Five firms shortlisted for Back to the River design competition

The Forks of the Thames area in London, Ont. is seen on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. (Daryl Newcombe / CTV London)

A short list of five designers has been chosen in London's 'Back to the River' design competition.

The competition is aimed at a re-imagining of the Thames River along stretches of the downtown.

The second phase of the project involves a more complete design for the entire riverfront along the Forks of the Thames and the old South Street Hospital lands in Soho.

The short list includes three Canadian and two American firms:

Final submissions will be made in October and a winner will be declared in November.