A River Runs Through Us
A River Runs Through Us
by Lincoln McCardle
Lincoln McCardle
As the One River Environmental Assessment so eloquently states, the Thames River is both our inheritance and our living legacy. I grew up only a stone's throw away from the forks and long assumed that the river and the Blackfriars Bridge must be beloved local gems. And this astonishingly innocent and astigmatic thinking still somewhat lingers within me to this day, I mean – I now fully realize that they are not, but a small part of me cannot help but think they should be. It was years before I was (unpleasantly) surprised to learn how vastly unrecognized and unappreciated these landmarks are in their role in our community.
That being said, I feel like the tide is turning. After a year of rehabilitation, the Blackfriars Bridge, recognized as a nationally-significant cultural heritage resource, was reopened last December. As well, millions have been recently invested in the reconstruction and elevation of the West London Dike making the surrounding area not only safer but in my humble opinion, much more attractive. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we may be witnessing a watershed moment for our beloved heritage river.
How many of you took in a concert in Harris Park recently? Or a baseball game at Labatt Park? A Museum London visit, an Eldon House field trip or maybe some fireworks at the forks? Make a quick stop along the river at almost anytime and you will find it bustling with people taking in this oasis of nature in the heart of the city. The truth of the matter is that Londoners and tourists alike already visit the river in droves and I can see no good reason not to build upon this momentum and improve it, in the hopes of bringing new life and accessible spaces to our community.
I honestly cannot comprehend why anyone would be opposed to the Back to the River initiative. I fully appreciate that our city is not without its problems but certainly one must, at least in theory, support the idea of a more attractive and refreshed river? This project would benefit the entire city, both directly and indirectly. Any type of investment improves the city overall and this is not a part of our community that is easily overlooked.
As recently as 2016 London’s city council made the decision to embrace the Back to the River initiative. Millions have already been invested to date in this plan that was specifically designed to complement the City’s other strategic initiatives to revitalize not only our downtown but the city overall. This is not time, money and energy that is recouped if we abandon the journey partway. Money will always be a consideration but life is not always either/or propositions – we often can and deserve to choose both. I worry that our city is earning a reputation for mediocrity, and while it can often be safe right in the middle of the pack, mediocrity almost always suggests disappointment. When it comes to our inheritance and our living legacy, can we not come together and decide we are capable of better?