Downtown Reimagined Construction Phase

We’re sharing a quick project update, along with some helpful information based on questions we’ve been hearing from the community.

PROJECT UPDATE

The project remains on schedule, and we’ve reached an important milestone this week with the close of the contractor submission period.

Next, the project team will move into the evaluation and selection phase – bringing us one step closer to breaking ground on June 22.

RESPONSES TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS

We've heard a lot of thoughtful questions and conversations about what this project will mean for day-to-day life downtown. We appreciate the engagement – it’s important, and it helps us share clear and accurate information.

Here are responses to some of the most common questions asked:

The most important response is that downtown will not be closed this summer. Businesses will remain open.

Will Downtown be closed this summer?

Downtown Grimsby will remain open this summer.

Phase 1 runs from June 22 through October 31, 2026. During that time, you can expect some noise, temporary detours, and occasional access adjustments – that’s the reality of a project of this scale.

That said, downtown businesses will be open, accessible, and ready to welcome you.

In response to feedback from our business community, construction is being carefully phased to maintain access and reduce disruption. Downtown may look a little different this summer, but it will still be open and vibrant.

We encourage everyone to continue visiting, shopping, dining, and supporting the local businesses that make downtown Grimsby so special.

Is this project related to the new condo developments?

This work is essential and is an important investment in infrastructure that will support the community for years to come.

Downtown’s underground infrastructure - including aging cast iron watermains, stormwater systems, and sanitary services - needs renewal. The Town has experienced multiple watermain breaks in recent years, and this work is needed regardless of new development in the area.

The timing is also supported by funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – a federal and provincial grant, secured by the Town – which helps offset the cost of this critical work.

Will traffic be significantly impacted during construction?

There will be impacts, but traffic and access will be actively managed.

Managing traffic flow is a top priority. A detailed traffic management plan is in place to maintain access for vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, deliveries, and emergency services throughout construction.

As a reminder, the Farmers’ Market will temporarily relocate to the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre once construction begins, so your Thursday market tradition can continue.

We’ll continue to share updates on traffic and access as we get closer to the June 22 start date.

Why complete this work in sections? Wouldn’t it be faster all at once?

Phasing the work was a deliberate choice to better support businesses and the community.

By completing the project in smaller, sequential sections, we can reduce the size and duration of disruptions in any one area. This approach also allows the project team to respond more quickly to unexpected issues . This approach was shaped directly by feedback from the BIA and the business community.

Will vehicles be able to access Main Street?

Yes. Vehicle access will be maintained throughout construction.

There may be temporary adjustments to certain streets or sections during specific phases, but access for deliveries, customers, and emergency services will continue.

Clear signage will be in place to help guide visitors to open businesses.

NEXT STEPS

We understand that change can bring uncertainty – especially for those who live and work downtown. This project represents an investment in Grimsby's future and we are committed to making the journey as smooth as possible.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.

STAY CONNECTED

Never miss an update! If you haven’t already subscribed to our news page, simply select “Follow Project” on the right-hand side of the page.

For questions, please email DTreimagined@grimsby.ca.

Momentum is building for Downtown Reimagined!

We’re proud to see Downtown Reimagined highlighted in a recent Niagara This Week article, showcasing the vision for our future downtown. With construction anticipated to begin June 22, this exciting next chapter is just around the corner.

Read the full article here!

Thank you for staying engaged with the Downtown Reimagined project. We’re writing to share important updates on what to expect in the coming months.

Project Updates

Construction Tender Released

The construction tender for the Downtown Reimagined project has officially been released and is now available for review on the Town’s website. This contractor selection process marks a significant step forward in advancing the project.

Business Priorities Reflected in Tender

Over the past several months, the Town has worked closely with the BIA (Downtown Grimsby) and the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce to better understand and incorporate the priorities and concerns of the downtown business community, including those we heard in the December 4th engagement session. This collaboration helped ensure key business considerations are reflected in the tender. The Phase 1 tender requires:

• A completion date of October 31, 2026, and includes incentives for early completion, or penalties for late completion.
• The contractor provides a dedicated Project Ambassador who will work with other project ambassadors to support businesses and visitors throughout construction.

Project Start Date Confirmed

The project timeline has been adjusted for an anticipated start date of June 22, 2026. This will follow “The Happening” and also allow the Farmer’s Market to remain in its downtown location for the first three weeks of June (June 4, 11, and 18), leading into the highly anticipated and exciting Happening in Grimsby event.

Traffic and Detour Planning

Traffic detour plans have been developed as part of the design package and are currently under review by the appropriate road authorities.

What to Expect in the Coming Months

Phased Construction Approach

Project planning continues to be refined to reflect work that will be phased across two years. In the coming months additional details will be shared as timelines and sequencing are finalized.

Business Support and Activations

The Town, in collaboration with the BIA, the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce, and project partners, is reviewing several events and activations to help support the downtown during construction.

