The Thames Strategy: Managing the Thames As a Canadian Heritage River

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M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R

1 The Thames Strategy: Managing the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River

Published by: Upper Thames River Conservation Authority 1424 Clarke Road London, ON N5V 5B9 Telephone: (519) 451-2800 Fax: (519) 451-1188 Email: infoline@thamesriver0org Website: http://thamesriver0org

ISBN 1-894329-04-X

Printed in Canada using vegetable-based dyes and recycled paper0

Copying permitted with appropriate credits0

Please cite as: Thames River Coordinating Committee, 20000 The Thames Strategy: Managing the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River For the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board0 Published by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority0

Front Cover Illustrations

St Marys On the Thames 1842 George Russel Dartnell Source: de Pencier, Honor, 19870 Posted to Canada: The Watercolours of George Russell Dartnell 1835-18440 Toronto and Oxford: Dundurn Press, 160 (George Russell Dartnell painted several watercolours of the Thames River valley0 The painting shows the process of building the piers for the original Victoria Bridge0 The town grist mill and the log house constructed by Thomas and James Ingersoll are also shown in the work0)

The Thames River near London0 Photo by Ken Wightman, Courtesy London Free Press0

Wood Poppies (Stylophorum diphyllum) Photo by Jane Bowles0 The Thames Strategy: Managing the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 0

Submitted by the Thames River Coordinating Committee

Tabled with the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board January, 2000

ISBN 1-894329-04-X

T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

ichard ichard Bain R Enjoying a picnic lunch along the Avon River in

Stratford

TRCA U

Fishing in the Thames River near London

CA LTV The Battle of Longwoods, re-enacted each spring at Longwoods Road Conservation Area M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R i Executive Summary

The long and rich cultural heritage and diverse recreational The following are the key actions needed to fulfil the goal: values of Ontarios Thames River formed the basis for its nomination to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) in Leadership 1998! Submission and acceptance of this document represents establish and empower a Thames Implementation Committee the final step in the designation process! to act as the catalyst that drives The Thames Strategy

The Thames Strategy outlines how the watersheds natural, Monitoring cultural and recreational features and values will be conserved monitor the rivers values by completed the Thames River and interpreted for the future! The purpose of the strategy is to Annual Report Checklist guide voluntary action! It provides an opportunity for river monitor the progress of The Thames Strategy every 10 years managers, stakeholders and residents to work together to and present the results to the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board continue to conserve and revitalize the rivers many values! The strategy does not override any existing policies and regulations, Outreach nor does it propose any new legislation! host a series of workshops across the watershed inviting both non-governmental groups and government stakeholders and Input was received from a broad range of stakeholders including individuals to develop priorities and foster support for the individuals, groups, clubs, institutions, and agencies during the Thames Strategy production of this document and the previous stages of the Thames River Designation Project! Some 75 people have Education participated in committee meetings and 50 organizations were promote and distribute the Thames River Background Study interviewed for information and input during the writing of this to schools, libraries and other interested groups document! Communications Managing the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River involved write and distribute a regular Thames River Newsletter that nurturing its values! Participants have identified the following includes information on local activities that promote CHRS broad goal: values and facts about the rivers environment, history and places of interest; To increase the appreciation, enjoyment and stewardship of establish a Thames River Web Site to communicate this the natural and cultural heritage and recreational information opportunities of the Thames River and its watershed through feature a regular column on the Thames in local newspapers community cooperation and involvement Marketing There are a great many separate activities and efforts being made establish and celebrate an annual Thames River Heritage Day by governmental agencies and non-governmental groups in the throughout the watershed, highlighting specific river-related Thames River watershed that address the above goal, although achievements not in a formalized way! What is needed is an over-arching theme erect plaques in communities explaining the designation of to provide common purpose and direction for these separate the Thames as a CHR; activities! erect attractive signs at all major bridges over the Thames indicating it is a Canadian Heritage River; Designation as a Canadian Heritage River provides this common develop Thames River Heritage Tours that highlight various theme and its unifying influence has already been demonstrated points of interest along the river through the strong community participation and support for river produce a War of 1812 Daybook and/or Tour stewardship that has evolved during the Heritage River Project! The Upper Thames River and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authorities and Thames Implementation Committee will provide leadership and guidance to ensure that the vision and work identified here continues!

ii T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

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y y M Photo Photo b Some of the members of the Thames River Coordinating Committee Left to right: Douglas Bocking, Don Pearson, Karen Matilla, Ian Wilcox, Harald Schraeder, Dan Shrubsole, Gerald Killan, Glenn Stott, Michael Troughton, Cathy Quinlan, Karen Burch, Ted Blowes M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R iii

Cathy Rogers Bayfield Acknowledgments Harald Schraeder Aylmer Dan Shrubsole London Glenn Stott Arkona Michael Troughton London The Thames Strategy, and all the phases leading up to it, have Ian Wilcox St" Marys involved a remarkable community effort, drawing on individuals, agencies, and groups from across the Thames watershed! Human Heritage Subcommittee Many people have contributed their time, talents, ideas and Michael Troughton, Chair London support! The Thames River Coordinating Committee extends Mike Baker London a heart-felt thank you to all who have played a role in this Shirley Bain Thamesville Dan Brock London project from its initial phases, through the development of the Andy Chisholm London preliminary proposal Background Study, Nomination Docu- Jim & Lisa Gilbert Chatham ment, and, finally, The Thames Strategy! Letters of support Marjorie Jackman Thamesville were received from numerous groups, municipalities, M!P!s Gerald Killan London and M!P!P!s and these are listed in Appendix A! Ian McCallum London Archie McIntyre Bothwell Bob Pearce London Thames River Coordinating Committee Arthur P" Pegg Blenheim Douglas Bocking, Chair London Joseph C" Reily Mt" Brydges Charles Baldwin Ridgetown Cathy Rogers Bayfield Tim Blackburn Delaware Glenn Stott Arkona Ted Blowes Sebringville Jan Trimble London Karen Burch London Timothy Whitehead Chatham Jerry Campbell Chatham Ian Wilcox St" Marys Bonnie Carey Mt" Brydges Terry Chapman Exeter Natural Heritage Subcommittee Rosemary Dickinson London Dave Martin, Chair Belmont Nancy Fallis London Jane Bowles Thorndale John Fisher Peterborough Key Dewdney London Neil Garber Chatham Vicki Hammond London Dean George Southwold Dave Hayman London Terry Grawey London Spencer Inch London Brian Grimsey Ottawa Bob Miller Stratford Bryan Howard North York Cathy Quinlan London Janet Jones Chatham Marcell Roelandt Tilbury Gerald Killan London Bill Wachsmuth Chatham Dan Martin Stratford Valerie Welsh Chatham Don Pearson London Edward Pleva London Recreation Subcommittee Russ Piper Burgessville Jack McCallum, Chair London Doug Reycraft Glencoe Allan Bailey London Marcel Roelandt Tilbury Georgina Bateman Thamesville Harald Schraeder St" Thomas Douglas Bocking London Dan Shrubsole London Bill Chipperfield London George Sims Chatham Gary Hawkins Chatham Michael Troughton London Jean Law London Bill Wachsmuth Chatham Karma McClenaghan London Valerie Welsh Chatham Archie McIntyre Bothwell Timothy Whitehead Chatham Michael Murphy London Ian Wilcox St" Marys Russ Piper Burgessville Jim Riehl Lambeth Background Studies & Strategy Subcommittee Gerald Killan, Chair London Communications Subcommittee Douglas Bocking London Bonnie Carey, Chair Mt" Brydges Bonnie Carey Mt" Brydges Karen Burch London Dave Martin Belmont Ted Blowes Sebringville Jack McCallum London Rosemary Dickinson London Ian McCallum London Cindy Flegel London Karma McClenaghan London Joanna John Lucan Andrea Quenneville London Cathy Quinlan London Cathy Quinlan London Steve Sauder St" Marys iv T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

Funding Support The Canadian Heritage Rivers The Thames River Coordinating Committee and its subcom- System mittees would like to extend a special thank you to the foun-

dations and organizations that have supported this project Human Resources Developpement des financially over the last four years (1996-1999)! Their contri- Development Canada ressources humaines Canada butions permitted a number of things to be accomplished that moved this project forward including the hiring of staff, the production and distribution of newsletters and information packages, the publishing of reports, and community out-reach! LONDON COMMUNITY Funding Organizations FOUNDATION The Arcangelo Rea Family Foundation The London Community Foundation McGeachy Charitable Foundation The Richard Ivey Foundation The Richard and Jean Ivey Fund The Walter J! Blackburn Foundation Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority The Richard Ivey Foundation Human Resources Development Canada Canadian Heritage Rivers System, Parks Canada The Richard and Jean Ivey Fund Administrative Support The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority The University of Western Ontario, Department of Geography The Arcangelo Rea Family Foundation John Fisher, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks Brian Grimsey, Parks Canada THE WALTER J BLACKBURN FOUNDATION

McGEACHY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

UPPER THAMES RIVER

CONSERVATION AUTHORITY M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R v Table of Contents

Executive Summary i List of Tables Acknowledgments iii 1 A Cross Section of Current Management and Funding Support iv Managers in the Thames Watershed 8 Table of Contents v List of Tables v List of Maps List of Maps v 1 Canadas System of Heritage Rivers as of List of Appendices v January 2000 vi 2 Thames River Watershed 2 Part One Purpose and Goals 1 3 Some Significant Natural, Cultural and Recreation 1!1 Introduction 1 Sites within the Thames River Watershed 6 1!2 Goals of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System 1 1!3 Role and Authority of The Thames Strategy 1 List of Appendices 1!4 Preparing The Thames Strategy 1 A Letters of Support Received, 1997-1999 17 1!5 Summary of Goals 1 B Interview Participants 19

Part Two Background 3 2!1 The Thames River Watershed 3 2!2 Summary of Values that Supported the Nomination of the Thames 3 Natural Heritage Values 3 Cultural Heritage Values 3 Recreational Values 3 2!3 Role of the Thames River in the CHRS 5 2!4 Existing Land and Water Uses 5 2!5 Land Ownership 5

Part Three Management Goals and Actions 9 3!1 Multi-Jurisdictional Management 9 3!2 Existing Watershed Plans 11 3!3 Community Commitment 11 3!4 Goal and Proposed Future Actions 11

Bibliography 15 Resources Available 15 vi T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

Map 1 Canadas System of Heritage Rivers as of January 2000

The Thirty Mile Bonnet Arctic Red (Yukon River) Plume

Alsek Tatshenshini South Nahanni Thelon Soper

Kazan

Clearwater Seal Main

Athabasca Bay du Churchill Nord Fraser North Saskatchewan Cowichan Kicking Horse Upper Restigouche Hillsborough Margaree

Bloodvein Missinaibi Jacques-Cartier

St. Croix Shelburne Boundary Waters Mattawa Designated rivers French Rideau St. Mary's Nominated rivers Humber Grand National Parks Directorate Parks Parcs Detroit Thames Operational Services Canada Canada November 1999 ian joyce

Paddling down the Thames from the London Canoe Club, Springbank Park, London M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 1

