City celebrates Canada Day and 150 Years of St Catharines
Thank you for braving the elements and joining us at Montebello Park and Rennie Park to help us celebrate Canada Day and 150 years of St. Catharines, a celebration of our nation and our common ground.
It was hot, it was humid, it was raining, it was windy, but you persevered, showed your national and civic pride, and we had a blast!
We'd like to once again thank:
- The Trews
- Sully Burrows
- Juliana Riolino
- The Thuds
- The Strictly Hip
- The Lincoln and Welland Foundation Band
- Spencer Burton "The Mountain Man"
- Rockin' Time with Mr. Rob and Friends
- All our vendors, staff, and volunteers!
Stay tuned for the make-up date for the Drone Show!
| |
Long-term maintenance program and funding strategy identified for the Port Dalhousie Piers
City Council approved a proposed program to maintain - and fund the maintenance - of the Port Dalhousie piers, which were turned over to the City after reconstruction a few years ago.
The maintenance and funding strategy establishes a shared governance model between the City's Community Recreation & Culture Services and Engineering, Facilities, and Environmental Services departments, supported by formal inspection programs, escalation procedures, and lifecycle planning practices.
The piers are an important piece of public infrastructure requiring coordinated operational management, ongoing maintenance, regular engineering inspections, and long-term capital investment planning.
|
New Vacant Building Security By-law and a Dedicated Downtown By-law Enforcement Officer
Council supported a new Vacant Building Security By-law and the associated administrative monetary penalties for non-compliance, and approved the hiring of a full-time contract by-law enforcement supervisor and a full-time contract by-law enforcement officer dedicated to the downtown area for a two-year pilot.
Funding will come from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve in the amount of up to $175,000 to support year two of the pilot; and up to $100,000 was approved from the Downtown Stabilization, Safety and Reinvestment Plan to support year two of the program.
Council also directed staff to report back on the feasibility of expanding the downtown dedicated by-law enforcement patrol area to a portion of the Queenston Streer area, and for staff to provide to Council figures on the number of fines, recovery rate, and prosecution time for the vacant building by-law.
|
City approves sole-source procurement for new animal services control contract
City staff entered into an agreement with Humane Society of Greater Niagara, which is a related non-profit company of the City’s current provider, Niagara Region Animal Services. The services to be provided include enforcement of the City’s animal control by-laws, operating a shelter, and offering animal adoption services. No significant changes in service are proposed.
The agreement will be for five-year term, with an option to renew for an additional five-year term. The services will continue at the same price structure as the City's current contract, starting at $634,848 per year of service and increasing by 3% each May.
| |
2027 to 2030 Schedule of Rates and Fees approved
City Council approved the 2027 to 2030 Schedule of Rates and Fees, previously reviewed by the Budget Standing Committee June 15, 2026. The proposed schedule includes 109 updates: 38 new fees, 41 existing fees with “significant” changes, 30 fees being removed and 44 administrative / housekeeping updates. The new fee schedule will take effect in 2027, with annual reviews and any future amendments requiring Council approval as part of annual re-adoptions. The full report, including specific fee updates, can be accessed here.
Update to the City's sign by-law
City Council approved amendments to Sign By-law 2012-154, with updates specifically to electronic sign regulations. The revisions include clearer and more comprehensive regulation of Electronic Signage, including provisions for sign design, operation, and location. The full report can be accessed here.
Support for FCM's “From the Ground” Campaign Pledge
City Council endorsed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' From the Ground pledge which will identify potential lands to implement the campaign, which aims to facilitate the development of non-market housing on vacant, underused or surplus public lands.
| |  | |
Decision on 447-449 Geneva St. apartment proposal deferred
City Council held a public meeting and referred back to staff an amendment to the City of St. Catharines Official Plan (Garden City Plan) for lands municipally known as 447 and 449 Geneva St., to redesignate the subject lands to permit high-density development. The developer is seeking permission to construct a four-storey apartment building with about 50 units.
After a series of delegations from community members addressing concerns with the proposal, staff have been asked to bring back additional information on some of these issues at the next City Council meeting scheduled for Aug 10.
City calls for community safety, operations and neighbourhood mitigation plan for shelters
St. Catharines City Council endorsed a motion to be presented by Mayor Siscoe at Niagara Regional Council regarding the proposed relocation of the modular shelter at Riordon Street to another area of the community.
