St. Catharines secures Year 3 funding
from the Housing Accelerator Fund
City Council extended the Development Charge Rental Housing Discount Grant Program and the Accessible Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy until Jan. 31, 2027.
Earlier this month the City received its Year 3 Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) installment, $6.4 million, from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Given the success of the City’s HAF-funded financial incentives, City staff recommended extending and allocating about $2 million to these programs to support more housing starts throughout St. Catharines.
Learn more about HAF at stcatharines.ca/HAF
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Phases 1, 2 for multi-tower development
receive CIP financial incentives
A major multi-tower residential development at the former hospital site on Queenston Street will move forward with support from the City’s Community Improvement Plan.
City Council approved Brownfield Tax Increment Finance (BTIF) incentives under the City’s Community Improvement Plan (2020CIP), equal to an 80 per cent annual tax rebate over a 10-year period, for Phases 1 and 2 of proposed multi-tower residential development for the former hospital site at 142 Queenston St. City Council deferred consideration of BTIF incentive for Phases 3 and 4 until it considers the 2026CIP funding formula later in 2026.
Community improvement plans are among the most effective tools available to municipal governments to directly incentivize redevelopment, accelerate the creation of housing units, and support growth in strategic areas. The City’s BTIF program is for larger scale, longer term redevelopment projects requiring environmental remediation.
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St. Catharines contributes to airport pilot project
City Council approved a commitment of up to $125,000 from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve to support the Air Canada Landline service revenue guarantee for the Niagara District Airport pilot program as well as up to $20,000 in marketing support promoting the service during its first year.
Niagara District Airport will introduce the Air Canada motorcoach service in June 2026, connecting Niagara District Airport directly to Toronto Pearson International Airport. The service will operate three daily departures and arrivals, improving regional connectivity for residents and visitors traveling to and from Niagara.
To get the service off the ground, the airport requested a $375,000 revenue guarantee through $125,000 contributions from each of its three municipal partners: St. Catharines, the City of Niagara Falls, and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Read more about the new service below in our Spotlight on St. Catharines feature.
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Consumption and Treatment Site
Council approved a motion directing the City to investigate and report back on potential options, including financial and partnership models, that could support the continued operation of the St. Catharines Consumption and Treatment Site beyond June 12, 2026.
The motion requests staff from Niagara Region and the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) team outline its preparations for the impacts of the CTS closure on public health, housing, emergency response, and community services at a future City Council meeting.
The motion also directs the City to monitor and report back to City Council on the operational and financial impacts to the City resulting from the closure of the CTS, including but not limited to impacts on fire and emergency services, by-law enforcement, parks and public spaces, and community well-being.
A copy of the resolution will be forwarded to Niagara Region, the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Health, and local Members of Provincial Parliament.
Active Transportation Update
New sidewalks, improved multi-use paths, enhanced wayfinding and information signage, and widened, painted bicycle lanes are among the City’s 2025 Active Transportation Master Plan accomplishments.
In its first Active Transportation Implementation update to City Council, the City highlighted 2025 accomplishments, identified priorities and projects for 2026, and outlined challenges and opportunities for collaboration in the years ahead.
The City adopted its Active Transportation Master Plan in 2024 to guide development of a connected, accessible, and sustainable network for walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation, and remains committed to improving active transportation for everyone. Read the full update online.
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Drinking Water
The City continues to provide safe, high quality drinking water, states the 2025 St. Catharines Drinking Water System report.
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the City to provide an annual summary report to City Council. According to the 2025 report, the City is in full compliance with the requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act and its associated regulations.
Heritage Tax Relief Program
City Council approved a Heritage Tax Relief Program Pilot Project program, pending funding an upcoming multi-year budget.
The program would provide a 40 per cent rebate, up to $5,000 per year, on the City’s portion of property taxes for owners of properties designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Council referred the program to the Budget Committee and requested the Niagara Region implement a matching Heritage Tax Relief Program. Council also directed the City to monitor program uptake and usefulness to property owners, determine its administrative impact and report back in three years.
Pelham Road Fire Station
The City will take a closer look at concerns residents raised, including flooding and access to green space, before considering plans for a new Pelham Road fire station.
Residents raised these concerns at a public meeting regarding proposed zoning by-law amendments for 285-285A Pelham Rd., which would allow the City to replace the existing fire station on the property. Council referred the matter back to City staff to address the concerns and will consider the zoning amendments at a later meeting.
Lake Street Service Centre
City Council awarded the contract for roof and slab replacement at the City’s Lake Street Service Centre to low bidder Rankin Construction, with the work scheduled to take place over the spring and summer of 2026.
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Reminder: Special Council meeting on governance reform on March 31
City Council will hold a special meeting on regional governance reform on Tuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m. This meeting is an opportunity for residents and community partners who did not speak at the special meeting on March 2 to present their views. Learn more about City Council, including information on how to delegate, at stcatharines.ca/council. Requests for delegations close at 9 a.m. on March 31.
Can't make it? The City also continues to welcome feedback via EngageSTC until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
| | Spotlight on St. Catharines |
Air Canada luxury motorcoach service to connect Niagara travelers to Toronto Pearson
Beginning June 15, 2026, Air Canada and The Landline Company will provide a direct connection between Niagara District Airport (YCM) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) via luxury motorcoach service.
Niagara residents will easily connect to popular destinations across Canada such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Halifax, as well as major cities across the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Residents can book the service like any other connecting flight by searching Niagara (YCM) to their end destination on aircanada.com, allowing the motorcoach segment to be included seamlessly in their Air Canada itinerary.
The new motorcoach service will also provide an enhanced travel experience for tourists planning trips to Niagara. Travelers will book their flights from their departure cities directly to Niagara (YCM) on Air Canada’s website. With a single ticket and a seamless travel experience, visitors can arrive closer to what matters – and to where their trip truly begins – right here in Niagara.
