Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction is now underway on Phase 1 of Brantford’s downtown revitalization project, with crews replacing aging underground water, sewer, and utility infrastructure on Brant Avenue, Icomm Drive, Hill Street, Dalhousie Street, and Colborne Street.
The upgrades are designed to ensure the city can complete necessary work in advance of Phase 2 of the downtown revitalization. Above ground, work will improve roads, sidewalks, and traffic flow to create a safer and more accessible downtown.
The project is a major undertaking aimed at transforming downtown Brantford while preserving its cultural heritage. Much of the underground infrastructure, including sanitary sewers, watermains, and utilities, is nearing the end of its life and must be replaced. The new infrastructure will provide increased capacity to support future development.
Above-ground streetscape improvements will enhance accessibility and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers, while creating a downtown that is attractive, vibrant, and safe for all users. Project goals include making downtown a destination place, improving infrastructure for all transportation modes, and supporting future growth in the city’s core.
Project design began in January 2024. Phase 1 construction is scheduled for completion by late August 2026. Work will continue through December 2025 before pausing for the winter and is expected to resume in late March or early April 2026.