cies and stakeholders on appropriate or desired future river Part One management The Thames Strategy is both an end and a beginning It represents the culmination of a four-year community project aimed at designating the Thames It is also marks the begin- Purpose and Goals ning of a second phase the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River 11 Introduction Ontarios Thames River is one of Canadas most southerly 14 Preparing the Thames Strategy water courses Its long and rich cultural heritage and diverse The Thames River Coordinating Committee was formed in May recreational values formed the basis for its nomination to the 1996 to oversee the development and delivery of the many Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) in 1998 stages of the Thames River Designation Project including the Before the river can be formally designated by the Cana- preparation of the Background Study, Nomination Document dian Heritage Rivers Board (CHRB), a management strategy and Thames Strategy The TRCC and its subcommittees, some must be completed This strategy outlines how the watersheds 75 people in all, have contributed their time and expertise to natural, cultural and recreational features and values will be this project They include representatives from The Univer- conserved and interpreted for the future and explains how its sity of Western Ontario, Kings College, Fanshawe College, role in the CHRS will be fulfilled the Upper Thames River and Lower Thames Valley Conserva- tion Authorities, the Celebrate the Thames Committee, The 12 Goals of the CHRS Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society, historical soci- The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) was established eties, canoeing and rowing clubs, biological consultants, the in 1984 as a cooperative federal-provincial-territorial program Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ontario Federa- Parks Canada is the lead federal agency In Ontario, the Minis- tion of Anglers and Hunters, communities throughout the wa- try of Natural Resources, through Ontario Parks, supports the tershed, interested citizens and others Staff were hired at program and manages rivers within its jurisdiction various stages of the project to carry out the research, writing, The objectives of the CHRS are to give national recogni- and community outreach under the guidance of the commit- tion to Canadas important rivers and to ensure their future tees management such that: Input from this broad range of individuals has been in- the natural and human heritage that they represent are valuable in the production of this strategy document The conserved and interpreted; and, committees philosophy has always been to involve as many the opportunities they possess for recreation and heritage stakeholders as possible To this end, a newsletter summariz- appreciation are realized by residents of and visitors to ing the key components of The Thames Strategy was sent to Canada every community organization and club in the watershed with an interest in natural heritage, cultural heritage or recreation, Participation in the CHRS is voluntary and participants retain as well as government agencies and municipalities their traditional jurisdictional powers including land owner- An inventory of the clubs, groups, agencies and munici- ship and management Map 1 illustrates rivers currently in the palities was compiled for this project This information is sum- Canadian Heritage Rivers System marized in a companion document entitled The Thames River Directory: A Listing of Community Groups and Agencies with 13 Role and Authority of The Thames Strategy an interest in Natural Heritage, Recreation and Cultural The purpose of the strategy is to guide actions that promote Heritage in the Thames River Watershed, 1999 (see Bibliog- shared objectives The Thames Strategy provides an opportu- raphy for details) nity for river managers, stakeholders and watershed residents In addition, approximately 50 groups/representatives were to work together to continue to conserve and revitalize the interviewed in person by members of the TRCC to document river The strategy does not override any existing policies and examples of current management efforts and to acquire more regulations, nor does it propose any new legislation Rather, it detailed insight into heritage and recreation management outlines opportunities and goals that demonstrate the commit- needs Interviews were conducted with representatives of ment of managers and stakeholders towards fulfilling the CHRS groups such as field naturalists, historical societies, environ- objectives mental organizations, museum staff, stewardship committees, The strategy is advisory in nature Because the nominat- ministries, First Nations, archivists, and many others A list of ing organization, the Thames River Coordinating Committee these groups is provided in Appendix B (TRCC), is comprised of volunteers and holds no management power of its own, this strategy can only advise managing agen- 2 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

Map 2 Thames River Watershed

The North Thames River, an ancient glacial spillway The Forks of the Thames in the heart of London

The lower Thames meandering through the fertile clay Mouth of the Thames at Lighthouse Cove on Lake plains of Kent County StClair M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 3

Part Two Map 3 illustrates the location of some of the significant natural, cultural and recreation sites in the watershed

Natural Heritage Values Background The Thames River watersheds outstanding natural heritage has supported the evolution of significant cultural heritage 21 The Thames River Watershed and recreational values Significant facts and features include: Nomination to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System includes the first river to form in Ontario following the retreat of the the entire Thames River and its watershed The land and the last glacier 11,000 years ago; river that drains it are interrelated, interconnected and insepa- water quality suitable for fish, wildlife and recreation; rable While heritage and recreational features are often lo- exceptional diversity of plants and animals characteristic of cated near the river and its major tributaries, it is the entire both the Carolinian and Great Lakes-St Lawrence Forest watershed that sustains and unites the resources and activities Zones; and The Thames River watershed is nestled in the agricultural home to 15% of Canadas Species at Risk (including the heartland of southwestern Ontario in close proximity to Lakes Eastern Spiny Softshell turtle and Wood Poppy) Huron, St Clair, and Erie The river is 273 km long and drains some 5825 km2 of land, making it the second largest watershed Cultural Heritage Values in southwestern Ontario In fact, the watershed is 165 km2 The Thames River watershed possesses an outstanding cul- larger than Prince Edward Island Map 2 illustrates the drain- tural heritage reflecting 11,000 years of human settlement, con- age pattern of the Thames and the location of major urban flict and development Significant heritage facts and features centres within the watershed include: The Thames rises at three distinct points The North First Nation occupancy from 11,000 years ago to present; Thames River, also known as the North Branch, begins near a multitude of archaeological sites along the river system; Mitchell and ends at the Forks in London The Middle Thames the birthplace of Canadian agriculture and the agricultural River, or Middle Branch, starts near Hickson and enters the heart-land of eastern Canada; Thames near Putnam The Thames River, called the South War of 1812 sites; Branch upstream of the Forks, originates near Tavistock The the terminus of the Underground Railway for fugitive slaves Forks in London is the citys most important historical land- prior to the American Civil War; mark From this point the river flows parallel to Lake Erie to- a rich architectural heritage; ward Lake St Clair passing through Delaware, Wardsville, rural and human settlement strongly influenced by the river; Thamesville and Chatham as well as the Chippewa, Oneida, a leading role in the establishment of Conservation Authori- Munsee-Delaware and Moravian First Nations communities ties in Ontario; and The Thames finally joins Lake St Clair at Lighthouse Cove the birthplace and/or homes of prominent Canadians includ- Major tributaries of the Thames include the Avon River, ing Adam Beck, Timothy Eaton, John Labatt, Harriet Boomer, Medway Creek, Dingman Creek, Jeannettes Creek and and Tom Patterson McGregor Creek (see Map 2) Recreational Values 22 Summary of Values that Supported the Nomination The Thames River valley offers a great diversity of river-re- of the Thames lated recreational opportunities accessible to the over half mil- To qualify for inclusion in the CHRS, a river must be of out- lion people who live in the watershed and the millions of others standing significance in one or more of the following areas: residing a short distance away Significant opportunities include: natural heritage, human (cultural) heritage, or recreational value canoeing, kayaking, rowing, cruising and sailing; The Thames was nominated to the CHRS in 1998 on the basis hiking trails including the Thames Valley and Avon Trails; of its cultural heritage and recreational attributes The pres- swimming & recreational opportunities at conservation areas; ence of impoundments (dams) precluded its inclusion on the numerous riverside parks and campgrounds; basis of natural heritage, although its biological diversity and diversity of fish and animal species that provides many significance is widely recognized and is essential to sustain- angling, hunting and trapping opportunities; ing the cultural and recreational features a variety of natural areas where one can enjoy the unique The cultural and natural heritage and recreational values plants and wildlife of the Carolinian Zone; and are described in a 215 page document entitled The Thames heritage appreciation including the Stratford Festival, River Watershed: A Background Study for Nomination under museums, Indian and pioneer villages, and re-enactments the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, 1997 A summary of the key values follows 4 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

