Downtown Paris Master Plan: The Downtown Dig

The County of Brant is proud to announce the successful completion of the major construction activities for the 2025 season of the "Downtown Dig" project in downtown Paris. This once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure renewal project, which occurs every 75-100 years, replaced critical underground infrastructure and transformed the streetscape to create a more vibrant, functional, and accessible downtown for decades to come.

"We made it, Brant! We are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone," said Mayor David Bailey. "We sincerely thank our residents, businesses, and visitors for their incredible patience and perseverance during this major undertaking. Your support for local businesses throughout the construction has been vital in keeping our community strong."

The 2025 season focused on significant upgrades along Grand River Street North, between William Street and the Nith River Bridge.

Key accomplishments for the year include:

• Completed critical infrastructure replacement: Upgrading essential water mains, sewer lines, stormwater and utilities (gas and electrical) beneath the road surface.
• Enhanced accessibility and aesthetics: Installation of wider sidewalks, new rollover curbs, and features like new streetlights, and a future tree canopy to improve pedestrian experience and climate resiliency.
• Improved traffic flow: Conversion of angled parking to parallel parking to enhance both traffic and pedestrian safety and create more space for pedestrians and business activities.

With the 2025 construction season wrapping up, plans are already in place for the next phase. In spring 2026, work will continue on Grand River Street North to finish the brick work and landscaping, hydro work and installation of new furnishings and begin the reconstruction of the William Street and Grand River Street North intersection. Subsequent phases will address Mechanic Street, Broadway Street West and William Street. These future phases will be officially announced in the future and are tentatively planned to occur in 2027 to 2029.

While construction can be challenging, these improvements ensure the longevity and growth of our community. The County of Brant remains committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring safe pedestrian access to all downtown businesses during future phases.

Throughout the Dig, local businesses demonstrated incredible resilience. While businesses adapted to the challenges of construction, Downtown Paris welcomed six (6) new businesses, with two (2) additional businesses slated to open shortly. Furthermore, Downtown Paris has had two (2) businesses expand with an additional one (1) projected to expand later this year.

“This is a testament to our strong business community,” said Zach Gable, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “The resilience shown by our local businesses is the heart of our community's character. Despite the challenges, they demonstrated incredible dedication. Their tenacity has kept downtown Paris a vibrant place to visit and shop during a difficult time. We are grateful for their partnership and perseverance."

In addition, applications for the Community Improvement Plan from the downtown Paris businesses resulted in 14 grant applications being approved, totaling $201,000 (rounded) - a 302% increase in funding, attributing to $1,080,000 in improvements. These programs included signage, façade improvement, adaptive commercial reuse, planning and building, and housing improvements grants.

The holiday season officially kicked off in downtown Paris, this past Friday, at the annual Jingle Bell Night event! Hundreds of people joined downtown Paris to celebrate the season, which included the tree lighting, to show their support for our incredible downtown businesses.

We encourage everyone to continue visiting, exploring, and shopping local throughout the holiday season!

The public is encouraged to stay informed about the Downtown Dig project:

• Visit the dedicated project page on EngageBrant.ca/DowntownDig
• For additional information and resources visit brant.ca/DowntownDig
• Follow County’s social media @BrantCommunity.
• Check live traffic updates at Municipal511.ca.
• Subscribe to the County's news and notices at brant.ca/News.

We made it! The last week of the Downtown Dig for 2025!

Accomplishments for the final week

• Winter site cleanup
• Streetlights power supply
• Hydro work:
  • Secondary line – 100% complete
  • Service connections to businesses - 100% complete
• Asphalt hard surfacing work
• Road markings - 100% complete
• Sidewalk, planter box, and brick work progress. Remaining areas to complete will be temporarily patched with asphalt
• Utility work
• Trees have been delivered and planted in the planter boxes by the mid-block crosswalk
• All remaining boulevard space, not covered by concrete sidewalk or paver stones, will be covered with asphalt for the winter.

The road re-opening is continuing as planned, following the Jingle Bell Night event tonight!

Please note that the traffic signals at the William Street intersection will be adjusted this afternoon in advance of the return of two-way traffic. Delays may be noticed due to the revised signal timing until the closed road section is reopened.

