Leamington, Ontario facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leamington
Municipality (lower-tier)
Municipality of Leamington
Lake Erie and Seacliff Park
Flag Logo
Nickname(s):  The Sun Parlour of Canada, The Tomato Capital of Canada.
Motto(s):  Live | Play | Work
Leamington Location in Essex County Show map of Essex County Leamington Location in Southern Ontario Show map of Southern Ontario
Country	Canada
Province	Ontario
County	Essex
Area
• Land	262.01 km2 (101.16 sq mi)
• Urban	31.70 km2 (12.24 sq mi)
• Metro	508.84 km2 (196.46 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Municipality (lower-tier)	29,680
• Density	105.3/km2 (273/sq mi)
• Urban	32,991
• Urban density	1,040.7/km2 (2,695/sq mi)
• Metro	49,147
• Metro density	96.6/km2 (250/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
Forward sortation area	N8H
Area code(s)	519, 226, 548

Leamington is a town in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. It's often called the "Tomato Capital of Canada." This is because a big tomato processing factory is located here. The town is also known as the "Sun Parlour of Canada." This nickname comes from its location in the southernmost part of mainland Canada.

In 2021, Leamington had a population of 29,680 people. It is the second-largest urban area in the Windsor-Essex County region. Leamington is also home to Point Pelee National Park. This park is the most southern point of mainland Canada.

Communities in Leamington

The Municipality of Leamington includes the main town and several smaller villages. These communities are Albuna, Blytheswood, and Cherry Lane Estates. Other areas include Elmdale, Goldsmith, and Marentette Beach. You can also find Mount Carmel, Oakland, Seacliffe, Wigle, and Windfall. Chalmers, Erie Curve, Hillman, Point Pelee, and Sturgeon Woods are also part of Leamington.

History of Leamington

Leamington became an official village in 1874. Before that, in 1869, about 350 European-Canadians lived there. The town was named after Royal Leamington Spa in England. It was first called "Gainesville" or "Gainesborough." This name came from a local mill owner, William Gaines. Even earlier, it was known as Wilkinson Corners. Leamington has had a post office since June 1854.

In its early days, Leamington was a small crossroads town. It had about 300 residents. It was first known for its lumber products, not tomatoes. There was a lot of logging in western Ontario. Fish were also very common in Lake Erie. People could even catch large sturgeon from the shore. Fish was the cheapest food available.

Leamington was listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book. This American guide helped Black travelers find safe places to stay and businesses.

On January 1, 1999, Leamington joined with the nearby Township of Mersea. This created a larger Town of Leamington. Similar changes happened across Essex County.

In June 2010, an F1 tornado hit parts of southern Essex County. It caused damage in Leamington, including the marina. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt.

Climate in Leamington

Leamington is located on the 42nd Parallel. This is the same latitude as cities like Chicago and Rome. It sits on the north shore of Lake Erie. The lake helps to make the climate milder.

People of Leamington

In 2021, Leamington's population was 29,680 people. This was a small increase from 2016. The town covers a land area of about 261 square kilometers.

Languages Spoken

Most people in Leamington speak English. In 2016, about 24,070 people spoke only English. Some people, about 1,655, spoke both English and French. A smaller group, 1,330 people, spoke neither English nor French.

Leamington has a diverse population. Many residents have Lebanese, Portuguese, and Italian backgrounds. There are also Mennonite settlers whose families came from Russia.

Age of Residents

In 2016, the average age of people in Leamington was 41.3 years. For men, the average age was 39.7 years. For women, it was 42.9 years.

Immigration and Workers

A survey from 2006 showed that 7,485 residents were immigrants or migrants. The majority of people, 19,365, were born in Canada. Many temporary workers come from Mexico and Jamaica. They work in the local farms and greenhouses. Leamington has a high percentage of Latin American residents in Canada.

Getting Around Leamington

Leamington has its own bus system called Leamington Transit. There is also a small private airport. It is located 4 kilometers east of the town. Main roads like Highway 3 connect Leamington to Windsor. Highway 77 connects to Highway 401.

A former rail line has been turned into a bicycle path. It runs from the town center to the Marina. Two ferries, the MV Jiiman and MV Pelee Islander II, travel from Leamington to Pelee Island. They also offer service to Sandusky, Ohio, during certain seasons.

Leamington's Economy

Tomatoes being transported in Leamington. The smoke stack of the former Heinz processing factory can be seen in the distance on the left.

The H. J. Heinz company opened a factory in Leamington in 1908. This factory made products like ketchup and baby food. In 2013, Heinz announced it would close the plant. This meant many people would lose their jobs.

Local business people worked to save the factory. A company called Highbury Canco took over the plant in 2014. It still makes tomato juice and other products for Heinz. About 250 workers are employed at the factory today.

Leamington is also famous for its greenhouses. It has the largest number of commercial greenhouses in North America. Over 1,969 acres are used for growing vegetables. Besides tomatoes, they grow peppers, cucumbers, and roses. Many greenhouses use Hydroponic farming. This method grows plants without soil. In the past, tobacco was an important crop, but it is rarely grown now.

Many seasonal workers come to Leamington each year. They are mostly from Mexico and the Caribbean. They work in the greenhouses and on farms. To help these workers, several Mexican and Jamaican shops have opened. There is even a Mexican consulate in town.

