Finishing touches are being completed today on a new link in the north branch of the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP). Work is completing this afternoon on two new bridges and a section of multi-use recreational trail will allow Londoners to cross the Thames River between Ross Park and the North London Athletic Fields for the first time. The bridges and new paths will be opening at the end of the day for the public to use this weekend.
“Whether you walk, run, roll, or simply sit and enjoy its scenery, the Thames Valley Parkway is one of the best recreational pathways in the country,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “This new link in the cycling network connects more than 50,000 Londoners to nearby destinations along the TVP like Western University and our downtown.”
Construction of the project totalled $6.3 million and received more than $4 million in funding from the Federal and Provincial levels of government through the Federal Gas Tax Fund and the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) program. Roughly $25,000 in funding was provided through the London Community Foundation.
Each bridge is approximately 100 metres long. The bridges were delivered to the area in February this year and installed during the spring and summer. Completing this gap in the path system is the result of long-term planning and consultation through the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Cycling Master Plan.
Through this important pathway project, invasive plant species were managed along the river’s edge and important wildlife habitat was protected. Additionally, more than 450 trees and 1,050 shrubs were planted to enhance the environment along the pathway corridor.
The new bridges and multi-use recreational trail can be accessed from the west through Ross Park off of Richmond Street. From the east, residents can reach the area from the North London Athletic Fields located on Adelaide Street at Kipps Lane.
The Thames Valley Parkway is the City’s primary multi-use recreational trail. The TVP is over 40 kilometres in length, offers scenic river crossings and is linked to over 150 kilometres of additional pathways connecting all corners of London. To view the TVP network, visit the City of London’s interactive CityMap.
Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre
"Investments such as this are an example of how the federal government is supporting communities by better connecting citizens to their city,” says Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre. “The natural landscapes of London will be enjoyed even more because of the new pedestrian bridges that are being finished along London's Thames River."
Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West
"Our government was proud to contribute to the project of building two new pedestrian bridges across the Thames River,” says Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West. “These projects ensure that citizens and visitors alike, have a safe and accessible way to enjoy the beautiful green spaces in The Forest City."
The Honourable Jeff Yurek, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London
“I am very proud that the provincial government is supporting such a beneficial project for London,” says Jeff Yurek, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Smart and safe public infrastructure is a critical component of any community, and these bridges will provide a healthy and green way for residents to experience London on foot and by bicycle.”
