Tag: Medway Valley

Coyotes spotted in the Medway

Coyotes have been spotted in the Medway recently.  Here is some advice from the Team at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) who have the contract with the City for matters in Environmentally Significant Areas like the Medway./UTRCA staff can attend the site to monitor for abnormal coyote behaviour.

  • Carry a cell phone and a whistle when in wooded areas, parks or open spaces and riparian areas, as a safety precaution.
  • Ensure pets are always on a leash, as off-leash dogs can attract a coyote and bring them back to their owners.

Also a reminder that this is the beginning of mating season, therefore coyotes may be more active at this time of year.

Here is some additional information from the City’s web site: 

if the coyote is approaching you or in an area that you’re not comfortable with (your backyard, a busy park), here are some things to keep in mind:

  • If possible, pick up small children and pets.
  • Keep pets under strict control – leash dogs and keep them near you on walks.
  • Never run from or turn your back on a coyote/domestic dog.
  • Slowly back away.
  • Head to a busier path or an area where more people are situated.
  • Wave your arms above your head.
  • Be BIG and LOUD! Yell “Go away!”
  • Use hazing techniques such as shaking car keys, popping an umbrella, throwing an object in the direction of the coyote.
  • Always be prepared and aware of your surroundings when enjoying the outdoors. Be a good visitor: “leave no trace”. Carry out leftover food, garbage and dog feces.
  • Do not approach coyotes. Avoid coyote dens, and do not interfere with pups, even if it appears the parents have abandoned them. Coyotes will do their best to avoid human contact, but may attack humans when provoked, sick or injured.

If you feel the animal may be sick or injured, or if it is displaying aggressive, threatening or unusual behaviour, call Animal Control at 519-685-1330 otherwise https://apps.london.ca/generateform/default.aspx?form=CoyoteSightingForm

Master Mobility Plan and the Medway ESA

The City of London is developing a new mobility plan which could affect the Medway Environmentally Significant Area (ESA).  You may have gone to one of the open houses for this City project.  You may also have left a comment or sent one to mmp@london.ca or you may have gone to the City web site where the proposed mobility plan is located:  https://getinvolved.london.ca/mobility-master-plan

It has come to the attention of the Executive of the Neighbourhood Association that there is a draft proposal to once again bridge the Medway Creek with a major structure for pedestrians and bikes. Because of Medway Creek’s flood characteristics, the bridge would be like the ones north of Fanshawe Park Road (see below), and not the recently renewed little bridge below the staircase which bridges a tributary. 

For almost 30 years, the large majority of residents of Orchard Park/Sherwood Forest have enjoyed the ESA as is, without additional urbanization.  City Council has agreed, most recently in 2021 when the latest Conservation Master Plan for the ESA was passed.  You can find the Plan at:  https://getinvolved.london.ca/21185/widgets/85752/documents/117643

The Orchard Park / Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association has sent a letter to City staff opposing a bridge and encouraging the City to work with us to sign the area for bike riders to more easily cross east to west without new infrastructure in the ESA. 

We recognize that there are new residents since this issue came up the last time.  We encourage everyone to have a say, either through the city’s web site, by e mail to mmp@london.ca or by letting the Neighborhood Association executive know at opsfrp@gmail.com

It is anticipated that sometime this year, City staff will table the Master Mobility Plan and the proposed timeline for projects at a meeting of a committee of City Council.  Projects (road widenings, bus lanes, new BRT or bike lanes, etc.) will be proposed to be built over some time period.  This possible bridge could be 10 years away or it could be sooner.  Council may change the order of projects or funding for specific projects may come from other levels of government to bump up projects.  Hence, the Executive’s concern about this project, one that has been consistently rejected by residents in the neighbourhood and multiple City Councils. 

Volunteers needed for ESA Day – Sept 17-18

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) in cooperation with the City is holding an ESA Day during the annual Doors Open weekend September, Saturday the 17th and Sunday September the 18th.  Please email opsfrp@gmail.com if you are interested and available to help by handing out brochures at the Longbow/Wychwood entrance or leading informative walks for visitors.  Shifts are  Saturday or Sunday 9-11:30 or 11:30-2.  The goal is to raise awareness of ESAs as special places that are to be enjoyed through appropriate uses.  There will also be similar activities during these times at Westminster Ponds ESA (the city visitor centre on Wellington Road) and at Killaly Meadows ESA (at the end of Windemere Road, east of Adelaide).  All free!

Update on Metamora Storm Sewer / Replacement of Bridge

City staff have advised that the pedestrian bridge construction will be delayed a couple weeks as they wait for some metal fabrication. Once they get the metal components, it won’t take much to finish up. Work on the storm sewer outfall project continues in the meantime. The plan is to reopen the Metamora trail access after slope remediation is concluded.

In the meantime, please don’t take the fencing off the post where it says trail closed.  That section of trail is going to be realigned and closed and revegetated as part of this project due to the erosion on the Creek side of the trail.  Please let nature restore it.

Please also stay on the actual trail when you are in the Valley.  The actual trails are marked with a yellow arrow on trees.  Be a guardian of the Medway, stay on the main trail, follow the yellow arrows.

Medway Trail Clean Up – Saturday, April 23

Friday is Earth Day.  So in the spirit of taking care of our planet it is time for the Thames River and Medway Creek clean up and doing our part for our local Medway Creek!

WHEN: Saturday April 23rd

WHERE: 410 Ambleside Drive Condo Complex Visitors Parking

WHAT TIME: 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Drinks and supplies will be available at the event