Council denies 33-storey mixed-use building in downtown

On Monday night, City Council voted unanimously against City staff’s recommendation to amend the City’s Zoning By-law to facilitate development of a 33-storey, mixed-use building at 37 Ontario St. and 3 Ontario Ln.

About a dozen delegations, representing neighbours, property owners and friends or family members who live in the area, opposed the application, citing concerns with its proposed height, density, and parking provision, and argued narrow Ontario Lane and adjacent streets could not accommodate the development’s traffic. 

The by-law amendment would have facilitated the construction of the mixed-use building. The proposal included 308 residential apartment units, commercial and office space, and 183 parking spaces.

Staff had recommended approval of the development application with additional limits on height toward the rear of the site and Yates Street Heritage District to the south, and the addition of a holding provision to ensure Ontario Lane was realigned prior to the new zoning taking effect.

New greenhouse to be built behind Buchanan House

Council approved a staff recommendation to support the proposal by Links for Greener Learning to build a new greenhouse behind Buchanan House.

Links for Greener Learning (L4GL) would use the proposed greenhouse with its existing community and teaching gardens on the lands through its community license agreement with the City. Accessible only to L4GL staff, the greenhouse would augment L4GL’s seasonal workshops and children’s summer camps and bolster its efforts to provide fresh produce for families experiencing food insecurity.

The proposed greenhouse would be entirely funded by L4GL through grant funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund. The greenhouse is intended to extend the L4GL growing season, starting earlier in spring, and ending later in fall.

The environmental charity organization’s proposal aligns with the City’s goals of strengthening neighbourhoods through quality-of-life opportunities accessible to all, and of being recognized as an environmental sustainability leader, resilient in the face of escalating climate change events.

Sunset Beach Renovation Project update

City Council received an update on the Sunset Beach Renovation Project on Monday.

In 2019, a Sunset Beach Community Vision Study commenced with extensive community engagement to determine the long-term vision for improvements to bring the park and its facilities to current standards. In March 2023, the City project was awarded a $4.4-million grant from the province. The City is responsible for contributing almost 27 per cent of the total eligible project costs or $1.6 million. The province’s funding specifies the project should be completed by March 31, 2027.

The Sunset Beach renovation includes parking lot improvements; improvements to existing park amenities, such as trails and picnic tables; reconstruction of the existing boat ramp; replacement of the playground structure; and shoreline protection.

The project will be tendered for construction this year, and pending a successful tender, the Sunset Beach phasing plan is as follows:

• Stage 1: Q2 2025 to Q2 2026

Partial park closure: north end closed to the public, south parking lot and beach open to the public.

Construction activities: north parking lot, east trail, east drainage swale

• Stage 2: Q3 2025 to Q2 2026 (In-Water Works)

Partial park closure: north end closed to public

Construction activities: boat launch and scour protection

• Stage 3: Q3 2025 to Q2 2026

Full park closure

Construction activities: tree removals, playground, south parking lot, plaza, beach edge and walkway

Tariff mitigation plan update

In response to the ongoing tariff situation with the United States, Council approved a temporary “Canada-First” procurement policy, that prioritizes Canadian-made goods and services and supports the long-term economic resilience of local industries.

The new procurement policy will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Council also approved that staff continue to collaborate with invested parties, including but not limited to Team Niagara – Niagara’s Economic Development professionals, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and other interested and affected parties, on strategic advocacy efforts to address the broader tariff-related impacts that municipalities will face.

Further, the City will continue its efforts to attract investment, diversify the economy, and promote long-term business growth by investing in key sectors, supporting workforce development programs, and promoting St. Catharines as a competitive, investment-friendly community.

Staff will continue to monitor the economic impacts of the tariff situation and provide regular updates to Council.

Through use of these mitigation efforts, the City can protect its economic interests, ensure the sustainability of key projects, and foster long-term resilience in its local economy. 

Council addresses housing crisis

Council voted on a motion to address the ongoing housing crisis and the need to move forward development projects and to free up land for housing to meet long-term housing targets.

Council directed staff at the time of the next Official Plan review (currently scheduled to begin Q2 2025) to evaluate provincial employment targets and policies to determine if any employment land conversion and / or target surpluses exist that can increase residential development opportunities in the City.

Neighbourhood Investment Master Plan 

Council approved a motion to create a Neighbourhood Investment Master Plan, and to allocate up to $250,000 from an appropriate reserve fund to prepare it.

Further, Council directed City staff to prepare an RFP (Request for Proposals) to hire an outside consultant to help prepare the plan. Staff will create a terms of reference and begin recruiting membership for a new Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee to guide the process.

The new master plan will target all priority neighbourhoods in the city, including the downtown, the Port Dalhousie downtown, the Facer Street area, and the Hartzel Road corridor, among others, to aid needed private sector investment. 

City takes action to protect local economy amid U.S. tariffs

In response to the imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the City of St. Catharines is taking decisive action to protect local businesses and ensure economic resilience.

City Council at its March 17 meeting approved a temporary "Canada-First" procurement policy, priorizing Canadian-made goods and services in municipal purchasing. The policy is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the economic impact of tariffs on local businesses and infrastructure projects.

Since the announcement of tariffs in early February, the City's Senior Leadership Team has been actively reviewing mitigation strategies to ensure St. Catharines remains well-prepared for any potential disruptions. The work has included monitoring economic impacts, identifying affected projects, collaborating with key partners, and advocating for municipal support at the provincial and federal levels.

The new procurement policy will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Charities, community groups can apply for Niagara River Lions tickets

The City of St. Catharines is offering tickets for Niagara River Lions home games at the Meridian Centre to local non-profit organizations and sports organizations.

