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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Questions about The Downtown Dig?

County of Brant Staff aim to maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue with the public through all forms of communication. We understand and appreciate that people will have differing opinions and concerns, and welcome all feedback, questions, and comments in a respectful and constructive manner.

Please ask your question below. We will do our best to respond within 3 business days.

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  • Share Good afternoon, I was just wondering when Phase 2C os set to begin? I've been checking online for updates but haven't seen anything. on Facebook Share Good afternoon, I was just wondering when Phase 2C os set to begin? I've been checking online for updates but haven't seen anything. on Twitter Share Good afternoon, I was just wondering when Phase 2C os set to begin? I've been checking online for updates but haven't seen anything. on Linkedin Email Good afternoon, I was just wondering when Phase 2C os set to begin? I've been checking online for updates but haven't seen anything. link

    Good afternoon, I was just wondering when Phase 2C os set to begin? I've been checking online for updates but haven't seen anything.

    AG asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Phase 2C includes William Street/Grand River Street North intersection and north of the intersection on Grand River Street North. This proposed work is tentatively scheduled to occur in 2026. More information will be shared with the community as construction plans are solidified which we expect will occur by November.

  • Share Will the power lines behind the LCBO, the Royal and Wincey Mills be buried as part of the Big Dig when Mechanic Street’s buried services are worked on? on Facebook Share Will the power lines behind the LCBO, the Royal and Wincey Mills be buried as part of the Big Dig when Mechanic Street’s buried services are worked on? on Twitter Share Will the power lines behind the LCBO, the Royal and Wincey Mills be buried as part of the Big Dig when Mechanic Street’s buried services are worked on? on Linkedin Email Will the power lines behind the LCBO, the Royal and Wincey Mills be buried as part of the Big Dig when Mechanic Street’s buried services are worked on? link

    Will the power lines behind the LCBO, the Royal and Wincey Mills be buried as part of the Big Dig when Mechanic Street’s buried services are worked on?

    Bruce01 asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The power lines behind these buildings are a part of GrandBridge's infrastructure, and as there are currently no underground services for buildings along this portion of Mechanic Street, they will remain in service.

  • Share "The County’s Transportation Master Plan recommends a route for north-south bicycle traffic through the downtown area that focuses on Broadway Street to avoid formal bike lanes on Grand River Street North between William Street and Silver Street." Broadway street is fine for cycling, however Grand River St S where Dumfries st splits off is a hazard for cyclists. It's uphill, cars are impatient, there is no room, nor on the sidewalk. (not wide enough to even walk a bicycle past oncoming foot traffic) Hence we take a detour to Curtis Ave to end up at William st. Hopefully you can 'fix' that junction somehow. At the other end, we have to use the sidewalk to get from St George St to PDHS. Can you not at least install bike lanes in front of the school? There is a whole 'discarded' southbound lane currently that cars illegally use to get around left turning traffic into St Patrick st. Same at the school bus entry to PDHS which is often congested in the morning. on Facebook Share "The County’s Transportation Master Plan recommends a route for north-south bicycle traffic through the downtown area that focuses on Broadway Street to avoid formal bike lanes on Grand River Street North between William Street and Silver Street." Broadway street is fine for cycling, however Grand River St S where Dumfries st splits off is a hazard for cyclists. It's uphill, cars are impatient, there is no room, nor on the sidewalk. (not wide enough to even walk a bicycle past oncoming foot traffic) Hence we take a detour to Curtis Ave to end up at William st. Hopefully you can 'fix' that junction somehow. At the other end, we have to use the sidewalk to get from St George St to PDHS. Can you not at least install bike lanes in front of the school? There is a whole 'discarded' southbound lane currently that cars illegally use to get around left turning traffic into St Patrick st. Same at the school bus entry to PDHS which is often congested in the morning. on Twitter Share "The County’s Transportation Master Plan recommends a route for north-south bicycle traffic through the downtown area that focuses on Broadway Street to avoid formal bike lanes on Grand River Street North between William Street and Silver Street." Broadway street is fine for cycling, however Grand River St S where Dumfries st splits off is a hazard for cyclists. It's uphill, cars are impatient, there is no room, nor on the sidewalk. (not wide enough to even walk a bicycle past oncoming foot traffic) Hence we take a detour to Curtis Ave to end up at William st. Hopefully you can 'fix' that junction somehow. At the other end, we have to use the sidewalk to get from St George St to PDHS. Can you not at least install bike lanes in front of the school? There is a whole 'discarded' southbound lane currently that cars illegally use to get around left turning traffic into St Patrick st. Same at the school bus entry to PDHS which is often congested in the morning. on Linkedin Email "The County’s Transportation Master Plan recommends a route for north-south bicycle traffic through the downtown area that focuses on Broadway Street to avoid formal bike lanes on Grand River Street North between William Street and Silver Street." Broadway street is fine for cycling, however Grand River St S where Dumfries st splits off is a hazard for cyclists. It's uphill, cars are impatient, there is no room, nor on the sidewalk. (not wide enough to even walk a bicycle past oncoming foot traffic) Hence we take a detour to Curtis Ave to end up at William st. Hopefully you can 'fix' that junction somehow. At the other end, we have to use the sidewalk to get from St George St to PDHS. Can you not at least install bike lanes in front of the school? There is a whole 'discarded' southbound lane currently that cars illegally use to get around left turning traffic into St Patrick st. Same at the school bus entry to PDHS which is often congested in the morning. link

