Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

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Big changes came to Paris in 2025 with the Downtown Dig! This once-in-a-lifetime project replaced essential infrastructure.

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 was converted to parallel parking. The Downtown Paris Master Plan included a parking structure in the municipal lot by Council Chambers. This plan is being

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 came to Paris in 2025 with the Downtown Dig! This once-in-a-lifetime project replaced essential infrastructure.

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 was 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.

While construction is challenging for residents and businesses, the end result is 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 (between the Nith River Bridge and William Street) underwent major reconstruction. This level of construction in a downtown occurs every 75-100 years. It included replacing critical major infrastructure which ensures the longevity of the thriving downtown for decades to come. The final result is beautiful, functional and accessible for all.

In 2026, the remaining work for the downtown on Grand River Street North will be completed. This will include finishing concrete and brick work, hydro servicing and adding the finishing touches such as new benches. The Grand River Street North and William Street intersection will also be fully re-constructed. Updates will be provided to the community in spring 2026 about detours and traffic impacts.

The Downtown Dig impact and timelines:

  • 2024, 2025: West River Street (Mechanic Street to Broadway Street West)
  • 2025, 2026: Grand River Street North (between the Nith River Bridge and north of William Street)
  • 2027-2029: Mechanic Street (between Grand River Street North to West River Street) - full underground replacement and street scaping
  • 2027-2029: Broadway Street West (between Mechanic Street to William Street)
  • 2027-2029: William Street (between Broadway Street to Grand River Street North)
  • Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers (future update 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 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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  • Hi my question is concerning garden areas and planter boxes. I am wondering if you would consider using native plants? I would like to be involved if possible. Native plants require no fertilizers, less maintenance, less water. More importantly they are very attractive to pollinators. Thanks

    Ra1962 asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your comment. The County of Brant is currently designing the downtown gardens.  We intend to incorporate native trees, shrubs, and perennials into a low maintenance design.

    We regularly work with groups such as the Paris Horticulture Club and Grand Erie Master Gardeners for horticulture related input.  If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to one of these groups who have expressed similar design ideas.  Many thanks for your interest!  

  • 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 7 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.

  • 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 8 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.

  • "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 over 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.

  • 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 over 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.

     

  • 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 over 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.

  • 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 over 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.

  • 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 over 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.  

  • 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 over 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.

  • 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 over 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. 
Page last updated: 17 Apr 2026, 04:31 PM