the Leamington Marina to Seacliff Park, enhancing accessibility and offering a new experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Boardwalk Extension Project, a key component of the Waterfront Destination Master Plan, has been a long-anticipated endeavour to enhance and connect Leamington’s waterfront. With this expansion, Leamington residents and tourists can now enjoy an uninterrupted stroll along the shoreline, taking in views of Seacliff Beach and Lake Erie.

One of the project's notable features is the introduction of a new accessible mat system, specifically designed to improve accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, families with strollers, and anyone seeking a smooth and safe pathway toward the water's edge. This portable pathway is adaptable to uneven surfaces, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the waterfront.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald expressed her enthusiasm about the project, saying, "The completion of the Boardwalk Extension Project and the introduction of the accessible mat system mark significant steps toward making Leamington's waterfront a must-visit destination for everyone. We are proud to create an environment that welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us."

“As we celebrate this achievement, we invite residents and visitors to explore the beauty of Leamington's waterfront and its enhanced accessibility features,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “We look forward to sharing more exciting developments as we continue to pursue the vision outlined in our Waterfront Destination Master Plan.”

The Municipality of Leamington is acquiring prime waterfront lands, setting the stage for transforming Leamington’s waterfront into a destination experience.

An agreement of purchase and sale for the property located at 50 Gold Coast Road was entered into on November 9, 2020, with an October 31, 2022, closing date. At the request of the seller, the specific terms of this agreement remained confidential until the date of closing.

Further, an agreement of purchase and sale for the property located at 399 Erie Street South was entered into on June 13, 2022. This agreement is conditional upon the certification and registration of a survey under the Boundaries Act which is expected to be completed in 2023.

When added to the property located at 34 Gold Coast Road acquired by the Municipality in January 1998, six acres of contiguous waterfront lands will be established from the southern extent of Gold Coast Road to the water’s edge outlined in red on the key map below.

The acquisitions, funded from the Municipality’s strategically established reserves for this purpose, will bring closer the establishment of a boardwalk linking the dock and Marina to Seacliff Park.

“The purchase of these lands is a critical piece in creating a continuous, connected public waterfront and creating several economic development opportunities,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “Importantly, it also creates a space for the entire community and visitors alike to enjoy for many generations to come.”

“These lands hold tremendous potential,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “And these purchases are a big step forward in creating a vibrant destination that drives tourism, fosters economic success and attracts and retains a new generation to Leamington.”

The land purchases were recommendations outlined in the Waterfront Destination Master Plan approved by Council in principle, at its meeting held on June 14, 2022. The master planning process included stakeholder interviews and extensive online community engagement that contributed significantly to this plan’s vision for the waterfront and key recommendations.