FAQs

The Downtown Paris Master Plan is a long-term strategy to modernize infrastructure and improve public spaces while enhancing the look and feel of the downtown area. It guides reconstruction efforts with input from businesses and residents to reshape the core in a way that balances traffic, parking, and public access.

The plan was initiated in 2017 to address the need for infrastructure upgrades, including water, stormwater, and sanitary systems. The County hosted design workshops (charrettes) throughout 2018-2019 to gather public input on issues like parking, storefronts, and pedestrian safety. The final plan was approved in 2019, but implementation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The infrastructure in downtown Paris is outdated. Some pipes are over 60 years old and too small for current needs. The plan also presents an opportunity to improve streets, sidewalks, and business spaces during the necessary reconstruction.

Construction will begin in 2025 and continue in phases over four years. The first phase will focus on Grand River Street North, with completion expected by spring 2026. Keeping in mind that each street will have its own timeline through to 2029.

The reconstruction will proceed over several phases:

• 2025/2026: Grand River Street North (from Nith River to William Street)
• 2026: Mechanic Street
• 2027: Grand River Street South (from Dumfries Street to Nith River)
• 2028: William and Broadway Streets
• 2029/2030: Grand River Street North (from William to Silver Street)

The plan replaces angled parking on Grand River Street North with parallel parking to create wider sidewalks and more space for pedestrians. The County has or will add 117 parking spaces in downtown since approval of Master Plan in 2019 (71 spaces to former OPP Station site in 2022, 46 spaces in temporary parking lot behind Wincey Mills). The County is also considering parking trackers and signage to improve access to available spaces.

Yes, the plan includes additional 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.

The updated downtown design will feature:

• New benches, planters, and street furniture
• Decorative paths and interpretive signage reflecting the area’s history
• Street trees and planting beds to beautify public spaces
• Consistent styles for furnishings and lighting throughout the core
• Raising streets and sidewalks to improve accessibility to buildings

Pedestrian safety is a key priority. Wider sidewalks and raised street levels will align with building entrances for better accessibility. Crossings will be designed to improve visibility, and parallel parking will create safer spaces for pedestrians by reducing vehicle-dominated areas.

Yes, businesses will remain open throughout construction. The County will coordinate detours and pedestrian access to minimize disruptions. Business owners will have direct contacts for updates and support.

The County is committed to working closely with businesses to minimize disruptions. This includes:

• A Construction Liaison, pending Council budget approval, to provide direct communication between businesses and the County
• Offering delivery and logistics support
• Developing business resource plans and communication strategies
• Providing free window washing services

• Parallel parking was chosen over angled parking on Grand River Street North to improve safety, create a more walkable downtown, and provide space for businesses and seating areas.
• A mini-roundabout planned for Mechanic Street was removed due to space limitations.
• A parking structure was initially proposed for Broadway Street West but concerns about accessibility and business impacts led to reconsideration. The County is still exploring other locations for a potential structure to ensure there is enough parking supply downtown.

Improving river access was a top priority from public consultations. Proposed plans include new pathways to connect the Nith River Bridge with West River Street and the Lions Park pedestrian bridge. These improvements align with the Paris Flood Mitigation Strategy to ensure safe, sustainable connections to the rivers.