At the heart of London, Ontario, the Forks of the Thames River stand as a historic and symbolic pillar for the community, offering a blend of recreation, culture, and nature. However, the Harris Park shoreline was facing significant challenges, including aging trees, failure of shoreline erosion protection measures (gabions), and restricted accessibility. Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, the City of London undertook a transformative project aimed at revitalizing this vital public space. With a commitment to advancing urban resilience and sustainability, the City partnered with Ron Koudys Landscape Architects Inc. and Montrose Environmental to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and community engagement.

A Community-Focused Approach 

The Harris Park Shoreline Rehabilitation and Park Improvement Project was initiated as part of the “Back to the River” initiative, aligned with the One River Municipal Class Environmental Assessment & River Management Plan. This ambitious undertaking was designed to revitalize the Thames River while promoting a framework for safe, inclusive, and environmentally sound infrastructure. The project had a significant impact on residents who cherished the park and played a crucial role in protecting the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring that the river remained a thriving resource for future generations.  

Innovative Design Solutions 

In confronting various challenges, the project focused on key priorities, which included:  

• Safe access to the water  
• Naturalized shoreline rehabilitation  
• Flood resilience and sustainability  
• A cohesive balance of hardscape and softscape solutions  
• An enriched park experience  
• Redevelopment of the Thames Valley Parkway Trail 

The design addresses technical upgrades and reimagines Harris Park as a vibrant urban space that can withstand flooding. The creation of a widened fishing platform, gentle river access ramp, and a cantilevered lookout encourages safe interaction with the river, fostering a deeper connection between the community and their natural environment.  

Environmental Stewardship and Community Engagement 

The new shoreline treatment features a vegetated rock revetment that links various access points along the park’s riverbank, providing stability against erosion while enhancing habitat diversity. Each element, from the concrete decking to the gently curving benches, reflects the dynamic currents of the Thames and contributes to a design that meets both functional and aesthetic needs. Additionally, riparian meadow restoration has been prioritized, with newly integrated pathways allowing visitors to explore the park while protecting native flora and fauna. Interpretive signage enriches the experience by connecting visitors with the park’s cultural and natural heritage, fostering a greater appreciation for the environment.

Transforming Harris Park into a Welcoming Riverfront Community  

This project exemplifies integrated design excellence, showcasing how a collaborative approach among park planning, civil and water resources engineering, and sustainability can yield remarkable outcomes. By considering factors such as extreme flows, flood storage, and ice jams in the design, the Harris Park revitalization enhances river access and significantly bolsters environmental resilience. Together, these efforts have renewed Harris Park as a welcoming, resilient space that celebrates the city’s connection to the Thames and invites the community to gather and enjoy the river for years to come. 

Key Stats

2 hectares of native habitat restored

along the riverbank.

5000+ annual park visitors

with newly enhanced accessibility.

2 public spaces created 

to access the river (fishing platform and public lookout).