The motion, comprised of 17 requests and requirements, respectfully asks that Niagara Region prepare and publicly release a comprehensive community safety and shelter operations plan prior to the relocation of the shelter, which is operated by the Niagara Region.
| | Spotlight on St. Catharines |
St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation breaks ground on first project
The St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation (MDC) has reached a major milestone with construction set to begin on its first housing development, helping deliver more attainable and affordable housing in the city.
The MDC has partnered with Axe Living to build a 30-unit prefabricated rental apartment building on surplus City-owned land at 8 Academy St. Once complete, the development will provide 30 affordable housing units using an eco-friendly, energy-efficient modular construction system that will significantly reduce construction timelines compared to traditional building methods. On Monday, the MDC, joined by representatives from Axe Living and the City of St. Catharines, celebrated the groundbreaking for the project.
Incorporated by the City of St. Catharines in June 2024, the St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation serves as the lead developer for municipally owned real estate assets, working with private and not-for-profit partners to advance residential projects that support the City's housing goals.
The 8 Academy St. development is the MDC's first project since its establishment and reflects its mandate to increase the supply of attainable and affordable housing in St. Catharines through innovative partnerships and development approaches.
Following demolition of the existing building, Axe Living will begin construction using its patented modular building system. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
|
Starter Company Plus applications now open
Starter Company Plus is a training and mentorship program for businesses that are new start-ups, within the first two years of operations, a part-time business expanding into full time operations, or a newly purchased business. This program offers training in business planning, marketing, financials, and more.
Mentorship is available for eligible program participants and grants of up to $5,000 are available. Full individual eligibility will be discussed at an intake interview with the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre. Applications close Aug. 6.
| |
2026 Municipal Election
Voting day for the 2026 municipal council and school board elections is Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Get ready to participate with a variety of resources for electors, voters, and more, on our Elections webpage.
| |
Facility Disruption - Holy Trinity Mausoleum
The Holy Trinity Mausoleum located at Victoria Lawn Cemetery will be temporarily closed to visitors effective today (July 14) with an expected reopening of Wednesday, July 22. The closure is to allow the installation of a new floor.
City staff will work to accommodate any interment requests during that time. The remainder of the cemetery remains open and accessible.
| |
SCCIP funding continues to support arts and culture sector
The City of St. Catharines continues to offer ongoing supports to help strengthen and build the arts and culture sector locally.
At its June 22 meeting, St. Catharines City Council approved $449,280 in St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) funding, with $14,530 going to four applicants for the Culture Builds Community Program; $412,750 being allocated to 12 organizations through the Sustaining – Core, Festival and Midsized Program funding; and $22,000 awarded to six applicants through the Arts Development Program.
| |
Port Dalhousie Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool have moved to cashless payment
Summer swim passes and clip cards are also accepted and available for purchase at Port Dalhousie Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool.
Credit, debit, and pay-by-phone accepted.
| |
City opens Neighbourhood Micro Grants intake
Following a successful fourth intake this past winter, the City of St. Catharines has started accepting applications for the fifth round of its Neighbourhood Micro Grants program.
The Neighbourhood Micro Grants program offers funding for resident-led projects and events that bring neighbours together, promote social connections, and enhance the vibrancy of St. Catharines’ communities.
Residents can apply for up to $1,500 in funding to support neighbourhood projects and events during this intake period, which runs from July 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2026, for projects and events taking place between Dec. 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027.
| |
The 2026 Summer Company Showcase
The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre presented the 2026 Summer Company Showcase on Monday July 13, taking place at Wandering Spirits located at 96 King St. The showcase hosted nine new businesses, launched by entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 as part of the City’s Summer Company Program.
The showcased businesses were:
- Graphic Recording Agency - Clear.Ink Facilitation
- Landscaper - Dynamic D Landscaping
- Laser Engraving Company – Signature Cut
- Dog Bandanas – Stitched Together
- Exterior Cleaning - Prestige Pane Cleaning
- Training for International Students - Mapplé Skills
- Wooden Coffee Tables - Second Grain Co.
- Hot Dog cart – HotBoi Hotdogs
- Chess Coaching – Smart Start Chess Academy
The Summer Company Program is made possible through funding from the Province of Ontario. Successful applicants receive a $3,000 grant (covering $1,500 in start-up costs and an additional $1,500 when the program requirements have been completed successfully). They also receive business training and mentorship through the Enterprise Centre.
| |
Everybody in for swim lessons!
