Downtown Dig delivers progress despite disruption

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

As the Downtown Dig continues to reshape the core of Paris, residents and visitors are reminded to stay alert for temporary road closures, traffic delays and active construction throughout the area — all part of a long-term infrastructure upgrade that will keep the town moving for the next 75 to 100 years.

The large-scale infrastructure renewal, which officially began in May, is focused on replacing the aging sanitary systems installed in 1963 — over six decades ago — and modernizing water, stormwater, and streetscape features to meet current and future needs.

While the watermain and stormwater infrastructure along Grand River Street North was reconstructed in 1995, the sanitary sewer beneath the surface predates the Paris Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Downtown Dig is replacing that outdated system and reshaping the street above it to be safer, more accessible and more welcoming to residents and tourists alike.

So far, significant progress has been made in June:

The oil and grit separator were fully installed by mid-June

The sanitary sewer main south of William Street is 100 per cent complete

The watermain south of William Street is 50 per cent complete

Temporary asphalt has been placed for pedestrian access at William Street and Grand River Street North

Uneven sidewalks have been patched to help maintain foot traffic for local businesses

Crews are continuing work on watermain installation south of William Street, along with stormwater main installation and private servicing connections — part of phases 2A and 2B of the overall project. This section of the road is expected to reopen to vehicle traffic in late fall 2025, just in time for the busy holiday shopping season.

Once those phases wrap up, construction will shift into phase 2C, which includes the closure of the town’s main intersection at Grand River Street North and William Street. Part of Grand River Street will remain closed north of the intersection into early 2026 as the project continues.

Meanwhile, construction along West River Street is nearly complete. Contractors are working on new sidewalks and retaining walls, with landscaping expected to finish by the end of summer.

Despite the heavy construction, all downtown businesses remain open. The Downtown BIA and County of Brant have partnered to promote events, activities and shopping opportunities throughout the dig to support local merchants, especially during the tourism-heavy summer months.

Future streetscape improvements coming

Once complete, the renewed downtown will feature wider, more accessible sidewalks that match the entrance grades of existing buildings. New street furniture, benches, light posts, planters and trees will enhance the public space.

The County also plans to improve access to the riverfront — one of the top three priorities identified during public consultation for the Downtown Master Plan. A future waterfront connection is being investigated from the Nith River Bridge along Grand River Street North toward West River Street and the pedestrian bridge at Lions Park. This aligns with the broader Paris Flood Mitigation Strategy.

As part of the updated design, angle parking in the core will be replaced with parallel parking — a decision made by Council in 2023 to create more space for pedestrian and business activity. A previously proposed mini roundabout at Grand River Street North and Mechanic Street was scrapped during the design process due to issues accommodating truck movements, particularly for fire services. Be aware of flashing green lights

With ongoing road closures and delays, the County is also reminding motorists to be aware of volunteer firefighters who may be responding to emergency calls using their personal vehicles equipped with flashing green lights. These lights signal that the driver is en route to help someone in need.

Drivers are asked to stay alert and yield the right of way to green-light vehicles when safe to do so. This cooperation helps ensure volunteers can respond quickly and safely during emergencies.

For updates on road closures, business promotions, and construction progress, visit www.brant.ca/DowntownParis.