Downtown Grimsby Launches Construction-Themed StoryWalk During Downtown Reimagined Project

Fri, Jun 26, 2026

Downtown Grimsby, in collaboration with the Town of Grimsby and the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce, is inviting residents and visitors to experience a family-friendly construction-themed StoryWalk running from July 2 to August 28, 2026, throughout the downtown core. People of all ages can explore downtown by following the pages of the storybook Mighty, Mighty Construction Site displayed at participating businesses.

A StoryWalk is an interactive outdoor reading experience that places pages from a book along a walking route. Pages will be displayed in storefront windows, allowing people to read the story while exploring local businesses and enjoying all that the area offers during the Downtown Reimagined project.

As Downtown Grimsby undergoes an exciting transformation, the StoryWalk offers a creative way for families to engage with the revitalization taking place around them, discover local businesses, and experience firsthand the community's vision for a vibrant and welcoming downtown.

“We want people to know that downtown is still open and safe to visit,” said Mark Wood, Chair of Downtown Grimsby. “Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore, and we’d love to see families out reading the StoryWalk and spending some time downtown.”

This year’s featured story is Mighty, Mighty Construction Site, written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, an internationally best-selling team known for their engaging and imaginative children’s books. The story follows a hardworking crew of construction vehicles as they team up to tackle a big job, showing the importance of cooperation, perseverance, and helping each other along the way.

The construction theme complements the Town's Downtown Reimagined project, which was developed through community visioning, technical studies, and detailed design planning. The work is being carried out in two phases, with underground infrastructure improvements completed first, followed by upgrades within the downtown core through 2027.

Construction of Phase 1 kicked off the week of June 22, 2026, while work gets underway, downtown businesses will remain open and ready to welcome visitors. Construction on Phase 1 is expected to continue until the end of October 2026. 

“Supporting our downtown businesses throughout construction remains one of our top priorities,” said Brandon Wartman, Director of Public Works at the Town of Grimsby. “We know construction can create challenges, which is why we're committed to finding creative ways to keep people coming downtown. Initiatives like the StoryWalk help showcase everything our businesses have to offer while encouraging residents and visitors to continue shopping, dining and exploring in our downtown core."

As you read through the StoryWalk, take time to enjoy summertime downtown. Cool off with an iced drink, grab a bite on a patio, browse local shops, or treat the kids to something special along the route. It’s a great opportunity to make a day of your visit while supporting the businesses that keep Downtown Grimsby vibrant.

“We’re really happy to support initiatives like this,” said Rebecca Shelley, Executive Director of the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a fun way to bring people downtown and see everything the business community has to offer during the construction period.”

To participate in the StoryWalk, visit the following businesses in this order:

Mrs Greenway, 31 Main St W
Farm Gate to Your Plate, 35 Main St W
Village Studio, 63 Main St W
Grimsby Music, 76 Main St W
Marsers & Associates, 76 Main St W
The Dutch Shop, 52 Main St W
Teddy’s Sports Bar, 30 Main St W
Jordan’s Flowers, 16 Main St W
The Forty, 10 Main St W
Nurish Kitchen, 7 Main St E
The Brick Shack, 15 Main St E
The Dog Spot, 43 Main St E
Activate Dance & Circus School, 36 Main St E Unit 4
GBF, 40 Elm St
GBF, 40 Elm St
Charlie’s Barber Shop, 23 Main St W

For more information about the StoryWalk visit DowntownGrimsby.com or follow @DowntownGrimsby on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Town of Grimsby’s Downtown Reimagined Project, visit www.letstalkgrimsby.ca/dr-construction and select “Follow Project” to receive updates directly in your inbox.