The Ingersoll Cheese Factory Museum celebrates the

regions long and prosperous dairy farming heritage

TR U Wingstem, a provincially rare plant, grows densely

along sections of the lower Thames

TRCA U Longnose Gar, one of 88 species of fish in the Thames Shawnee Chief Tecumseh - a key figure in the War of River System 1812, died along the banks of the Thames

The Battle of the Thames is re-enacted annually at Olympic Gold Medalists, Marnie McBean and Kathleen Chathams Heritage Days Heddle, training on Fanshawe Lake M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 5

23 Role of the Thames River in the CHRS The significance of the Thames lies not in any one natural or The values described in the previous section prompted the human attribute, but in the combination of its natural charac- Thames River Nomination Document (1997) to suggest that teristics and the manner in which a sequence of human users the role of the Thames in the Canadian Heritage Rivers System is: of the river and occupiers of its watershed have used, and to present a unique post-glacial landscape that contains continue to use, the physical base and the opportunities it ancient glacial spillways, terminal moraines, drumlins and offers The Thames is thus unique in itself and significant rolling plains of till, as well as younger channels carved from within the set of Canadian Heritage Rivers the flat clay and sand plains of old glacial lake beds; to include a watershed that falls almost entirely within the 24 Existing Land and Water Uses Carolinian Life Zone and hence contains unparalleled biotic The dominant land use in the watershed is agriculture (70%) richness, in particular fish and freshwater mussels, and en- Urban areas and roads account for some 16% of the watershed dangered species such as the Eastern Spiny Softshell turtle area, forest cover for about 11%, and watercourses and water and Wood Poppy; bodies for 3%The four First Nations Reserves total 80km2 or to feature an historically significant river system that is 15% of the watershed unique among major rivers in Canada in terms of the length Irrigation of farmland, golf courses and parkland is the and continuity of pre-contact Aboriginal cultures dating primary consumptive use of the river water Industrial use of back 11,000 years; the water is negligible and limited primarily to the quarries near to recognize a river and valley system where agriculture, Ingersoll There is a modest amount of hydro electricity gen- derived from Meso-America, entered Canada becoming the erated at the Fanshawe dam and a few flour mills still make use first region in Canada where farming was practiced; of water power to celebrate a long and rich history of European exploration and settlement dating back to the 17th century which encom- 25 Land Ownership passed the fur trade, British exploration and early settle- The majority (approximately 98%) of the Thames watershed is ment, military battles (eg the War of 1812 and the 1837 in private ownership with a few parcels of publicly owned land Rebellion), and intensive agricultural and urban settlement scattered throughout The Upper Thames River and Lower thereafter; Thames Valley Conservation Authorities (UTRCA and LTVCA) to foster a 200 year old mature cultural landscape where are the largest public land holders, together managing about urban centres owe their placement and development to a 70 km2 of parkland and floodplain land The two provincial riverine location whether as a port, shipbuilding centre, grist parks in the watershed (Komoka and Trillium Woods) are owned or saw mill site, or quarry; by the crown/province Municipalities own floodplain lands, to feature the full sweep of settlement of southern parkland, service lands, county forests, and agreement for- Ontario with its unique creation of the most successful and ests, most of which are open to the public In London, about adaptive agricultural economy and society in Canada; 80% of the river flats are owned either by the city or the UTRCA to include a river that maintains a high level of physical integrity and naturalness within easy reach of over a half Watershed Population: 532,000 million watershed residents; 78% reside in cities to celebrate the diversity of recreational opportunities 7% reside in towns and villages offered by a river in a developed region of Canada includ- 15% reside in rural areas ing traditional uses of the river (ie fishing, hunting and trapping, boating, canoeing, and hiking) and modern-day re-construction, re-enactments and celebrations of its multi- ethnic heritage (First Nations, French-Canadian, British- American, and African-American); to recognize human adaptation to flooding, including the Fanshawe dam (one of the first multi-purpose flood control structures in Ontario), and the Upper Thames River Conser- vation Authority (one of the earliest Conservation Authori- ties in Ontario) which followed from the conservation movement in this region; and to celebrate international recreational activities including Canadas High Performance Rowing Centre on Fanshawe Lake and the Stratford Festival on the Avon River 6 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 7 8 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

Table 1 A Cross Section of Current Management and Managers in the Thames Watershed

CHRS VALUE GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ACTIVITY MANAGER

N A T U R A L H E R I T A G E

Water Quality & UTRCA, LTVCA, - monitoring, enforcement, Stewardship Councils, - land stewardship, Quantity OMOE, OMAFRA pollution prevention, land Soil & Crop Improvement soil conservation, Health Units stewardship programs, water Assns, Organic Growers pesticide reduction, taking permits, flood attenuation, buffers along low flow augmentation watercourses

Fisheries OMNR, DFO, - inventory, protection, regulation Angling Clubs - habitat improvement UTRCA, LTVCA of harvest, education, habitat projects, public improvements and protection education, enjoyment

