Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

The County of Brant would like to inform residents of temporary operational changes to fire services in Paris to ensure continued response efficiency during the Downtown Dig construction project.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest level of emergency service for our residents,” said Fire Chief Darren Watson. “These operational changes ensure that, despite construction impacts, our teams can respond quickly and effectively whenever and wherever they are needed."

Effective Wednesday, April 8, 2026, adjustments will be implemented at Station 1 (Paris) to maintain service levels and support future planning for the Paris North Fire Station.

Key updates include:

• Geographic Response Zones
  Fire response coverage will be reorganized into two areas: Paris North and Paris South. This approach will help improve response times by positioning emergency resources on both sides of the downtown construction zone, where traffic disruptions and road restrictions are expected.
• Updated Response Model
  The current platoon response model will transition to a geographic-based deployment system. This change aligns with long-term planning and the anticipated opening of the Paris North Station in April 2027.
• Temporary Apparatus Relocation
  Two fire emergency vehicles will be temporarily relocated to the Paris Fairgrounds. This will allow emergency crews to better navigate around construction-related congestion in the downtown core.

County staff will continue to monitor these changes and make adjustments as needed to ensure reliable emergency response services.

We would also like to remind residents about green flashing lights. The County of Brant Fire Service is a dedicated volunteer fire service, and many of our firefighters respond to emergencies from their homes or workplaces. To help them reach their stations quickly, volunteers are equipped with green flashing lights for use in their personal vehicles.

“When you see a green flashing light, it indicates a firefighter is on their way to an emergency,” said Fire Chief Watson. “We encourage all residents to remain alert and safely pull over to allow these vehicles to pass. Your cooperation helps firefighters reach the station faster, because every second counts when responding to an emergency.”

For more information on the County of Brant Fire Services, visit brant.ca/fire.

Construction on the Downtown Dig will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (weather permitting).

We are reminding the public of the following important information:

Road closures

• Grand River St N (south of Charlotte → Mechanic)
• William St (bridge → west of Grand River St N)
• Grand River St N and William St intersection

Detours and traffic changes

• Emily St & Broadway St W → temporary 3-way stop
• Broadway St E → one-way northbound
• Charlotte St → one-way eastbound
• Emily St → one-way westbound

Important notes

• Local traffic only in key areas
• No through truck traffic (use Paris West Bypass)
• Turning restrictions in place

Businesses remain open – support local

• Pedestrian access maintained

Stay informed

• Subscribe to EngageBrant.ca/DowntownDig to plan ahead and receive up-to-date project information
• brant.ca/Construction for more information and upcoming major construction projects
• Follow the Downtown Dig and the County of Brant on Facebook and Instagram

Thank you for your patience during this construction season.

As construction begins on Wednesday, April 8, crews will be onsite starting at approximately 3:00 am, with the work zone closed immediately.

Please remove vehicles from the construction area on Grand River Street North (south of Charlotte → Mechanic) prior to this time.

Thank you for your cooperation as work gets underway.

We know construction can be challenging, especially for our downtown businesses and the people who support them. But this work is a major investment in the future of downtown Paris, improving infrastructure, roads, and the overall experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Shop local. Support local.

Our local shops, restaurants, and services are the heart of our community and your support matters now more than ever.

Pedestrian access will be maintained
Clear signage and detours will be in place
Ongoing updates will be shared throughout the project

Every small choice makes a difference

Grab lunch downtown
Pick up a gift
Book a local service

Stay informed

• Subscribe to EngageBrant.ca/DowntownDig to plan ahead and receive up-to-date project information
• brant.ca/Construction for more information and upcoming major construction projects
• Follow the Downtown Dig and the County of Brant on Facebook and Instagram

For questions or concerns, email downtowndig@brant.ca or leave your questions directly for the project team on this page.

Thank you for your patience and for continuing to show up for our local business community during construction.

Please be advised that the Downtown Dig Drop-in Open House, originally scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the County of Brant Council Chambers, has been cancelled.

We will make an effort to reschedule this event in the future. Project information is available and shared through a variety of channels.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to residents and business owners. The County remains committed to the Downtown Dig project, which includes critical infrastructure upgrades.

