Paris braces for another year of roadwork in 2026

Paris, Ontario’s charm is worth protecting but keeping it that way starts with speaking up and sharing your voice on local projects.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The County of Brant is bracing for another significant year of construction in 2026, with a major multi-year road reconstruction project planned for the East Flats neighbourhood in Paris, adding to an already long list of infrastructure work that has tested residents’ patience in recent years.

With Grand River Street North through downtown Paris and Dundas Street East at Paris Road already closed for large-scale reconstruction this year, many residents say the town feels like one big construction zone. Just two years ago, the north end of Grand River Street and Market Street were also closed for extensive watermain replacements.

While many residents recognize the need for these critical upgrades, others have voiced frustration over what they see as poor planning and overlapping projects that leave few clear routes through town. “The public does in fact understand the need to upgrade our community’s infrastructure,” wrote Paris resident Jeff Collings in response to a recent County social media post. “What is frustrating is the multitude of projects going on at the same time. Can we please finish one major project before forcing residents to suffer through more dangerous conditions? Emergency services simply cannot respond when traffic is snarled on every road.”

The latest project on the horizon will see the full reconstruction of several residential streets on the east side of the Grand River, known locally as The Flats. Phase 1 of the East Flats reconstruction will begin in spring 2026 and continue through late that year, replacing aging underground infrastructure and improving road conditions on Joseph Brant, Smith, Nimmo, Portland streets, and Mick Jones Way (formerly Walnut Lane).

The work will include replacing undersized watermains, upgrading storm sewers, rebuilding roads and sidewalks, and improving overall drainage and safety. The County says the project will help ensure safe, reliable water service and extend the life of the road network in this historic neighbourhood.

Phase 2, which will include arterial roads such as Willow Street, is expected to begin in 2028 or 2029.

In response to growing online criticism, the County has launched an eight-week social media campaign explaining why so many major projects are happening simultaneously.

“Essentially, it will explore why major infrastructure is coming due at the same time, growth in Paris, and the need to build more climate resiliency into our infrastructure to handle more extreme weather events,” said Melissa Connor, Manager of Communications, Operations.

Connor acknowledged that 2026 will be another “busy construction year” but emphasized that staff are working to coordinate and stage projects carefully. “There are a variety of reasons why these projects are scheduled for 2026,” she said, citing critical infrastructure replacements, grant funding deadlines, and projects led by other bodies such as the Ministry of Transportation or developers.

“Most of these projects are considered ‘once in a lifetime,’” Connor added. “This level of major construction occurs every 75 years. We just happen to be at that time in history.”

Paris has experienced exponential growth over the past decade, straining infrastructure that was never built to handle today’s population and development levels. County staff say these upgrades are essential to ensure reliable water, sewer, and storm systems for generations to come, and to meet the community’s needs as it expands.

“Staff have thoughtfully staged phasing of projects but inevitably, construction is messy, inconvenient and necessary,” said Connor. “Looking ahead, there are many years of necessary construction in Paris’ future. The County is committed to keeping the public as informed as possible.”

To help residents understand the scope and timing of the East Flats reconstruction, the County will host an open house on Monday, November 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the County of Brant Council Chambers, 7 Broadway Street West in Paris. Residents can view preliminary designs, speak with staff, and provide feedback about access, parking, and mobility concerns.

For those unable to attend in person, an online feedback form will be open until January 31, 2026.

Residents can stay up to date on upcoming roadwork and infrastructure projects by following the County’s social media pages or visiting brant.ca/MajorConstruction.