Downtown Dig Project Phases

The Downtown Dig is a major project to rebuild and revitalize Grand River Street and downtown Paris. Work is being done in phases to improve the road, replace aging underground services, and create wider, more accessible sidewalks. Our goal is to make downtown safer, more attractive, and easier to enjoy—for everyone who lives, works, or visits here. Stay tuned for updates as each phase moves forward!  This level of construction in a downtown occurs every 75-100 years. It will ensure the longevity of the thriving downtown for decades to come. The final result will be beautiful, functional and accessible for all.

On this page:

• Phases and Current Construction
• Renderings 
• Stay Informed

Phases and Current Construction:

✅ 2024, 2025: West River Street (Mechanic Street to Broadway Street West)

✅ 2025: Grand River Street North (Nith River Bridge to William Street)

Next Up: 2026 Grand River Street North (Mechanic Street to Charlotte Street)

Locations:

• Grand River St. North (Mechanic St. to William St.)
• Intersection: Grand River St. North and William St.
• Grand River St. North (William St. to Charlotte Street)
• William Street (Grand River St. N to Grand River Bridge)

Proposed Construction Start Date: 

• Spring 2026 

Proposed Construction End Date: 

• Late Summer/Early Fall 2026 

Infrastructure includes:

• Watermain 
• Sanitary Sewers 
• Stormwater 
• Utilities
• Fire Service Upgrades 
• Road Surface 
• Widened sidewalks 
• Intersection improvements
• Streetscape amenities like benches, lamp posts
• New tree canopy
• Enhance accessibility with rollover curbs

Please note the following impacts:

• Closure of Grand River Street North (Mechanic Street to Charlotte Street) Will remain closed to through traffic until all work is complete. Access to businesses from Charlotte south to the work zone will be maintained (ie., post office, dental office). 
• Closure of the intersection: William Street and Grand River St. N. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
• Detour routes will be shared and posted prior to the Dig commencing
• 

Special feature: The 2026 Downtown Paris Promenade

As part of the 2026 phase of the Downtown Dig project, Grand River Street North (between Mechanic Street to William Street) will be required to close again to permit full reconstruction of the intersection. To support downtown Paris during this period, the County of Brant will host a temporary pedestrian‑focused promenade that will activate the closed section of street once construction work in this area is completed (anticipated to begin in June). This downtown promenade will create a warm, welcoming, and vibrant public space that encourages everyone to gather for events and recreation, and aims to foster a lively atmosphere that helps maintain business activity throughout the construction period.

Proposed 2027-2029: Mechanic Street (between Grand River Street North to West River Street) - full underground replacement and street scaping

Proposed 2027-2029: Broadway Street West (between Mechanic Street to William Street)

Proposed 2027-2029: William Street (between Broadway Street to Grand River Street North)

To be determined: Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers

Renderings

Stay informed!

As more information on the upcoming phases becomes available, it will be shared with the community. Please follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to updates on the Engage Brant project page.