Lions River Park Improvements
糖心直播 (UTRCA) recently completed work on the second phase of a project in Lions River Park in Thamesford. It includes the construction of multiple viewing areas and fishing steps that will give community members and anglers access to the middle branch of the Thames River, which stretches about 500 meters along the western border of the park.
Previously, foot traffic along the river鈥檚 edge had degraded the riverbank and contributed to erosion and sedimentation in the watercourse. Working with the Thamesford Lions and Zorra Township, UTRCA staff designed a plan for the park that balances community access to the river with stream bank naturalization and rehabilitation.
In the fall of 2025, additional native shrubs, trees, and pollinator plants will be planted between the viewing areas to stabilize the banks, shade the watercourse, and provide habitat for species at risk. This project will improve water quality and habitat for resident species at risk, including Black Redhorse sucker, Round Pigtoe mussel, and Brook Lamprey (a native, non-parasitic lamprey species).
This project is made possible through financial contributions from the Thamesford Lions as well as Environment and Climate Change Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program.