Leamington is a municipality in Essex County, Ontario and has a population of about 30,000. It has a large H. J. Heinz Company factory and it lays claim to being the "Tomato Capital of Canada", with 4 km² of this crop in the vicinity.
Leamington is on the shore of Lake Erie and adjoins the Point Pelee National Park, a major site for migrating birds especially in spring. As such, it plays host to many birdwatchers from Canada, the USA and further afield, especially in the peak month of May.
Another important area for nature is the wetland at Hillman Marsh.
The information booth in the center of town is a large fiberglass Tomato. The town's water tower, visible for miles in the flat southern Ontario landscape, is also a giant Tomato. Its position next to the lake makes it important for recreation. There is a large marina, and boat trips to Pelee Island.
The recreational activities mean that this town has a number of hotels and motels catering for the tourist trade. Leamington is home to a regional commercial radio station, CHYR -FM.
Stompin' Tom Connors mentions Leamington in his famous tune "The Ketchup Song".
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Last updated: 05-07-2005 02:09:59
