The Urban League of London position on the repair of Springbank Dam

The Urban League has taken particular interest in the issue of the Springbank Dam, as the decision of what to do with
the dam will directly affect many individual communities within the City and thousands of citizens more generally. We
realize that there are competing ecological, recreational and aesthetic considerations that matter deeply to the citizens
of London, and have considered this matter carefully from all sides.
The League has gone to a considerable effort to educate itself and our membership on this issue. We hosted two
separate events on the topic: the first being a Pints and Politics open discussion at Winks on Thursday, February 11.
Later we arranged for a panel discussion to be held at our regular Urban League meeting at Grosvenor Lodge on
Thursday, February 25.
The Pints and Politics event was an open public forum on the topic and was well attended. Voices from all sides of this
issue had a chance to be heard in an open and respectful conversation among citizens. The panel discussion at our
February 25 meeting was more focused and educational. We heard presentations from Chris Tasker (Manager of Flood
Control for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority), Barry Callow (Chair of the Thames River Keepers), Rob
Huber (President of the Thames River Anglers Association) and Gord Henry (officially representing the London Rowing
Club). This was one of our best attended regular League meetings in some time.
Having listened to our expert panelists (and considered the opinions of our general membership and other interested
citizens) the Urban League of London encourages City Council not to fix the dam. Instead, we request that the City of
London investigate other options such as leaving it as it is, taking the doors off, or fully decommissioning it (we concur
with others who have indicated that this decision will likely require a specific Environmental Assessment of the impacts
of these various options).
We make this recommendation based largely on the facts presented by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority,
who made it clear in their presentation that an un-dammed river is a healthier river. Not only is the water quality
improved by a free flowing river, but so too is the natural habitat of the riparian shoreline which is home to a robust
population of flora and fauna (some of them at-risk species). We contend that the health of the river is co-extensive
with the health of the community through which it runs.
We understand and appreciate the arguments of proponents for fixing the dam, however we believe that a free flowing,
healthier river is also an important space of recreation for thousands of Londoners who enjoy walking, running,
bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, relaxing and exploring.
One of the stated goals of the London Plan is to make our City the Greenest City in Canada. The Urban League supports
initiatives to reach this goal. We have a long way to go, but a decision to invest in the health of the Thames River is a
step in the right direction.
Leaving the Thames River to flow freely through our City will benefit the water quality and ecological function of one of
our most important assets. As such, we encourage the City to abandon any plans to repair the Springbank Dam.
Wes Kinghorn
President
The Urban League of London