Natural Areas & OMNR, UTRCA, - research, protection, enforcement, Naturalist Clubs, UWO, - advocacy, field trips, Endangered Species LTVCA, land use planning, bylaws, Environmental Groups, lectures, research, Municipalities, outdoor education, tree planting, Woodlot Owners Assns, education, enjoyment, Environment naturalization NWRI, Stewardship habitat improvements, Canada Councils, World Wildlife stewardship, Fund, Carolinian Canada publications

C U L T U R A L H E R I T A G E

Heritage Sites Municipalities, - creation of LACACs, heritage Local Architectural - research and inventory, Protection OMCZCR, Dept6 of designations in Official Plans, Conservation Advisory advocacy, fund-raise, Canadian Heritage upkeep of properties Committees, Architectural upkeep, restorations Conservancy groups,

Research & Municipalities, - support and advance public Academia, Archaeological - field work, advocacy, Documentation OMCZCR libraries, maintain archives and Societies, Genealogy publications, research databases Societies, Historical and assistance, upkeep Societies, LCACAs, Public of databases and photo Libraries, local archives, directories, plaques professional associations, and dedications, Save Our Shipwrecks walking tours

Museums, Villages LTVCA, UTRCA, - operate historical villages, host Individual Museum Boards, - maintenance, fund- and Living History Municipalities events, museum upkeep, Historical Societies, raising, research, promotion, education Heritage Days Committees, educational programs, Re-enactment Societies promotion

R E C R E A T I O N A L O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Water-based Canada Coast - enforcement, safety, docks, Power Squadrons, Navy - education, safety, Recreation (Boating) Guard, police, City facilities, reservoirs, promotion Leagues, Marinas, Canoe lessons, races and of Chatham, UTRCA, and empowerment Clubs, Rowing Clubs, regattas, berths and LTVCA, OMCZCR Dragon Boat Committees, facilities, equipment Sailing + Yacht Clubs, Boat rental, sight-seeing Rentals, Cruise Lines

Land-based UTRCA, LTVCA, - conservation areas (camping, Fishing + Hunting Clubs, - opportunity, Recreation Municipalities swimming, day use), urban Hiking Clubs, Trail participation, education, multi-use trails, promotion, Committees, Childrens promotion, parklands Camps, Campgrounds, maintenance, riverside Golf Courses, improvements, Canada 2001 Summer special events Games Ct6

Activities reflect projects currently or recently carried out by some or all of the managers/stakeholders listed SHORT FORMS: UTRCA = Upper Thames River Conservation Authority OMAFRA = Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs LTVCA = Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority NWRI = National Water Research Institute OMOE = Ontario Ministry of the Environment LACAC = Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee OMCZCR = Ont6 Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation DFO = Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Federal) OMNR = Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 9

Many natural heritage issues are addressed at the Part Three watershed scale, however Watershed reports were written in the past on the upper and lower Thames and dealt with issues of land use, forestry, wildlife and recreation(Dept of Planning and Development, 1952 and Dept of Energy and Resources Management, Goals Management, 1966) They provided a basis for the development of the Upper Thames River and Lower Thames and Actions Valley Conservation Authorities and the facilities and programs they offer 31 Multi-Jurisdictional Management More recently, the Thames River Basin Water Several of Canadas Heritage Rivers are located in parks or on Management Study completed (Ontario Ministry of the Crown land and thus are owned and managed by a single Environment and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, agency, normally the nominating agency In contrast, 98% of 1975), focused on the entire Thames watershed and examined the Thames watershed is in private ownership and water quality and quantity issues Many sweeping management is multi-jurisdictional Both governmental recommendations were made (eg tertiary sewage treatment, agencies and non-governmental groups play important roles control of farm pollutants and practices, control of floodplain in the management of the natural and cultural heritage and development), many of which have been acted upon to some recreational features of the Thames River watershed degree over the years as resources became available Regional, provincial and federal government agencies Today, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority protect CHRS values in the Thames watershed through (UTRCA) is working towards a Conservation Strategy that statutes, programs, planning reviews and other services employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) modeling of Municipal governments manage through land use planning resource information to produce maps that target areas in and zoning, heritage property designations, and recreational greatest need of remediation and protection facility development Several subwatershed studies have also been prepared Volunteer groups, committees, individuals and private jointly by municipalities and the conservation authorities For businesses work with, or independently of, government example, the UTRCA and the City of London studied 13 sub- agencies in a variety of ways to provide opportunities for watersheds in the London area in the 1990s These studies participation in, and conservation of, specific resources and address water issues, help define land use planning policies facilities Most organizations focus their efforts at a local or for the Official Plan, and identify constraints and opportunities provincial scale The Upper Thames River and Lower Thames for development Valley Conservation Authorities work on a watershed scale Cultural heritage has been dealt with at the municipal and together manage specific natural heritage and recreation level, primarily through official plans The protection of features in the Thames basin cultural heritage and archaeological resources is a component Table 1 on the facing page lists the key managers and of every official plan as directed by the Provincial Policy stakeholders currently working on CHRS values The names Statement issued under the authority of Section 3 of the of specific municipalities and stakeholders are not listed as Planning Act This sets the minimum standard, but a there are over 300 clubs, societies, businesses, foundations municipality may go further and governmental organizations with an interest in the natural Some municipalities in the Thames watershed have produced heritage, cultural heritage and recreation in the Thames heritage inventories that document existing and potential watershed Additional information on each of these designated properties organizations is available in a companion document titled The The City of London has the most comprehensive heritage Thames River Directory (see Bibliography), As well, specific planning program in the watershed Numerous reports have programs are not listed because of the large number in been issued: Archaeological Master Plan (1996), Building operation Furthermore, these programs tend to change from Conservation Master Plan (1998), Inventory of Heritage year to year in response to varying needs and resources Resources (1998), and Cultural Heritage Landscape Study of London (1996) 32 Existing Watershed Plans Strategies for recreation are less formalized Municipalities There is no overall plan or strategy for the Thames River often deal with active recreational facilities (eg soccer fields, watershed as it relates to all of the CHRS values of natural ice rinks) through land use planning policies and those with heritage, cultural heritage and recreation Each value tends to Parks and Recreation Departments often have master plans be the mandate of a different organization, although some for their facilities Recently there is a movement towards overlap does occur In addition, the watershed scale is planning for passive recreation such as trails in floodplain generally only used by conservation authorities; most other areas and nature-appreciation Non-profit clubs and organizations plan on local or political boundaries businesses who control most of the river-related facilities

