September strolls in Montebello Park. | | The fountain in the rose gardens at Montebello Park. | |
Veterans Crosswalk coming to Church Street
The City will paint a crosswalk in honour of veterans in front of St. Catharines City Hall at the intersection of Church and James streets in time for Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 11.
Representatives of the four Legion branches in St. Catharines have endorsed the proposed crosswalk design. The recommended location for the inaugural installation is highly visible outside of City Hall and is at the start of the annual Remembrance Day Parade.
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Skyway twinning project in design phase
The design phase for the twinning of the Garden City Skyway will take place over the next 19 months with construction expected to start in 2027, City Council heard in an update from the Ministry of Transportation.
Once the twinning is completed, the new bridge deck will carry traffic while the original bridge is rehabilitated. The project will also include a pier protection system for both bridge decks designed to resist the full impact of a vessel collision to ensure public safety.
Construction will impact roads around the Skyway, including Dieppe, Dunkirk, Cushman, Bunting roads and Queenston Street. However, the project team will use strategies, such as staged construction and leaving one lane of traffic open, to minimizing disruptions. Residents can stay up-to-date with advance notice for road closures and other disruptions, project information and a contact form posted online at quegcs.ca.
There’s also a public information session to be held in 2026 where residents can view the bridge design, road realignments, landscape plans as well as ask questions and share concerns.
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Victorian-era fire hall up for heritage designation
One of the few remaining Victorian-era fire halls in the province is intended to be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
City Council directed that a notice of intention be issued to designate 143 - 153 St. Paul Crescent, a commercial block in Western Hill, in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act. City Council will consider adopting a heritage designation by-law for the properties 30 days after the notice and will direct any objections to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Together, the properties are well-preserved examples of a late 19th-century commercial block constructed between circa 1880 and 1887 and includes the Neptune Fire Hall, the Voisard Block and the McGuire-Voisard building. The fire hall building is a rare surviving example of a Victorian-era fire hall in St. Catharines with only a few comparable examples in Ontario.
| | City Council also directed the City to issue a notice of intention to designate 3 Elizabeth Street in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act. The property, known as the Begy House, is a well-preserved example of a vernacular Gothic Revival residence constructed circa 1880. The house retains a high degree of architectural integrity, particularly through its decorative woodwork, gable-fronted massing, and distinctive painted detailing. | |
Proposed apartment building gets go-ahead
The owners of a vacant lot are proposing a redevelopment that will add 30 new apartment units to the Merritton neighbourhood.
City Council approved zoning by-law amendments after a public meeting on Monday to permit a five-storey, 30-unit apartment building with 32 parking spaces at 97 Hartzel Road. Three of the units will be designated for affordable housing.
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Safety measures at rec facilities
City Council requested a report with recommendations on all City recreation facilities that could benefit from additional safety measures, including bollards, and associated costs.
Polish Legion
The City will begin accepting donations on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Polish Veterans
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Branch 418. City Council authorized adding the Polish Legion to the City's list of organizations / fundraising activities authorized for donation receipts.
Upcoming meetings
City Council cancelled its September 15 Budget meeting and rescheduled the start times to 5 p.m. for City Council meetings on September 22 and October 6.
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Help Keep St. Catharines Clean and Green
The Clean City Task Force invites residents to roll up their sleeves and take part in the next Clean Up Meet Up on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Volunteers will gather at two locations:
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Mountain Locks Park, 107 Merritt Street (Parking Area on Bradley Street)
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Waterfront Trail, at the north end of Lighthouse Road
The Clean Up Meet Up is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to foster civic pride, promote environmental stewardship, and keep St. Catharines clean and green. Supplies will be provided at both locations.
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Work underway to bring Sunset Beach Community Vision to fruition
Sunset Beach is temporarily closed to the public as it becomes an active construction site for a $6.9-million renovation project.
With funding from the Province of Ontario’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the City of St. Catharines is investing in upgrades to meet current standards and address challenges like fluctuating water levels, extreme weather, and growing recreational demands
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City delegation holds critical talks
at 2025 AMO Conference
In August, Mayor Mat Siscoe, City Councillors, and senior City staff attended the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa. The conference provided a crucial platform for City officials to meet with provincial leaders and advocate for St. Catharines’ strategic priorities.
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City applauds provincial funding
for Niagara agriculture sector
The City of St. Catharines extended its thanks to the Province of Ontario for its recent announcement of $41 million in funding for irrigation pipelines to help deliver water to hundreds of farms and agricultural businesses across Niagara.
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Apply now for the final round of 2025 SCCIP funding
The St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) is designed to support the creative sector and strengthen the overall cultural ecosystem in the City of St. Catharines. The program invests in arts and cultural activities to enhance our public life in the community.
The deadline for Arts Development, Culture Builds Community, and Festival Programs applications is Thursday, September 18 (for projects starting January 2026 or later). Applications will be reviewed by members of the St. Catharines’ Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, who will then make funding recommendations to City Council.
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You're invited to the Purchasing Open House
Curious about how to do business with your local government — but not sure where to begin? Join the City of St. Catharines for the Purchasing Open House, an in-person networking event that brings together municipal procurement staff from across the region.
Set for Thursday, September 25, the Purchasing Open House offers the chance to:
- Learn how the municipal bidding process works
- Get answers directly from purchasing professionals
- Build valuable connections with procurement teams
- Explore opportunities to grow your business locally
Economic development representatives will also be on hand to speak with you about doing business in Niagara. Bring your questions. Leave with connections.
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Celebrate 10 years of the PAC
Celebrate FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre's 10th Anniversary with a free Community Open House on Sunday, September 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event will feature interactive activities, giveaways every hour, music, and so much more. Register now for dance workshops and an interactive community art project with Brian Kon. Plus, audience favourite CatVideoFest screens all day long in The Film House!
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Merritt Library Branch Now Open
The Merritt Branch is now open at the Niagara Pen Centre.
Visit the new branch on Thursday, September 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. for the grand re-opening celebration and enjoy refreshments, behind-the-scenes tours, family activities, and more.
No registration required.
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LitFest returns for its second year
The St. Catharines Public Library's LitFest returns for its second year.
LitFest as an all-day, all-ages literary festival celebrating all things reading, writing, and illustration. It's about discovering a love of literature at any age and unearthing new experiences.
Join in the celebrations at the Central Library during the day with family-friendly activities and at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre for A Night of Mystery panel discussion and Q&A.
| | The final property tax instalment due date is coming up on September 29. | | | |
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