Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

Scroll down to learn more about the project, stay up-to-date with the project's news feed including ways to engage and more!

Big changes came to Paris in 2025 with the Downtown Dig! This once-in-a-lifetime project replaced essential infrastructure.

Reconstruction includes NEW:

  • Infrastructure (water, sewers) and upgraded utilities (gas, electrical etc.) under the roads
  • Road construction
  • Sidewalks (widened)
  • Streetscape such as lamp posts, benches, trees
  • Accessibility features
  • Digital features
  • Climate resiliency

The downtown angled parking was converted to parallel parking. The Downtown Paris Master Plan included a parking structure in the municipal lot by Council Chambers. This plan is being

Scroll down to learn more about the project, stay up-to-date with the project's news feed including ways to engage and more!

Big changes came to Paris in 2025 with the Downtown Dig! This once-in-a-lifetime project replaced essential infrastructure.

Reconstruction includes NEW:

  • Infrastructure (water, sewers) and upgraded utilities (gas, electrical etc.) under the roads
  • Road construction
  • Sidewalks (widened)
  • Streetscape such as lamp posts, benches, trees
  • Accessibility features
  • Digital features
  • Climate resiliency

The downtown angled parking was converted to parallel parking. The Downtown Paris Master Plan included a parking structure in the municipal lot by Council Chambers. This plan is being re-formulated.

While construction is challenging for residents and businesses, the end result is a more vibrant, accessible and functional downtown Paris for decades to come. Together, we can keep our community strong. Remember to Shop Local and support our downtown businesses throughout the transformation!

Background

In 2025, downtown Paris on Grand River Street North (between the Nith River Bridge and William Street) underwent major reconstruction. This level of construction in a downtown occurs every 75-100 years. It included replacing critical major infrastructure which ensures the longevity of the thriving downtown for decades to come. The final result is beautiful, functional and accessible for all.

In 2026, the remaining work for the downtown on Grand River Street North will be completed. This will include finishing concrete and brick work, hydro servicing and adding the finishing touches such as new benches. The Grand River Street North and William Street intersection will also be fully re-constructed. Updates will be provided to the community in spring 2026 about detours and traffic impacts.

The Downtown Dig impact and timelines:

  • 2024, 2025: West River Street (Mechanic Street to Broadway Street West)
  • 2025, 2026: Grand River Street North (between the Nith River Bridge and north of William Street)
  • 2027-2029: Mechanic Street (between Grand River Street North to West River Street) - full underground replacement and street scaping
  • 2027-2029: Broadway Street West (between Mechanic Street to William Street)
  • 2027-2029: William Street (between Broadway Street to Grand River Street North)
  • Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers (future update pending)

*Proposed location, additional design work will be done to ensure suitability.

For more information on The Downtown Dig, we also invite you to visit brant.ca/TheDowntownDig.

FAQs

We have included a list of other frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have about the project.

Support for businesses

The County of Brant is committed to working closely with downtown businesses before and during the construction. The Downtown Paris BIA Management Board has voiced their support for the downtown revitalization noting it may be a challenging business year but the lasting result will be worth it to ensure a thriving downtown for the future. The County of Brant and Downtown Paris BIA will encourage residents to “Shop Local” and support the downtown businesses. Several events will be planned to engage the community and businesses during the construction.

Businesses are invited to learn more about this project and provide feedback through the Business Downtown Dig Engage page.

Stay informed

Subscribe to this project and be the first to receive updates as they are available. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

  • Downtown Paris Pedestrian Access Closure August 18 to 21, 2025

    supporting image

    The Downtown Paris pedestrian access known as Lisa's Way, between 66 and 68 Grand River Street North, will be closed beginning Monday, August 18 to Thursday, August 21, 2025.

    Details

    • Closure is taking place to safely replace the existing storm sewer pipe. Weather permitting.
    • Mid-block crosswalk will be moved slightly north of the current location.
    • A section of the public parking lot behind 68 Grand River Street North will be temporarily unavailable for the duration of the work.
    • Pedestrian through access from the parking lot to Grand River Street North between 66 and 68 Grand River Street North will be unavailable.
    • Pedestrian detour signage to/from Grand River Street North will be posted.

    It is our goal to minimize any inconvenience to our residents. Your patience through any disruption will be greatly appreciated.

    Stay connected and informed


    Thank you for your continued patience as we work to upgrade the infrastructure in Downtown Paris.

  • Downtown Dig Progress Update - August 1

    supporting image

    Highlights from the last two weeks

    • Watermain disinfection & testing – Complete!
    • Watermain is now live at William Street & the Grand River Street North intersection
    • Water service (main to curbstop): 66% complete
    • Water service (curbstop to building): 7% underway
    • Storm sewer system: COMPLETE!


    What's coming up next

    • Water service work continues
    • Sanitary service connections begin
    • Hydro work at William Street & Grand River Street North (Southeast corner) begins after the long weekend


    Additional timeline information will be shared as it becomes available.

    During the Dig, sidewalks, crosswalks, and access to all your favourite businesses and establishments remain open – with the occasional changes due to construction activities.

    As always, we encourage you to think local, and shop in Downtown Paris. The heart of Paris needs the support of our local community!


    Stay connected and informed

    • Follow the Downtown Dig and Downtown Paris, Ontario on Facebook and Instagram
    • Subscribe for updates by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box on this page
    • Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
    • Refer to Municipal 511 at municipal511.ca for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closure


    Thank you for your continued patience as we work to upgrade the infrastructure in Downtown Paris.

  • July 24 Update – Overnight Watermain Work

    supporting image

    Please be advised that overnight watermain work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 28 from 7:00 pm to Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00 am in downtown Paris.

    During this time, William Street will be reduced to one lane and the crosswalk south of Grand River Street North and William Street will be temporarily closed.

    Traffic will be maintained, and for your safety the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be onsite to assist with traffic control at the intersection.

    We kindly remind all drivers and pedestrians to exercise extra caution when traveling in or near construction zones.

    Stay Connected and Informed


    Downtown businesses remain open throughout construction – please continue to show your support and shop local!

    Thanks for your continued patience as we improve infrastructure in downtown Paris!

  • Downtown Dig Progress Update - July 18

    supporting image
    Phase 2 of the Downtown Dig is well underway and we are pleased to share a construction update!


    Highlights from the Last Two Weeks

    • Watermain installation – excluding services (south of William Street): Complete!
    • Water service connections underway: 30% complete
    • Pedestrian access across Grand River Street North at Mechanic Street: Reopened (shifted south)
    • Storm sewer work (north of the mid-block crossing to William Street): 75% complete

    Coming Up Next

    • Water service connections continue
    • Watermain testing & disinfection begins
    • Storm sewer work (north of mid-block):Wrapping up
    • New sewer work (south of mid-block to Nith River Bridge):Starting
    • Hydro servicing: Tentatively starting

    During the Dig, sidewalks, crosswalks, and access to all your favourite businesses and establishments remain open, and we encourage you to think local, and shop in Downtown Paris. The heart of Paris needs the support of our local community!


    Stay Connected and Informed

    • Follow the Downtown Dig and Downtown Paris, Ontario on Facebook and Instagram
    • Subscribe for updates by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box on this page
    • Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
    • Check live traffic updates at municipal511.ca, including road construction and closures

    Thanks for your continued patience as we improve infrastructure in downtown Paris!


  • Downtown Dig Progress Update - July 4

    supporting image

    Downtown Dig Construction Update – Grand River Street North

    Here’s what’s been completed in the last 2 Weeks of the Dig:

    • Sanitary sewer main (South of William Street) – 100% complete
    • Watermain (South of William Street) – 50% complete
    • Temporary asphalt placed for pedestrian access at William Street & Grand River Street North
    • Uneven sidewalks patched
    • Pedestrian access walkways continue to shift due to the construction taking place. A pedestrian access walkway across Grand River Street North will be available north of Mechanic Street for the weekend.

    What’s coming up next:

    • Continued watermain installation (South of William Street)
    • Stormwater main installation and private servicing to follow

    Details are subject to change due to weather or other factors. Please continue to follow us for updates.

    Thank you for your patience as we improve infrastructure in the area. Please follow posted signage and stay safe around construction zones.

    As always, we remind the public that downtown businesses remain open during construction. Please continue to shop local and show your support. Follow 'Downtown Paris Ontario' on Facebook and Instagram for events and activities taking place this summer!

    To learn more about the Downtown Dig, visit www.brant.ca/DowntownDig.