    "The County’s Transportation Master Plan recommends a route for north-south bicycle traffic through the downtown area that focuses on Broadway Street to avoid formal bike lanes on Grand River Street North between William Street and Silver Street." Broadway street is fine for cycling, however Grand River St S where Dumfries st splits off is a hazard for cyclists. It's uphill, cars are impatient, there is no room, nor on the sidewalk. (not wide enough to even walk a bicycle past oncoming foot traffic) Hence we take a detour to Curtis Ave to end up at William st. Hopefully you can 'fix' that junction somehow. At the other end, we have to use the sidewalk to get from St George St to PDHS. Can you not at least install bike lanes in front of the school? There is a whole 'discarded' southbound lane currently that cars illegally use to get around left turning traffic into St Patrick st. Same at the school bus entry to PDHS which is often congested in the morning.

    SvennoJ asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your feedback and additional question. The bike lanes in front of Paris District High School are outside of this project and will be evaluated at a future date.

  • Share Have cobblestone roads been considered in the design process? I understand the cost requirements of this would likely be increased, but I think it would create a unique feel to our downtown core. on Facebook Share Have cobblestone roads been considered in the design process? I understand the cost requirements of this would likely be increased, but I think it would create a unique feel to our downtown core. on Twitter Share Have cobblestone roads been considered in the design process? I understand the cost requirements of this would likely be increased, but I think it would create a unique feel to our downtown core. on Linkedin Email Have cobblestone roads been considered in the design process? I understand the cost requirements of this would likely be increased, but I think it would create a unique feel to our downtown core. link

    Have cobblestone roads been considered in the design process? I understand the cost requirements of this would likely be increased, but I think it would create a unique feel to our downtown core.

    jessecarreau asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. While we agree cobblestone streets would provide a unique feel to the downtown, the focus has been on increasing accessibility and reducing potential tripping and slipping hazards. We are fortunate to have several features that highlight Paris as the cobblestone capital of Canada, that said, a cobblestone roadway is not under consideration.

     

  • Share Hello, I’ve cast my vote for the streetlights, benches and bike racks. Just a word of advice re the lights, there all great options; however, consider that the glass will need to be cleaned frequently which will be costly, not to mention they won’t look nice w all the dead bugs ;-) on Facebook Share Hello, I’ve cast my vote for the streetlights, benches and bike racks. Just a word of advice re the lights, there all great options; however, consider that the glass will need to be cleaned frequently which will be costly, not to mention they won’t look nice w all the dead bugs ;-) on Twitter Share Hello, I’ve cast my vote for the streetlights, benches and bike racks. Just a word of advice re the lights, there all great options; however, consider that the glass will need to be cleaned frequently which will be costly, not to mention they won’t look nice w all the dead bugs ;-) on Linkedin Email Hello, I’ve cast my vote for the streetlights, benches and bike racks. Just a word of advice re the lights, there all great options; however, consider that the glass will need to be cleaned frequently which will be costly, not to mention they won’t look nice w all the dead bugs ;-) link

