Revitalization of Downtown Under Way in 1980

creating no parking zones on both sides of Willow Street from Old Bridge Street to William Street and on both sides of William Street from Willow to Grand River Street North. The ban was expected to be in effect until the repairs to the high-level traffic bridge and the Nith River bridge were completed. Work on the two bridges was expected to continue through the summer months A town spokesman said the parking ban is being initiated because of increased traffic on both streets which were used as a detour route. The two streets are designated as county roads and require Brant County council approval for changes in parking regulations.

The revitalization of downtown Paris is under way. Work on the first of two areas to get a facelifting in 1980 began with the removal of the old sidewalk on the south side of William Street from Grand River Street North to Broadway Street. It was replaced with a four-foot-wide concrete walk and a five-foot path of paving bricks which will widen the walkway by about two feet. Also included in the work are new street lighting, trees, and benches, Brant County council is expected to pass a bylaw Wednesday

The Paris Business Improvement Association initially intended to do only the cenotaph area at the south end of Grand River Street North that year. The William Street portion was added when the association learned that the town was faced with tearing up the sidewalk to make repairs. Rather than wait until the next year, the association decided to go ahead that year. The decision turned out to be a break for the municipality which was expected to save about $2000 by sharing the work with the association. The town faced removing the sidewalk at its own expense to make repairs after rainwater seeped under it undermining it in several areas. The washed-out sections were repaired Later that year the cenotaph area was reworked to tie in with the over-all scheme for the downtown. New walkways were developed around the memorial with the addition of new shrubs trees, lighting, and rest areas. Changes were also made to parking in the area. The remainder of the downtown section was reworked the following year

The total project was expected to cost about $218,000 with $150,000 being provided as a low-interest loan from the ministry of housing. Town council contributed about $68,000. Downtown merchants would repay the ministry loan through the Business Improvement Association.