  • Downtown Dig Progress Update - June 19

    supporting image
    Here’s what’s been happening over the past 2 weeks in Downtown Paris:
    • Oil and Grit Separator has been fully installed
    • Sanitary sewer main system (south of William St): 3/4 complete
    • Water main system (south of William St): 1/5 complete
    Coming up next:
    • Sanitary main work expected to wrap up by the end of next week (weather permitting)
    • Storm main system installation will follow
    • Water main work will continue, with service connections to follow shortly after
    For the services listed above this does not include the individual service connections to properties. These will be done at a later date.
    The Navacon team will be offsite tomorrow (June 20) for required training and will not be onsite Monday, June 30 as several Canada Day celebrations take place in Downtown Paris! Be sure to follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instgram for project updates, highlights and more Also follow Downtown Paris, Ontario to learn more about the exciting events planned.
    Thank you for your continued patience and support during the Downtown Dig! To learn more about the Dig visit brant.ca/DowntownDig

  • Phase 2b Scheduling, Parking, and Downtown Access

    Phase 2b of the Downtown Dig will begin on Thursday, June 5. Here’s what you need to know:


    Construction Phases

    Phase 2b – starting June 5:

    Work will take place on Grand River Street North, from Mechanic Street to the Nith River Bridge, starting Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 a.m.

    • Vehicle access on Grand River Street North from the Nith River Bridge will be closed during this phase.
    • Access to Broadway Street and Mechanic Street will remain open for local traffic, including access to businesses and parking lots.
    • Timeline information for Phase 2b will be shared as it becomes available.

    Phase 2a:

    Work on Grand River Street North between William Street and Mechanic Street began on May 5. This section will remain closed to vehicle traffic throughout the 2025 construction period.

    Signage will be placed at key locations to assist with navigation.

    Pedestrian routes will be maintained but may shift based on construction activity. Please watch for signage.

    Timelines are subject to change. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.

    Parking Notice

    • Parking on Grand River Street North between William Street and the Nith River Bridge will be closed for the duration of Phase 2, with adjustments as work progresses.
    • Parking Lot #3, located south of the Cenotaph, will be closed to the public and used as a staging area for the contractor for the 2025 construction season.
    • Parking will also experience minimal impacts on Mechanic Street during Phase 2b.

    Detour Routes

    To minimize disruptions and maintain business access, detour routes have been planned:

    • For southwest Paris and Highway 403 access from north Paris:
      Use the West Paris Bypass Route (highlighted in green on the detour map):
      Silver Street → Keg Lane → Brant-Oxford Road → Puttown Road → King Edward Street
    • For local and downtown traffic:
      Use the in-town detour route (highlighted in purple on the detour map):
      King Edward Street → Dundas Street West/East → Willow Street → William Street


    County staff will monitor detour routes throughout the construction period. Traffic calming measures will be implemented at key locations to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Emergency and Protective Services have implemented plans to ensure adequate emergency service coverage in north Paris.

    Stay informed about the Downtown Dig and Support Local:


    We appreciate your patience and support as we build a better downtown Paris!


  • Pedestrian Notice – Crosswalk Closure

    supporting image

    Please be advised that the crosswalk located outside of the County of Brant office, crossing Grand River Street North, will be temporarily closed to pedestrians over the next couple of weeks due to ongoing construction. The crosswalk will be open on the weekends. Please plan your routes accordingly.

    Pedestrian access to downtown via Lisa’s Way—the walkway between BMO and the County office—remains open.

    We kindly ask all pedestrians to follow posted signage while travelling through the area. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

    Local businesses are still open and ready to serve you during the Dig — your support matters!

    We appreciate your patience and support as we build a better downtown Paris!

  • May 12, 2025 - The Downtown Dig is officially underway!

    This morning, crews began asphalt excavation on Grand River Street North, just north of the midblock crossing.

    👷‍♂️ Progress is happening — and we’re excited to take this next step toward a better, more beautiful downtown!

    ✅ Don’t forget: local businesses are still open and ready to serve you during the Dig!

    Stay connected and informed


    We understand that construction can be disruptive and appreciate your understanding as we work to revitalize Downtown Paris.

  • Road Closure Notice for May 8 at 7 am

    Please be advised that Grand River Street North, between William Street and Mechanic Street will be closing tomorrow, Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 7:00 am, for Phase 2a of construction of the Downtown Dig.

    We remind the public that vehicle access will be closed in this area throughout Phase 2.


    A few important reminders

    • Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the Downtown Dig – signage will be placed throughout downtown to help you navigate during construction
    • Downtown businesses remain OPEN — please continue to shop local and show your support
    • Detour routes and signage will be in place to help guide both drivers and pedestrians
    • Please be patient, plan ahead, and use caution when traveling through construction zones


    Stay connected and informed


    We understand that construction can be disruptive and appreciate your understanding as we work to revitalize Downtown Paris.

Page last updated: 26 Mar 2026, 08:18 AM