Digging Through Time: The Evolution of Downtown Paris, Ontario's Infrastructure

The history of our downtown is intertwined with a series of transformative events centered around major infrastructure projects. Dating back to its incorporation as a village in 1850 and subsequent elevation to town status in 1856, Paris underwent a remarkable evolution driven by the necessity to modernize and adapt its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of its industries and its residents.

Following its establishment as a village, Paris embarked on its first significant infrastructure project focusing on the installation of dams and race ways as the lower town flourished into a bustling hub of commerce and industry, the demand for enhanced infrastructure became increasingly evident. Large-scale construction projects, colloquially referred to as "Big Digs," commenced in downtown Paris to accommodate the installation of more robust plumbing networks and advanced electrical grids. These undertakings aimed to support the burgeoning textile mills and manufacturing enterprises that defined Paris's economic landscape Continued on page 15

Re construction of the raceway under Grand River Street - Circa 1895. Dry goods store on the right - J R Inksater Boot and Shoe Store on the left - Geo Inksater

Asetofconstructionworkerswithequipmentataconstructionsiteon GrandRiverStreetPhotoCirca:1902aftertheGreatFireSeptember12,1900