Leamington's mayor believes 2015 will be significant for the town after a couple of tough years.
Looking back on the year that was, John Paterson admits 2014 was difficult with the closure of the Heinz plant. Among the highlights, he cites Highbury Canco's decision to take over some production there and the Kingsville Folk Music Festival.
He says Leamington has suffered its kicks but he believes some of the work is underway to stage for what he hopes is a turnaround in the town. "I think council did what it had to do, introducing the zero percent development charges to try and spur growth," he says. "The passing of three new residential subdivisions so we now have building lots to choose from now where we haven't for the last eight to ten years."
"It's not all going to happen overnight," insists Paterson. "This is going to take a few years to get moving ahead but council's worked hard. We've done our best to find that new direction, and I think 2015 will be the starting year for that."