Now Open – Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program Year 2
Now Open – Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program Year 2 The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program is now accepting applications for year two with an expanded list of funding categories designed to support practical, on-the-ground improvements. This year, we have added 4R Phosphorus Management which includes up to $15/acre for Crop Nutrient Planning and Soil Testing, and $50/acre for applying manure to low phosphorus soils plus a bonus of an additional $10/acre for those practicing both Cover Crops and Reduced Tillage! Available funding categories include: Cover Crops Reduced Tillage Soil Testing and Crop Nutrient Planning - new [...]
Westminster Ponds South Pond Dock Replacement
Replacing Dock at Westminster Ponds's South Pond As part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and public enjoyment of the Westminster Ponds Environmentally Significant Area (ESA), the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), working on behalf of the City of London, completed the replacement of the floating dock at South Pond in Spring 2025. The previous dock, which had become undersized and outdated, was removed in Fall 2024. A new, modern floating dock system was purchased from Canada Docks and installed in May 2025. Constructed from durable aluminum and composite materials, the new dock measures approximately 8 by 24 [...]
UTRCA at Western University for Science Olympics
UTRCA at Western University for Science Olympics This spring, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) participated in the Science Olympics held at Western University. The Science Olympics is a fun and engaging way to learn about subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Math through friendly, group competition. Students from grades 9 to 12 from across Southwestern Ontario competed in over a dozen stations against other schools to earn points for prizes. UTRCA hosted a station called “Freshwater Forensics” where students investigated local water quality issues and considered the connections between land use and watershed health. Through [...]
Walkerton 25th Anniversary
Walkerton 25th Anniversary May 2025 marks 25 years since the water contamination event in Walkerton, a pivotal moment that reshaped how we approach drinking water safety across the province. This anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come in protecting the sources of our drinking water and to recognize the collective effort that continues to strengthen Ontario’s leadership in water safety. In response, Ontario took decisive action to ensure a similar situation could never happen again. One of the most significant outcomes was the development and implementation of the Clean Water Act, 2006, which laid the [...]
2025 Oxford Children’s Water Festival a Resounding Success
2025 Oxford Children’s Water Festival a Resounding Success The Oxford Children’s Water Festival returned to Pittock Conservation Area from May 13 to 17, 2025, welcoming over 3,500 students for a week of hands-on environmental learning and outdoor fun. Hosted by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), the festival offered engaging activities focused on water conservation, environmental science, and community stewardship. Students from across the watershed explored interactive stations that aligned with Ontario’s curriculum, while volunteers and community groups helped bring each learning opportunity to life. A highlight of the week was the Family Night held on May 15, [...]
UTRCA Participates in MECP Spills Training
UTRCA Participates in MECP Spills Training If you noticed the bright green water in Crockett Drain in Dorchester earlier this month, do not be alarmed! On June 3, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) hosted a spills response training in Dorchester. This training was held at Dorchester Conservation Area, which is managed by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Staff from both the UTRCA and the MECP were present, looking to learn best practices regarding spills that enter into surface water sources. Different sources of spills were discussed including common substances such as manure, oil, and [...]
Perth Children’s Water Festival in St. Marys
Perth Children’s Water Festival in St. Marys The 2025 Perth Children’s Water Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2025 was a great success with over 800 people attending. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) would like to thank our sponsors, community partners and volunteers who helped make it possible. Water Festival Organizing Committee: Avon Maitland District School Board Don Gibson Huron Perth Public Health Ontario Clean Water Agency Ontario Federation of Agriculture Pat Donnelly St. Marys Cement Thames River Clean Up Town of St. Marys Sponsors: Stratford Perth Community Foundation The Annie and Isabelle Chesterfield Fund and the Jim [...]
RT Orr Dam Work Complete
RT Orr Dam Work Complete The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has successfully completed the repair and reinstallation of the south sluicegate at the R. Thomas Orr Dam in the City of Stratford. The R. Thomas Orr Dam was constructed in 1964. It is located on the Avon River, a tributary to the North Thames River, in the City of Stratford. The dam and reservoir are a focal point in the park setting. The structure consists of two gated spillways and a duck-bill shaped overflow weir. Each sluicegate is about 14 feet tall and 24 feet wide, and [...]
Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area
Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area This June, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and London Environmental Network (LEN) began the process of planting a mini forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area. The first step in successfully planting a mini forest? Site preparation! With the help of dedicated staff and volunteers, UTRCA and LEN staff began the process of preparing the site to be planted this fall. Using a technique called sheet mulching, layers of cardboard, compost, and mulch were placed over the planting site. This process will kill the existing grass, decompose over the summer months, and result [...]
UTRCA Park Pass Program continues
UTRCA Park Pass Program continues Once again, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has partnered with libraries through the watershed to provide day-use vehicle passes for their patrons. Library users are able to “check out” a day-use vehicle pass from their local library to be used over a three-day period. These passes will allow for day-use entry to Fanshawe Conservation Area in London and Wildwood Conservation Area outside of St. Marys. An individual who borrowed a pass from the Strive Professional Resource Centre shared their feedback saying, “As a Professional working in the Early Childhood Education Field, we [...]