Paris' Old Town Hall to be Transformed into New Main Branch Library and Bawcutt Centre

By Chris Whelan

In a monumental step towards revitalizing Paris' cultural heart, the site excavation at the new Main Library and Bawcutt Centre, formerly known as the Paris Old Town Hall, commenced on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The excavation, led by Collaborative Structures Limited (CSL), involved the digging of multiple test pits to verify ground conditions in alignment with existing geotechnical data This meticulous process sets the stage for the forthcoming tender release and eventual construction phase The journey to repurpose the historic Old Town Hall into a vibrant community hub dates back to the 1980s, when local efforts were initiated to save and breathe

< A crowd of participants gather outside the Bawcutt Centre at 13 Burwell Street, Paris wwwbrantlibraryca/NewMainBra nch new life into the iconic structure. In 2015, the County Council acquired the building with crucial support from a generous $1,000,000 donation by Skystone Media CEO Linda Schuyler. Renamed the Bawcutt Centre in honor of Schuyler's father, Jack Bawcutt, a revered former mayor of Paris, the building stands as a testament to Paris' rich heritage. Distinguished as a National Historic Site, the Old Town Hall represents a quintessential example of Gothic Revival-style civic architecture in Canada. Its restoration and expansion signify a collaborative effort to preserve the town's historical legacy while embracing modern functionality. The envisioned Main Library and Bawcutt Centre will serve as a nexus for literacy, arts, culture, and heritage within the community The project, approved for construction by the County of Brant Council in June 2023 pending tender award, is set to redefine Paris' cultural landscape. Anticipated tender results in late fall 2024 will mark a crucial milestone in the project's progression, subject to final approval by the Council. For the latest updates and announcements regarding the New Main Branch, visit

For inquiries or concerns, please contact Kelly Bernstein, CEO of the County of Brant Public Library, via email at kellybernstein@brant ca or by phone at 519-442-2433.

Throwback to May 2022

A memorable Jane's Walk at the future site of the Main Branch Library, the historic Bawcutt Centre!

Take a stroll down memory lane with us as we revisit this engaging event, exploring the rich history of the iconic building and envisioning its exciting transformation. Stay informed with updates on the Library’s new chapter at the Bawcutt Centre at: www.brantlibrary.ca/NewMainBr anch