Shoreline Improvements on Lake Victoria (UTRCA weekly, August 19, 2021)
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff took advantage of the nice weather to add some finishing touches to the latest shoreline restoration project on Lake Victoria in Stratford. Several trays of wildflower plugs, Big Bluestem plugs, and serviceberry trees were planted along the north shore of Stratford’s Lake Victoria last month. The plugs and trees will provide the biodiversity component of the project. The roots add stability to the work in addition to keeping the weeds down.
The planting completed the 60 metre long shoreline stabilization project, which started in the winter of 2021. The project includes an accessible canoe/kayak launch for paddlers, and extends an accessible trail along the water’s edge with areas for trail users to appreciate the vista.
Improved accessibility was an important component of the project. Peter Zein, Chair of the City of Stratford’s Accessibility Committee, shared that, “As a person in a wheelchair, I always find it difficult to enjoy the experience of parkland in a natural environment. Stratford is a beautiful city for all to enjoy, especially a nature ‘walk’ along the river. The North Path Park improvements have allowed those with mobility issues to enjoy the path and those without disabilities will benefit too. Improvements to the path have made a smoother ride. I often go for a relaxing stroll, looking at nature, the birds in the bulrushes, and having conversations with people who enjoy the same.”
This project builds on previous work around Lake Victoria, including south shore protection projects in 2018 and 2020, and cribwalls installed along the north shore in 2017 and 2019. The UTRCA works with several partners on these projects including: Avon River Environmental Association, City of Stratford, City of Stratford Energy and Environment Committee, The Green Hair Spa, and the Rotary Club of Stratford.
