London Expands and Upgrades Active Transportation Network

London, Ontario is home to an extensive network of active transportation trails, and that network has continued to grow thanks to $1.74 million in CCBF investments over the last eight years.

Aptly named for the river it runs along as well as it’s English counterpart, the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) runs for over 45 kilometres, connecting many parts of the city and multiple branches of the Thames River. The TVP supports walking, cycling, and the use of mobility aids, and regular maintenance is done to ensure year-round use.

This project added two new pathway bridges and eliminated a 1.5-kilometer-long gap in the TVP system, enhancing safety for users of all abilities by separating active transportation from vehicles. The project also maintained and enhanced key sections of the TVP needing renewal, widening, and monitoring, totalling seven kilometres across multiple branches of the network. 

The additions and maintenance of the network contribute to goals from the city’s Official Plan as well as a number of other initiatives from the City relating to mobility, cycling, climate action, river management, and more.

The community benefits from reduced road congestion and pollution, savings on transportation costs, and increased foot traffic for businesses.

The project also fosters a more inclusive and livable community, supporting vulnerable populations and many others by serving physical activity goals, increasing social and public spaces, and improving access to local amenities and social services.