September 25, 2006

Springbank Dam under Repair

The City of London and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority are proceeding with a project to rehabilitate Springbank Dam this fall and winter. The project, which will replace the existing stop logs with new flap gates, will better enable the dam to manage debris and to operate in a safe and effective manner.

"The last major repairs to the Springbank Dam were completed in the 1960's. As a result of the July 2000 flood event a dam safety study and Environmental Assessment were undertaken. This construction project is the culmination of the recommendations of these past studies," says Tom Copeland, P.Eng., Division Manager of Wastewater & Drainage Engineering for the City of London. "Not only will the dam be better suited to pass debris, resulting in less impact to the recreational uses of the river, it will also make the dam safer for staff to operate."

Some interruptions to public use of Springbank Park and the Thames River near the dam are anticipated. These include:

• Rivers Edge Drive from Pumphouse Path to the west limit of Springbank Park, adjacent to the Springbank Dam, is closed to all public use Monday through Friday from September 2006 to March 2007. The roadway is expected to be open on weekends (subject to change). Users of this section of the Thames Valley Parkway Trail will also be required to detour around the site.
• The Thames River is impassable at Springbank Dam for boaters. After completion of the repairs a designated portage route will be established along the south bank.

Springbank Dam is owned by the City of London and managed under contract by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).

Contact:

• Ugo DeCandido, P.Eng., City of London, 519 661-2500 ext. 2563
• Rick Goldt, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, 519 451-2800 ext. 244

Frequently Asked Questions - Springbank Dam Rehabilitation Project

Can I still access and enjoy Springbank Park?

Yes. All public entrances to the park remain open and most other pathways and roadways remain open and useable during the normal posted times at the park. The only exception is a closed section of Rivers Edge Drive being 500 metres on either side of, and directly adjacent to the dam. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be directed to detour around the site.

I'm interested in viewing the construction to see the progress of the project. Where can this be done?

Pedestrians can view the construction by taking Springbank Trail to the viewing platform overlooking the dam. Parking is available at the lot along Springbank Trail. Note: this trail is not maintained in the winter.

I'm an avid canoeist/kayaker and enjoy canoeing on the Thames River in the fall to see the fall colours. Am I able to still do this?

Yes. However, users of the river should use caution upstream of the dam and stay away from the dam during the construction period. Warning signs and a safety cable have been placed upstream across the river to advise users. After the construction is complete, portage signs near the dam will indicate where users can exit the river and portage around the dam.

Will the reservoir be filled next spring as it has for the past 75 years?

Yes, but the date has changed. After the project is completed next year, the reservoir will be filled by gradually closing the gates after June 15, 2007, and maintaining adequate river flow in the process. This date for gate closure is based on Ministry of Natural Resources requirements to allow fish migration monitoring to occur. The results of this fish monitoring will assist in confirming the future date for gate closures in subsequent years. Confirming this closing date is key to balancing the interests of the boating public that use the river upstream, and the fish communities that migrate through the dam in the spring.

Where can I find out more information on this project?

Background information including the Class Environmental Assessment report and factsheets concerning the repair project can be found at the UTRCA's web site.

Springbank Dam is owned by the City of London and managed under contract with the UTRCA. The repair project has been managed by the City of London and the UTRCA.