Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

County of Brant staff have met with Navacon Construction (the contractor for the project) and Enbridge Gas representatives (on behalf of Aecon which began work earlier this year) to confirm details for the upcoming road closure related to Phase 2a of the Downtown Dig.

The following information has been confirmed

• Closure is scheduled for the week of May 5 on Grand River Street North, between William Street and Mechanic Street
• Details - Vehicle access will be closed in this area throughout Phase 2

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

Important reminders

• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the Downtown Dig
• 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 travelling through construction zones

Stay connected and informed

• Subscribe to this page for updates by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box
• Follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram

Thank you for your continued support as we build a better Downtown Paris!

Please be aware that the Grand River Street North Road reconstruction, originally scheduled to begin next week, has been postponed to approximately the end of April to accommodate the completion of Enbridge’s natural gas infrastructure replacement project. The Grand River Street North reconstruction is phase 2 of the Downtown Dig Project.

View the Proposed Project Phases (PDF)

Downtown Dig Open House Tonight

Join us for a drop-in Open House to learn more about the Downtown Dig tonight, Thursday, April 3 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Paris Fairgrounds.

During construction, please plan ahead, use caution, follow detours, and obey all signage. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work together to build a better downtown Paris.

Stay Informed and Support Local!

Plan ahead for delays

• Continue to support local businesses
• Subscribe to this page for updates by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box
• Follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram

Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources, maps, and details.

As part of Phase 1 in the Downtown Dig project, the full road reconstruction along West River Street, including replacement of watermain, storm, sanitary sewer, and road resurfacing, begins on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Location: West River Street between Mechanic Street and Broadway Street West

Work Dates: Monday, April 7 to late July 2025, end date to be determined

Work Preformed by: BEECH Infrastructure Group Ltd. for County of Brant

Details:

• No through traffic
• Local access will be maintained
• Emergency access will be maintained
• Signage will be posted, and a flag person will direct traffic when require
• Non-local motorists are encouraged to take alternative traffic route

Please refer to Municipal 511 municipal511.ca for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures.

To learn more about the Downtown Dig:

• Subscribe to this page for updates by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box
• Follow The Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram
• Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig

It is our goal to minimize any inconvenience to our residents. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we build a better downtown Paris.

Following the award of the Downtown Dig tender, County staff have met with the contractor for the project, Navacon Construction Inc. to review the Phase 2 construction timeline. Based on these discussions, and in an effort to improve efficiencies and save time, Phase 2 has been updated as follows:

• 2a: Grand River Street North between Mechanic Street and William Street (Starting in early April - proposed date: April 7)
• 2b: From the Nith River Bridge to Mechanic Street (Beginning approximately May 20 depending on progress on 2a, and lasting approximately 8 weeks)
• 2c: Grand River Street North/William Street intersection to north of William Street (Start date will be shared as construction progresses)

Please note: Vehicle access to Grand River Street North, from Mechanic Street to William Street, will remain closed throughout the 2025 construction schedule. Pedestrian routes will be available with locations depending on construction activities.

These timelines are subject to change. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

Parking and Access Update

• Parking Closure: 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 construction progresses. The parking lot south of the Cenotaph (Parking Lot #3) will also be closed to the public and used as a staging area for the contractor for the construction season.
• Vehicle access to downtown will be impacted:
  1. Throughout Phase 2: No access between Mechanic Street and William Street. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
  2. During Phase 2b: No access to and through downtown from the Nith River Bridge.
  3. Phase 2c: Access will also be affected, with updates provided as construction progresses.

Signage will be placed at key locations to help direct traffic.

Detour routes have been mapped out to minimize disruptions, maintain business access, and keep the public informed. Staff will be monitoring detour routes throughout the construction period. Traffic calming measures will be implemented at key locations along the designated detour routes to enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Reminder: Drop-in Open House

Join us for a drop-in Open House to learn more about the Downtown Dig!

When: Thursday, April 3 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver Street, Paris

Stay Informed & Support Local!

• Plan ahead for delays, use caution, follow detours and obey signage.
• Continue to support local businesses
• Follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe to this page for updates by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we build a better downtown Paris.