Please note, the Downtown Dig construction is now scheduled to begin on April 8, 2026 (weather permitting).

Stay informed

• Project Updates: For the latest information on construction phases and detour maps, and to subscribe for project updates by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
• Follow the County of Brant and the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram
• Inquire: Do you have questions? Email downtowndig@brant.ca or leave comments and questions for the project team on this page.

Thank you for your continued patience and support of our local downtown businesses.

Have you noticed the big changes in Downtown Paris? The Downtown Dig isn't just about new pipes and pavement; it's about making our historic core inclusive and easy to navigate for every resident and visitor!

Here are the key accessibility features being built into our new streetscape:

• Wider Sidewalks: We're creating significantly more room for pedestrians, allowing for smoother flow and easier navigation for those using mobility aids or strollers.
• New Rollover Curbs: These sloped curbs create a gradual, seamless transition between the sidewalk and the street. This prevents wheels from getting stuck and ensures a safer crossing for everyone.
• Level Access: Construction efforts are focusing on making the street flatter and matching the grade of the sidewalks to business entrances wherever possible. The County offers funding to assist downtown businesses to support accessible entrances.
• Accessible Parking and Loading: Look for newly designated accessible parking spaces in key areas and dedicated loading zones to make visiting your favourite shops even easier.
• Enhanced Safety: New streetlights and raised concrete crosswalks are being installed to improve visibility and pedestrian safety day and night.
• Safety for the Visually Impaired: Tactile plates, featuring raised domes, provide a "tactile" warning underfoot or via a cane, alerting pedestrians with vision loss that they are approaching a road crossing or a change in elevation.
• Accessible Pedestrian Signals: These standardized sounds help pedestrians with vision loss identify which direction has the right-of-way at the intersection of Grand River St N and William St.
• Colour Contrast: New brickwork and concrete finishes are chosen to provide visual distinction between pedestrian zones, seating areas, and vehicle lanes helping those with low visibility.
• Rest Areas: New benches and seating clusters are being installed along the widened sidewalks of Grand River Street North. Rest areas are designed to be set back from the main flow of traffic, ensuring that those using strollers or assistive devices have ample room to bypass. The addition of a new tree canopy and planter boxes will provide shaded rest spots, improving comfort during warmer months.

Thank you for your patience as we build a more vibrant, functional, and accessible Paris for the next 75 years!

The Downtown Dig is a multi-year infrastructure project designed to rebuild, revitalize, and ensure the long-term vibrancy of downtown Paris. While this "once-in-a-lifetime" overhaul of critical underground services, roads, and sidewalks will ultimately create a more beautiful, accessible, and resilient community, it requires temporary closures of key areas, particularly along Grand River Street North.

When does construction start again?

The 2026 continuation of the Downtown Dig construction is anticipated to start on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Downtown businesses remain open during the Dig!

While construction is underway, we are committed to maintaining access to your favourite shops, restaurants, and services. Pedestrian access will be supported throughout the process, and businesses are open and ready to welcome you.

Plan Your Trip Ahead

Road Closures (Construction Area)

The following roads are closed to vehicle traffic:

• Grand River Street North: From south of Charlotte St to Mechanic St
• William Street: From the William St Bridge to west of Grand River St N
• Intersection closure: Grand River St N and William St

Temporary Traffic Changes

• Emily St and Broadway St W: A temporary 3-way stop will be implemented.
• Broadway St E: Converted to a temporary one-way northbound (between Broadway St W and Charlotte St). The east side is a designated drop-off/pick-up zone for Paris Central School.
• Charlotte St: Converted to a temporary one-way eastbound (between Broadway St E and Grand River St N).
• Emily St: Converted to a temporary one-way westbound (between Broadway St E and Grand River St N).

Click to view larger image.