Would-be swimmers from ages 3-12 can join us for pay as you go swimming lessons at the Lion Dunc Schooley Pool! (32 Seymour Ave)
Register via www.stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC
| |
Toonie Swims throughout the summer!
Available on the following dates/locations:
Port Dalhousie Pool
- Friday July 24 - 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday Aug 9 - 1 p.m.
Lion Dunc Schooley Pool
Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
| |
Hot Summer Nights returns for 2026
Cool off and stay fire safe with Hot Summer Nights! Throughout the summer, St. Catharines Fire Services’ ladder trucks and dedicated fire prevention team will be visiting a different city park every week, transforming their vehicles into giant sprinklers!
| |
Summer Concerts in the Park
The City’s free outdoor Summer Concert Series returns this year with six concerts on Wednesday nights at Montebello Park.
| |
St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre - Open Late
Check out the Museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, open late until 8 p.m. between July 1 and August 31
| |
Full Colour: A Celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ Art and Expression on display until August 14
View 20 artworks by 15 artists from St. Catharines and across the Niagara Region working in disciplines, including painting, prints, drawings, textiles, and sculpture, to explore the many ways 2SLGBTQIA+ communities express identity, build connection, and imagine new possibilities.
"Full Colour" is on display in the Third-Floor Gallery space at City Hall, 50 Church St. It is available for viewing during regular City Hall business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
| | |
Explore storied city neighbourhoods on summer walking tours with the Museum
Explore the foundations of our community with a walking tour. These guided walking tours are led by expert museum staff who are filled with stories of the past and take you to where history happened. See the City's built heritage up close and learn more about the history of your neighbourhood.
Museum Summer 2026 Walking Tours include:
- From "Welland City" to "Merritton": Friday, July 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Port Dalhousie and the Early Welland Canals; Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- What's Brewing in Western Hill? Friday, Aug. 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Facer Street: Last of the Old, First of the New; Friday, Aug. 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
| |
Join the PAC Board!
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is recruiting new PAC Board Members from across the Niagara region and beyond. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and impact of one of Niagara’s leading cultural institutions.
Citizen members are being sought with expertise in one or more of the following areas: philanthropic leadership, corporate leadership, regional tourism expertise.
Applications will be accepted until 4pm on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
| |
Discover PAC's new 26 / 27 season
The arts belong here, and so do you.
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s 26 / 27 PAC Presents Season welcomes audiences to experience more than 80 performances across our four venues, bringing together internationally celebrated artists and an incredible showcase of local Niagara talent.
From season opener Crash Test Dummies to Canadian icons Trooper, Big Sugar, I Mother Earth, Men Without Hats, Matthew Good and His Band, and so much more.
Members get early access and can purchase tickets online now. Tickets go on sale to the public starting Thursday, July 16 at 10 a.m.
| |
Join the Library's Summer Reading Club!
This summer, turn your reading into a chance to win cool prizes! Summer Reading Club is the St. Catharines Public Library's all-ages, summer-long reading challenge designed to keep your literacy skills strong all season long. Simply register, read, and report your reading efforts to be entered into our end-of-summer raffle. Every day of reading is a new chance to win!
| |
The 175th anniversary of Harriet Tubman's arrival in St. Catharines
Join the St. Cathariens Downtown Association on Saturday, July 25 for the official launch of the first self-guided Black History Tour of Downtown St. Catharines, created by Rochelle Bush.
Before the commemorative walk begins, hear from Rochelle Bush, owner and primary guide of Tubman Tours Canada, Trustee and resident historian of Salem Chapel BME Church, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Site. For over 25 years, Rochelle's work has focused on preserving, promoting, and protecting Canada's rich Black heritage.
Celebrate with live entertainment, local speakers, vendors, family-friendly activities, food, and a special commemorative walk retracing the historic Emancipation Day procession that Harriet Tubman herself participated in while living in St. Catharines.
Event Details:
- Location: Downtown St. Catharines
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Community Celebration: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Commemorative Walk: 1 p.m.
The self-guided tour will be available throughout Emancipation Day Weekend, with celebrations continuing on Sunday at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie.
| | | |
|
Meet Catharine.
Here to Help.
Anytime. Anywhere.
Find her at stcatharines.ca
| | Connect with our customer service team: | | | | |