The Downtown Dig in downtown Paris began earlier this year with work by Enbridge Gas, which is expected to take approximately 60 days to complete (weather permitting). The next phase of construction is set to begin in early April, impacting access to Grand River Street North.

We invite businesses and residents to a drop-in open house to learn more about the project, including the construction phases, detour routes, and ways to stay informed.

Join us!

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: Drop-in between 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St, Paris, ON N3L 1V5

This is an opportunity to meet County of Brant Economic Development and Operations staff, business support partners—including Enterprise Brant and the Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre—and representatives from Navacon Construction Inc., the contractor for the Downtown Dig.

Did you know?

Critical infrastructure will be replaced during the Downtown Dig, a major project that happens only once every 75–100 years. This work will modernize, beautify, and enhance accessibility in downtown Paris for decades to come.

Stay informed

Subscribe to this page for updates by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box
Follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook & Instagram
Learn more: brant.ca/DowntownDig

The tender for the Downtown Dig has been awarded. At the February 25, 2025 County of Brant Council meeting, Council approved the recommendation to award Navacon Construction Inc. to complete the project. View the full report presented to Council for more details.

We remind the community that our team here at the County is committed and ready to support local businesses and residents during the Dig.

As always, we encourage you to learn more by following the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram, subscribing to this page by clicking 'Subscribe' on the Stay Informed box, and visiting www.brant.ca/DowntownDig.

Thank you to everyone who participated in shaping the future of Downtown Paris! Over 700 votes were cast, and we’re excited to reveal the winning streetscape features:

Thank you Brant! Your input has helped us take another step toward revitalizing our historic downtown core with a look that reflects the charm and spirit of Paris.

Stay tuned for updates as we bring these features to life as part of the Downtown Dig project! Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for more information.

Subscribe to this project and be the first to receive updates on more opportunities to share your feedback. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

The Downtown Dig is underway, with the bulk of construction scheduled between April and October. In addition to this major project, 2025 will bring several key road improvements to Paris, enhancing safety, traffic flow, and infrastructure.

Several detours will be in place to minimize disruptions and maintain access to key areas throughout the construction period for the Downtown Dig. Detour routes, project phases, FAQs, and more relating to the Downtown Dig will be posted on this page. Stay informed about the Downtown Dig by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and clicking ‘Subscribe'. Additional resources are also available at brant.ca/DowntownDig.

While construction may present challenges at times, these improvements will help support the longevity and growth of our community for decades to come.

More details on these projects will be shared as they become available. Stay informed by following the County of Brant social media channels and subscribing to email news and notices at brant.ca/Subscribe.

To learn more about these and other construction projects happening in Paris and across the County, visit brant.ca/Construction.

Thank you for your patience as we make these important improvements!

Enbridge Gas is beginning work this week in downtown Paris, replacing natural gas infrastructure. This work is essential preparation for the Downtown Dig and is expected to last approximately 60 working days. The Downtown Dig is proposed to begin once this work is complete.

Proposed Project Phases

The following maps highlight the proposed project phases for the Dig, as well as detour routes.

Based on discussions with the project contractor, and in an effort to improve efficiencies and save time, Phase 2 has been updated and updated maps were posted in March 2025.

Detour Routes Map

This detour routes map has been created to help those traveling to the area plan ahead for when the Dig begins. These detours aim to minimize disruptions, maintain access to businesses and key areas throughout the construction period, and keep the public informed about the project.

Signage will be placed at key access points, not only near downtown Paris but also in areas commonly used by traffic traveling through Paris and the surrounding region. As a number of areas will be impacted, we ask that you plan your trip ahead of time to avoid delays.

While construction will be challenging for residents and businesses at times, the work taking place includes replacing critical major infrastructure which will ensure the longevity of the thriving downtown for decades to come. The final result will be beautiful, functional and accessible for all. Together we can keep our community strong. Remember to Shop Local and support our downtown businesses throughout the transformation!

Thank you to the community for your patience and understanding.

Stay informed about the Downtown Dig by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and clicking ‘Subscribe'.

You can also visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for more information and follow the project on Facebook and Instagram.