Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

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Scroll down to learn more about the project, stay up-to-date with the project's news feed including ways to engage and more!


Big changes are coming to Paris in 2025 with the Downtown Dig! This once-in-a-lifetime project will replace essential infrastructure like water, sewer, and utilities.

While construction will be challenging for residents and businesses, the end result will be a more vibrant, accessible and functional downtown Paris for decades to come. Together we can keep our community strong. Remember to Shop Local and support our downtown businesses throughout the transformation!

Background

In 2025, downtown Paris on Grand River Street

Scroll down to learn more about the project, stay up-to-date with the project's news feed including ways to engage and more!


Big changes are coming to Paris in 2025 with the Downtown Dig! This once-in-a-lifetime project will replace essential infrastructure like water, sewer, and utilities.

While construction will be challenging for residents and businesses, the end result will be a more vibrant, accessible and functional downtown Paris for decades to come. Together we can keep our community strong. Remember to Shop Local and support our downtown businesses throughout the transformation!

Background

In 2025, downtown Paris on Grand River Street North will undergo major reconstruction. This level of construction in a downtown occurs every 75-100 years. It 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.

Reconstruction includes NEW:

  • Infrastructure (water, sewers) and upgraded utilities (gas, electrical etc.) under the roads
  • Road construction
  • Sidewalks (widened)
  • Streetscape such as lamp posts, benches, trees
  • Accessibility features
  • Digital features
  • Climate resiliency

The downtown angled parking will be converted to parallel parking. The Downtown Paris Master Plan included a parking structure in the municipal lot by Council Chambers. This plan is being re-formulated.

“The Downtown Dig” will affect:

  • West River Street (Mechanic Street to Broadway Street West) - 2024/2025
  • Grand River Street North between the Nith River Bridge and north of William Street - 2025/2026
  • Mechanic Street from Grand River Street North to West River Street (full underground replacement and street scaping) - 2026
  • Grand River Street South from Nith River Bridge to Dumfries Street intersection (full underground replacement and roundabout*) – 2027
  • Broadway Street West from Mechanic Street to William Street, and William Street from Broadway Street to Grand River Street North - 2028
  • Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers (future date pending)

*Proposed location, additional design work will be done to ensure suitability.

For more information on The Downtown Dig, we also invite you to visit www.brant.ca/TheDowntownDig.

FAQs

We have included a list of other frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have about the project.

Support for businesses:

The County of Brant is committed to working closely with downtown businesses before and during the construction. The Downtown Paris BIA Management Board has voiced their support for the downtown revitalization noting it may be a challenging business year but the lasting result will be worth it to ensure a thriving downtown for the future. The County of Brant and Downtown Paris BIA will encourage residents to “Shop Local” and support the downtown businesses. Several events will be planned to engage the community and businesses during the construction.

Businesses are invited to learn more about this project and provide feedback through the Business Downtown Dig Engage page.

Stay Informed

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  • Downtown Dig Progress Update - July 4

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    Downtown Dig Construction Update – Grand River Street North

    Here’s what’s been completed in the last 2 Weeks of the Dig:

    • Sanitary sewer main (South of William Street) – 100% complete
    • Watermain (South of William Street) – 50% complete
    • Temporary asphalt placed for pedestrian access at William Street & Grand River Street North
    • Uneven sidewalks patched
    • Pedestrian access walkways continue to shift due to the construction taking place. A pedestrian access walkway across Grand River Street North will be available north of Mechanic Street for the weekend.

    What’s coming up next:

    • Continued watermain installation (South of William Street)
    • Stormwater main installation and private servicing to follow

    Details are subject to change due to weather or other factors. Please continue to follow us for updates.

    Thank you for your patience as we improve infrastructure in the area. Please follow posted signage and stay safe around construction zones.

    As always, we remind the public that downtown businesses remain open during construction. Please continue to shop local and show your support. Follow 'Downtown Paris Ontario' on Facebook and Instagram for events and activities taking place this summer!

    To learn more about the Downtown Dig, visit www.brant.ca/DowntownDig.


