The New Features in Downtown Paris!

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.