Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

We’re so close! As the fall weather ramps up and the construction window closes, the Downtown Dig continues!

What happened this week

• Sidewalk from Cobblestone Commons to Nith River Bridge (on both the east and west side) is complete
• East side curb completed
• Brick adjacent to Cenotaph has been placed
• Hydro secondary line north of midblock is ongoing
• Hydro service connections to the buildings are 57% complete

What’s happening next week

• Hydro work continues
• Base asphalt paving to commence followed by the sidewalk on the east side of Grand River Street North between midblock crossing and Cobblestone Commons
• Street light pole delivery is delayed again. We are anxiously waiting for the delivery! The installation of the street lights impacts the ability to re-open the Nith River Bridge and the Mechanic Street/Grand River Street intersection. We will keep you up to date!

Next week, due to anticipated paving activities, there will be some disruptions to maintaining the crosswalks. We will let you know the exact timing when it’s confirmed.

Please continue to shop local and support our wonderful businesses!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

As downtown Paris takes shape, let’s talk about some of the new features.

After many years of planning and consultation with the community, the decision was made in 2019 (when the Downtown Paris Master Plan was approved) in favour of creating a more pedestrian-friendly downtown vs a vehicle-friendly downtown. The plan is now becoming a reality!

The width of the lanes on Grand River Street North

The new downtown lanes on Grand River Street North look narrow right now.

The lane widths for the new downtown Paris are 3.25 metres wide. The Transportation Association of Canada recommends 3.0 metres to 3.7 metres for this type of road classification. For comparison, the northbound lanes on Grand River Street North fronting the Paris District Highschool are 3.35 meters wide.

At this stage of construction, when curbing is installed before the road is paved, the road typically appears very narrow.

The lanes are also designed to help keep traffic moving at a calm and slower pace through this one-block section of downtown to support pedestrian safety at the crosswalks and intersections.

Parking

Angled parking on Grand River Street North is being replaced with parallel parking to create wider sidewalks and more spaces for pedestrians. This allows for better accessibility, more patio space and additional features such as trees. The County added 71 parking spaces to former OPP Station site in 2022.

The new downtown includes accessible parking spaces in key areas and new curbs designed to be more accessible. Short-term parking zones will be added to make it easier for visitors to access businesses and loading zones are being added for business and downtown resident use.

Tree canopy

With more space on the sidewalk, a tree canopy will be a new feature for downtown Paris providing shade and helping to cool the air and reduce the "urban heat island" effect. Trees help to improve air quality and prevent flooding by intercepting rainfall, slowing it down and absorbing it in the soil. Trees make downtowns more aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable, encouraging physical activity and social interaction. Tree canopies can also help muffle urban noise and are often associated with higher property values.

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

The Downtown Dig is truly taking shape and work is continuing to progress well.

Current update

• Street light work conduit - 95% complete
• Hydro work:
  • vault work southeast of Grand River Street North and William St. - 100%
  • primary line - 95% complete
  • service connection to buildings - 30% complete (this is continuing to go slower than expected)
• Road base gravel placement - 90% complete
• East side curb - 95% complete
• Landscaping:
  • soil cells - 100%
  • planter box - 40%

Next two (2) weeks

• Street light work continues. Slight delay with the delivery of the street light poles. Installation on the west side of Grand River Street North is expected shortly.
• Hydro work:
  • primary line work continues
  • service connections to buildings continues
• Road work:
  • road base gravel to be completed
  • base asphalt paving to commence
• Sidewalk and amenity space
  • the sidewalk on the east side is expected to commence
  • brick work to commence
• Landscaping
  • planter box continues

Re-openings

The Contractor is working hard to ensure the area south of Cobblestone Commons will be fully completed including street scaping by November 7, 2025. This will allow the public to observe the Remembrance Day service at the Paris Cenotaph. This will include the re-opening of:

• the Nith River Bridge,
• the Mechanic Street and Grand River Street North intersection.

As well, the Contractor is continuing to push to complete as much work as possible (weather depending). The plan is to demobilize from the site prior to Jingle Bell Night on November 21, 2025. This will allow the re-opening of Grand River Street North. As planned, additional work will remain to be completed in the spring/early summer of 2026 on Grand River Street North. More information about the 2026 plans will be shared in future as they are confirmed.

Again, thank you for your patience as beautiful downtown Paris is re-constructed! Please shop local and support our local businesses!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

Exciting things are happening in Downtown Paris! Visit the downtown as things take shape.

What’s happening downtown?

This week:

• Hydro service connections began on the east side of Grand River Street North, south of Cobblestone Commons.
• Hydro work will continue at the corner of William Street and Grand River Street North to pull the hydro around the corner to continue service connections.
• Preparation for streetlights continue.
• Planters are being installed on the west side of Grand River Street North and concrete underlay for brick work continues.
• Preparation for curb installation on the east side of Grand River Street North has begun.

Next week:

• Planter and concrete underlay for the brick work will continue.
• The curb will be poured on the east side of Grand River Street North.
• The sidewalk south of Cobblestone Commons on the east side of Grand River Street North will be poured.
• Work will be heavily focused on the area south of Cobblestone Commons.

Delivery of streets lights is expected the week of October 27, 2025.

Shop local

Visit the downtown to shop local, support businesses, and cheer on the contractors as the new downtown takes shape!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

Things are happening in Downtown Paris - the Dig continues!

