Friday, June 26, 2026
The Town of Grimsby officially marked the beginning of Phase 1 of Downtown Reimagined as work commences 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.
The funding is critical, said Mayor Jeff Jordan, to the Town’s ability to replace aging underground water systems and deliver the long-term infrastructure improvements that Grimsby needs.
“Today marks an important milestone for Grimsby,” said 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.”
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 watermain breaks and building the resilient foundation the downtown needs for decades ahead.
“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.”
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.
“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 the 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.”
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. Phase 1 work will continue until the end of October 2026.
Featured image: (G0vernment of Ontari0)
