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May 27, 2025

City Council News

Council funds Public Space By-law; calls on upper governments to address housing needs

City Council approved a business case allocating approximately $646,000 in 2025 to start enforcing the City’s new Public Space Use By-law.

Funding in 2025 will primarily support hiring five full-time staff and purchasing three vehicles, with the remainder covering equipment, software, training and contract services. The costs will be funded through the City’s tax rate stabilization reserve.

The business case also estimates nearly $700,000 in operating costs for 2026 will be included for consideration as part of the 2026 readoption budget.

The City aims for compliance through outreach and support, using enforcement only as a last resort. This investment will help the City take a strategic, balanced approach that respects the rights of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness while ensuring public spaces remain safe, accessible, and inclusive for all.

Council also directed the Mayor to write a letter to Federal Minister Greg Robertson, Provincial Minister Robert Flack and Niagara Region Council to build supportive housing and to request the provincial and federal governments provide any assistance on this matter.

City improves equitability in allocation of financial resources for special events

City Council approved amendments to the City’s Special Events Waiving of Fees Policy, based on recommendations from the Special Events Fee Reduction Task Force.

The policy allows the City to waive up to 50 per cent of select municipal fees to help eligible applicants offset the costs of hosting special events in St. Catharines. The Task Force recommended seven amendments aimed at making the policy more equitable in how City funding is allocated.

Key changes include:

Removing application deadlines
Adding certain restrictions to eligibility requirements
Allowing for-profit applicants to be considered under specific conditions — but only after all non-profit applicants have been considered and funds remain available

A residential development in St. Catharines.

Development charges by-law extended two years

City Council approved a two-year extension to the City’s Development Charges By-law (By-law 2021-140), which will now expire Jan. 1, 2029.

Development charges on new residential and non-residential construction help pay for costs for new infrastructure and municipal services supporting the city’s growth.

The current development charges by-law was set to expire in 2027 and the extension gives the City more time for a full review, complete other key planning updates, respond to potential legislative changes as well as give developers some predictability for rates.

The City collected $706,425 in development charges in 2024 and used $2.52 million from its development charges reserves for growth-related capital projects.

The current building at 115 Main Street.

Demo approved for deteriorating Main Street home

City Council approved a heritage permit to demolish the existing house at 115 Main St. in the Port Dalhousie Heritage Conservation District.

The property owner plans to replace the existing building with a new two-storey home designed to reflect the heritage character of the area.

A Heritage Impact Assessment found the current building had structural instability issues and that restoring would be complex and costly, making demolition the most feasible option.

The location for a proposed development on Pathstone Way.

Pathstone Way development proposes 313 units

City Council approved a rezoning application for 2000 and 1500 Pathstone Way that will permit two mixed-use buildings west of the Marotta Family Hospital.

The proposed development includes 313 apartment units and a 1,418-square-metre block to be conveyed to the City for future parkland use.

City Council heard that the proposal was designed to mitigate noise and vibration from the nearby railway and the hospitals helipad and that concerns will be addressed further through site plan agreements.

More Council News

195 Vine St.

City Council approved an amendment to the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law for 195 Vine St. that will permit a development for two apartment buildings with 12 units each at the property.

Downtown Heritage Conservation District

City Council will consider a City report with proposed boundaries for a Downtown Heritage Conservation District protecting 163 properties and the historic character of Downtown St. Catharines at its June 9 meeting.

Hydro Board

Councillor Bruce Williamson was appointed to the St. Catharines Hydro Inc. Board of Directors.

Vicious Dog Appeals

City Council appointed Rutherford Prosecutions as an independent hearing officer to hear all appeals related to vicious dog designations made by the City Clerk.

Council also approved that hearings may be held electronically and established a processing fee of $150 per hearing request.

Sign By-law Review

City Council directed a review of the City Sign By-law, focusing on permitting and regulating digital signage at privately owned plazas and shopping centres.

The City will consult local business owners, commercial property managers, the St. Catharines Downtown Association and other stakeholders to develop proposed amendments.

Recommendations, including proposed guideline,s are expected in the first quarter of 2026.

Pier docking passes for locals

City Council requested a report on the feasibility of a resident pier docking pass program, including options for seasonal or daily access, eligibility criteria, and potential costs or revenue.

Consultation with relevant stakeholders and an analysis of the effectiveness if docking management is more effective when operated in-house or by a third party, will also be looked at.

Currently, the City offers seasonal beach parking passes to prioritize local access during peak summer months. Residents have expressed interest in expanded access to pier docking for the boating season.

More Council Info

Livestream

Agendas

Minutes

City prepared for potential postal strike

The City of St. Catharines is taking steps to minimize any service disruptions during a possible strike of Canada Post workers.

While the City’s modernization efforts, such as e-billing and online payments, have provided additional tools to conduct City business online, there are still some services which rely on the mail system. The City is working on alternate arrangements for some of these services to minimize the impact on residents and to ensure the business of the City can continue.

Find full details and on what you need to know in the event of a Canada Post strike, and to read our Canada Post strike FAQ at stcatharines.ca/CanadaPostStrike

Register now for e-billing for a chance to win

E-billing lets you conveniently and securely manage your property tax and water bills online. We’ll be randomly selecting two winners to each receive a $250 Downtown St. Catharines gift card.

Register by June 22, 2025, to be entered into the draw. Find more details, full contest rules and the registration portal at stcatharines.ca/ebills

Recap: Stay Informed

Help name outdoor public space in Port Dalhousie

The City of St. Catharines is asking residents to participate in the naming of an outdoor public space in Port Dalhousie.

The City’s “Name This Space!” public engagement project is open on its EngageSTC platform to solicit residents’ naming suggestions for the space at 45 Lakeport Rd., near Main Street.

Residents can submit their ideas in a brief, two-question survey until Friday, June 20, at 4:30 p.m.

Bruce Alfred, an accomplished Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw artist and apprentice of Cranmer, was selected by the Cranmer family to lead the restoration efforts alongside fellow Indigenous artists, Dominique Wells and Cole Speck.

Restored Totem Pole Finds New Home

The City of St. Catharines has re-installed its historic Centennial Totem Pole inside Canada Games Park, where the treasured artwork will be preserved and showcased for generations to come.

The new location at Canada Games Park offers a climate-controlled, secure, and accessible indoor setting that honours the pole’s cultural and artistic importance. It is prominently displayed in the Ceremonial Entrance of the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre.