Downtown Reimagined Project Update – August 21, 2026

Progress picked up on Elm Street this week, with two crews continuing to move critical underground infrastructure work forward despite challenging conditions below ground.

The mainline watermain crew has now progressed past the Grimsby Benevolent Fund (GBF) entrance, while the servicing crew continues installing new service connections along Elm Street. With a significant amount of buried infrastructure in the area, much of the excavation for service work is being completed using a hydro vacuum truck to carefully work around existing utilities.

As work moves closer to Main Street East next week, there will be some changes for drivers. The left-turn lane from Main Street East onto Elm Street will temporarily close while crews work toward – but not within – the intersection. Later in the week, work is anticipated to shift to the Balsam Lane parking lot, resulting in temporary changes to parking lot access.

There’s also one more week to enjoy some of Downtown Grimsby’s summer programming! The final Comedy Night takes place Wednesday, August 26, and the Construction StoryWalk wraps up Friday, August 28.

THE 60-SECOND RUN DOWN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 24

Construction

  • The mainline watermain crew will continue east along Elm Street toward the Main Street East intersection.
  • Crews will stop before entering the intersection itself.
  • Once installation reaches the intersection, the mainline crew will double back to install the branch of watermain extending from Elm Street into Balsam Lane. This work is anticipated to begin Wednesday or Thursday.
  • The servicing crew will continue installing service connections along Elm Street throughout the week.

Traffic Plan

  • Additional traffic control will be required as the mainline crew approaches Main Street East.
  • The left-turn lane from Main Street East onto Elm Street will be temporarily closed while this work is underway.
  • When work begins in the Balsam Lane parking lot, the main entrance to the parking lot will temporarily close and a number of parking spaces will be fenced off to establish a safe work zone.
  • During this work, vehicles can enter the parking lot from Elm Street using the one-way entrance in front of the LCBO.
  • All vehicles will need to exit the parking lot at Mountain Street.
  • Motorists are encouraged to follow posted signage and direction from traffic control personnel while travelling through the area.

Downtown Highlights

  • Comedy Nights: The final Comedy Night of the summer takes place Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Coronation Park.
  • Construction StoryWalk: Last chance to take part before the StoryWalk wraps up Friday, August 28.
  • Movies in the Park: Returns Friday, August 28.
  • Construction Passport: Continues through September 30.
  • Grimsby Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday at its temporary location at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre behind Town Hall through October 8.

See traffic plan graphic below.

Click here for the full plan

A LOOK BACK

Week of August 17 Construction Recap

Two crews worked along Elm Street this week, with one focused on mainline watermain installation and the other completing service connections. Progress picked up despite crews continuing to encounter challenging underground conditions, including existing utilities, rock and large boulders.

The mainline crew progressed past the GBF entrance. Due to the temporary impact on access, GBF opted to close Thursday and Friday while crews worked through the area. With work now beyond the entrance, GBF has reopened. Thank you to GBF for its cooperation and understanding.

Service installation also continued along Elm Street. Given the concentration of buried wires and utilities, nearly all excavation for this work is being completed using a hydro vacuum truck, allowing crews to carefully excavate around existing infrastructure.

NEXT STEPS

We recognize that a project of this scale brings temporary changes to daily routines, and we remain committed to providing clear, timely communication throughout construction.

Our goal is to make this process as predictable and manageable as possible while delivering long-term improvements that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued patience, partnership, and support as we work together to reimagine downtown Grimsby.

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