Access and restrictions

• Local traffic only: William St (from Willow St to the bridge) and Grand River St N (south of Charlotte St). Access to Smile City and 139 Paris Professional Centre is maintained.
• Turning restrictions:
  • No left turns onto King Edward St from Dumfries St to avoid traffic backing up downtown
  • Access the Dundas St high-level bridge via Burwell St
• Heavy trucks: No through truck traffic allowed. All heavy trucks must detour along the Paris West Bypass Route
  • Deliveries North of William St: Access via Silver St and Grand River St N
  • Deliveries South of William St: Access via King Edward St, Dumfries St, and Grand River St S
• Paris West Bypass route: Recommended for those traveling to southwest Paris or Highway 403. Route follows Silver St, Keg Lane, Brant-Oxford Rd, Puttown Rd, and King Edward St

Traffic flows will be monitored and traffic calming measures will be in place.

Stay informed

• EngageBrant.ca/DowntownDig for up-to-date project information
• brant.ca/Construction for current road detours, upcoming major construction projects and why so much construction is happening in the County
• Follow the Downtown Dig and the County of Brant on Facebook and Instagram

Thank you for your patience during this construction season.

For questions or concerns, email downtowndig@brant.ca or leave your questions directly for the project team on this page.

The Downtown Dig project is expected to progress well throughout the 2026 construction season. The County encourages locals and visitors to support businesses and shop local.

As with all construction activities, timelines shift as unexpected issues arise and/or extended weather events occur.

As listed below under “Impacts”, it is important to specifically highlight that Grand River St. N between Mechanic St. to William St. will remain closed until all work for the 2026 Dig project is complete including the William St. intersection and the work north to Charlotte St. Detours will be posted.

Proposed Start Date

• Spring 2026 (tentative April - weather dependent)

Expected Completion Date

• Late summer/Early fall 2026

Scope

• Grand River St. North (Mechanic St. to William St.)
• Intersection: Grand River St. North and William St.
• Grand River St. North (William St. to Charlotte Street)
• William Street (Grand River St. N to Grand River Bridge)

Purpose

The purpose of this road reconstruction is to:

• Replace critical infrastructure (water, sewers) and upgrade utilities (gas, electrical etc.) under the roads
• Road re-construction
• Widen sidewalks to enhance pedestrian experience
• Update streetscape such as lamp posts, benches, trees
• Increase accessibility features such as roll over curbs
• Enhance climate resiliency with tree canopy

Impact

• Closure of Grand River St. N (Mechanic St. to Charlotte St.) - Will remain closed to through traffic until all work is complete. Access to businesses from Charlotte south to the work zone will be maintained (i.e., post office, dental office).
• Intersection closure to vehicles - William Street and Grand River St. N. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
• Detour routes will be shared and posted prior to the Dig commencing

Outstanding work for 2026

Grand River St. N (Mechanic St. to William St.):

• Hydro work at Cobblestone Commons and tap box replacements
• Concrete planter boxes
• Continued brick work
• Surface asphalt paving and line painting

Grand River Street North (William St. intersection and William St. to Charlotte St.):

Special feature: The 2026 Downtown Paris Promenade

As part of the 2026 phase of the Downtown Dig project, Grand River Street North from Mechanic Street to William Street will be required to close again to permit full reconstruction of the intersection. The County of Brant will plan a temporary pedestrian focused promenade that will activate the closed section of street once construction work in this area is completed (anticipated to begin in June).

The purpose of the 2026 Paris Promenade is to create a warm, welcoming, and vibrant public space that encourages both residents, visitors, and businesses to embrace the temporary street closure. The promenade will offer opportunities for gathering, programming, and recreation, and aims to foster a lively atmosphere that helps maintain business activity throughout the construction period.

Thank you for your patience during the 2026 construction season!

The County of Brant is proud to announce the successful completion of the major construction activities for the 2025 season of the "Downtown Dig" project in downtown Paris. This once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure renewal project, which occurs every 75-100 years, replaced critical underground infrastructure and transformed the streetscape to create a more vibrant, functional, and accessible downtown for decades to come.

"We made it, Brant! We are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone," said Mayor David Bailey. "We sincerely thank our residents, businesses, and visitors for their incredible patience and perseverance during this major undertaking. Your support for local businesses throughout the construction has been vital in keeping our community strong."

The 2025 season focused on significant upgrades along Grand River Street North, between William Street and the Nith River Bridge.