Outstanding work happening in 2026

• Hydro work including Cobblestone Commons and tap boxes
• Concrete planter boxes on the east side and possible adjustments to some of the west side planter boxes
• Continued brick work
• Final paving

In spring 2026, the next phase of the Downtown Dig will begin by completing the above outstanding items and the reconstruction of the William Street and Grand River Street North intersection. More information will be shared as plans are confirmed.

Thank you!

Thank you to the community and businesses for your patience and perseverance as this major project was underway! Critical infrastructure replacement such as watermains, sewer lines and stormwater are necessary but big, complex projects that are messy and take time! We appreciate your support and the support of our local businesses!

Downtown Dig construction season is wrapping up shortly!

Accomplishments this week:

• Winter site cleanup continues
• Streetlight posts installed. Coordination for power supply continues
• Hydro work:
  • Secondary line to be completed by Friday, November 14, 2025
  • Service connection to buildings to be completed this weekend
• Sidewalk on the east side of Grand River Street North - 70% complete
• Planter Boxes (east side) - form continues
• Brick work on the east side is 10% complete
• Brick work on the west side continues
• Asphalt hard surfacing work - temporary patching continues
• Road markings commenced and to be completed by Saturday

Next week:

• Winter site cleanup to be completed
• Streetlights power supply to be connected. Electrical Safety Authority inspection tentatively scheduled.
• Asphalt hard surfacing work - temporary patching to be completed
• Sidewalk and amenity space
  • Remaining sidewalk on the east side to be completed by Monday, November 17, 2025
  • Lisa's Way planter box to be completed Monday
  • Brick work on the east side (north of the Cobblestone Commons) will be temporarily patched with asphalt.
  • Brick work continues on the west side and is anticipated to be completed.

Re-opening:

Grand River Street North from the Nith River Bridge to Mechanic Street will reopen the afternoon of November 21, 2025 (Jingle Bell Night) at 4:00 pm.

Grand River Street North will reopen the same evening following Jingle Bell Night event. The street will remain closed for Jingle Bell Night to ensure public safety, manage traffic, and accommodate event activities. We are looking forward to opening the street following the event!

Jingle Bell Night - Friday, November 21

Jingle Bell Night is scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025. The Paris BIA needs the community’s support. Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, tree lighting and festivities!

Future construction in Downtown Paris

As the 2025 construction season comes to an end, plans are being solidified for the 2026 construction season. The Downtown Dig on Grand River Street North will continue next spring to complete all the finishing touches. Also, the William Street and Grand River Street North intersection will undergo major reconstruction. Stay tuned for updates.

These large reconstruction projects are necessary to replace the County’s critical infrastructure that are below the surface such as watermains, sewer lines, utilities and stormwater management. These major projects are considered “once in a lifetime” projects and occur at this scale once every 75 years. We will do our best to keep you informed!

Downtown Paris is really taking shape!

What happened this week

• Winter site cleanup commenced
• Streetlights were delivered, installation has begun and staff are awaiting power supply permit approval
• Hydro work:
  • Secondary lines – 70% complete
  • Service connections to building – 70% complete
• Road base gravel placement - 100% complete
• Sidewalk on the east side of Grand River Street North - 30% complete
• Planter boxes - forms commenced
• Brick work - 40% complete
• Asphalt hard surfacing work
  • Roadway base asphalt – 100% complete
  • Parking bays paving - 100% complete
  • Temporary patching – Cobblestone Commons temporary restoration completed

What’s happening next week

• Winter site cleanup to continue
• Installation of streetlights in the area south of Cobblestone Commons and the west side of Grand River Street North will continue
• Hydro work:
  • Secondary line work continues
  • Service connection to building continues
• Road markings to commence
• Asphalt hard surfacing work – temporary patching continues
• Sidewalk and amenity space
  • Sidewalk on the east side north of Cobblestone Commons to commence
  • Brick work continues
  • Landscaping soil cells (for trees) continues
  • Planter box continues

Due to the delays with the streetlight pole delivery, announced on October 31, 2025, the installation of the poles and hydro inspection work has also been delayed. Unfortunately, these delays will result in the continued closure of the Nith River Bridge and Grand River Street North / Mechanic Street intersection for the time being. We know this news is frustrating. We are also eager to open the bridge and intersection, and will announce the re-opening date as soon as we can.

