Downtown Reimagined Project Update – June 25, 2026
The groundwork for something great is officially underway!
This week, the Downtown Reimagined project reached a milestone that has been years in the making. The official Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 22 marked the formal start of construction in our downtown core and was a proud moment that signals real, lasting change is on the way.
With the week of July 6 just around the corner, active work on Elm Street is almost here, and we couldn't be more excited to share what's ahead.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Ongoing Pre-Condition Surveys: participation is highly encouraged and booking is available as long as construction work hasn’t commenced in your area
June 25: Music on the Forty – Groove Miller headlines in Coronation Park
June 25 - October 8: Farmers’ Market moves to the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre
July 2: Downtown Grimsby Launches Construction-Themed StoryWalk running until August 28, 2026
Week of July 6: Active construction begins on Elm Street between Gibson and Mountain Streets
A LOOK BACK
Groundbreaking Ceremony – June 22
Monday, June 22 was a day worth celebrating. The Town of Grimsby held the official Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Downtown Reimagined project, and it was an important town moment that brought together residents, businesses, Town staff, and project partners who have worked side by side to bring this vision to life.
Joined by Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure, Todd McCarthy; MPP for Niagara West, Sam Oosterhoff; Mayor Jeff Jordan and a message from the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Roberston; the groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of real, tangible improvements to the heart of Grimsby - improvements that will benefit residents, visitors, and businesses for generations to come.
A LOOK AHEAD
Ongoing Pre-Condition Surveys
We want to make sure every property owner near the construction zones has had the chance to book their free pre-condition survey. dBA Services Inc., a third-party consultant hired by the contractor, is conducting these surveys on behalf of the Town – and they are available to you at no cost.
What is a pre-condition survey? It's a photographic inspection of your property's existing condition, completed before construction begins. It's designed to protect you if any questions arise about property conditions after work is done. The survey provides a clear, documented baseline.
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). Participation is voluntary, but we strongly encourage everyone in the survey area to take advantage of this free service.
June 25 – Music on the Forty
Summer in downtown Grimsby wouldn't be complete without Music on the Forty, and the 2026 season is wrapping up in style. The final show of the season takes place this Thursday, June 25, from 6:00-8:00 p.m in Coronation Park, with headliner Groove Miller closing out what's been a fantastic run of live music in our downtown.
Admission is free, and the whole community is welcome. The event is weather dependent – if it needs to be cancelled, an announcement will go out via @DowntownGrimsby on social media one hour before showtime. So keep an eye on your feed, and plan to be there!
June 25 - October 8 – Grimsby Farmers' Market Moves to a New Home
As downtown Grimsby undergoes Phase 1 construction this summer, the Grimsby Farmers' Market is moving to a new location. Starting Thursday, June 25, the market will be held at the newly-renovated Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre at 162 Livingston Avenue, running through October 8.
Enjoy the market you know and love, just in a new spot. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the market this Thursday!
July 2 – Construction StoryWalk
Starting July 2, the Downtown Grimsby BIA is launching a Construction-themed StoryWalk that runs all the way until August 28. This creative, family-friendly event will be a way to explore downtown while construction is underway.
This year's featured story is Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker, a children's book about a hardworking team of construction vehicles tackling a big job together. Pages are placed along a walking route through 16 participating downtown businesses – from Main St. West to Elm St. – so families can read the story together while discovering everything the neighbourhood has to offer.
It's the perfect excuse to take a stroll, pop into local shops, grab a bite on a patio, and make a day of your visit downtown. The StoryWalk is a wonderful reminder that construction is a sign of growth and that our downtown is very much alive and open throughout.
Learn more and follow along the route at downtowngrimsby.com
Throughout every phase of construction, downtown Grimsby is open for business. In partnership with the Grimsby Downtown BIA and Chamber of Commerce, we remain 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 truly makes a difference.
Week of July 6 – Construction Begins on Elm Street - Construction Process
A slight adjustment to the construction starting location. Beginning the week of July 6, the contractor will begin installing a new watermain pipe on Elm St. to cross under the Forty Mile Creek. The following process will be used:
The pipe will be installed using trenchless technology to avoid impacting the water course.
The pipe will be assembled above ground and fed into a tunnel created by the drilling machine and pulled through to the other side of the creek.
Refer to the CONSTRUCTION PROCESS graphic below for further information.
Traffic Considerations
Construction takes place during daytime hours only.
Elm Street remains open to traffic in both directions throughout the watermain installation.
Moving construction equipment may cause some intermittent disruptions in traffic flow.
Refer to the TRAFFIC PLAN graphic below for additional traffic considerations in the work area.
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Niagara-on-the-Lake Local | June 23, 2026
"Grimsby breaks ground on Downtown Reimagined project with infrastructure funding"
Niagara-on-the-Lake Local covered the official Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Downtown Reimagined project, spotlighting the infrastructure investment and what it means for the future of downtown Grimsby.
Read the full article: notllocal.com – Grimsby breaks ground on Downtown Reimagined project with infrastructure funding
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
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Follow Downtown Reimagined
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Questions?
Email DTreimagined@grimsby.ca
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