Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of London has announced the completion of a significant infrastructure and environmental restoration project at Harris Park, transforming a deteriorating stretch of the Thames River shoreline into a stabilized, naturalized corridor designed to prevent erosion and support long-term ecological health.
Stretching from Queen Avenue Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge, the project replaced failing gabion basket walls—metal cages filled with rocks—with a modern riverbank stabilization system constructed using natural materials, including engineered stone, native plantings, and soil-stabilizing grasses.
Matrix Solutions Inc. completed the detailed design of the replacement structure and the contractor responsible for the construction phase was Elgin Contracting and Restoration Ltd.
This firm, based in St. Thomas, Ontario, has been involved in various projects within the City of London, including millwork replacement at the Parkwood Institute.
“This was an opportunity to go beyond basic repairs and invest in long-term resilience,” said Ashley Rammeloo, director of Water, Wastewater and Stormwater for the City of London. “We’ve addressed structural issues while supporting river health, protecting parkland, and enhancing the public realm.”
The restoration required selective tree removals to allow machinery access and mitigate interference with the old structures, but the City says it preserved mature trees wherever possible and will plant 74 new trees—more than triple the number removed—to support future canopy growth.
The project combined civil engineering, landscape architecture, and ecological restoration. Key components included:
- Removal and replacement of aging riverbank protection systems
- Construction of a naturalized shoreline using rock revetments and native vegetation
- Upgrades to the Thames Valley Parkway pathway system, including realignment, new benches, and educational signage
The result is a more accessible and sustainable green space that supports both public use and ecological goals.
“Harris Park is a core gathering space for the community, and these improvements enhance its safety, accessibility and environmental value,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “This project reflects our broader commitment to protecting natural assets and ensuring infrastructure investments benefit both people and the environment.”
The previous riverbank structure had deteriorated significantly, leaving areas vulnerable to washouts and undermining. The newly naturalized shoreline is designed to mimic natural processes while reducing flood risk and long-term maintenance costs.
For more information on infrastructure and park improvement projects in London, visit london.ca.
