The Town of Grimsby Breaks Ground on Downtown Reimagined

Phase 1 replaces aging watermains and renews the underground water infrastructure at the heart of Grimsby's downtown.

GRIMSBY, ON — June 22, 2026: The Town of Grimsby officially marked the beginning of Phase 1 of Downtown Reimagined today as work commenced on a critical water infrastructure renewal project, supported by a $1.9 million investment from the federal and provincial governments through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The Government of Canada provided $1.05 million for the project, and the Government of Ontario provided nearly $875,000.

Phase 1 of Downtown Reimagined today Phase 1 is scheduled to start the week of June 22 and continue until the end of October 2026. During this period, construction activity will be carefully phased to help maintain access, reduce disruption and support business continuity. Downtown Grimsby will remain open throughout construction. Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue shopping, dining and supporting local businesses.

The funding is critical to the Town’s ability to replace aging underground water systems and deliver the long-term infrastructure improvements that Grimsby needs. Investing public dollars in essential water infrastructure is an investment in public health, community safety and long-term economic vitality.

Held at Coronation Park, the groundbreaking ceremony celebrated this significant federal-provincial investment alongside Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. The event also brought together Mayor Jeff Jordan, Members of Council, Town Staff, project partners and business leaders from the downtown community.

Downtown Reimagined represents a generational investment in the essential infrastructure that Grimsby residents and businesses rely on every day. Phase 1 centres on replacing deteriorating cast-iron watermains, some dating back to the 1950s, along with upgrades to stormwater and sanitary systems. By replacing these aging systems now, the Town is protecting water quality, improving public health, reducing the risk of water main breaks and building the resilient foundation the downtown needs for decades ahead.

“Today marks an important milestone for Grimsby,” said Mayor Jeff Jordan. “The investment we are announcing today is about completing essential water infrastructure work that residents and businesses depend on. We are grateful to our federal and provincial partners for recognizing the importance of investing in Grimsby’s water systems and long-term community resilience. This infrastructure work is the critical first step that will enable us to reimagine what our downtown can become.”

“The replacement of aging infrastructure is vital to ensuring the safety of Canadians,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure responsible for Pacific Development Canada. “Through this investment, the Government of Canada is proud to support the Town of Grimsby’s renewal of essential water infrastructure, ensuring that the downtown area can continue to serve residents, businesses and visitors for decades to come.”

"Replacing aging water infrastructure in downtown Grimsby means cleaner water, more reliable service and a stronger foundation for everything that comes next," said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure. "Investments like this one are how we build stronger, more resilient communities, part of our $236 billion capital plan to build and protect Ontario."

"Today is a new chapter for Grimsby as we mark the beginning of the Downtown Reimagined Project," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. "Through the province's funding partnership with the federal government and Town of Grimsby, which includes upgrades to Grimsby's critical water infrastructure, we look forward to creating a new Main Street experience that will attract residents and visitors alike to our growing region."

The Town has worked closely with the Downtown Grimsby BIA, the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and project partners, including CIMA+, Alfred Beam Excavating Ltd. and Gestalt Communications, to help shape the construction approach and communications plan. Throughout Phase 1, the Town will provide regular project updates, construction notices, access information and business-support messaging to help residents, businesses and visitors plan ahead.

Phase 1 lays the groundwork for Phase 2, which will bring improved accessibility, safer and more walkable streets, enhanced public spaces, landscaping, lighting and streetscape enhancements to Main Street once the critical infrastructure is in place.

Residents, businesses and visitors can stay informed by visiting the Downtown Reimagined project page on Let’s Talk Grimsby and following the Town’s communication channels for regular updates, along with the Downtown Reimagined social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

About Downtown Reimagined

Downtown Reimagined is a vital major infrastructure and streetscape revitalization initiative led by the Town of Grimsby. The project focuses on renewing aging underground infrastructure while transforming the downtown core into a safer, more accessible and pedestrian-priority destination that supports local businesses, enhances the visitor experience and celebrates Grimsby’s small-town character and heritage.

Media Contact
Christina Davidson
Communications Specialist
Town of Grimsby
905-945-9634
cdavidson@grimsby.ca