Additionally, the previous benches from downtown will be restored for the winter months and the new benches will be installed in the spring.

Remembrance Day Service - Tuesday, November 11

The Remembrance Day Service at the Paris Cenotaph will continue as planned. The County will ensure the area around the Cenotaph is in good condition for the ceremony.

Important reminders

While the road is closed, we ask pedestrians and motorists to please respect the barricades for your safety and the safety of the construction team.

Mark your calendar to join us for another fantastic Jingle Bell Night, Friday, November 21, 2025 - it’s going to be a celebration! Follow the @DowntownParisBIA to learn more.

Shop local

As always, we encourage you to shop local, support our businesses, and visit the downtown to cheer on the Contractors as we enter the final weeks of the 2025 construction season.

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Follow the County’s channels for updates and information about the upcoming 2026 construction season.
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

We’re so close! As the fall weather ramps up and the construction window closes, the Downtown Dig continues!

What happened this week

• Sidewalk from Cobblestone Commons to Nith River Bridge (on both the east and west side) is complete
• East side curb completed
• Brick adjacent to Cenotaph has been placed
• Hydro secondary line north of midblock is ongoing
• Hydro service connections to the buildings are 57% complete

What’s happening next week

• Hydro work continues
• Base asphalt paving to commence followed by the sidewalk on the east side of Grand River Street North between midblock crossing and Cobblestone Commons
• Street light pole delivery is delayed again. We are anxiously waiting for the delivery! The installation of the street lights impacts the ability to re-open the Nith River Bridge and the Mechanic Street/Grand River Street intersection. We will keep you up to date!

Next week, due to anticipated paving activities, there will be some disruptions to maintaining the crosswalks. We will let you know the exact timing when it’s confirmed.

Please continue to shop local and support our wonderful businesses!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

As downtown Paris takes shape, let’s talk about some of the new features.

After many years of planning and consultation with the community, the decision was made in 2019 (when the Downtown Paris Master Plan was approved) in favour of creating a more pedestrian-friendly downtown vs a vehicle-friendly downtown. The plan is now becoming a reality!

The width of the lanes on Grand River Street North

The new downtown lanes on Grand River Street North look narrow right now.

The lane widths for the new downtown Paris are 3.25 metres wide. The Transportation Association of Canada recommends 3.0 metres to 3.7 metres for this type of road classification. For comparison, the northbound lanes on Grand River Street North fronting the Paris District Highschool are 3.35 meters wide.

At this stage of construction, when curbing is installed before the road is paved, the road typically appears very narrow.

The lanes are also designed to help keep traffic moving at a calm and slower pace through this one-block section of downtown to support pedestrian safety at the crosswalks and intersections.

Parking

Angled parking on Grand River Street North is being replaced with parallel parking to create wider sidewalks and more spaces for pedestrians. This allows for better accessibility, more patio space and additional features such as trees. The County added 71 parking spaces to former OPP Station site in 2022.

The new downtown includes 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 and loading zones are being added for business and downtown resident use.

Tree canopy

With more space on the sidewalk, a tree canopy will be a new feature for downtown Paris providing shade and helping to cool the air and reduce the "urban heat island" effect. Trees help to improve air quality and prevent flooding by intercepting rainfall, slowing it down and absorbing it in the soil. Trees make downtowns more aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable, encouraging physical activity and social interaction. Tree canopies can also help muffle urban noise and are often associated with higher property values.

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

The Downtown Dig is truly taking shape and work is continuing to progress well.

