stcatharines.ca

Sept. 29, 2026

Today, City officials, and Jim Richardson, Chair of the City's Recreation Plan Advisory Committee, celebrated the grand reopening of the Alex McKenzie Park. The revitalized park now includes an accessible playground, new swings, basketball nets, multi-use courts, walkways, and benches.

Council approves Annual Financial Report for Year Ended Dec. 31, 2025

City Council approved the Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended Dec. 31, 2025, at its meeting on Monday night.

Auditor Carlos Alvarez with KPMG LLP made a presentation to Council.

The City’s 2025 financial audit was completed by KPMG LLP, which resulted in the annual audited consolidated financial statements provided for approval in the Sept. 16 discussion report. The auditors also provided the City with observations and recommendations to inform processes and financial reporting moving forward.

All municipalities are required to complete an annual audit of their financial statements and have them approved by their Audit Committee and / or Municipal Council. The auditors found the City’s financial records to be accurate and to contain no misstatements or errors.

Council directs CAO to ask 25 YMCA Dr. owner to engage with one of two vendors to obtain condition assessment

Council received a report regarding the water damage mitigation, pool permeability test, and condition assessment at the former YMCA building.

Council voted that the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to ask 25 YMCA Dr. owner Atria to engage with one of the two vendors that have been considered for the works in pumping out the water and completing a structural assessment; and that $17,110 plus HST be allocated from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve as the City’s contribution to this work, and that the City’s contribution not exceed that amount.

Council approves motions on transit access, skyway naming, pedestrian crossover, and commemorative project grant

• Council requested Niagara Transit Commission carefully consider the concerns and petition submitted by residents of 162 Martindale Rd. related to lack of close-proximity transit access, particularly for seniors and residents with limited mobility, as it implements the 10-Year Transit Master Plan. Further, Council requested Niagara Transit prioritize and advance, as soon as reasonably possible, the planned route changes that would improve transit access for the residents.

• Council requested that the Ontario government formally name the completed Garden City Skyway crossing over the Welland Canal between St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake the “James J. Bradley Garden City Skyway” in honour of Bradley’s five decades and extraordinary record of service to St. Catharines, Niagara, and Province of Ontario. Council will forward its resolution to Premier Doug Ford, Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, local MPPs, Niagara Region, and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to request their consideration and support.

• Council requested Niagara Region consider the installation of a pedestrian crossover, or other similar solution, across Louth Street, a Regional arterial road, to enhance active transportation and transit usage in the City and to support the Region’s Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative.

• City Council agreed to provide a grant to the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and the 10^th Field Artillery Battery, RCA for a commemoration project in the parkette at the northwest corner of Lake Street and Welland Avenue.

More Council News

Council endorses Town of Parry Sound e-scooter resolution

Council endorsed the resolution from the Town of Parry Sound calling on the Ontario government to enact province-wide regulations for e-scooters. At present, e-scooters are illegal on public property everywhere in Niagara Region, including in St. Catharines, and their use on public property in the region is enforced by Niagara Regional Police.

The Parry Sound resolution requested the support of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association in advocating for a regulatory framework that reduces unnecessary administrative and enforcement burdens on local municipalities.

2026 Annual Status Report on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Council received the 2026 Annual Status Report, outlining the City’s progress in implementing its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The report summarizes measures taken between Sept. 1, 2025, and Sept. 1, 2026, to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for persons with disabilities.

City accessibility initiatives enacted are detailed in the report. Accessibility initiatives include:

• Improved accessibility across parks, recreation programs, cultural services, and community facilities through infrastructure upgrades, inclusive programming, and service enhancements (Community, Recreation and Culture Services)
• Improvements to digital accessibility through the City website and digital content, staff education, and public awareness initiatives (Corporate Communications)
• Incorporate accessibility into election planning, including the City’s Drive-Thru Voting program. (Clerks Services)
• Engineering and construction projects continued to incorporate accessibility, active transportation, and barrier-free design principles. (Engineering, Facilities and Environmental Services)
• Accessibility considerations integrated into the planning and delivery of public open houses, and in construction planning and mobility management practices (Planning and Building Services)
• Reinforced accessible communication and service practices through training and the use of the City’s Customer Service Excellence Guide, which promotes use of plain language, service flexibility, accessible formats, and respectful, inclusive interactions that support residents’ diverse needs (Corporate Support Services – Customer Service)
• Human Resources advanced accessibility through recruitment practices, staff training, procurement activities, and accessibility-related policy initiatives.
• Information Technology continued to incorporate accessibility and usability considerations into the procurement, configuration, and implementation of new technology solutions in 2026.
• Over the past year, the Accessibility Advisory Committee continued to advise Council and staff on accessibility-related projects, policies, infrastructure improvements, and community initiatives. Members also participated in accessibility learning and partnership opportunities, contributed to site plan and design reviews, and supported initiatives to advance accessibility and inclusion throughout the city.
• St. Catharines Public Library continued to enhance accessibility services, facilities, and digital resources to support equitable access for all library users.