    Hello, I’ve cast my vote for the streetlights, benches and bike racks. Just a word of advice re the lights, there all great options; however, consider that the glass will need to be cleaned frequently which will be costly, not to mention they won’t look nice w all the dead bugs ;-)

    Tonigrier asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your feedback. In addition to the reconstruction, we will be evaluating new operational measures to maintain the new features in downtown Paris including cleaning up the streetlights on a more regular basis.

  • Share I see places for bicycle parking, but no bike lanes planned? Where are cyclist supposed to go, stay in traffic as now (with the risk of 'getting doored' with parallel parking) or go on the widened sidewalk? Are there plans for bicycle lanes on Grand River St to PDHS? As well as Grand River St S at the Wendy's general store? We're taking quite a detour now to get to PDHS every morning (Dundas, Curtis, William to avoid Grand River St S corner at Wendy's general store where we almost got hit a few times, Broadway, Helen, Banfield, Baird to avoid Grand River St in the morning) on Facebook Share I see places for bicycle parking, but no bike lanes planned? Where are cyclist supposed to go, stay in traffic as now (with the risk of 'getting doored' with parallel parking) or go on the widened sidewalk? Are there plans for bicycle lanes on Grand River St to PDHS? As well as Grand River St S at the Wendy's general store? We're taking quite a detour now to get to PDHS every morning (Dundas, Curtis, William to avoid Grand River St S corner at Wendy's general store where we almost got hit a few times, Broadway, Helen, Banfield, Baird to avoid Grand River St in the morning) on Twitter Share I see places for bicycle parking, but no bike lanes planned? Where are cyclist supposed to go, stay in traffic as now (with the risk of 'getting doored' with parallel parking) or go on the widened sidewalk? Are there plans for bicycle lanes on Grand River St to PDHS? As well as Grand River St S at the Wendy's general store? We're taking quite a detour now to get to PDHS every morning (Dundas, Curtis, William to avoid Grand River St S corner at Wendy's general store where we almost got hit a few times, Broadway, Helen, Banfield, Baird to avoid Grand River St in the morning) on Linkedin Email I see places for bicycle parking, but no bike lanes planned? Where are cyclist supposed to go, stay in traffic as now (with the risk of 'getting doored' with parallel parking) or go on the widened sidewalk? Are there plans for bicycle lanes on Grand River St to PDHS? As well as Grand River St S at the Wendy's general store? We're taking quite a detour now to get to PDHS every morning (Dundas, Curtis, William to avoid Grand River St S corner at Wendy's general store where we almost got hit a few times, Broadway, Helen, Banfield, Baird to avoid Grand River St in the morning) link

    I see places for bicycle parking, but no bike lanes planned? Where are cyclist supposed to go, stay in traffic as now (with the risk of 'getting doored' with parallel parking) or go on the widened sidewalk? Are there plans for bicycle lanes on Grand River St to PDHS? As well as Grand River St S at the Wendy's general store? We're taking quite a detour now to get to PDHS every morning (Dundas, Curtis, William to avoid Grand River St S corner at Wendy's general store where we almost got hit a few times, Broadway, Helen, Banfield, Baird to avoid Grand River St in the morning)

    SvennoJ asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The County’s Transportation Master Plan recommends a route for north-south bicycle traffic through the downtown area that focuses on Broadway Street to avoid formal bike lanes on Grand River Street North between William Street and Silver Street. The limited amount of public space between the buildings on Grand River Street North through the downtown prevented the County from installing bike lanes, and the Transportation Master Plan contemplates a shared use of the road between vehicles and bicycles.

