Paris Downtown Dig Update – June 12, 2026

Local businesses in downtown Paris remain open, and community support continues to be vital as the multi-year Downtown Dig progresses. The County of Brant project is replacing critical underground infrastructure and updating the streetscape to improve long-term accessibility. This is a ‘once in a lifetime’ project.

Impacted areas include:

•  Grand River Street North (from south of Charlotte St to Mechanic St)
• William Street (from the east side of the bridge to west of the Grand River St N intersection)
  
  

Progress Report (May 14 – June 10)

The project is moving steadily through deep utility installations while simultaneously wrapping up aesthetic and surface elements started in Phase 1 (work that began in 2025).

Underground Infrastructure Progress

• Sanitary System: The main sanitary pipe, structures, and by-pass system are fully installed.
• Watermains: A temporary watermain is successfully active east of the William Street bridge.
• Utility Preparation: Crews completed utility exploration and temporary relocations at the Grand River St. N. and William St. intersection to allow for the deep infrastructure work.

Electrical Upgrades

·        The new hydro vault at Cobblestone Commons is officially installed and awaiting power.

Phase 1 Beautification and Surface Work

• Greenery: Hanging flower baskets are now displayed across Phase 1.
• Streetscape: All concrete planter boxes are installed or adjusted for Phase 1.
• Planting Prep: Soil cells are currently being prepared for topsoil placement and upcoming planting.
• Restoration: General surface restoration work remains ongoing.

What’s Next: Upcoming Work Focus

Construction will now shift toward connecting individual properties to the new systems and launching major storm management installations.

Power and Utilities

• Cobblestone Commons: The newly installed hydro vault will be energized to power up the zone.

Deep Utility Connections and Drainage

• Basement Connections: Crews will begin installing sanitary services and connecting them directly to downtown basements.
• Siphon Chamber: Structural work will continue on the downstream siphon chamber.
• Storm Network: Installation of the primary storm main is scheduled to commence.

Surface Finishes

• Restoration: Surface restoration efforts will continue actively within Phase 1 to bring the streetscape to its final look.

To help support downtown businesses during construction, we are excited to launch several summer initiatives including Tasty Road Trips Free “We Dig Paris” Walking Tours and the upcoming Paris Promenade. Residents and visitors are encouraged to learn more about these, and other activities taking place this summer by visiting brant.ca/DowntownDig and following the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram.

This project is addressing the replacement of critical underground infrastructure like sanitary sewers, watermains, storm sewers, and utilities. It includes new streetscape, accessibility features, enhanced pedestrian areas and a redesigned street to calm traffic.

We know construction is messy, and the detours can be challenging. We truly appreciate your patience as we move this project forward as efficiently as possible.  We will keep you informed every step of the way.

To learn more about the project:

·        Visit www.brant.ca/DowntownDig

·        Follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram.