Leamington is moving forward with a $1.7-million project to develop the waterfront.
The municipality announced on Friday the purchase of three pieces of property on the east side of the dock, near the marina.
Mayor John Paterson says the municipality is planning to develop the lands into useable space including an ampitheatre, trails and a restaurant as well as a cafe and wine bar.
"People have been saying it for years. We've been saying it for years and so finally we're taking that aggressive step to get control of the waterfront so that our residents and visitors to our municipality will have some place to go," says Paterson. "It could be really exciting."
Paterson says the town will work to clean up the land quickly that the municipality has bought and expects it to be grasslands for the time being as plans are put in place to develop the area.
"Whatever buildings are on them right now, we'll be cleaning them up, leveling them out," says Paterson.
The mayor adds the plans will be opened up for public input, but right now the project doesn't have any firm timelines.
