The City of London is supporting a long-standing community effort to transform the Thames River into a key part of the downtown area.
City officials are beginning to plan more events and enhance the space around the Forks of the Thames, aiming for locals to soon refer to it as the “River District.”
“It’s really focusing on turning it into a destination where people want to come on a daily basis with a variety of different programming, music, food vendors and that kind of thing,” said the city’s core area programs manager Ryan Craven.
“It’s really emphasizing it as a destination downtown and not just the border.”
WATCH | What are people saying about London’s River District:
Have you heard about London’s River District?
The City of London is exploring ways to create a River District between the Forks of the Thames and downtown core. This follows years of local business owners using this term in hopes of making it an attractive spot. CBC’s Kendra Seguin talks with community members about their thoughts on it.
A report from the Canadian Urban Institute, approved by city council in June, outlines 58 recommended actions and four “big moves” aimed at improving London’s core, one being developing a River District.
The plan suggests that a more engaging waterfront will “support new residential development, public and private sector investment, and access to flexible open space in proximity to downtown.”
Currently, there are no official boundaries for the River District, but Craven mentioned it’s approximately between Harris Park and York Street running north to south, and between the Thames River and Talbot Street running west to east.
Mike Macaulay, who manages community improvement and urban regeneration for the city, stated that collaboration will be essential for bringing the River District vision to life.
The Thames River travels through London Ont., acting as a border to the west side of downtown core. (Michelle Both/ )
“It’s working with developers who own property along the riverfront to create and design buildings that complement the river [and] working with our Indigenous nations and partners to see how we can interact with the river in an environmentally-friendly way,” Macaulay explained.
He added that city staff will need to assess London’s parks bylaws so they align with future developments in the River District.
No cost or timeline has been set yet for developing this area; however, Macaulay indicated that city staff plans to present findings on next steps related to downtown planning and budget recommendations before year-end.
“Once you start creating these conditions and trying these things, hopefully more people will start experiencing the river and see it as a place to go on that everyday basis.”
Businesses adopt term
The idea behind a River District isn’t new; several businesses near the water have been using this label for some time now.
Andrew Mc Clenaghan, owner of London Bicycle Cafe, was among those who first embraced this term alongside other nearby businesses like Riverwalk apartment building owners and District Ice Cream.
“I don’t walk to take all the credit. There’s been a lot of big river boosters in town over the past decade, but it’s always cool to see when your ideas make it into print,” he said.Andrew Mc Clenaghan is the owner of London Bicycle Cafe on Thames Street near Forks of Thames. (Kendra Seguin/)Mc Clenaghan expressed hope that increased interest from city officials would bring more attention back into this area.”It’s been an interesting year due construction with major sewer work going on; it’s made things tough here during summer. We pushed through though; I believe it’ll shine again as a gem right in heart of our city,” he noted.”It’s another opportunity where we can gather together for various unique events.”
River District events underway
This month marked when city started promoting its branding around “River District” by launching movie nights series along riverside!
Families can catch free outdoor movies every Tuesday night under bandshell at Harris Park throughout August!
Crowds were good too-over 200 showed up at first event!
“My sense is that people really love this idea. We do have gorgeous riverfront located right center downtown & while there’re already some events happening.. we haven’t fully embraced potential,” he shared.”They want river become dynamic place filled excitement & activities.”
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