The City invites registered charities, incorporated non-profit groups, and minor not-for-profit sports associations serving St. Catharines to apply to the Meridian Centre Community Use Program to request 12 tickets to select Niagara River Lions home games.

Applications opened on March 17.

Interested organizations can apply online at stcatharines.ca/CommunityUseProgram. The application deadline is Friday, April 4 at 11:59 p.m.

The City will match eligible applicants to a select number of games eligible for groups to either bring children and youth to a live sporting event at the Meridian Centre, or use for fundraising purposes.



Summer Company Program offers young entrepreneurs mentorship, funding

Young entrepreneurs in St. Catharines have an exciting opportunity to turn their business ideas into reality this summer through the Summer Company program.

The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre-run program provides students aged 15 to 29 with mentorship, training, and financial support to launch and run their own businesses.

Eligible students must also be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario, currently attending high school, college or university and planning to return this fall, not currently running a business and not employed or attending school more than 12 hours a week during the summer.

Applications are open and must be submitted by April 10, 2025.

To apply, students must submit an online application and, if selected, complete a business plan and cash flow forecast. Successful applicants must be ready to start their businesses by June 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit investstc.ca/site/summer-company

Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre getting refrigeration upgrades this summer

Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre will undergo a major refrigeration system replacement from June to September 2025.

The $1.7-million project, approved in the 2024-2026 Multi-Year Capital Budget, will include replacement of the refrigeration plant, compressors and cooling towers. These components are beyond their expected lifespan and must be replaced to prevent unexpected breakdowns interruptions to the refrigeration equipment during peak ice usage.

As a result of this work, the four ice pads will be unavailable for approximately 12 weeks. This will mark the first summer in many years Seymour-Hannah will not offer summer ice programs, impacting hockey leagues, camps, and public skating programs. Based on historical facility usage data, staff have determined this is the optimal timeframe to complete the work with the least disruption.

Project updates will be available at stcatharines.ca/SeymourHannah on and the City's social media channels.



Certified candidates announced for St. Catharines Ward 6 By-election

The City of St. Catharines has officially certified the candidates for the 2025 municipal by-election in Ward 6 - Port Dalhousie.

Ensure you're on the voters' list and review these key dates.

Certified candidates:

• Jonathan Belgrave
• Zach Dykstra
• Patrick Harb
• Nick Kurzawa
• Jeff Mackie
• Marty Mako
• Norm St. George

Residents are eligible to vote if they are:

• a Canadian citizen
• at least 18 years old
• a resident of Ward 6 or owner / tenant (or spouse of owner tenant) of land in Ward 6
• not prohibited from voting under any law

Advance voting days are Thursday, April 3 at Grantham Optimist Club from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 at St. John's Anglican Church from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Voting day is Monday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more details, visit stcatharines.ca/Elections

City launches ongoing call for artists to activate public spaces

The City of St. Catharines is inviting local artists to take centre stage in public spaces, and engage residents through creative workshops, performances, and interactive activities as part of its new cultural programming initiatives.

This initiative aligns with the St. Catharines Culture Plan: 2025-2030: Stay for the Culture, a strategic vision for strengthening the city's arts and culture sector. Over the next five years, the City will provide opportunities for artists of all disciplines to connect with the community.

The ongoing call is open to individual artists, artist ad-hoc groups, and arts and culture organizations interested in leading workshops or performances at City-led initiatives, civic celebrations such as Family Day, Lakeside Long Weekend (June 30 and July 1), and other community events throughout the year. Indoor and outdoor activities will occur at various locations across the city.

Artists selected to participate will receive industry standard compensation.

Interested artists can apply online at stcatharines.ca/CalltoArtists.

Learn more about the City's vision for arts and culture at stcatharines.ca/CulturePlan.

Applications open for 2025 Food Truck and Vendor Permits

The City of St. Catharines is welcoming food trucks and mobile vendors back to parks and public spaces for another exciting season. Applications are open until March 31 for businesses looking to bring their flavours and unique offerings to some of the city's most-popular outdoor destinations.

Vendors can apply at stcatharines.ca/VendorPermit. Spots are limited, and demand is high - businesses are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred location.

Vendors' location preferences will be reviewed based on parking availability, proximity to other food services, and alignment with City policies. Preference will be given to accessible, environmentally friendly, and Niagara-based businesses.

Lakeside Park and Sunset Beach will not be available for vendors during the 2025 season. Sunset Beach will be off-limits due to construction, while Lakeside Park is ineligible because it already offers concession stand services.

Successful applicants will be required to obtain a Hawkers and Peddlers Licence, a food truck or mobile vending cart park permit, and pay an environmental fee.

The operating season runs from June 1 to Sept. 30.

St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program applications open for 2025 cycle

The St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) is accepting applications for its 2025 funding cycle. Cultural organizations, arts initiatives, and festival producers are invited to apply for support to bring their creative projects to life.

Key deadlines for 2025 applications:

• April 10: Sustaining Core and Midsized Programs
• May 1: Arts Development, Culture Builds Community Programs
• Sept. 18: Arts Development, Culture Builds Community and Sustaining Festival Programs

Application materials for the Sustaining Core and Midsized Programs are on the City's website. Materials for other program streams are typically released six to eight weeks prior to application deadlines.

Eligible applicants must be active in St. Catharines, offer programming or services open to the public that are promoted city-wide.

Join us for a virtual information session on the 2025 SCCIP Development Program funding on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register at stcatharines.ca/SCCIPWebinar.

Lunch and Learn Series

April 9, 2025

10 a.m.

Morningstar Mill

2714 Decew Rd.

Art Show and Sale

April 26, 2025

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dunlop Drive OAC 80 Dunlop Dr.