Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

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Cast your vote on Downtown Paris Streetscape features until December 20, 2024!

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 (Bell, Rogers, gas and electrical) 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 Chamber. 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
  • Mechanic Street (Grand River Street North to West River Street) - 2026
  • Grand River Street South (Nith River Bridge to Dumfries intersection) - 2027
  • Broadway Street West (future date pending)
  • William Street (future date pending)
  • Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers (future date pending)

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

Scroll down to view the project's news feed including ways to engage and more!

Subscribe to this project and be the first to receive updates as they are available. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Cast your vote on Downtown Paris Streetscape features until December 20, 2024!

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 (Bell, Rogers, gas and electrical) 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 Chamber. 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
  • Mechanic Street (Grand River Street North to West River Street) - 2026
  • Grand River Street South (Nith River Bridge to Dumfries intersection) - 2027
  • Broadway Street West (future date pending)
  • William Street (future date pending)
  • Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers (future date pending)

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

Scroll down to view the project's news feed including ways to engage and more!

Subscribe to this project and be the first to receive updates as they are available. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

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.

You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • 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 15 days 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 month 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 month 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 2 months 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.

  • Share What does “digital features” mean? Other than internet access? What monitoring and surveillance will be happening. on Facebook Share What does “digital features” mean? Other than internet access? What monitoring and surveillance will be happening. on Twitter Share What does “digital features” mean? Other than internet access? What monitoring and surveillance will be happening. on Linkedin Email What does “digital features” mean? Other than internet access? What monitoring and surveillance will be happening. link

    What does “digital features” mean? Other than internet access? What monitoring and surveillance will be happening.

    Rosemary asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your questions. The following digital features are currently under consideration:

    • Sensors for waste receptacles to determine when they are full to enhance efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions at collection
    • Light poles with WiFi capabilities (5G connectivity) 
    • Digital Information Kiosks 
    • EV Charging Stations 
    • Solar Charging Benches (additional branding opportunities)
    • Parking tracking/counters 
  • Share The majority of the merchants downtown asked for parking to remain the same...angled. i see that parallel is now being done. This is a huge mistake for the flow of traffic and the loss of parking spaces. Should be rethought. on Facebook Share The majority of the merchants downtown asked for parking to remain the same...angled. i see that parallel is now being done. This is a huge mistake for the flow of traffic and the loss of parking spaces. Should be rethought. on Twitter Share The majority of the merchants downtown asked for parking to remain the same...angled. i see that parallel is now being done. This is a huge mistake for the flow of traffic and the loss of parking spaces. Should be rethought. on Linkedin Email The majority of the merchants downtown asked for parking to remain the same...angled. i see that parallel is now being done. This is a huge mistake for the flow of traffic and the loss of parking spaces. Should be rethought. link

    The majority of the merchants downtown asked for parking to remain the same...angled. i see that parallel is now being done. This is a huge mistake for the flow of traffic and the loss of parking spaces. Should be rethought.

    salesdecoratingcentre_8261 asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your comment. The plan replaces angled parking on Grand River Street North with parallel parking to create wider sidewalks and more space for pedestrians. Additional parking has already been created at other downtown sites, such as 71 spaces at the old OPP station and 46 spaces behind Wincey Mills. The County is also considering parking trackers and signage to improve access to available spaces. 

Page last updated: 22 Nov 2024, 06:09 PM