Back to the River

Back to the River is a project for all Londoners

Back to the River is the first phase of a community-led initiative in partnership with the City of London, Upper Thames Conservation Authority and London Community Foundation. It’s about creating an accessible, inclusive community space for everyone to enjoy. This is not about one group, one neighbourhood or one project feature: it’s about all of us.

It’s about our environment.

Back to the River is about connecting London back to our natural assets and rediscovering the sacred nature of the river, one of only a few to be designated a heritage river in Canada. The health of our river impacts the health of our community. Back to the River will provide countless opportunities to create awareness and educate Londoners about the history of our river and its ecosystems.

It’s about our economy.

Back to the River is about breathing new life into our community. Research has shown that river revitalization projects have both direct and indirect economic impacts in their communities. They facilitate the creation of spaces where talented people want to come, stay, and build a life. Back to the River is about supporting the efforts of the City, Tourism London, London Convention Centre, Downtown London and others to bring more investment to our community. It’s about continuing the momentum of downtown revitalization, a vision shared by the City and private partners that has brought us gems like Budweiser Gardens, Covent Garden Market, Fanshawe College and Dundas Place.

It’s about housing.

Back to the River is about creating more opportunities for affordable housing in places where Londoners want to live. Londoners are spending more of their income on rent now more than ever and vacancy rates in the city are shrinking. The key to a successful downtown is to have a mix of economic, cultural and residential opportunities. With over 2,500 new homes approved in downtown London in at least 8 new residential developments and 600+ units already under construction, the Thames will be the backyard and neighbourhood park for these individuals and families.

It’s about all of us.

The possibilities for river revitalization extend far beyond the Forks of the Thames. This is a project with a long-term vision that will stretch north, west, and south throughout the river corridor. Born from a desire to see our community thrive and prosper, Back to the River has the potential to move our city closer to what London can be.

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