Westminster Ponds / Pond Mills Conservation Area

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Acreage attached to Parkwood Hospital. Ponds, forested trails and 1940’s postwar buildings (deserted and ruined). Westminster Ponds is a part of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). The buildings are owned by London Health Science Centre (LHSC) and the City of London respectively. Some leased to commercial tenants: “Bruce”, “Huron” and “Perth” buildings. The Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills complex is one of the largest Natural Areas in London, comprising some 300 hectares over an area 3 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide. There are six major ponds and a number of smaller ones scattered throughout the area. Major ponds are Saunders, Tumbleson, Spettigue, Thompson, North and South Pond. The Westminster Ponds area is significant because it possesses a rich variety of natural habitats in a relatively undisturbed state, even though it is situated within the boundaries of a major urban centre. The Wellington Pavillion was a veteran community centre with large kitchen office space and lower level two lane bowling alley. The “Bruce”, “Huron”, “Perth” and “Wellington” pavillions are buildings owned by LHSC. “Wellington” is historic and will remain as is. It is currently boarded up but has power. The “Elgin”, “Lambton”, “Kent” and “Oxford” pavilions are city owned and schedule for demolition. The ponds are owned by UTRCA. Six of the large ponds have a variety of trails, access points and environmental sensitivity.