East flats reconstruction set for June start, pending council approval

Map highlights Phase 1 construction area in Paris’ east flats, where road reconstruction and underground infrastructure upgrades are set to begin in June pending council approval.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A major reconstruction project in Paris’ east flats is expected to get underway in June, following approval at the Administration and Operations Committee on April 21.

Committee members supported awarding the Phase 1 contract for the East Paris Flats reconstruction project to L82 (East) Construction Incorporated, but the recommendation must still be ratified by council.

The work will focus largely on residential streets and underground infrastructure upgrades, with County of Brant staff aiming to limit disruption to the broader community. Mark Maxwell, Director of Engineering and Infrastructure Planning, told committee it will take time to mobilize once the tender is awarded.

“Expect to see construction start in June,” he said, noting it typically takes about a month for contractors to ramp up and complete locates.

Maxwell added most of the work is off main routes, which should help reduce traffic impacts during another busy construction season in Paris.

“As for impact on rest of Paris most of the work is off the main roads… there could be a couple crossings on Willow Street,” said Maxwell, adding that staff will work with contractor to coordinate those parts of the project to minimize impact to motorists already trying to navigate detours in town.

The project has already undergone public consultation, with the County hosting an open house on Nov. 24, 2025, and collecting additional feedback online through to the end of January. In total, 40 residents attended the open house, while the project page saw 331 visits and generated 16 feedback forms and eight additional comments.

Residents highlighted several key concerns, including the need for clear and early communication around driveway closures and construction timelines, temporary parking solutions in a neighbourhood with limited space, and assurances that mature trees and private property will be protected. Feedback also emphasized the importance of supporting residents with mobility or health-related needs, and maintaining safe access for children walking to school, as well as delivery and service vehicles.

During the Administration meeting, Councillor John Bell sought reassurance that disruptions along Willow Street would be minimized.

“So, we will do our best to coordinate any work that impacts Willow Street?” Bell asked.

The project includes full road reconstruction and underground servicing upgrades across several streets, including Joseph Brant Street, Nimmo Street, Mick Jones Way and Portland Street, along with drainage improvements in the surrounding area.

Most of the existing watermain within the project limits will also be replaced due to age and capacity concerns, with new services extended to property lines.

Discussion at committee also highlighted how the County evaluates bids, after Bell questioned the 70/30 scoring split between price and other criteria.

“I have been on council 7 years and I didn’t fully understand this,” he told Maxwell. “How do we come to the conclusion that bid should go to the company you are recommending,” he asked.

Maxwell explained that, in most cases, projects are awarded to the lowest bidder provided they meet qualification standards.

“Projects like this almost always awarded to the lower bidder as long as there are no major no major red flags. As long as we confirm they are qualified.

“In this case there were a maybe a couple little red flags, because of some history and even looking at the bid, compared to all the rest of the bidders, we did run through the calculations and applied some scores and even applying those scores the lowest bidder was still the highest scoring.”

According to the report, the lowest bid of $1.45 million came in roughly $400,000 below the second-lowest submission, with seven bids received in total. The project is funded through the County’s 2026 capital budget and is intended to address aging infrastructure while improving drainage and road conditions in the east flats neighbourhood. Phase 1 of the construction is expected to carry into 2027. Phase 2 is planned to include arterial streets such as Willow Street and is scheduled for spring 2028 and 2029. More information will be shared closer to that time.