  • Share Is the design team aware of Enbridge Gas’ intentions to relocate all meters from existing basement locations to the sidewalks in front of each building. The white marks are now spray painted on the concrete. Each meter will require protection and that will project further outward. Coincidentally the other day a car hit one building on Mechanic Street after the driver lost control. The impact was exactly where the meter will be. This plan flies in the face of your planned improvements of esthetics for the street and will be a hazard. on Facebook Share Is the design team aware of Enbridge Gas’ intentions to relocate all meters from existing basement locations to the sidewalks in front of each building. The white marks are now spray painted on the concrete. Each meter will require protection and that will project further outward. Coincidentally the other day a car hit one building on Mechanic Street after the driver lost control. The impact was exactly where the meter will be. This plan flies in the face of your planned improvements of esthetics for the street and will be a hazard. on Twitter Share Is the design team aware of Enbridge Gas’ intentions to relocate all meters from existing basement locations to the sidewalks in front of each building. The white marks are now spray painted on the concrete. Each meter will require protection and that will project further outward. Coincidentally the other day a car hit one building on Mechanic Street after the driver lost control. The impact was exactly where the meter will be. This plan flies in the face of your planned improvements of esthetics for the street and will be a hazard. on Linkedin Email Is the design team aware of Enbridge Gas’ intentions to relocate all meters from existing basement locations to the sidewalks in front of each building. The white marks are now spray painted on the concrete. Each meter will require protection and that will project further outward. Coincidentally the other day a car hit one building on Mechanic Street after the driver lost control. The impact was exactly where the meter will be. This plan flies in the face of your planned improvements of esthetics for the street and will be a hazard. link

    Is the design team aware of Enbridge Gas’ intentions to relocate all meters from existing basement locations to the sidewalks in front of each building. The white marks are now spray painted on the concrete. Each meter will require protection and that will project further outward. Coincidentally the other day a car hit one building on Mechanic Street after the driver lost control. The impact was exactly where the meter will be. This plan flies in the face of your planned improvements of esthetics for the street and will be a hazard.

    Bruce01 asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. Yes, the County has been in constant contact with Enbridge, the natural gas provider for this area. These changes will fulfil Enbridge’s requirements under CSA standards (Z662 – Section 12) that have been amended since the last major reconstruction of downtown, which require measures designed to mitigate an uncontrolled release of gas within a building by relocating the regulator to the exterior. This approach is also consistent with reconstruction projects conducted in other historic downtowns, and the County is working with Enbridge to determine ways to minimize the impact of the exterior regulators, including more visually appealing safety shrouds, while ensuring they fulfil their obligations to CSA safety standards.  

  • Share This is partially related to the changes of downtown, but is there any communication or plans of having a bus system in town? Making a more connected and accessible town means less car-centric, and with Paris growing so much, having another way to get around is incredibly important. People want more parking because that’s the only way to get around without buses and bike lanes, so incorporating at least some public transportation that isn’t the Brant Transit (another car) is very important. Apart from this, this project seems like a good plan. on Facebook Share This is partially related to the changes of downtown, but is there any communication or plans of having a bus system in town? Making a more connected and accessible town means less car-centric, and with Paris growing so much, having another way to get around is incredibly important. People want more parking because that’s the only way to get around without buses and bike lanes, so incorporating at least some public transportation that isn’t the Brant Transit (another car) is very important. Apart from this, this project seems like a good plan. on Twitter Share This is partially related to the changes of downtown, but is there any communication or plans of having a bus system in town? Making a more connected and accessible town means less car-centric, and with Paris growing so much, having another way to get around is incredibly important. People want more parking because that’s the only way to get around without buses and bike lanes, so incorporating at least some public transportation that isn’t the Brant Transit (another car) is very important. Apart from this, this project seems like a good plan. on Linkedin Email This is partially related to the changes of downtown, but is there any communication or plans of having a bus system in town? Making a more connected and accessible town means less car-centric, and with Paris growing so much, having another way to get around is incredibly important. People want more parking because that’s the only way to get around without buses and bike lanes, so incorporating at least some public transportation that isn’t the Brant Transit (another car) is very important. Apart from this, this project seems like a good plan. link

    This is partially related to the changes of downtown, but is there any communication or plans of having a bus system in town? Making a more connected and accessible town means less car-centric, and with Paris growing so much, having another way to get around is incredibly important. People want more parking because that’s the only way to get around without buses and bike lanes, so incorporating at least some public transportation that isn’t the Brant Transit (another car) is very important. Apart from this, this project seems like a good plan.

