Springbank Dam. Photo by Miranda Chant, BlackburnNews.comSpringbank Dam. Photo by Miranda Chant, BlackburnNews.com
London

Armstrong Offers New Idea In Dam Debate

There is now a third option in the debate over what to do with the Springbank Dam.

Councillor Bill Armstrong is calling for the dam to be converted into a pedestrian bridge in a two-part proposal he will bring to a public-participation meeting March 8.

Springbank Dam has been out of operation since 2006 when work on a multi-million dollar upgrade began. During testing of the upgrade in 2008, the dam malfunctioned leaving it inoperable and sparking a $5-million lawsuit by the city against the contractor. The lawsuit was settled in the fall of 2015 with the city receiving $3.775-million.

Since the settlement was reached, there have been two clear camps on what to do with the dam - repair it or decommission it.

Armstong says his solution would be the least expensive.

"We've got $4-million available in the settlement," says Armstrong . "Part of this process we are going to go through is to get staff, I hope, to come back with a report on the exact cost but I don't think it will be that expensive as far as conversion is concerned. I'm going to speculate $1-million or less."

The second part of Armstrong's proposal would see a wooden boardwalk or bike path created on the north side of the river. He notes the cost would increase if this element was approved but would still be cheaper than the alternatives.

"This option will leave us an asset that Londoners can use," says Armstrong.

Armstrong's vision for the dam goes on to make it a peaceful and educational destination.

"Because there is a building on the structure I want to put in a mini museum where someone could go and have information about the Springbank Dam, Storybook Gardens, the fish and wildlife in the area, information about First Nations and their involvement, and history of the Thames River," says Armstrong. "Hopefully this would be another go-to location when you're down in Springbank Park."

Armstrong would also like to see any extra money left from the settlement go toward initiatives to improve the water quality of the Thames River.

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