Council advocates for Heritage Helping Housing Building grant

Council supported the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’s (ACO) request that the Ontario government implement a new housing-focused Heritage Helping Housing Building Grant of $10 million per year to encourage the creation of new housing units within heritage buildings.

More Council Info

2026 Municipal Election

Three things to do before you vote

Voting in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election begins next week. Casting your ballot is easier than you think, and you don't have to wait until Oct. 26 to do it.

Plan your vote

You're eligible to vote in the 2026 election if you're a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, not prohibited from voting under any law, and either live in St. Catharines or you (or your spouse) own property here.

If you're eligible to vote and you're on the voters’ list, watch for your voter notification card in the mail (we sent them out at the end of September). The card will list where and when to vote. Bring it with you when you vote to help speed up the process.

Know when and where

You don't have to wait for Voting Day: advance voting dates are scheduled throughout the month of October.

You can vote at any advance poll location, regardless of the ward in which you live. Electors who require accessible voting equipment are encouraged to vote at any of the advance voting locations as accessible voting equipment will only be available at the advance voting locations.

Advance voting is available at various locations, dates and times from Oct. 6-24.

• The City's downtown Election Office (80 King St. Unit 6) is also open for advance voting Oct. 13-16 and Oct. 19-23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Voting Day is Monday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Voting Day, you can only vote at one of the three polling locations in your ward.

What to bring

It you received a voter notification card, bring it with you when you vote. It will help speed up the process, but it can't be used as ID on its own. You'll still need to show acceptable identification, such as an Ontario driver's licence, a utility bill, or a cheque stub. Photo ID isn't required, but your ID needs to show your name and address. We cannot accept Health Cards or Passports as ID.

If you’re eligible to vote but didn’t receive a voter notification card, you can still vote by being added to the voters’ list at a poll location. Be sure to bring acceptable identification showing your name and qualifying address

Learn more

The 2026 Municipal and School Board Election is on Monday, Oct. 26. Visit stcatharines.ca/elections to learn about how to vote, advance voting locations and more election information.

City unveils new St. Catharines Fallen Firefighters Memorial

A new memorial honouring firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty is officially open at a City parkette in Downtown St. Catharines.

City of St. Catharines officials, members of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Task Force, representatives of the St. Catharines Professional Firefighters Association and others gathered Tuesday, Sept. 29 to unveil the St. Catharines Fallen Firefighters Memorial to the community and celebrate the completion of this important project.

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located at the corner of Race and Carlisle streets near the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, honours members of the St. Catharines Fire Services who died in the line of duty or from work-related illnesses. The memorial also honours volunteer firefighters who died while serving in various St. Catharines wards and townships before the St. Catharines Professional Firefighters Association Local 485 was established in 1919.

The memorial features bronze statues of male and female firefighters and a granite wall with bronze plaques with the names of fallen firefighters. The memorial also includes flag poles, custom metal signage, fire hydrant bollards, trees and other landscaping elements, benches and a large concrete pad with a Maltese Cross.

City raises, lowers to half-mast Every Child Matters flag in observance of Orange Shirt Day

On Sept. 28 at St. Catharines City Hall, the Every Child Matters flag was raised and lowered to half-mast in observance of Orange Shirt Day (the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), which is observed each year on Sept. 30. We honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never returned home.

Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 when Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told the story of her first day of residential school when her new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken away from her. Her bright orange shirt symbolized love, excitement, and belonging. When it was taken away, it represented how the system tried to strip away identity, culture, and the fundamental truth that Every Child Matters. Phyllis’s story spread like wildfire, leading to the creation of Orange Shirt Day. (Source: Orange Shirt Society)

The City is grateful to all who attended the gathering and extends special thanks to the Niagara Regional Native Centre for sharing “The Longest Walk” through song and drumming during this important moment of reflection (photo below).

