Back to the River, London, ON

Ribbon of the Thames

For the Back to the River International Design Competition in London, Ontario, Civitas – a working in collaboration with Stantec – was selected as the winning team for their visionary proposal, The Ribbon of the Thames. The competition called for a transformative strategy to reconnect the city with the Thames River and reimagine a five-kilometer stretch of riverfront through downtown.

The winning design positions the river as London’s defining civic and ecological spine. By enhancing access to the water’s edge, strengthening pedestrian networks, and introducing a series of interconnected public spaces, the plan fosters year-round engagement while restoring natural systems and improving habitat. At key locations such as the Forks of the Thames, new overlooks, terraces, bridges, and multi-use nature circuits invite residents and visitors to experience the river in dynamic and meaningful ways. Conceived as a phased, long-term vision, The Ribbon of the Thames integrates environmental restoration, public life, and economic revitalization, bringing the city truly back to its river.