Portion of Grand River Street North in Paris to reopen later this month

A photo taken in Nov. 2025 showed a portion of Grand River Street North in Paris, Ont. (Courtesy: County of Brant)

A major road in downtown Paris, Ont. will be reopening just in time for a holiday tradition.

In an update on Friday, the County of Brant announced construction on Grand River Street North from the Nith River Bridge to Mechanic Street is set to wrap up for this year on Nov. 21, just in time for Jingle Bell Night.

The street will temporarily remain closed during the event and reopen later that evening.

Jingle Bell Night includes a tree lighting, entertainment, toy drive and festive shopping.

There is still some work to finish in the meantime, including installing portions of the sidewalk and asphalt hard surfacing work.

The project, known as the Downtown Dig, will continue next spring on Grand River Street North. The William Street and Grand River Street North intersection is slated for major reconstruction.

Grand River Street North has been fully closed between William Street and Mechanic Street since May as the County of Brant updates critical infrastructure underneath the pavement.

The work is being done in phases:

• 2024/2025: West River Street (Mechanic Street to Broadway Street West)
• 2025: Grand River Street North (Nith River Bridge to William Street)
• 2026: Mechanic Street (full underground/street upgrade)
• 2027: Grand River Street South to Dumfries Street (incl. new roundabout)
• 2028: Broadway Street West & William Street reconstructions
• TBD: Municipal parking lot behind council chambers