10 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

TRC U Upper Thames River Conservation Authority staff work to re-habilitate a section of Stoney Creek near London

with community volunteers LTVCA Outdoor Education at Longwoods Road Conservation

Area

arskas

Lep H Public Day at an archaological dig along the Thames in

London

TRCA U Tecumseh Monument Erected near Thamesville on Hwy 2 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of

Canada and the Citizens of Thamesville

TRCA U Eastern Spiny Softshell Research M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 11

(marinas, canoe clubs), plan for their particular activity Leadership independently The conservation authorities have master establish and empower a Thames Implementation plans for their large conservation areas Committee to act as the catalyst that drives The Thames Designation as a Canadian Heritage River will, hopefully, Strategy encourage municipalities to include policies that address river-related recreation and river heritage appreciation The Thames River Coordinating Committee (TRCC) and its subcommittees are a model for a future coordinating body 33 Community Commitment The TRCC effectively guided the Thames River Designation The long list of efforts and activities outlined in Table 1 Project through the initial stages in 1996, to completion of The indicates that a strong pro-active community interest exists in Thames Strategy in 1999/2000 Its success is due in large part celebrating the Thames natural, cultural and recreational to the broad sector representation (see Section 14) and the values Outreach for the Thames River Designation Project administrative leadership of the UTRCA and LTVCA has shown there is also a desire to learn more about the river Employees of the UTRCA and LTVCA have played a vital and others involved in the watershed role on this committee, acting as hosts, administrators and Numerous representatives from government, non-profit staff supervisors The watershed mandate of the authorities, clubs and academia participated in this process and share its their visibility in the community, technical expertise, and goals Their continued involvement and willingness to stability make them logical entities to take leadership of the partner with community organizations provides a sound post-designation period commitment for the future well-being for the Thames River Members on the TRCC and its subcommittees will be watershed invited to serve as members on this new Thames Implementation Committee Invitations will be made to others from the natural resource, cultural heritage and recreational The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is a program fields who are not currently represented that comes from the community and gives back to the community, Monitoring Jack McCallum, London monitor the rivers values by completing the Thames River Annual Report Checklist; and monitor the progress of The Thames Strategy every 10 34 Goal and Proposed Future Actions years and present the results to the Canadian Heritage Managing the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River involves Rivers Board nurturing its values Participants in the process have identified the following broad goal: The Canadian Heritage Rivers Board reviews the status of rivers in the system both annually and periodically, to ensure To increase the appreciation, enjoyment and stewardship they maintain the outstanding heritage values for which they of the natural and cultural heritage and recreational were nominated opportunities of the Thames River and its watershed The annual checklist, as provided in the Nomination through community cooperation and involvement, Document, will be completed by the UTRCA and LTVCA with involvement of the Thames Implementation Committee The As Table 1 illustrates, there are a great many separate authorities are involved in water quality monitoring and other activities and efforts being made by governmental and non- natural heritage issues The partnerships developed over the governmental groups in the Thames River watershed that years and especially through the CHRS project, will facilitate address the above goal, although not all in a formalized way in the collection of status information on cultural and What is needed is an over-arching theme to provide common recreational features purpose and direction for these separate activities The 10-year report will provide a more detailed review of Designation as a Canadian Heritage River provides this the status of values as well as an evaluation of the common theme and its unifying influence has already been implementation of The Thames Strategy Again, this will be demonstrated through the strong community participation completed by the UTRCA and LTVCA with input from the and support for river stewardship that has evolved during the Implementation Committee CHR process Although this is a requirement of the CHRB, citizens are Many other future needs have also been put forward by also concerned with the protection of resources and facilities participants to sustain and promote the Thames The and want to see monitoring, inventorying, research and following are the key actions needed to fulfil the goal: protection programs continued 12 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

The London Sport Fishery helping out at Family Fishing Day, Sharon Creek CA

Downtown Chatham on the Thames - Alive with History

Conservation Authority staff work on a new bridge for the Thames Valley Trail in Fanshawe CA The London Dragonboat Festival held on Fanshawe Lake

A Nightwalk with the Spirits, Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village and Museum Heritage Stone House, St Marys M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 13

Outreach Sharing information on activities in the watershed and the host a series of community workshops across the work of the Thames Implementation Committee will increase watershed inviting both nongovernment and government interest in the heritage project This will, hopefully, help stakeholders and individuals integrate the goals and efforts of the many geographically and operationally separate organizations with an interest in the During the public interview process, many groups expressed river and watershed an interest in meeting with other like-minded groups and organizations from the watershed to share ideas and concerns Marketing about the Thames UTRCA and LTVCA communications Activities and projects that market the Thames help to staff will coordinate these workshops with assistance from increase public knowledge of the watersheds values The members of the Thames Implementation Committee The following projects will be explored and prioritized by the workshops will help to: Thames Implementation Committee develop priorities; foster support for the heritage river designation; Thames River Heritage Day strengthen partnerships and community cohesiveness; establish and celebrate an annual Thames River Heritage share and acknowledge ideas for existing and future Day throughout the watershed, highlighting specific river- projects/activities that further our goal for this designated related achievements river; and enable groups to develop strategies specific to their Plaques and Signs mandates that use the Thames Strategy as a tenet or over- erect plaques in communities explaining the designation of arching vision the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River; erect attractive signs at all major bridges over the Thames Education indicating it is a Canadian Heritage River; promote and distribute the Thames River Background Study (print and CD ROM) to schools, libraries and other Tours interested groups develop Thames River Heritage Tours that would highlight various points of interest along the river and in the The public could benefit from having an enhanced watershed that could be taken from boat, car or bus appreciation for the full range of heritage and recreational produce a War of 1812 Daybook and/or Tour and erect values in their watershed The Thames River Background signage at battlefield sites Study (1998) is the most comprehensive report written on the natural, cultural and recreational values of the Thames River Implementation will go on for many years The Thames watershed Early feedback from the community, who have Strategy should be reviewed by the Implementation received this document, indicate that there is a genuine Committee every five years to determine if it still reflects interest in this material, especially since it is contained under watershed need one cover Education is a key component in appreciation of As a community, the challenge is to move forward with local values As publishers of the document, the UTRCA will projects to ensure the Thames remains a vital part of the local take a lead role in this task culture This will ensure it remains a strong representative This Background Study needs to be made available with within the Canadian Heritage Rivers System schools and individuals in the watershed Suggestions have Once designation is officially confirmed, The Thames also been made that this material be repackaged for school Strategy will be provided to all government agencies and curriculum This idea will be explored by a subset of the major stakeholders in the watershed and made available to the Implementation Committee community at large to share the vision and goals and encourage participation in the post-designation stages Communications write and distribute a regular Thames River Newsletter that includes information on local activities that promote CHRS values and facts about the rivers environment, history and places of interest establish a Thames River Web Site to communicate this information feature a regular column on the Thames in local newspapers 14 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

Students collecting garbage along the Thames River during Tune-up 98

Naturalists hiking in a Thames River floodplain forest near Dutton

Students play Iroquoian games in front of the Munsee log cabin at Longwoods Road Conservation Area

Londons Thames Valley Golf Course, the oldest municipal course in Canada

The Thames is one of the richest rivers in Canada for freshwater mussels

Wading and playing in the North Thames at the St Marys weir M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 15 Bibliography Resources Available

City of London 1998 Inventory of Heritage Resources There are several products available that feature the Thames (Real Property - Buildings and Structures) Prepared by the River All can be ordered through the Upper Thames River London Advisory Committee on Heritage and Department of Conservation Authority, 1424 Clarke Rd, London, Ont, N5V Planning and Development 5B9, Phone (519) 451-2800, Fax (519) 451-1188, E-Mail: infoline@thamesriverorg City of London 1996 The City of London Archaeological Master Plan, Prepared by Jim Wilson and Reports Malcolm Horne for Department of Planning and Development The Thames River Directory: A Listing of Community Groups Planning Division and Vision 96 and Agencies with an interest in Natural Heritage, Recreation and Cultural Heritage in the Thames River City of London 1996 Cultural Heritage Landscape Watershed, 1999 Thames River Designation Project, Study of London Prepared by Historica Research Limited for Canadian Heritage Rivers System the London Advisory Committee on Heritage The Thames River Watershed: A Background Study for City of London 1998 Building Conservation Master Nomination under the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, 1998, Plan, Interim Report, Prepared by Mark Gladysz This document is available in CD-ROM or 3-Ring Binder (Fee)

Department of Energy and Resources Management 1966 Posters Lower Thames Valley Conservation Report, Summary State of the Thames River Watershed (1998) A 2x3 foot poster with illustrations and text describing various aspects Department of Planning and Development 1952 Upper of our local environment including land, air, river and Thames Valley Conservation Report, groundwater quality

Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Natural Maps Resources 1975 The Thames River Basin Watershed The Thames - Our Heritage This 3 x 2 foot heritage style map Management Study, of London and the Thames River watershed highlights key features, dates and illustrations Produced by the Celebrate Thames River Background Study Research Team 1998 the Thames Committee The Thames River Watershed: A Background Study for Nomination under the Canadian Heritage Rivers System Booklets Published by the Upper Thames River Conservation Thames Topics, Produced by the Celebrate the Thames Authority for the Thames River Coordinating Committee Committee This is a series of eight booklets that focus on ISBN 1-894329-00-7 (CD ROM) and ISBN 1-894320-01-5 history, anecdotes, and facts relating to the Thames River (Binder) Valley Available at London schools and libraries or on the web at http://thamesriverorg Thames River Designation Project 1999 The Thames River Directory: A Listing of Community Groups and Agencies with an interest in Natural Heritage, Recreation and Human/Cultural Heritage in the Thames River Watershed, 39 pp Published by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

16 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

TRC U The ample dock facilities in Chatham are a popular

attraction for boaters

TRC U Great Blue Heron, a common site on the

Thames L Best L

Skiing on the multi-use trail in Springbank Park, London

TRCA U The Thames watershed supports one of the most suc-

cessful agricultural economies in Canada

ay 31/9 ay

s, M s,

aily N aily

LTV Photo: Chatham Photo: Visiting the longhouses at Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Pow wows are held annually at the First Nation Reserves Village and Museum of Munsee Delaware, Chippewa and Moraviantown M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 17

London Museum of Archaeology Appendix A London and Area Council of Women London Rowing Club Letters of Support Received Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority 1997-1999 McIlwraith Field Naturalists of London Inc Middlesex Stewardship Committee Municipalities National Water Research Inst, Aquatic Ecosystem Blanshard Twp South Easthope Twp Protection Branch Bothwell South-West Oxford Twp Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Camden Twp St Marys Tourism, London Caradoc Twp Stratford Oxford Sailing Club Chatham, City of Thamesville Perth Stewardship Network Delaware Twp Tilbury Pleva, Dr EG, Prof Emeritus, UWO Dover Twp Tilbury East Twp Resources Improvement Oxford Downie Twp Wardsville Stewardship Kent East Zorra-Tavistock Twp West Nissouri Twp Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce Ellice Twp Woodstock Stratford Field Naturalists Fullarton Twp Zone Twp Stratford Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Glencoe Zorra Twp Committee Harwich Twp Thames Valley Trail Association Highgate University of Western Ontario Rowing Club Howard Twp University of Western Ontario Ingersoll Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Kent Co Council Urban League of London Lobo Twp West Elgin Nature Club Logan Twp Wildwood Nature Club London Twp Woodstock Field Naturalist Club London Middlesex Co Council Members of Provincial Parliament Mitchell Bert Johnson, Perth-Middlesex Mosa Twp Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Oxford North Dorchester Twp Peter North, Elgin North Tilbury Twp Bruce Smith, Middlesex North Easthope Twp Honourable Diane Cunningham, London North Centre Norwich Twp Marion Boyd, London Centre Oxford County Council Bob Wood, London South Perth County Council Frank Mazzilli, London-Fanshawe Raleigh Twp Jack Carroll, Chatham-Kent Ridgetown Pat Hoy, Essex-Kent Marcel Beaubien, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Other Groups Caroline DiCocco, Sarnia-Lambton Canadian Wildflower Society, London Chapter Steve Peters, Elgin-Middlesex-London Carolinian Canada Celebrate the Thames Steering Committee Members of Parliament Chatham-Kent Museum John Richardson, Perth Elgin Stewardship Council John Finlay, Oxford Fairfield Museum Gar Knutson, Elgin-Middlesex-London Fanshawe Pioneer Village Patrick OBrien, London-Middlesex Fanshawe Nature Club Joe Fontana, London-East Ingersoll Nature Club Sue Barnes, London West Lighthouse Cove Chamber of Commerce Rose-Marie Ur, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex London Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory Jerry Pickard, Kent-Essex Committee London Advisory Committee on Heritage