    Greyson asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The County is unique in providing a fully funded, curb-to-curb public transportation service, as many small / medium rural municipalities either do not offer transit, do not offer curb-to-curb and / or do not fund the service, making it reliant on grants. As there continues to be demand for enhanced public transportation services in the County of Brant, County staff have been directed to explore options for fixed route and specialized transit, for Council’s consideration as part of future budget deliberations.

  • Share It says there will be a closure from the Nith River bridge to north of William St. How will people get from east Paris (Willow, Walnut etc.) to the North end? Will some access be made available? on Facebook Share It says there will be a closure from the Nith River bridge to north of William St. How will people get from east Paris (Willow, Walnut etc.) to the North end? Will some access be made available? on Twitter Share It says there will be a closure from the Nith River bridge to north of William St. How will people get from east Paris (Willow, Walnut etc.) to the North end? Will some access be made available? on Linkedin Email It says there will be a closure from the Nith River bridge to north of William St. How will people get from east Paris (Willow, Walnut etc.) to the North end? Will some access be made available? link

    It says there will be a closure from the Nith River bridge to north of William St. How will people get from east Paris (Willow, Walnut etc.) to the North end? Will some access be made available?

    Gregg Thomad asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The construction schedule will be finalized once the contractor is selected in early 2025, but in short, the closures are expected to occur in the following order:

    1. The portion between the Nith River Bridge and Mechanic Street will be closed to traffic prior to closure of the portion between William St and Mechanic St. 
    2. Following the completion and reopening of the portion between the Nith River Bridge and Mechanic St, the main portion of the roadway between Mechanic St. and William St. will be closed to vehicular traffic to facilitate a quicker construction period. 
    3. During the period where construction will occur in, and north of, the intersection of Grand River St N and William St., lane closures will occur but not a full closure. Finally, all closures will be phased so they will not occur at the same time. 
  • Share With the new construction in downtown Paris, several on street parking spots will be lost. Mainly because of less spaces, but also many local drivers are unable to parallel park correctly. Also, through traffic will be held up due to drivers trying to parallel park. Would I it be possible to look at my suggestion of parallel parking on east side of street (river side) and angle parking on other side. thank you on Facebook Share With the new construction in downtown Paris, several on street parking spots will be lost. Mainly because of less spaces, but also many local drivers are unable to parallel park correctly. Also, through traffic will be held up due to drivers trying to parallel park. Would I it be possible to look at my suggestion of parallel parking on east side of street (river side) and angle parking on other side. thank you on Twitter Share With the new construction in downtown Paris, several on street parking spots will be lost. Mainly because of less spaces, but also many local drivers are unable to parallel park correctly. Also, through traffic will be held up due to drivers trying to parallel park. Would I it be possible to look at my suggestion of parallel parking on east side of street (river side) and angle parking on other side. thank you on Linkedin Email With the new construction in downtown Paris, several on street parking spots will be lost. Mainly because of less spaces, but also many local drivers are unable to parallel park correctly. Also, through traffic will be held up due to drivers trying to parallel park. Would I it be possible to look at my suggestion of parallel parking on east side of street (river side) and angle parking on other side. thank you link

    With the new construction in downtown Paris, several on street parking spots will be lost. Mainly because of less spaces, but also many local drivers are unable to parallel park correctly. Also, through traffic will be held up due to drivers trying to parallel park. Would I it be possible to look at my suggestion of parallel parking on east side of street (river side) and angle parking on other side. thank you

    ShirleyS asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The design incorporates best practices for accessibility and providing more space for pedestrians and business activity. 

    The parallel parking spaces provide a measure of short-term parking to continue on Grand River St. N. while providing the space for benches, bike racks, trees and planters to enhance the functionality of downtown Paris within a small amount of room to accommodate all uses. 

    The detailed design has been completed with parallel along both sides as we intend to improve traffic flow with defined turning lanes onto William Street. We also observe that angled parking currently backs up traffic as vehicles exit their parking space.

Page last updated: 25 Nov 2025, 04:04 PM