People living in Paris, Ont. may soon be able to move freely through the downtown core again. Travellers have been waylaid by a major infrastructure project known as the Downtown Dig. It began in 2024 along part of West River Street. In 2025, the work transitioned to Grand River Street North as crews replaced water mains, sanitary sewers and widened sidewalks, added intersection improvements, benches and lamp posts. Part of the road has been closed ever since. Grand River Street is a heavily travelled section that takes people through the heart of the historic community’s downtown area. The closure frustrated some business owners, residents and visitors. But there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. “I’m thrilled that the end is near,” Brant County Councillor John Bell said. “I’m told that it is planned for the week of Oct. 19.” During one phase of the project, a large old archway was uncovered as crews dug deep into the ground. Now, the hole has been filled, and the roadway is once again taking shape. “The first lift of the asphalt is done. I think we were at high 90 per cent for sidewalks, for curbs, for electrical connections. This is a big project. It’s not simply about paving a road,” Bell said. Throughout the project, Brant County officials have said the work is necessary to prepare the town for the future. “We need to have more capacity in our utility systems, because of the growth in the North End of town,” Bell said. “The last time we put new sanitary piping in that street was 1963. So, at the time, Paris was probably a population of, I’m going to say [6,000, 7,000], 8,000. Now it’s 18,000 and it’s going to grow to [25,000], to even 30,000.” Supporting local businesses and parking changes Although businesses have remained open during the construction work, the project did put a damper on some bottom lines. “I’m sure [downtown businesses] will see it as a relief. It’s particularly hard on a group of downtown businesses,” Bell said. “It’s those shops that rely on the passage of people past their door.” People who visit those downtown businesses will also notice a big change when the road reopens: 58 angled parking spaces that lined Grand River Street North have been transformed into 26 parallel parking spots. Business owners widely opposed the decision in 2024. “That is not good for seniors or people with disabilities,” Leah Thomas, the owner of Suzanne’s of Paris, said. “It’s not friendly for everyone, so I’m not too happy about that.” More work coming in 2028 Although Grand River Street North will soon reopen, there is more work on the horizon. The county is also planning to replace underground infrastructure along Mechanic Street between Grand River Street North and West River Street. However, there will be a bit of a break. “We collectively agreed that a year off was a good thing to do,” Bell said. “So, rather than moving on to Mechanic Street next year, it’s going to be 2028. Then it’ll be Broadway [Street West in] 2029 and William Street in 2030. So, there’s still a lot of work to do, but we are taking a break. I think everybody will breathe a sign of relief at that.” But Thomas worries the break only prolongs the pain. “They are saying that we are going to pause this for next year. I say let’s keep going because by the time people realize we’re open again, we’ll be closed again. So just keep going,” she said.
