Thames Valley Corridor Plan - Phase 2

Final Public Meeting - Monday January 9th at 4:45pm

A public meeting was held on Monday January 9th, 2012 before Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee.  The final Thames Valley Corridor Plan, along with the implementing Action Plan, were presented to Committee.  Both the Corridor Plan and the Action Plan are available on-line or hard copies are available from the Planning Department located at 206 Dundas Street (between Clarence Street and Richmond Street).

Corridor Plan, December 2011

(to print on letter size paper select Shrink to Printable Area in Adobe Acrobat Reader)

• Staff Report to Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee (January 9, 2012) - Recommending the approval of the Plan
• Title Page
• Corridor Plan
• Action Plan Table 1
• Figure 1 - Land Use Concept
• Figure 2 - Forks Concept
• Figure 3 - Main Branch 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D
• Figure 4 - North Branch 4A, 4B,4C, 4D
• Figure 5 - South Branch 5A, 5B, 5C,
• Appendix A - Natural Heritage Restoration and management Strategies
• Compiled Document (large file)

Action Plan, December 2011

(to print on letter size paper select Shrink to Printable Area in Adobe Acrobat Reader)

• Action Plan
• Figure 1 - Corridor Plan (large file)

What is the Thames Valley Corridor Plan?

The Thames Valley Corridor (TVC) Plan is a long range vision document that will address key land planning and management issues along the river, through London, including:

continued management of the floodplain and other hazards improved protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the natural heritage system i.e. aquatic habitats, riparian and flood plain habitats, valley slope habitats enhanced public access and recreation opportunities management of urban development and infrastructure works in and along the corridor role of the corridor in support of urban water cycles (stormwater, wastewater, drinking water) and the connection with other natural areas	Vision Statement During Phase 1 of the study the following working vision was adopted by the Corridor Advisory Committee. The Thames Valley Corridor is London’s most important natural, cultural, recreational and aesthetic resource. The City and community partners will preserve and enhance the natural environment, river health, vistas, beauty and cultural heritage while accommodating compatible infrastructure, accessibility and recreation.
Reports and Documents Corridor Concept Plan and Strategies (text only - May 28, 2009) Figure 1 - Land Use Concept Figure 2 - Forks Concept Figure 3 - Main Branch Concept  A, Concept B, Concept C, Concept D Figure 4 - North Branch Concept  A, Concept B, Concept C, Concept D Figure 5 - South Branch Concept  A, Concept B, Concept C Technical Background Report (text only - May 28, 2009) Figure 1 - Corridor Boundaries Figure 2- Land Use Context Figure 3 - Natural Heritage Features Figure 4a - Parks, Recreation and Trails - North Branch Figure 4b - Parks, Recreation and Trails - West Branch Figure 4c - Parks, Recreation and Trails - South Branch Figure 5 - Cultural Heritage Resources Figure 6 - Views and Vistas Figure 7 - Servicing and Infrastructure Appendix A - Summary of Public Comments Appendix B - Natural Heritage Data Management and Restoration Plan Main Branch 1, Main Branch 2 North Branch 1, North Branch 2 South Branch 1, South Branch 2
Why is the Thames Valley Corridor being studied? The Thames River through south-western Ontario was one of the first rivers in the province formed after the last glacial retreat and, thus, one of the oldest.  As a ‘gateway’ river, with a direct link via Lake St. Clair, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean, it has played a significant role in the human settlement and development of south-western Ontario. In recognition of its outstanding natural and cultural contributions, quality recreational opportunities, and demonstration of a healthy river environment, the Thames River was honoured with designation as a Canadian Heritage River System in 2000. At a visionary level, the Thames Valley Corridor through London will continue to exemplify these attributes, supporting environmental and economic vitality, tourism, and local and regional recreation initiatives. At a functional level, the Corridor is a complex system of sensitive ecological habitats, intensive public recreation areas, and developed urban lands connected by multi-purpose trails and scenic byways. The balancing of these often competing demands to ensure the sustainability of the river and its sensitive and vulnerable natural features is an important goal. The Thames Valley Corridor Plan will, at its conclusion, provide a strategic plan to direct the use and management of the corridor lands over the next few decades.
How can I find out more about the Phase 1 Study? In 2007, the City and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) completed Phase 1 of the planning process for the Thames Valley Corridor (TVC). This phase of the study was undertaken in consultation with a Corridor Advisory Committee, comprised of agency representatives, community and interest groups. Phase 1 work included: defining limits of the TVC; obtaining input through the consultation process; developing a vision for the TVC; developing goals and objectives of the Plan; analyzing existing background information pertaining to natural hazards, natural heritage, parks,open space and recreation, cultural heritage, and aesthetic resources; identifying gaps in technical information needed to realize the vision, goals and objectives ; and .defining key issues to be addressed in Phase 2 of the study.
How can I become involved? The next public open house will present and  discuss draft Final Plan.  It is anticipated the public open house and subsequent public meeting will be held in the fall of 2010.  Copies of the draft report will be available online prior to the meetings. Public open houses were held on Wednesday, November  26, 2008 and Wednesday June 17, 2009 in the Community Gallery of Museum London, 421 Ridout Street North.  The initial open house reviewed the findings of Phase 1 of the Thames Valley Corridor Plan and sought input into Phase 2. The open house outline the intent of Phase 2 of the study, showcase the background material collected to date and provide opportunity for public input on the future direction of the Thames Valley Corridor. Listed below are the handouts prepared and distributed at the meeting. Public Meeting Handout 1 - outlines the purpose and background of the study Public Meeting Handout 2 - Issue identification within the 5 categories of the study Survey Questionnaire (Phase 1) - Opportunity for public input.  The second open house showcased the draft Corridor Concept Plan & Strategies and provided opportunity for public input on the direction of the Thames Valley Corridor. Listed below are the handouts prepared and distributed at the meeting Draft Concept and Strategies Plan   Additional Information For more information please contact , Parks Planner, Parks Planning and Design. Phone 519 661-4980 Fax       519 661-5397