Current update

• Street light work conduit - 95% complete
• Hydro work:
  • vault work southeast of Grand River Street North and William St. - 100%
  • primary line - 95% complete
  • service connection to buildings - 30% complete (this is continuing to go slower than expected)
• Road base gravel placement - 90% complete
• East side curb - 95% complete
• Landscaping:
  • soil cells - 100%
  • planter box - 40%

Next two (2) weeks

• Street light work continues. Slight delay with the delivery of the street light poles. Installation on the west side of Grand River Street North is expected shortly.
• Hydro work:
  • primary line work continues
  • service connections to buildings continues
• Road work:
  • road base gravel to be completed
  • base asphalt paving to commence
• Sidewalk and amenity space
  • the sidewalk on the east side is expected to commence
  • brick work to commence
• Landscaping
  • planter box continues

Re-openings

The Contractor is working hard to ensure the area south of Cobblestone Commons will be fully completed including street scaping by November 7, 2025. This will allow the public to observe the Remembrance Day service at the Paris Cenotaph. This will include the re-opening of:

• the Nith River Bridge,
• the Mechanic Street and Grand River Street North intersection.

As well, the Contractor is continuing to push to complete as much work as possible (weather depending). The plan is to demobilize from the site prior to Jingle Bell Night on November 21, 2025. This will allow the re-opening of Grand River Street North. As planned, additional work will remain to be completed in the spring/early summer of 2026 on Grand River Street North. More information about the 2026 plans will be shared in future as they are confirmed.

Again, thank you for your patience as beautiful downtown Paris is re-constructed! Please shop local and support our local businesses!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

Exciting things are happening in Downtown Paris! Visit the downtown as things take shape.

What’s happening downtown?

This week:

• Hydro service connections began on the east side of Grand River Street North, south of Cobblestone Commons.
• Hydro work will continue at the corner of William Street and Grand River Street North to pull the hydro around the corner to continue service connections.
• Preparation for streetlights continue.
• Planters are being installed on the west side of Grand River Street North and concrete underlay for brick work continues.
• Preparation for curb installation on the east side of Grand River Street North has begun.

Next week:

• Planter and concrete underlay for the brick work will continue.
• The curb will be poured on the east side of Grand River Street North.
• The sidewalk south of Cobblestone Commons on the east side of Grand River Street North will be poured.
• Work will be heavily focused on the area south of Cobblestone Commons.

Delivery of streets lights is expected the week of October 27, 2025.

Shop local

Visit the downtown to shop local, support businesses, and cheer on the contractors as the new downtown takes shape!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe to this page for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more. Add your email address to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.

Things are happening in Downtown Paris - the Dig continues!

Accomplishments from the last two (2) weeks include:

• Street light conduit - 95%
• Hydro primary line - 95%
• Cobblestone Commons investigation for hydro - 100% complete
• Road base gravel placement - 85% complete
• West side curb - 100% complete
• Landscaping - 20% complete

Anticipated work over the next two (2) weeks include:

• Street light work continues
  • Street light poles on west side are expected to arrive shortly and will be installed
• Hydro
  • Primary line work continues
  • Vault work southeast of Grand River Street North and William Street to be completed
  • Service line connecting to businesses to commence October 14, 2025
• Landscaping to continue
  • West side planter box to commence
• Curb installation on east side to commence
• Removal of the existing sidewalk on the east side continues

Thank you for your continued patience! Please continue to support our community by shopping and supporting local!

Follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

New developments this week include:

Strip Drain

The strip drain was installed on the west side of the street. The purpose of this drain is to collect and quickly remove excess water from the surface to prevent flooding, pooling, and structural damage. It is a linear drainage system, often used in modern indoor and outdoor areas, that intercepts water and channels it to an outlet.

Roll Over Curb

As well, the installation of the curb along the west side of the street has started. The curb will be a roll over curb. A roll over curb is sloped and creates a gradual transition between the sidewalk and street, enabling people using mobility devices like wheelchairs or strollers to pass over the curb smoothly without getting stuck. It provides improved accessibility, making public spaces accessible to a wider population, including people with disabilities, seniors, parents with strollers, and even luggage carriers.

Cobblestone Commons

Finally, the hydro work required in the Cobblestone Commons area may be more extensive than originally anticipated. The Contractors will work to maintain some access but at times, access may be temporarily restricted.

Shop Local

As always, shop local as we near the holiday season and support local businesses!

Stay connected and informed

✔ Follow the Downtown Dig and the Downtown Paris BIA (@dtparisontario) on Facebook and Instagram
✔ Subscribe for project updates and explore detour maps, phase details, and more on this page
✔ Visit brant.ca/DowntownDig for additional resources
✔ Refer to for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures at municipal511.ca.