Key accomplishments for the year include:

• Completed critical infrastructure replacement: Upgrading essential water mains, sewer lines, stormwater and utilities (gas and electrical) beneath the road surface.
• Enhanced accessibility and aesthetics: Installation of wider sidewalks, new rollover curbs, and features like new streetlights, and a future tree canopy to improve pedestrian experience and climate resiliency.
• Improved traffic flow: Conversion of angled parking to parallel parking to enhance both traffic and pedestrian safety and create more space for pedestrians and business activities.

With the 2025 construction season wrapping up, plans are already in place for the next phase. In spring 2026, work will continue on Grand River Street North to finish the brick work and landscaping, hydro work and installation of new furnishings and begin the reconstruction of the William Street and Grand River Street North intersection. Subsequent phases will address Mechanic Street, Broadway Street West and William Street. These future phases will be officially announced in the future and are tentatively planned to occur in 2027 to 2029.

While construction can be challenging, these improvements ensure the longevity and growth of our community. The County of Brant remains committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring safe pedestrian access to all downtown businesses during future phases.

Throughout the Dig, local businesses demonstrated incredible resilience. While businesses adapted to the challenges of construction, Downtown Paris welcomed six (6) new businesses, with two (2) additional businesses slated to open shortly. Furthermore, Downtown Paris has had two (2) businesses expand with an additional one (1) projected to expand later this year.

“This is a testament to our strong business community,” said Zach Gable, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “The resilience shown by our local businesses is the heart of our community's character. Despite the challenges, they demonstrated incredible dedication. Their tenacity has kept downtown Paris a vibrant place to visit and shop during a difficult time. We are grateful for their partnership and perseverance."

In addition, applications for the Community Improvement Plan from the downtown Paris businesses resulted in 14 grant applications being approved, totaling $201,000 (rounded) - a 302% increase in funding, attributing to $1,080,000 in improvements. These programs included signage, façade improvement, adaptive commercial reuse, planning and building, and housing improvements grants.

The holiday season officially kicked off in downtown Paris, this past Friday, at the annual Jingle Bell Night event! Hundreds of people joined downtown Paris to celebrate the season, which included the tree lighting, to show their support for our incredible downtown businesses.

We encourage everyone to continue visiting, exploring, and shopping local throughout the holiday season!

The public is encouraged to stay informed about the Downtown Dig project:

• Visit the dedicated project page on EngageBrant.ca/DowntownDig
• For additional information and resources visit brant.ca/DowntownDig
• Follow County’s social media @BrantCommunity.
• Check live traffic updates at Municipal511.ca.
• Subscribe to the County's news and notices at brant.ca/News.

We made it! The last week of the Downtown Dig for 2025!

Accomplishments for the final week

• Winter site cleanup
• Streetlights power supply
• Hydro work:
  • Secondary line – 100% complete
  • Service connections to businesses - 100% complete
• Asphalt hard surfacing work
• Road markings - 100% complete
• Sidewalk, planter box, and brick work progress. Remaining areas to complete will be temporarily patched with asphalt
• Utility work
• Trees have been delivered and planted in the planter boxes by the mid-block crosswalk
• All remaining boulevard space, not covered by concrete sidewalk or paver stones, will be covered with asphalt for the winter.

The road re-opening is continuing as planned, following the Jingle Bell Night event tonight!

Please note that the traffic signals at the William Street intersection will be adjusted this afternoon in advance of the return of two-way traffic. Delays may be noticed due to the revised signal timing until the closed road section is reopened.

Outstanding work happening in 2026

• Hydro work including Cobblestone Commons and tap boxes
• Concrete planter boxes on the east side and possible adjustments to some of the west side planter boxes
• Continued brick work
• Final paving

In spring 2026, the next phase of the Downtown Dig will begin by completing the above outstanding items and the reconstruction of the William Street and Grand River Street North intersection. More information will be shared as plans are confirmed.

Thank you!

Thank you to the community and businesses for your patience and perseverance as this major project was underway! Critical infrastructure replacement such as watermains, sewer lines and stormwater are necessary but big, complex projects that are messy and take time! We appreciate your support and the support of our local businesses!