Accomplishments from the last two (2) weeks include:

• Street light conduit - 95%
• Hydro primary line - 95%
• Cobblestone Commons investigation for hydro - 100% complete
• Road base gravel placement - 85% complete
• West side curb - 100% complete
• Landscaping - 20% complete

Anticipated work over the next two (2) weeks include:

• Street light work continues
  • Street light poles on west side are expected to arrive shortly and will be installed
• Hydro
  • Primary line work continues
  • Vault work southeast of Grand River Street North and William Street to be completed
  • Service line connecting to businesses to commence October 14, 2025
• Landscaping to continue
  • West side planter box to commence
• Curb installation on east side to commence
• Removal of the existing sidewalk on the east side continues

Thank you for your continued patience! Please continue to support our community by shopping and supporting local!

Follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

New developments this week include:

Strip Drain

The strip drain was installed on the west side of the street. The purpose of this drain is to collect and quickly remove excess water from the surface to prevent flooding, pooling, and structural damage. It is a linear drainage system, often used in modern indoor and outdoor areas, that intercepts water and channels it to an outlet.

Roll Over Curb

As well, the installation of the curb along the west side of the street has started. The curb will be a roll over curb. A roll over curb is sloped and creates a gradual transition between the sidewalk and street, enabling people using mobility devices like wheelchairs or strollers to pass over the curb smoothly without getting stuck. It provides improved accessibility, making public spaces accessible to a wider population, including people with disabilities, seniors, parents with strollers, and even luggage carriers.

Cobblestone Commons

Finally, the hydro work required in the Cobblestone Commons area may be more extensive than originally anticipated. The Contractors will work to maintain some access but at times, access may be temporarily restricted.

Shop Local

As always, shop local as we near the holiday season and support local businesses!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more on this page
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

Progress is happening! The sidewalk on the west side of Grand River Street North is fully installed and open to the public!

The sidewalk on the east side of the street will be installed once hydro servicing is complete. We will keep you informed.

Notable accomplishments and statuses:

• West side sidewalk - 100% complete
• West side foundation repairs - 100% complete
• County conduit for future fibre - 100% complete
• Hydro primary duct line - 80% complete (Hydro 60% overall)
• Road base gravel placement - 80% complete
• Street light conduit - 50% complete
• West side landscaping - 50% complete

In the coming weeks, hydro servicing, streetlight work, and landscaping will continue.

We want to thank everyone who supported Downtown Paris BIA’s Block Party last week! It was a great success! Please continue to shop and dine local to support businesses.

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more on this page
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

Crews are installing Silva Cells in sidewalk and planter box areas as part of the Downtown Dig reconstruction. Silva Cells support healthy tree growth and help manage stormwater, on site.

Improved Stormwater Management

Serving a dual purpose, Silva Cells are a stormwater management feature that also supports tree growth.

• Are a Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management feature that act as a bioretention system under pavement. They promote groundwater infiltration and filter pollutants through the soil and root uptake.
• They promote groundwater infiltration which reduces runoff during rainfall events.
• They assist in stormwater management in tight urban spaces because their modular structure fits under sidewalks and planters without needing large surface basins.

For more information on stormwater management in the County, please visit brant.ca/Stormwater.

Supporting the County’s Climate Action Plan

The County’s Climate Action Plan, approved in late 2024, outlines the need to adapt to our changing climate and promote environmental sustainability.

Silva Cells support those targets by

• supporting green infrastructure that handles water naturally, promotes stormwater infiltration and improves resilience
• enhancing the growth and longevity of the trees to be planted downtown and supports the goal of planning 55,000 trees by 2035 on public and private lands
• Adding trees downtown offers many benefits – they will help reduce the urban heat island effect and keep downtown cool with natural shade, while improving air quality by sequestering carbon.

For more information on Climate Action in the County, please visit brant.ca/ClimateAction.

Thank you for your patience as these important upgrades are made and construction continues.

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

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more on this page
✔ Visit www.brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at www.municipal511.ca.

We’re moving into the final stages of Phase 2a and 2b of the Downtown Dig! Much of the major infrastructure work is now complete, and crews are focusing on finishing touches that will bring us closer to a renewed and revitalized downtown.

Work done the past two weeks

• Sanitary sewer services to buildings 100% complete
• Remaining catchbasin installations and storm sewer system 100% complete
• Bell works 100% complete
• Foundation restoration 98% complete, surface parging remains
• Other identified foundation repairs ongoing
• Lisa's Way walkway restored, planter box area remains
• Excavation for road base 100% complete
• Road base gravel placement 50% complete
• Landscaping work has commenced
• Streetlight conduit installation has commenced
• Hydro works Ongoing

Next 2 weeks

• Hydro works continue
• Landscaping works continue
• Streetlight conduit installation continues
• Foundation restoration work will be complete
• Other identified foundation repairs will be complete
• Curb installation to commence
• Sidewalk installation to commence.

Thank you to our residents, businesses, and visitors for your continued patience and support throughout this project — the end result is just around the corner!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more on this page
✔ Visit www.brant,ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at www.municipal511.ca.

Lisa’s Way walkway in Downtown Paris, located between BMO and the County of Brant Customer Service Office, is tentatively scheduled to close for concrete walkway installation from Wednesday, September 3 to Friday, September 5, 2025 (weather permitting). Updates will be shared as they become available.

Pedestrian through access from the parking lot to Grand River Street North between 66 and 68 Grand River Street North will be unavailable.

Detour signage to/from Grand River Street North will be posted. County of Brant public washrooms will remain open.

Please use alternate routes to access Downtown:

• Mechanic Street
• William Street
• Accessible access available via Rexall

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to build a better Downtown Paris, Ontario!

To learn more about the Downtown Dig, or view the Downtown Paris Business Directory, visit brant.ca/DowntownDig