The Thomas Orr Dam

The current Thomas Orr Dam was preceded by a diminutive predecessor on what was, at the time, called “a creek,” but later became known as the Avon River. The original dam was washed away when the creek overflowed in 1937. The current structure was built in 1964. This created a lake, the river above the river below, 1.6 kms long, 34 metres wide on average and covering a total of over 16 hectares. 

Thomas Orr continued to work for the preservation of the local environment. In 1943, he was instrumental in forming the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. That body created a new series of dams and engaged in a range of conservation efforts, including planting more than 55,000 trees. The river commons and the parklands are his inspired gift to us.

The River Above the River Below is a vision inspired by the Provocations Ideas Festival. 

Introduction | Shakespearean Gardens  | Orr Dam | Allward Monument | The Tom | Festival Theatre | The Lookout | Healing Waters | Island  | Gallery Pathways | North Shore | TJ Dolan Pathway | Conclusion