County of Brant staff have been busy preparing for the Downtown Dig and decided to provide residents and businesses with the following project overview and update on Friday, December 20, 2024.
In late spring the County of Brant began sharing information with the community that the Downtown Dig would be taking place in downtown Paris beginning in spring 2025. Major reconstruction will take place on Grand River Street North. 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 (gas, hydro, etc.) 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 from Grand River Street North to West River Street (full underground replacement and street scaping) – 2026
- Grand River Street South from Nith River Bridge to Dumfries Street intersection (full underground replacement and roundabout) – 2027
- Broadway Street West from Mechanic Street to William Street, and William Street from Boardway Street to Grand River Street North – 2028
- Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers (future date pending)
Community Engagement – Streetscape features
Community engagement for the Downtown Dig began on November 22, 2024, inviting residents and businesses to help select new streetscape features, including streetlight fixtures, benches, and bike racks. Voting was available online and in-person at the Burford and Paris Customer Service Offices.
Over 700 votes were cast for the three features—thank you to everyone who took the time to participate! The winners will be announced in the new year.
Enbridge Gas notice
Starting January 13, 2025, Enbridge Gas, through their contractor Aecon, will begin replacing natural gas infrastructure in downtown Paris. This work is essential preparation for the Downtown Dig and is expected to last approximately 60 working days, weather permitting.
Key details:
- The Gas Main and individual services to buildings on Grand River Street North, with minor connections along Mechanic Street and William Street will be replaced.
- Gas lines under sidewalks will be replaced, with temporary hot mix asphalt patches applied until full sidewalk reconstruction takes place in 2025.
- Sidewalk access and business entryways will remain open whenever possible, though some disruptions and equipment staging in parking stalls are expected.
- Updated safety standards require natural gas regulators to be relocated to building exteriors, with visually appealing shrouds to minimize aesthetic impact.
The County is working closely with Enbridge to minimize disruptions and meet modern safety standards. Impacted property owners have received letters.
Thank you for your understanding as we prepare for this vital infrastructure improvement!
Business Community Update
Business Forum
In October, County of Brant staff met with members of the Paris business community at a Downtown Business Forum. The forum provided an overview of changes to the Downtown Paris Master Plan, as well as additional details on the implementation schedule for the Downtown Dig. Businesses were also given the opportunity to hear from representatives from other communities that had went through similar reconstruction projects, as well as ask questions. Approximately 60 people attended the event.
The presentation from this meeting is available on the Engage Brant website under the Documents section.
Community Improvement Plan
County of Brant staff have made changes to the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) application process to allow businesses to make updates and changes to their businesses during the Downtown Dig. The CIP provides matching funding for eligible businesses and property owners to make improvements to both the interior and exterior of their buildings. These improvements can be made to improve the look of a building’s façade while maintaining its historic character, improve accessibility, and make internal improvements to add housing options in the downtown core. Businesses along the west side of Grand River Street North are encouraged to make improvements to the back entrances of their establishments during the Downtown Dig, providing shoppers with an alternative way to access their stores.
Changes have been made to the CIP application process, allowing projects totaling $5,000 in grant value or less to be approved quicker, allowing business owners to meet their customer’s needs sooner. For more information about the program, visit our Community Improvement Plan webpage or connect with the Economic Development team by emailing invest@brant.ca.
Business Community Engage Brant page
The County of Brant has created an Engage Brant page specifically for Paris business owners. Businesses were sent an email invitation in May to access this private page on the Engage Brant website. If you did not receive an email, or the link you received is expired, please contact Dana Steane, Public Consultation Specialist, by email Dana Steaneor phone 519.732.8956.
Detour routes
Staff are actively working to create detour routes to ensure smooth traffic flow during the upcoming Downtown Dig project. These detours aim to minimize disruptions, maintain access to businesses and key areas throughout the construction period, and keep the public informed about the project.
Signage will be placed at key access points, not only near downtown Paris but also in areas commonly used by traffic traveling through Paris and the surrounding region. A detour map will also be available online early in the new year.
As a number of areas will be impacted, we ask that you plan your trip ahead of time to avoid delays.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we finalize these plans to support our community!
