Silva Cells Being Installed for Trees and Planters

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.

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