18 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y

CA LTV Tallgrass Prairie naturalization project at the Sharon

LTVCA Creek Conservation Area Volunteers collected garbage in the Skunks Misery Forest

Fanshawe Pioneer Village re-creates life in a 19th

century Ontario Village

TRCA U Installing peizometers to test nitrate movement on an

Embro area farm, UTRCA

glas glas Bingham

TRCA

D U Musians aboard the HMS Razzamajazz on the Avon River, Stratford Benthic invertebrate study, UTRCA M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 19

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Appendix B Ron Lackey Oxford Historical Society, Jack Hedges and Eleanor Interview Participants Gardhouse Oxford Trail Association, Gord Phillips African-Canadian Association Kent, Daniel Ayim and Larry Oxford County Genealogical Society, Eleanor Gardhouse Robbins Resources Improvement Oxford, Roger Boyd Carolinian Canada, Don Gordon St Marys LACAC, Mary Smith Chatham Historic Downtown Committee, Tom Storey St Marys Historical Society, Mary Smith Chathams Heritage Days, Jim Gilbert St Marys Museum, Mary Smith Chatham-Kent Museum Board, Jim Gilbert Stratford Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness, Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Chief Joe Ted Blowes Miskokomon Stratford Education and Recreation Centre, Ted Blowes Downtown Action Team for Heritage, John H Lutman Stratford-Perth Archives, Carolyn Bart-Riedstra Elgin Stewardship Council, Bret Coleman Thames River Anglers, Paul Noble Elgin Historical Society, Donna Rupert Thamesville Historical Society, Shirley Bain London Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (parks), Chris Committee, Jack Lorimer and Barbara Bain Hachey Grand Trunk Trail, Carol Robinson-Todd Woodstock Field Naturalists, Roger Boyd Grassroots Woodstock, Cathy Mott and Eleanor Hart Woodstock LACAC, Eleanor Gardhouse Historic Sites, London Public Library Board, John H Lutman Woodstock Environmental Committee, Cathy Mott and Ingersoll Nature Club, Gord Phillips Eleanor Hart JJ Talman Regional Collection, UWO, Theresa Regnier and John H Lutman Kent Miliary Re-enactment Society, John S Taylor and Jim Gilbert Kent Historical Society, Jim Gilbert Kent Stewardship, Jim Boothby and Council members London Advisory Committee on Heritage, Theresa Regnier London Museum of Archaeology, Jeremy Taylor London Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society, Neal Ferris London Advisory Committee on Heritage, Mark Gladyz London District Chapter Archives Assoc of Ont, Theresa Regnier and John H Lutman London Regional Art and Historical Museum, Mike Baker London-Middlesex Historical Society, Theresa Regnier Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Board, Ken Brooks McIlwraith Field Naturalists, Barb Yurkoski Middlesex Stewardship Committee, Dan Schaeffer Mill Pond Advisory Committee (Dorchester), Doris Kanter Millenium Eco-community Initiative, Cathy Mott and Eleanor Hart Ministry of Citizenship, Culture & Recreation, Christine Troughton Moravian of the Thames Band, Caroline Oritz Mossley Post Heritage and Citizenship Society, Ruth and Donald Axford Munsee-Delaware First Nation, Patrick Waddilove North Dorchester LACAC, Ruth and Donald Axford Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chief Harry Doxtator Ontario Tallgrass Prairie and Savanna Association, Don Gordon 20 T H E T H A M E S S T R A T E G Y M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R 21

Photographs

Opposite (Clockwise from top left): Sailboats docked at the Thames River Yacht Club in Lighthouse Cove (Photo: Cathy Quinlan) The Historic Perth County Court House and the Huron Street bridge over the Avon River (Photo: Tourism Stratford) Enjoying the Splash Pad and beach at Pittock Conservation Area in Woodstock (Photo: UTRCA) Lizards Tail, a Carolinian plant, growing in the North Thames River near St Marys (Photo: Cathy Quinlan) The stage at Stratfords Festival Theatre (Tourism Stratford) Peregrine Falcons now regularly nest on downtown London office towers (Photo: Harald Schraeder) Plaque erected in Delaware describing Ebeneezer Allan, a colourful 18th Century settler (Photo: Cathy Quinlan) Enjoying a trip down the Thames on the London Princess near Springbank Park (Photo: Cathy Quinlan)

Back The Thames River Lighthouse at the mouth of the Thames River in the Hamlet of Lighthouse Cove, (Photo: Cathy Quinlan) First constructed of wood in the late 1700s, the lighthouse was destroyed by fire during the War of 1812 The current structure was erected in 1818 from limestone quar- ried in Amherstburg At the time of Confederation, the height was increased to its present level By 1972 the structure leaned to the east at a fifteen degree angle and the walls were cracked The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority acquired the lighthouse in 1973, dismantled it stone by stone, moved it slightly, and rebuilt it The re- stored lighthouse is a monument to the ingenuity and spirit of Kent County pioneers M A N A G I N G T H E T H A M E S A S A C A N A D I A N H E R I T A G E R I V E R

1 The Thames Strategy: Managing the Thames as a Canadian Heritage River

The Canadian 2 0 0 0 Heritage Rivers System