Paris, Ontario facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paris
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Unincorporated community
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Grand River riverfront in Paris, Ontario
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 Paris
Location in County of Brant
Paris
Location in Southern Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| County | Brant |
| Area | |
| • Total | 13.55 km2 (5.23 sq mi) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 14,956 |
| • Density | 1,103.6/km2 (2,858/sq mi) |
| Forward sortation area |
N3L
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Paris is a charming community in Ontario, Canada. In 2021, about 14,956 people lived there. It's located northwest of Brantford, where the Nith River joins the Grand River. Harrowsmith Magazine once called Paris "the Prettiest Little Town in Canada"!
The town was officially started in 1850. In 1999, its local government joined with the County of Brant. This ended 149 years of Paris being a separate town. Today, Paris is the largest community in the County of Brant.
Contents
History of Paris, Ontario
Paris got its name from the gypsum found nearby. Gypsum is a mineral used to make plaster of Paris. This useful material was found in 1793. By 1794, a road was built from Dundas, Ontario, to the Grand River. This road is now called Dundas Street in Paris.
The town is also known as "the cobblestone capital of Canada." This is because many old houses are built with cobblestones. These unique stones were taken from the rivers.
Early Settlement and Growth
The town was first settled on May 7, 1829. A man named Hiram Capron from Vermont bought the land. He paid $10,000 for the area where the Grand and Nith Rivers meet. Capron then divided some of the land into town lots.
He built a grist mill, which grinds grain, on the town site. Capron also helped open an iron foundry and mined gypsum. By 1846, the community had about 1,000 people. These early settlers were from America, Scotland, England, and Ireland.
The town was growing with many industries. These businesses used the power of the river. A lot of plaster was sent out from Paris. There were three mills, a tannery, and a woolen factory. Many different tradesmen also worked in the town. Five churches had been built, and mail arrived three times a week.
Town Incorporation and Development
Paris became an official village in 1850. Hiram Capron was its first leader, called a Reeve. It then became a town in 1856, with H. Finlayson as the first mayor. By 1869, the population had grown to about 3,200 people.
The telephone was invented in Brantford, Ontario, in 1874. However, Alexander Graham Bell noted a special connection to Paris. He said the first long-distance phone call was made between Brantford and Paris. This historic call happened on August 3, 1876.
The idea of building with cobblestones came from Levi Boughton. He built St. James Church in 1839. This was the first cobblestone building in Paris. Today, two churches and ten homes still stand. They are all made from river stones. Other building styles in downtown Paris include Edwardian and Gothic.
Modern Paris and Growth
Paris is also a site for radio and TV stations. These stations serve the Brantford and Kitchener-Waterloo areas. The main tower was built in 1974 for CIII-TV. It was the main transmitter for the Global network in Southern Ontario.
The town hosts a yearly Fall Fair. This event happens during the Labour Day weekend. The Fair shows off rural life with exhibits. It also has carnival games, rides, and a demolition derby. Country music concerts are also a big part of the Fair.
Since the late 1990s, Paris has grown a lot. Many people from the GTA have moved here. They enjoy the rural community while still being able to commute. This growth was also helped by the completion of Highway 403.
Places to See and Things to Do
Paris has many interesting places to visit and activities to enjoy.
- Barker's Bush is a large area with walking and biking trails. It has a rare Carolinian forest and a thriving ecosystem. You can enter it mainly through Lion's Park.
- Paris Fairgrounds is where the five-day Labour Day Weekend Fair takes place.
- Paris Speedway Track is a motorcycle track. It has hosted national-level races with famous riders.
- Penman's Dam was built in 1918 by John Penman. He was a textile factory owner. The Paris Firefighter's Club helps light up the dam every evening. You can see it from the William Street Bridge. Or you can enjoy the view from one of the riverside restaurants.
Education in Paris
Paris has different types of schools for students.
- Public schools in Paris are managed by the Grand Erie District School Board.
- Catholic schools are managed by the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
- The town also has a Montessori Children's Academy.
Elementary Schools
- Paris Central Public School is an elementary school. It is located near the center of downtown. Over 300 students attend this school.
- North Ward School is another public elementary school. It is on Silver Street in the north part of town.
- Other elementary schools include Holy Family Elementary School (Catholic), Sacred Heart Elementary School (Catholic), and Cobblestone Elementary School (public).
High School
- Paris District High School (PDHS) was founded in 1923. It is a public high school for the region. Over 1,005 students attend PDHS. It serves Paris and other nearby communities. These include Burford, St. George, and Glen Morris.
Paris in Movies and TV
Paris has been a filming location for several movies and TV shows.
- Let It Snow (2019)
- Away from Her (2006)
- Silent Hill (2006)
- The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005)
- Phil the Alien (2004)
- Shadow Builder (1998)
- Spenser: Pale Kings and Princes (1994) (Television)
- Ordinary Magic (1993)
- Blood and Guts (1978)
- The Hard Part Begins (1973)
- Bark Ranger
Famous People from Paris
Many notable people have connections to Paris.
- Syl Apps: An Olympian in pole vaulting and a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player. He was also a Member of Provincial Parliament.
- John Bemrose: Author of The Island Walkers.
- Todd Brooker: A well-known alpine skier.
- George Bernard Flahiff: Archbishop of Winnipeg and a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Zac Dalpe: A hockey player for the Iowa Wild.
- George Wallace Gouinlock: A famous architect from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Walter Gretzky: Father of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. He attended high school in Paris.
- Mickey Ion: An ice hockey referee who is in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- J. Murray Luck: A biochemist and founder of Annual Reviews.
- John Muckler: An NHL Coach and General Manager.
- John Penman: An early manufacturer and businessman in Paris.
- Ted Reader: A celebrity chef.
- Linda Schuyler: A television producer known for the Degrassi franchise.
- Barry Silverthorn: A documentary producer.
- Glen Sonmor: A hockey player and manager.
- H. J. Sterling: A hockey executive.
- Albert Johnson Walker: A famous conman and convicted killer.
- William "Lady" Taylor: An early professional ice hockey player.
- Jay Wells: A hockey player who won the Stanley Cup in 1994.
- Henry Girdlestone Acres: A hydroelectric engineer.
Important Buildings and Structures
Paris has several historic and important buildings.
- CIII Television Tower
- Paris Old Town Hall
- The Historic Arlington Hotel
- The Canadian Tavern
- Hamilton Place (a great example of cobblestone building)
- Paris Branch of the County of Brant Public Library (a Carnegie Library)
Images for kids
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Corner of William and Grand River (left)
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Corner of William and Grand River (right)
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Historic photo of the Penman Factory
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County of Brant Public Library, Paris Branch
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St. James Anglican Church (1838)
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Paris Plains Church (1845)
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Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1857)
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Paris Baptist Church (1885)
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Arlington Hotel
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Downtown Paris from Grand River Street North