Lunch and Learn: Gut and Brain Health

Learn about proper nutrition with Registered Dietitian Leah Mete.

Mete will show the relationship between your gut and brain health and how what you put in your mouth influences your mood, attentiveness and overall wellbeing.

Come out Thursday Oct. 1 to Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre (80 Dunlop Dr.).

Two sessions are available:

• 9:30 a.m. $5, includes coffee and light snacks.
• 11:30 a.m. $10, includes lunch.

Register online using the button below or in person at any Older Adult or Community Centre.

Fall recreation program registration continues

Fall program registration began in late August, and spots are still available!

Click over to ActiveSTC to view available selections.

Flood Resilience Task Force applications open

Apply now for the City's Flood Resilience Task Force. Applications are open through to Oct. 16, at noon.

The Flood Resilience Task Force will undertake an independent, multidisciplinary review of the flooding events experienced in the City of St. Catharines as a result of extreme rainfall events in July and August 2026.

The Task Force will assess the performance, planning, design, operation and management of the City’s stormwater and sanitary infrastructure and related natural assets and develop a comprehensive Flood Resilience Action Plan containing recommendations to reduce flood risk and strengthen the City’s resilience to future extreme rainfall events.

In carrying out its mandate, the Task Force shall consider and build upon relevant City-led studies, plans, programs and ongoing operational or technical reviews, including Master Servicing Studies, asset management planning, infrastructure renewal programs, and other relevant initiatives. The Task Force shall identify where its findings complement, update or differ from existing City work and shall avoid unnecessary duplication of technical investigations.

The Task Force's mandate is to provide independent findings and recommendations to Council. It shall not direct or influence City operations or replace the City's responsibility for regulatory compliance, infrastructure operation and maintenance, emergency response, capital planning, or other statutory and operational functions.

Warm up this fall with our Toonie Swims

Join us this fall for our Toonie Swims at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre.

Fall Toonie Swims are taking place:

• Wednesday, Oct 14, 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov 21, 2 p.m.
• Friday, Dec 4, 6:30 p.m.

Registration is available at stcatharines.ca/ToonieSwim

Explore storied city neighbourhoods on Autumn 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 Autumn 2026 Walking Tours with spots still available at time of publication (Sept. 29) include: 



• Port Dalhousie and the Early Welland Canals; Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Port Dalhousie: St. Andrew's Cemetery; Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• What's Brewing in Western Hill; Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Victoria Lawn Cemetery: Stories from My Childhood; Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Port Dalhousie: Village and Villagers; Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Some walks listed are nearly sold out. Book soon to avoid disappointment.

Spend your PD Days with the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

Come to the museum on PD Days for seasonal selections of stories, songs, and an activity or craft. Each PD Day will feature one and a half hours of interactive and creative activities themed to the season. Activities are best suited for kids ages 5-9, registration not required.

Join the Museum for its next PD Days event, Harvest's Bounty, on Monday, Oct. 26.

SCPL LitFest is under way

All week long, St. Catharines Public Library is celebrating all things reading, writing, and illustration during its 3rd annual SCPL LitFest, presented in partnership with FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.



Visit the library from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 for a series of workshops and events for all ages to help you explore your literary creativity, discover new reads, and celebrate local literature. It's not too late to register for an SCPL LitFest program.

Register at the button below.

Chest Fever's 'Tribute to the Last Waltz'

Chest Fever honours The Band’s legacy by capturing the passion and magic of their timeless catalog, including this performance of the famous 1976 concert, "The Last Waltz". Join us for a star-studded line-up that features over a dozen Niagara musicians as guest musicians. Thursday, Oct. 8 in Partridge Hall. 

The Secret Path band performs 'Secret Path' with film, Strictly Hip perform Tragically Hip classics

In this 10-year tribute to the legacy and music of Gord Downie, The Secret Path band returns to perform a live rendition of the "Secret Path" record alongside the accompanying film and a second set from masters of the music of the Tragically Hip, Strictly Hip. Thursday, Oct. 15 in Partridge Hall. 

Family doctors in St. Catharines accepting new patients

Are you looking for a new family doctor?

There are more than a dozen family physicians in St. Catharines currently accepting new patients. Get connected to care here ➡ www.stcatharines.ca/findadoc and click on Niagara Region's Find a Doctor webpage for doctors accepting new patients.

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