Healthcare in Leamington

Erie Shores Healthcare is the main hospital serving Leamington. It also helps people in Essex and Chatham Kent. The hospital opened in 1950. Before that, there were two smaller hospitals. In 2016, the hospital changed its name to Erie Shores Healthcare. For other major healthcare needs, people can go to Windsor, Ontario.

Education in Leamington

Public schools in Essex County are managed by the Greater Essex County District School Board. Catholic schools are overseen by the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. Both boards offer English-language education.

For French-language education, there are two other boards. The Conseil scolaire Viamonde handles public schools. The Conseil scolaire catholique Providence manages Catholic schools. These boards serve both Essex County and the City of Windsor.

Elementary Schools

Leamington has five public elementary schools. These are Margaret D. Bennie, Queen Elizabeth, Gore Hill, Mount Carmel - Blytheswood Public School, and East Mersea. There are two Catholic elementary schools: Cardinal Carter Middle School and Saint Louis. Leamington also has one French-speaking Catholic school, St. Michel. South Shore Christian School is a private elementary school.

Secondary Schools

Leamington has three secondary schools. These are Leamington District Secondary School (public), Cardinal Carter Catholic High School, and U.M.E.I. (United Mennonite Education Institute).

Parks in Leamington

Seacliff Park

The southernmost point of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park

Leamington has many parks for everyone to enjoy. Some of these include Seacliff Park, the Marina Park, and Mersea Park. You can also visit Garrison Gardens, Henry Park, and Chestnut Park.

Point Pelee National Park is a very special place. It is the southernmost point on mainland Canada. Thousands of visitors come here every year. The park is a major stop for migrating birds. It also sees one of the largest yearly migrations of monarch butterflies.

Tourism in Leamington

Leamington Marina damage after the tornado of June 6, 2010

Tourism is important to Leamington's economy. The town has many attractions. You can find cycle paths along the lake. Point Pelee National Park is also a big draw. It's a great place for birdwatchers from all over the world. Many birds stop here during their migration, especially in the autumn.

Monarch butterflies also gather at Point Pelee in the fall. They then fly across Lake Erie to their winter homes in Mexico. Another important natural area is Hillman Marsh. It is a wetland located 6 kilometers east of town.

Leamington has a large marina. Many people enjoy sailing and other water sports there. The marina also has a walkway that leads to the Historical Leamington Dock. This dock is where ferries depart for Pelee Island.

Annual Events and Festivals

• Festival of Birds – Every May, over 40,000 visitors come to Point Pelee National Park. They come for the Festival of Birds. Over 300 types of birds migrate through the park. This offers amazing chances to see rare birds up close.
• Leamington Fair – The Leamington District Agricultural Society holds this fair every year. It has been going on for over 170 years. The fair usually takes place in the third week of June. It features rides, games, and a Demolition Derby. There are also contests for arts, crafts, and livestock.
• Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series – This concert series runs from late June to late August. It takes place at the Seacliff Park Amphitheatre. Seven free concerts feature national and local bands. They perform on Saturday evenings.
• Arts @ The Marina – The South Essex Arts Association/Leamington Arts Centre hosts an outdoor arts and crafts show. It happens towards the end of June at the Leamington Municipal Marina.
• Hogs For Hospice – This is an annual motorcycle rally. It usually happens at the beginning of August. The event is centered around Seacliff Park. It includes concerts and a craft and vendor show. Money raised goes to the Leamington Hospice.

Leamington's water tower is shaped like a giant tomato. You can see it from far away. The former tourist information booth also looks like a big fiberglass tomato.

Sports in Leamington

• Leamington Flyers play in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. They play at Highbury Canco Arena.
• Wheatley Sharks play in the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League.
• Southpoint Capitals play in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA).
• Leamington Barons Baseball is a local team.
• The Leamington District Minor Baseball Association has over 500 kids playing. They offer t-ball, baseball, and softball.
• The Leamington Minor Soccer Association has over 800 players each year.
• Leamington S.C. United Soccer Club was formed in 2008. It has 10 competitive traveling teams.
• Sun County Crows play in the Ontario Lacrosse Association. They play at Highbury Canco Arena.
• Velocity Volleyball is another local sports club.

Media in Leamington

Print News

Leamington's weekly newspaper is the Southpoint Sun-Journal. The former weekly newspaper, Leamington Post, stopped publishing in 2012. It had been in print for 138 years.

Radio Stations

Leamington is home to two regional commercial radio stations.

Leamington also receives Weatheradio Canada broadcasts. The station VAZ533 transmits weather information at 162.475 MHz.

Television Channels

Famous People from Leamington

• Margaret Birch (1921-2020), the first female cabinet minister in Ontario's government.
• Kirk Bowman, a former NHL player.
• Stephen Eustáquio, a professional soccer player.
• Lana Gay, a radio personality.
• Bob Hooper (1922-1980), an MLB pitcher.
• Danny Klassen, a former MLB infielder.
• Randy Manery, a former NHL player.
• Darren McCarty, a former NHL player.
• Billy Raffoul, a rock singer-songwriter.
• Pat Ribble, a former NHL player.
• Nino Ricci, an author.
• Brad Selwood, a former NHL player and coach.
• Bill Sherk, an author.
• Lynsay Sands, an author.
• Wally Tatomir (d. 2022), a former equipment manager for the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
• Rosalie Trombley (1939-2021), a famous music director for radio station CKLW.