The Municipality of Leamington is launching Brew on the 42, a municipally operated pilot project designed to bring new energy and activity to Leamington’s waterfront while helping shape the future of the Waterfront Market Plaza.

Operating from a purpose-built shipping container along the waterfront, Brew on the 42 will offer coffee along with a limited selection of light food items in a welcoming outdoor setting that encourages residents and visitors to gather and enjoy Leamington’s shoreline.

Brew on the 42 will serve as the operational anchor of the Waterfront Market Plaza (WMP), a newly developed municipally owned seasonal destination intended to activate the waterfront through curated food and beverage vendors, public seating, and municipal programming.

The Waterfront Market Plaza will host a range of community-focused programming throughout the season, including musical performances, small markets, and other public programming designed to create a welcoming gathering place at the waterfront.

“Brew on the 42 is about creating consistent activity at the waterfront and demonstrating what is possible for this space,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “By taking the lead and investing in this pilot project, the Municipality is helping set the standard for what the future of our waterfront can become. When you create great places for people to gather, it encourages others to be part of that vision.”

The pilot is intended to demonstrate the waterfront’s potential and create opportunities for future private-sector participation. As the Waterfront Market Plaza evolves, the Municipality will explore partnerships and additional vendor opportunities that build on the success of the space while supporting local entrepreneurs and tourism growth.

The initiative is part of the Municipality’s broader Waterfront Destination Master Plan, which aims to strengthen Leamington’s waterfront as a vibrant community space and tourism destination.

Brew on the 42 will operate as a two-year pilot program. The pilot will allow the Municipality to evaluate operational performance, gather community feedback, and explore future opportunities for the Waterfront Market Plaza, including potential partnerships and alternative delivery models for food, beverage, and waterfront programming.

The initiative is intended to create consistent day-to-day waterfront activity that increases visitation, encourages longer stays, and enhances the visitor experience beyond special events.

In early 2026, the Municipality secured a provincial grant of approximately $50,000 toward start-up costs associated with Brew on the 42. Public references to the grant program name and funding source remain subject to provincial communications requirements.

By launching Brew on the 42 and the Waterfront Market Plaza pilot, the Municipality is demonstrating leadership in placemaking and setting the stage for future investment and growth at Leamington’s waterfront.

Additional details about Brew on the 42, including opening dates and programming at the Waterfront Market Plaza, will be shared in the coming months.