LEAMINGTON STRATEGIES

Setting sights on future

Leamington’s focus is on being an inclusive community that’s open for business and investment, says council’s updated strategic vision.

“This plan demonstrates that we remain focused on building the infrastructure we need, delivering the services our residents expect, and promoting growth in our local economy,” Mayor Hilda Macdonald said in a news release Tuesday.

At its Jan. 28 meeting, council approved its strategic vision update (2019-2022) which will guide council’s decision-making over the next three years.

Chief administrative officer Peter Neufeld said the incredible growth in the greenhouse industry has included some growing pains. He said the planned northeast trunk sewer line will not only support continued growth in the agriculture sector, it will help address a current housing shortage and allow for the development of industrial lands.

“The resulting economic growth during the last four years has been impressive and it is just the beginning,” Neufeld wrote in the document.

“We expect private investment to continue over the course of the next four years, building upon the foundation built through investment in infrastructure.”

Under infrastructure specifically, the strategic plan update talks about the sewer line and lobbying for funding for it, developing and

implementing a long-term strategy for water management and flooding in southeast Leamington, and other projects such as fire services, capital replacements, adding biking facilities and preparing a business case for ways to promote access to high-speed internet.

Under community, the strategic update suggests managing the town’s growing diversity and the impact of large numbers of international workers, including having adequate housing, services and supports.

“Done right, Leamington’s growing diversity can be a huge attraction,” the report said.

Poverty remains a challenge and increased house prices can make housing unattainable, the updated vision said.

Council should continue advocating for more provincial and county funding to focus on housing and mental-health issues.

Under economy, the strategic update lists four key areas: the uptown; Leamington’s Waterfront Destination Development Master Plan, including potential property acquisitions; tourism, including cycling and promoting authentic dining experiences; and managing growth, such as a feasibility study of reintroducing development charges and a strategy to address derelict buildings.

The report also lists rural issues such as a drainage strategy that will deal with the invasive phragmites and more lighting at key rural intersections.

The values identified as strategic priorities for Leamington were continuously improving infrastructure, an economy that’s ready for investment and a community that’s compassionate and inclusive.

The Strategic Vision Update 2019-2022 is online at leamington. ca/strategicplan.

It doesn’t replace the town’s 20year strategic plan that was passed in 2015.