Downtown Reimagined Project Update – June 19, 2026
This week marks a pivotal moment for the Downtown Reimagined project as we prepare to move from planning into active construction, with key milestones that bring us closer to a vibrant, accessible, and connected downtown.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
June 19 & 23: Ongoing Pre-Condition Surveys
Week of June 22: Changes to Parking on Robinson Street North & Project Staging Plan
Week of July 6: Construction Begins on Elm Street
A LOOK BACK
Town Council Update – June 15
On June 15, the project team presented a formal update to the Grimsby Town Council, confirming that everything is in place for a well-coordinated and well-communicated construction period. The update highlighted three key areas:
Project readiness: Construction mobilization is set to begin the week of June 22.
Communications strategy: The refreshed Downtown Reimagined brand is live, and our dedicated Facebook and Instagram channels (@downtownreimagined) are active and building momentum.
Stakeholder alignment: The Downtown Grimsby BIA and the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce are coordinated and engaged, ensuring a consistent and supportive message to the business community throughout construction.
This alignment across Town leadership, communications, and business partners sets a strong foundation for the months ahead.
Meet the Machines at the Grimsby Farmer’s Market - June 18
On June 18, the Downtown Reimagined project team, in partnership with the Downtown Grimsby BIA and Grimsby Chamber of Commerce hosted Meet the Machines at the Grimsby Farmers' Market.
Residents and visitors had the opportunity to explore construction equipment, learn more about the Downtown Reimagined project, and speak directly with the project team about the work underway in the downtown core. The event was well attended and provided a fun, interactive way for the community to engage with the project.
A LOOK AHEAD
June 23 – Ongoing Pre-Condition Surveys
Before construction begins, dBA Services Inc., a third-party consultant hired by the contractor, will conduct free pre-condition surveys of properties in the work area. This is a photographic inspection that documents your property's existing condition and protects you if any damage claim arises later.
Current and upcoming survey areas:
Elm Street – between Main St. West and Main St. East
Main Street – between Patton St., Christie St., Elm St., and Robinson St. N
Mountain St. / Christie St. – between Elm St. and Elizabeth St.
Rossmore Avenue – between 4 Rossmore Ave. and Main St. East
Booking date: Tuesday, June 23 – spots fill fast!
To book, call or text (905) 383-9491, toll free (833) 212-4858, or email pcs@dbaservices.ca (office is open Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
If you receive a notice, it means the survey team will be in your area soon. Exterior-only inspections don't require you to be present – just your permission. There is no cost to participate. Participation is voluntary but encouraged, and the surveys are a standard part of the construction process.
Week of June 22 – Changes to Parking on Robinson Street North
Temporary changes to on-street parking restrictions on Robinson Street North are being implemented to support traffic flow during construction:
New restrictions are in effect on the east side of Robinson St N, between Main St E and John St.
Existing parking on the west side of Robinson St N remains unchanged.
These restrictions support traffic flow on Robinson St N and John St, which are expected to see increased volumes as construction gets underway.
Week of June 22 – Project Staging Plan
The contractor, Alfred Beam Excavating Ltd., will begin mobilizing equipment in preparation for construction.
Crews will begin bringing equipment and materials to the area, setting up the project staging area and site office, and preparing the site for upcoming work. You’ll also start to see project signage going up around downtown as construction gets underway.
Week of June 22 – Sequence of Construction
Over the last few weeks, the project team has been working closely with Alfred Beam Excavating Ltd. to refine the construction schedule, including the order in which work will occur street by street.
A few things to keep in mind as you review the staging plan:
The schedule may shift. Construction timelines can be affected by weather, underground conditions, and other factors. If significant changes occur, we’ll communicate updates as quickly as possible.
The graphic below shows the main sequence of underground work. Activities like watermain testing, connections, and restoration will occur at different stages and are not captured in this overview.
Some phases will require temporary road closures. Where closures are planned, advance notice will be provided along with detour route information through our regular weekly updates.
Our goal is to include specific details about upcoming work (exact locations, type of work, and timing) in our updates so you always know what’s coming next.
Order of Operations – Underground Works (July to October)
Elm Street from Main Street West to Mountain Street
Intersection of Mountain Street and Elm Street (nighttime closure)
Elm Street from Mountain Street to Main Street East
Rossmore Avenue from 160 metres south to Main Street East
Main Street East from Robinson Street North to Kingsway Boulevard
Main Street East from Kingsway Boulevard to Elm Street
Intersection of Main Street East and Elm Street (nighttime closure)
Mountain Street from Elm Street to Main Street West (daytime closure)
Intersection of Main Street West and Christie / Mountain Street (nighttime closure)
Christie Street from Main Street West to Elizabeth Street
Main Street West from Mountain Street to 60 metres west
Main Street West from Patton Street to 100 metres east
Throughout every phase of construction, downtown Grimsby is open for business. We are committed to maintaining access to local shops, restaurants, and services throughout the project.
We encourage residents and visitors to continue supporting downtown businesses – your patronage makes a difference.
Week of July 6 – Construction Begins on Elm Street
The moment we’ve been working towards is almost here. Active construction is set to begin the week of July 6, starting on Elm Street, near the intersection with Gibson Street.
The contractor will be working easterly towards Main Street East over a 2-3 week period. Stay tuned for additional details about the work on Elm Street on our next update.
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Niagara This Week | June 16, 2026
“Meet the Machines that will help reimagine downtown Grimsby”
Niagara This Week reporter Mark Newman covered the Downtown Reimagined project ahead of Thursday’s event, spotlighting the Meet the Machines event at the Farmers’ Market, the $1.9M project scope, the ICIP grant funding, and the phased construction approach designed to keep downtown open throughout the work.
Read the full article: niagarathisweek.com — Meet the Machines that will help reimagine downtown Grimsby
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Project News and Updates
Never miss an update! If you haven’t already subscribed to the project news page, simply select “Follow Project” on the right-hand side of the page.
For questions, please email DTreimagined@grimsby.ca.
Follow Downtown Reimagined
Visit www.letstalkgrimsby.ca/dr-construction and select “Follow Project” to receive updates directly in your inbox.
And be sure to follow our new official Facebook and Instagram channels!
@downtownreimagined
Questions?
Email DTreimagined@grimsby.ca
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends