Revitalizing Downtown Paris: Zoning By-law Amendment Recommendations

Staff Report: In a groundbreaking move to breathe new life into Downtown Paris, a pivotal zoning by-law amendment is on the horizon. This ambitious initiative, recommended by a recent report, and accepted as information at last Tuesday’s meeting of council, aims to align the current zoning regulations with the visionary Downtown Paris Master Plan, adopted in October 2019 The ultimate goal is to ensure that the County’s Comprehensive Zoning ByLaw ("CZBL") resonates with the strategic priorities of sustainable growth and economic resilience.

Impact on Downtown Paris

Social Revamp: The proposed amendment, set to address critical issues like building height, permitted uses, and floodplain mitigation measures, seeks to reshape the social fabric of Downtown Paris. By delineating permissible land uses in alignment with the municipality's Official Plan objectives, the amendment is poised to redefine the community's physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Environmental Focus: With an eye on environmental sustainability, the amendment will play a crucial role in steering development away from flood-prone areas, safeguarding both public health and safety in the floodplain of Downtown Paris.

Economic Boost: By setting clear expectations for development potential, the amendment aims to catalyze incremental growth in the tax assessment base. With Downtown Paris already boasting a tax assessment value exceeding $30 million, the proposed investment in additional commercial and retail opportunities is expected to further elevate the area’s economic standing.

Planning Context and Future Steps

The transformational journey of Downtown Paris began with the development of the Downtown Paris Master Plan, a result of extensive public consultation spanning 2017 to 2019. This visionary plan envisions a vibrant, inclusive space that preserves the historic charm and community focus of the downtown core. The upcoming zoning by-law amendment seeks to bring this vision to fruition by aligning zoning standards with the Official Plan and Master Plan policies.

Key Considerations: From building height and permitted uses to parking requirements and the implementation of the 1987 Special Policy Area, the amendment will address crucial elements to pave the way for a revitalized Downtown Paris.

Public Engagement: Embracing a robust public consultation strategy, the amendment process will encompass diverse feedback channels, including online platforms, public notices, visualizations, and public information meetings A draft zoning amendment is slated for presentation in November 2024, with a final recommendation anticipated before construction commences on Grand River Street North in the Spring of 2025.