Launch of Dedicated Downtown Reimagined Social Media Accounts

The Town will be launching official Downtown Reimagined Facebook and Instagram accounts to help keep the community informed on the latest developments and announcements. These channels will provide project updates, key milestones, and important information as the project progresses. Stay tuned for the official account handles and launch dates. Be sure to follow along to stay connected and informed.

We recognize that construction can present challenges for businesses and the community. The Town remains committed to working closely with the BIA, Chamber of Commerce, downtown stakeholders, and residents to minimize impacts and provide ongoing updates.

Thank you for staying engaged with the Downtown Reimagined project. We are pleased to share several recent updates, along with an overview of what to expect in the months ahead.

Recent updates now available

“What We Heard” Summary

A summary of the December 4 BIA meeting has been posted on Let’s Talk Grimsby, outlining key themes of what the Town presented, and feedback provided by business owners on construction phasing, business support, events, parking, and communication. This file can be viewed here.

Updated Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ section on Let’s Talk Grimsby has been refreshed to address common questions about construction timing, access, and what to expect during each phase of the project.

Presentation video available

A recording of the BIA meeting presentation has been posted and can be watched here. The video walks through the phased construction approach, explains how work will be staged, and outlines how access to downtown businesses will be maintained.

What to expect in the coming months

Construction partner selection

Project communications plan in development

New project-specific social media channels

We appreciate the time and input shared by the community so far. Your feedback continues to play an important role as the project moves forward.

The Town of Grimsby is providing an important update on the Downtown Reimagined Project, following recent discussions with members of the downtown business community.

Based on what we have heard from businesses, residents, and stakeholders – and with a shared focus on supporting a successful outcome for downtown commerce and the broader community – the Town has made a decision to adjust the project schedule.

A Phased Approach to Support Downtown Success

Rather than completing construction in a single year, the Downtown Reimagined Project will now take place over two carefully planned phases, beginning in 2026 and concluding in 2027. This revised approach is intended to better balance the technical requirements of the project with traffic management, business access, and day-to-day community needs.

• Phase 1 (2026): The Town will focus on completing the majority of underground infrastructure work outside of the downtown core. Streets include: Elm, Mountain/Christie, Main - West of Mountain and East of Elm, and Rossmore.
• Phase 2 (2027): Construction will then move into the downtown core area to complete the remaining underground and streetscape work (Main Street between Christie Street and Elm Street).

The primary benefit of this approach is improved traffic and access management. By organizing the work across two phases, the Town will be better positioned to maintain traffic flow, minimize disruption, and support continued access to businesses and residences throughout construction.

This revised phasing also allows for a more strategic rollout of the most sensitive work in the downtown core, with added flexibility to adapt to seasonal considerations, business operations, and ongoing feedback from stakeholders. Importantly, it provides opportunities to fine-tune the timing and sequencing of construction activities in response to concerns raised by the business community.

The Town will continue to walk through each phase in greater detail as planning progresses and welcomes continued feedback as part of this process.

Ongoing Engagement with the Business Community

Recently, the Town met with downtown businesses to share updates on the Downtown Reimagined Project, including the revised phasing and timeline. A full video presentation with voiceover is available on Let’s Talk Grimsby and can be viewed here. The presentation is intended to provide detailed information on the project and the rationale behind recent decisions.

As the Town prepares for construction beginning in 2026, the presentation outlines:

• The updated phasing and timing of the project
• How access to storefronts will be maintained throughout construction
• How and when information will be shared as details are finalized
• How business input will continue to inform final construction planning

Project Progress and Financial Commitments

With the support of the business community and project partners, the Downtown Reimagined Project has now reached the 60 per cent design milestone and remains on track to be issued for pricing early in the new year.

Staging plans have been developed to guide construction, including:

• Maintaining traffic and pedestrian flow and access to businesses
• Planning for potential nighttime work
• Clear signage, including vehicle detours, pedestrian wayfinding, and “Businesses Open” signage
• Overall construction sequencing

The Town has made significant financial commitments to the project, including a $9.1 million project budget, supported by a $1.9 million government grant for the watermain component. Additional funding has also been committed to advance further phases of the downtown parking study to implement key recommendations.

Collaboration remains central to the project’s success. The Town continues to work closely with the Downtown BIA, meeting multiple times each month through construction task forces, communications planning, and one-on-one discussions. As part of this partnership, the Town has retained Gestalt Communications to support a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy throughout construction.

A Long-Term Vision for Downtown Grimsby

Downtown Reimagined is a major infrastructure and streetscape revitalization initiative focused on renewing aging underground infrastructure while transforming the downtown core into a vibrant, pedestrian-priority destination. Guided by a new vision for Main Street East and West, the project aims to create a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment that supports local commerce, social connection, and Grimsby’s small-town character and heritage.

Together, the Town and community are working toward a downtown that supports long-term economic vitality and community growth.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to subscribe to the project page on www.letstalkgrimsby.ca/dr-construction to receive ongoing updates.

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.