YEAR IN REVIEW: 2024

-County of Brant, announces significant developments regarding the Downtown Dig project, aiming to revitalize the urban core of the area Changes include removal of angle parking in favor of parallel parking, plans for a mini roundabout at Grand River St N and Mechanic St are scraped, downtown parking structure put on hold, and timeline for project is announced – contractor to be tendered in January 2025, and revitalization timeline as follows:

March/April 2025: The landscape transforms as the Construction Project takes flight, commencing from the Nith River Bridge to the William Street Intersection, laying the foundation for future endeavors

October 2025: A milestone moment emerges with the Reopening of Grand River Street North, symbolizing progress and a renewed sense of vibrancy in the heart of Paris

March-May 2026: The project reaches a crescendo with the Completion of Outstanding Items and the Area North of William Street Intersection, setting the stage for further enhancements.

2026: The focus shifts towards Mechanic Street from Grand River Street North to West River Street, encompassing full underground replacement and street scaping, promising a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics.

2027: Grand River Street South undergoes a metamorphosis from the Nith River Bridge to Dumfries Street, featuring full underground replacement and the introduction of a roundabout, heralding a new era of connectivity and accessibility.

October

-Paris Ontario plays host to first ever ‘The Other Paris Fashion Week,’ as part of Ontario Cultural Days celebration.

-Record breaking BCHS Ignite Gala brings in $600,000 in fundraising, goes towards $6 million goal to raise funds for Diagnostic Imaging Department, including new ultrasound for the Willett.

-The new Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department walk-in entrance reopens in early October after a month’s long reconstruction project.

-County announces installation of new speed enforcement camera on Silver Street (in front of North Ward School) Ticketing to begin in January 2025.

-Longtime Paris Fire Fighter, Tom Waldschmidt, retires from County Fire Department, accepts job with Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office

-Victory for community unity: residents of the Mile Hill subdivision in Paris have successfully thwarted a proposed development by Losani Homes that would have drastically altered the landscape of their neighborhood. The planned eightstorey apartment building, initially met with shock and discontent, has been withdrawn following a resounding outcry from the neighbourhood.

-In a shocking admittance of poor judgement, amid public outcry, four Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board trustees call a $145,000 trip to Italy to purchase religious artwork a bad decision.

-It was a frightening time of year again as Ghosts and Goblins took over the streets, especially in the south end as the annual South Ward Scare produced an evening to remember A record number of 20 houses participated with Deborah Godden taking the Judge’s Special Mention Award; Kristine and Andy’s ‘Frankie’s Pit Stop’ won the Best Surprise; 31 Amelia Street won Most Clowns award; 49 Ball Street was winner of the Spookiest House; and Cindy & Jeff Merritt’s ‘Merritt’s Noisy Nightmare’ won Most Festive!

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