Downtown Reimagined Construction Phase

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Welcome to the Downtown Reimagined Web Page!


Exciting transformation is coming to Downtown Grimsby

Here you will find information on the project details and schedule, along with ongoing updates.

This once-in-a-generation project began as a Public Works watermain replacement. However, we saw an opportunity to go beyond infrastructure upgrades and reimagine the future of Downtown Grimsby. Building on the Downtown Reimagined Visioning Study - developed in collaboration with the Region, local businesses, and residents – the detailed design is now underway. As we move through the design and construction phases, we are bringing this shared vision to life, transforming Downtown Grimsby into a vibrant and dynamic space for all.

Background information from Phase 1 can be found here: Downtown Reimaged Planning Study.

The Downtown Reimagined project consists of 3 phases (see project timeline for details):

  • Phase 1 - Visioning Study
  • Phase 2 - Detailed Design Process
  • Phase 3 - Construction

Key Details of Visioning Phase

The visioning study included the commission of a parking study and a traffic study. We also gathered valuable feedback from the public and stakeholders which was crucial in shaping the urban design guidelines. The guidelines include a vision statement and key principles reflecting community priorities which were used to develop a conceptual design plan. The concept plan and guidelines can be found in the Public Information Centre attachment in the Document Widget on the right.

Key Details of Design & Construction Phases

Building on the vision established in Phase 1, the revitalization of Downtown Grimsby will focus on creating a welcoming and vibrant space that encourages pedestrian activity, social connection, local business, and community events. The project scope includes three key components:

  • Watermain Replacement: The aging cast iron watermain, which has reached the end of its service life, will be replaced to ensure reliable service for downtown and the surrounding area. The Town applied for and received a grant in April 2022 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure - Green Stream Program from the Federal and Provincial Governments and received nearly two million dollars to help fund the watermain replacement.
  • Sewer Repair & Installation: A thorough assessment of the existing storm and sanitary sewers will help determine necessary repairs and upgrades to support the refreshed streetscape. The scope of sewer installation, repair, and replacement will be determined during the detailed design process.
  • Road Reconstruction: Main Street, from Christie to east of Elm, will undergo a full reconstruction with an emphasis on improving and promoting pedestrian movement. This will be accomplished by widening sidewalks, reducing asphalt lane widths and potentially adding a dedicated pedestrian crossing. Flexible parking areas will also be incorporated for temporary parking on Main St. while providing additional pedestrian area when parking is not required. Thoughtful design elements such as landscaping, public art, and enhanced lighting will bring renewed energy and charm to the downtown core.


As the detailed design progresses and information becomes available, it will be posted here. Please make sure you FOLLOW PROJECT for updates.


Approximate Project Limits




We know how important it is to support our local businesses, and every effort will be made by the Town to encourage and maintain their support during this time. To help minimize impacts, the Town of Grimsby and our Engineering Consultant, CIMA+, are working closely with the Downtown BIA to keep disruptions to a minimum for both businesses and residents.

We pledge to our valued businesses to keep the lines of communication open. However, we encourage you to stay connected! It is more important than ever to support our local businesses.

Don’t forget to FOLLOW PROJECT for updates and keep an eye out for notices and special events.

Thank you for being a valued part of our community!





Let's Talk Parking!

We are aware that the downtown reconstruction can impact parking concerns, but the Town of Grimsby has many existing options for the public. The map below identifies several municipal parking lots available.


Municipal parking lots shown in blue. Pedestrian travel paths highlighted in green

  1. Elizabeth Street Parking Lot
  2. Main Street, North Parking Lot
  3. Balsam Lane Parking Lot
  4. Lions Pool Parking Lot



Welcome to the Downtown Reimagined Web Page!


Exciting transformation is coming to Downtown Grimsby

Here you will find information on the project details and schedule, along with ongoing updates.

This once-in-a-generation project began as a Public Works watermain replacement. However, we saw an opportunity to go beyond infrastructure upgrades and reimagine the future of Downtown Grimsby. Building on the Downtown Reimagined Visioning Study - developed in collaboration with the Region, local businesses, and residents – the detailed design is now underway. As we move through the design and construction phases, we are bringing this shared vision to life, transforming Downtown Grimsby into a vibrant and dynamic space for all.

Background information from Phase 1 can be found here: Downtown Reimaged Planning Study.