  • Downtown Dig Progress Update - June 19

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    Here’s what’s been happening over the past 2 weeks in Downtown Paris:
    • Oil and Grit Separator has been fully installed
    • Sanitary sewer main system (south of William St): 3/4 complete
    • Water main system (south of William St): 1/5 complete
    Coming up next:
    • Sanitary main work expected to wrap up by the end of next week (weather permitting)
    • Storm main system installation will follow
    • Water main work will continue, with service connections to follow shortly after
    For the services listed above this does not include the individual service connections to properties. These will be done at a later date.
    The Navacon team will be offsite tomorrow (June 20) for required training and will not be onsite Monday, June 30 as several Canada Day celebrations take place in Downtown Paris! Be sure to follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instgram for project updates, highlights and more Also follow Downtown Paris, Ontario to learn more about the exciting events planned.
    Thank you for your continued patience and support during the Downtown Dig! To learn more about the Dig visit brant.ca/DowntownDig

  • Phase 2b Scheduling, Parking, and Downtown Access

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    Phase 2b of the Downtown Dig will begin on Thursday, June 5. Here’s what you need to know:


    Construction Phases

    Phase 2b – starting June 5:

    Work will take place on Grand River Street North, from Mechanic Street to the Nith River Bridge, starting Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 a.m.

    • Vehicle access on Grand River Street North from the Nith River Bridge will be closed during this phase.
    • Access to Broadway Street and Mechanic Street will remain open for local traffic, including access to businesses and parking lots.
    • Timeline information for Phase 2b will be shared as it becomes available.

    Phase 2a:

    Work on Grand River Street North between William Street and Mechanic Street began on May 5. This section will remain closed to vehicle traffic throughout the 2025 construction period.

    Signage will be placed at key locations to assist with navigation.

    Pedestrian routes will be maintained but may shift based on construction activity. Please watch for signage.

    Timelines are subject to change. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.

    Parking Notice

    • 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 work progresses.
    • Parking Lot #3, located south of the Cenotaph, will be closed to the public and used as a staging area for the contractor for the 2025 construction season.
    • Parking will also experience minimal impacts on Mechanic Street during Phase 2b.

    Detour Routes

    To minimize disruptions and maintain business access, detour routes have been planned:

    • For southwest Paris and Highway 403 access from north Paris:
      Use the West Paris Bypass Route (highlighted in green on the detour map):
      Silver Street → Keg Lane → Brant-Oxford Road → Puttown Road → King Edward Street
    • For local and downtown traffic:
      Use the in-town detour route (highlighted in purple on the detour map):
      King Edward Street → Dundas Street West/East → Willow Street → William Street


    County staff will monitor detour routes throughout the construction period. Traffic calming measures will be implemented at key locations to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Emergency and Protective Services have implemented plans to ensure adequate emergency service coverage in north Paris.

    Stay informed about the Downtown Dig and Support Local:


    We appreciate your patience and support as we build a better downtown Paris!


  • Pedestrian Notice – Crosswalk Closure

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    Please be advised that the crosswalk located outside of the County of Brant office, crossing Grand River Street North, will be temporarily closed to pedestrians over the next couple of weeks due to ongoing construction. The crosswalk will be open on the weekends. Please plan your routes accordingly.

    Pedestrian access to downtown via Lisa’s Way—the walkway between BMO and the County office—remains open.

    We kindly ask all pedestrians to follow posted signage while travelling through the area. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

    Local businesses are still open and ready to serve you during the Dig — your support matters!

    We appreciate your patience and support as we build a better downtown Paris!

  • May 12, 2025 - The Downtown Dig is officially underway!

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    This morning, crews began asphalt excavation on Grand River Street North, just north of the midblock crossing.

    👷‍♂️ Progress is happening — and we’re excited to take this next step toward a better, more beautiful downtown!

    ✅ Don’t forget: local businesses are still open and ready to serve you during the Dig!

    Stay connected and informed


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

  • Road Closure Notice for May 8 at 7 am

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    Please be advised that Grand River Street North, between William Street and Mechanic Street will be closing tomorrow, Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 7:00 am, for Phase 2a of construction of the Downtown Dig.

    We remind the public that vehicle access will be closed in this area throughout Phase 2.


    A few important reminders

    • Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the Downtown Dig – signage will be placed throughout downtown to help you navigate during construction
    • 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 traveling through construction zones


    Stay connected and informed


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

  • Road Closure Notice Update – Downtown Dig Phase 2a

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    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!

  • Thank you for attending the Downtown Dig Open House on April 3, 2025!

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    A huge thank you to all the residents and business owners who attended our Downtown Dig Open House last night, Wednesday, April 3!
    Your engagement, questions, and feedback are invaluable as we work together to improve our downtown core. We greatly appreciate your time and interest.

  • The Downtown Dig April Update and Open House Tonight

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    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.

  • Phase 1: West River Street Reconstruction Begins April 7, 2025

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    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.

Page last updated: 04 Jul 2025, 05:35 PM