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April 8, 2025

City Council News

Council stays the course on 35-year water/wastewater investment plan

A follow-up report to the 2024–2034 Water and Wastewater Financial Plan (WWFP) presented mayor and council with alternative financial scenarios to the 35-year plan approved in March 2024. These scenarios explored clearing the significant backlog of repairs and upgrades that has accumulated over a long period of time at a faster pace with greater costs and over longer terms with less household impact.

City staff recommended no change to the current strategy at this time due to rising construction costs, inflation and the uncertainty related to tariffs could drive up project costs faster than expected.

The City will continue to refine its financial projections as it updates its master plans, gathers more details on water and wastewater infrastructure, fine-tunes its repair and replacement schedules, and further develops asset management practices.

Coun. Matt Harris appointed to joint destination board

Coun. Matt Harris’ appointment to the St. Catharines-Lincoln Destination Partnership (STCLDP) Board of Directors ensures strong leadership and municipal alignment in the development of the joint destination marketing organization. Their contributions will support strategic decision-making and help to maximize the partnership’s impact on local tourism and economic growth.

As a founding member of the STCLDP, the City of St. Catharines is required to appoint two representatives to serve on the Board. A staff appointee will serve as the City’s other representative.

Oakdale Avenue house to be razed for development

A circa-1875 residence on Oakdale Avenue will be demolished to make way for a new three-unit townhouse development with Accessory Dwelling Units included.

City Council approved a request to remove 30 Oakdale Ave. from the Heritage Register to allow the two-storey building on the property to be demolished. Originally added to the Heritage Register in 2020 as part of a group of properties that may have been associated with the Welland Canal, a study found 30 Oakdale Ave. has limited direct ties to the canal’s operation or development and no historical or contextual significance.

City updates Fence By-law

Due to recent trends experienced over the past three years and feedback from homeowners, the City proposed housekeeping amendments to its Fence By-law.

Minor changes included adding horizontal boards and glass panels as acceptable swimming pool fence components; an 18-month expiration date for Swimming Pool Enclosure Permits; increased dimension from swimming pool enclosure fences to the pool edges; and a clearer, more up-to-date definition for hydro-massage pools.

More Council Info

Livestream

Agendas

Minutes

Port Dalhousie Ward 6 By-Election: April 14

Residents in Ward 6, Port Dalhousie will elect a new ward councillor next week.

The City of St. Catharines is gearing up for a 2025 By-Election for City Councillor in Ward 6, Port Dalhousie. The by-election, scheduled for Monday, April 14, is your opportunity to help shape the future of our city by electing a new representative to fill the vacancy on City Council. The successful candidate will serve alongside Coun. Bruce Williamson as representative for the ward.

Following the heartfelt loss of Ward 6 Councillor Carlos Garcia, whose dedication to Port Dalhousie and St. Catharines left a lasting legacy, Council voted on Jan. 13, 2025, to hold this by-election. You can find the names of the certified candidates seeking election, along with additional by-election details, on our website at stcatharines.ca/Elections.

Key Dates to Remember:

Advance Voting

There is one opportunity remaining to cast your ballot early on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church.

Election Day

On election day, Monday, April 14, polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grantham Optimist Club and at the Port Dalhousie Lions Club.

Eligible voters in Ward 6 are encouraged to participate. Not sure if you’re on the voters’ list? Visit stcatharines.ca/Elections or contact the Office of the City Clerk at 905.688.5600 ext. 1517 to confirm your eligibility and get all the details you need.

Have questions? Reach out to us at elections@stcatharines.ca.

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Recap: Stay Informed

City’s Flowerpot Program helps businesses bloom

Businesses in St. Catharines can add a pop of colour to their storefronts this spring with the return of the City’s annual Flowerpot Program.

Compete in the 2025 City Nature Challenge

St. Catharines residents are invited to take part in the 2025 City Nature Challenge, a global citizen science event using the iNaturalist Canada platform, from April 25-28.

Call for Artists opens for Juried Art Exhibition

All established, emerging and student artists living in the Niagara region are invited to submit their works to the 16th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, titled Layers.

Explore STC history with spring community walks

Join the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre’s staff-guided walks this spring and learn more about the history hidden around the city.

Get Engaged With Your City

Check out the active projects welcoming citizen feedback in St. Catharines:

Upcoming Events

Submit an event to St. Catharines Community Event Calendar: stcatharines.ca/SubmitAnEvent

Introduction to Market Research

Tuesday, April 15

10-11 a.m.

St. Catharines Enterprise Centre

More Info

Eggstravaganza at the Market

Saturday, April 19

9:30 a.m.

St. Catharines Farmers Market

More Info

Art Show and Sale

Saturday, April 26

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dunlop Drive Older Adults Centre

More Info

Port Dalhousie Spring Clean Up

Saturday, April 26

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Old Lock One Stage

(45 Lakeport Rd.)

More Info

TownhallSTC:

St. George's Ward

Wednesday, April 30

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre

More Info

Programs and Activities

Around St. Catharines

Plan ahead to prevent basement flooding

Heavy rainfall can result in basement flooding. Performing regular maintenance and planning ahead can save you time and money in the long run! Here are a few preventative measures from our Flood Action Checklist you can take before a rain storm:

Clear off storm grates and ditches
Clean eavestroughs
Disconnect Downspouts
Cover window wells

Our Seasonal Property Flood Action Checklist provides handy tips on flooding prevention measures you can take regularly and before a rainstorm.

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Ridley Road construction starting soon

The Niagara Region is set to begin the Ridley Road section of the GO Station Precinct project between Louth and Henrietta streets.

There may be periodic inconveniences during construction. Efforts will be made to maintain access to properties and minimize disruptions to businesses, residents and pedestrians.

Expect single-lane closures and traffic delays. Notice will be provided in advance should driveway access be affected. Traffic may be congested at times. Pedestrian access will be maintained but care is requested when walking through the construction zone.

Learn More