The Downtown Reimagined project consists of 3 phases (see project timeline for details):

  • Phase 1 - Visioning Study
  • Phase 2 - Detailed Design Process
  • Phase 3 - Construction

Key Details of Visioning Phase

The visioning study included the commission of a parking study and a traffic study. We also gathered valuable feedback from the public and stakeholders which was crucial in shaping the urban design guidelines. The guidelines include a vision statement and key principles reflecting community priorities which were used to develop a conceptual design plan. The concept plan and guidelines can be found in the Public Information Centre attachment in the Document Widget on the right.

Key Details of Design & Construction Phases

Building on the vision established in Phase 1, the revitalization of Downtown Grimsby will focus on creating a welcoming and vibrant space that encourages pedestrian activity, social connection, local business, and community events. The project scope includes three key components:

  • Watermain Replacement: The aging cast iron watermain, which has reached the end of its service life, will be replaced to ensure reliable service for downtown and the surrounding area. The Town applied for and received a grant in April 2022 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure - Green Stream Program from the Federal and Provincial Governments and received nearly two million dollars to help fund the watermain replacement.
  • Sewer Repair & Installation: A thorough assessment of the existing storm and sanitary sewers will help determine necessary repairs and upgrades to support the refreshed streetscape. The scope of sewer installation, repair, and replacement will be determined during the detailed design process.
  • Road Reconstruction: Main Street, from Christie to east of Elm, will undergo a full reconstruction with an emphasis on improving and promoting pedestrian movement. This will be accomplished by widening sidewalks, reducing asphalt lane widths and potentially adding a dedicated pedestrian crossing. Flexible parking areas will also be incorporated for temporary parking on Main St. while providing additional pedestrian area when parking is not required. Thoughtful design elements such as landscaping, public art, and enhanced lighting will bring renewed energy and charm to the downtown core.


As the detailed design progresses and information becomes available, it will be posted here. Please make sure you FOLLOW PROJECT for updates.


Approximate Project Limits




We know how important it is to support our local businesses, and every effort will be made by the Town to encourage and maintain their support during this time. To help minimize impacts, the Town of Grimsby and our Engineering Consultant, CIMA+, are working closely with the Downtown BIA to keep disruptions to a minimum for both businesses and residents.

We pledge to our valued businesses to keep the lines of communication open. However, we encourage you to stay connected! It is more important than ever to support our local businesses.

Don’t forget to FOLLOW PROJECT for updates and keep an eye out for notices and special events.

Thank you for being a valued part of our community!





Let's Talk Parking!

We are aware that the downtown reconstruction can impact parking concerns, but the Town of Grimsby has many existing options for the public. The map below identifies several municipal parking lots available.


Municipal parking lots shown in blue. Pedestrian travel paths highlighted in green

  1. Elizabeth Street Parking Lot
  2. Main Street, North Parking Lot
  3. Balsam Lane Parking Lot
  4. Lions Pool Parking Lot



  • Test pit and borehole work as part of design phase

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    Beginning Monday, September 8 through Friday, September 12, crews will be carrying out test pit and borehole work in the downtown core as part of the design phase of the Downtown Reimagined Project.


    Work locations

    • Test Pits: Main Street, between Christie Street and Robinson Street North
    • Boreholes:
      • Main Street, between Christie Street and Patton Street
      • Elm Street, between Mountain Street and Gibson Street
      • Mountain Street, between Elm Street and Main Street


    What to expect

    • Temporary lane diversions and single-lane closures will be required.
    • Crews will make every effort to maintain two lanes of traffic where possible, and at least one lane will remain open at all times.
    • Work will be completed in stages:
      • September 8–10: Daylighting test pits
      • September 10–12: Geotechnical drilling. Work on Main Street West will pause September 11 to avoid disruption to the Farmers’ Market. Crews will focus on Elm Street that day.
    • Holes will be filled in immediately following the work. No installations are being done at this time, and this is exploratory work is intended to inform the design phase of the Downtown Reimagined project.


    Why this work is needed

    • Test pits are small, temporary excavations that allow crews to look underground and confirm what is below the surface. In this case, the pits will help locate the old train tracks buried under Main Street. Identifying the exact location of the tracks ensures they are considered as part of the project’s design and scope of work.
    • Boreholes are narrow, deep holes drilled into the ground to study soil and subsurface conditions. This work will provide important information needed to plan trenchless watermain crossings under the Forty Mile Creek. These crossings will use directional drilling with a launch and receiving pit on either side of the creek. Two crossings are planned: one on Elm Street and one on Main Street.


    We thank the community for their patience as this important work is carried out.

Page last updated: 05 Sep 2025, 11:24 AM