Whether you run or walk beside the water or fish and kayak in it, the city is looking for Londoners to weigh in on possible improvements that could be made to the Thames River.
Until the end of August, city staff are collecting feedback on how people interact with the waterway. The information is being gathered before the city delves into the consultation phase of the One River Environmental Assessment. A master plan for the Thames, which zeros in on the area from the Boler Rd. Bridge to the Forks of the Thames and Harris Park, will be created based on the results of the environmental assessment. It will address infrastructure needs, as well as the community's ecological and recreational vision for the river.
“We’re developing a long-term strategy for the Thames River for future generations,” said City Engineer Kelly Scherr. “The feedback we’re looking to collect from Londoners at this stage will help set the tone as we move forward with this project.”
An online survey has been set up for Londoners to voice their thoughts and concerns about the river. The survey asks how often a person visits the Thames, who they visit with, and what activities they would like to partake in nearby or in the water that they currently cannot.
City staff will also be collecting feedback in person at various community events throughout the rest of the summer. Additional input will be gathered in the fall at a formal public meeting.
The Springbank Dam, which has long been a point of contention in the city, is included in the study area and is sure to reignite debate between those who want it decommissioned and those who want it repaired. The dam has been out of operation since 2006 when it underwent a failed multi-million dollar upgrade.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority are being included in the environmental assessment process. The city has also reached out to area First Nation communities who share the Thames.