Niagara District Airport is owned by the City of St. Catharines, the City of Niagara Falls, and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is governed by a nine-member commission.
"(This) announcement of Air Canada Landline marks a meaningful step forward for the future of Niagara District Airport," said Mayor Mat Siscoe. "By improving connectivity, we are helping build the foundation for the eventual introduction of full commercial air carrier service. At the same time, demonstrating strong demand, both outbound and inbound that will help position Niagara as an even stronger gateway for travel to and from our region.”
| | Get Engaged with your City | | Check out the active projects seeking citizen feedback in St. Catharines and stay tuned to EngageSTC.ca for more projects looking for resident input in the coming weeks. | | |
The Future of Facer Street
The City of St. Catharines has initiated a study to develop a vision for the revitalization of Facer Street, from Niagara Street to Grantham Avenue, into more of a pedestrian-focused corridor.
Your input throughout this process is critical to the success of this project.
The City will host its first Public Open House on Tuesday, April 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Canadian Polish Centre, 43 Facer St. for the public to learn more about the project and share your ideas. All are welcome to attend.
Following the Public Open House, an online survey will be open for feedback from April 7 to 30, 2026.
View the project at engagestc.ca/Facer-Street-Design-Study
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Niagara Regional Governance Reform Feedback
The City of St. Catharines is inviting residents to share their feedback and perspectives on regional governance reform in the Niagara Region. This will be collected via the City's engagement platform, EngageSTC.
At its March 2, 2026 special meeting, St. Catharines City Council asked that residents be provided with an easy way to share their voice. All submissions through EngageSTC will be collected and shared directly with Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, and Members of St. Catharines City Council.
Please visit Niagara Regional Governance Reform Feedback | EngageSTC to provide your feedback to ensure they are shared with the Minister, and City Council.
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Controlled burn approved
for Malcolmson Eco-Park
The City of St. Catharines and the Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park are planning to hold their semi-annual controlled burn sometime in March or April.
St. Catharines Fire Services have given the green light for the four to six-hour burn to take place depending on temperatures and wind direction.
The controlled burn will promote the growth of native grass species by adding essential nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen from the ash back to the soil. It will also reduce invasive species which tend to shade out native plants in the prairie grassland area of the park. Prior to the burn, volunteers will carefully walk the area and observe if wildlife like reptiles, amphibians, or nesting birds are present, and take steps to ensure their safety.
Notices will be delivered to neighbours and nearby schools to inform them about the specific date. Residents should plan for the park to be closed for approximately six hours on the day of the burn.
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City celebrates opening of new Fire and Emergency Services Training Tower
The City of St. Catharines commissioned its new Fire and Emergency Services Training Tower ending a nearly decade-long chapter of City firefighters training in other municipalities and in City buildings.
The new $2.3-million training tower, with $1 million in financial support from the Ontario government, has been built on the footprint of the former tower decommissioned in 2017 on Renown Road overlooking Twelve Mile Creek and Hwy. 406.
The City has been without a training tower for several years, which necessitated St. Catharines firefighters travel to Fort Erie, Niagara Falls or Grimsby to train in their towers, or to train in City buildings, including rope training, running up and down the stairwell and fire hose work in the Carlisle Street parking garage.
St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper expressed excitement for the opportunities the new tower will provide to train the City’s new recruits and current firefighters at home for live fire training, rappelling off buildings and rope training, search and rescue, firefighter survival methods and highrise firefighting procedures.
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City’s delivery record of clean, safe water continues
The City of St. Catharines continues to demonstrate a strong track record in providing safe, reliable drinking water to the community.
At Monday’s (March 23) City Council meeting, Council received a report on the City’s drinking water system outlining the analysis results for over 8,000 water samples collected by staff over the course of 2025. The samples were tested by accredited laboratories for various microbiological parameters, chlorine residue and/or other chemicals, with results confirming the City’s drinking water meets the stringent requirements of Ontario’s Safe Drinking Water Act. The water delivered by the City continues to be clean and safe.
“Regular, comprehensive testing is critical to ensure residents have access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Mark Green, Manager of Environmental Services. “This report reinforces the monitoring and testing safeguards we have in place are working exactly as intended. These efforts help us identify potential issues early and maintain the high standards our community expects.”
The full 2025 Drinking Water Report is available on the City’s website.
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City operating hours for the April long weekend
City Hall and most City of St. Catharines facilities will observe holiday closures on Friday, April 3 and Sunday, April 5.
Public Skating
Enjoy public skating programs at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre and Bill Burgoyne Arena. Visit stcatharines.ca/skating for more details, including rates, supervision requirements and registration information.
Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
• Friday, April 3: Closed.
• Saturday, April 4: Regular hours.
• Sunday, April 5: Regular hours.
• Monday, April 6: Regular hours.
Bill Burgoyne Arena
• Friday, April 3: Closed.
• Saturday, April 4: Regular hours.
• Sunday, April 5: Regular hours.
• Monday, April 6: Regular hours.
St. Catharines Farmers Market at Market Square
• Thursday, April 2: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
Enjoy Leisure swims and aquatic programs at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre. Visit stcatharines.ca/swimming for more details, including rates, supervision requirements and registration information.
• Friday, April 3: Closed.
• Saturday, April 4: Regular hours.
• Sunday, April 5: Closed.
• Monday, April 6: Regular hours and swimming lessons are taking place.
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
There’s much to explore at the St. Catharines Museum, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about the museum at stcatharines.ca/Museum.
• Friday, April 3: Closed. The Lock 3 viewing area and Discovery Park is open from dawn to dusk.
• Saturday, April 4: Regular hours.
• Sunday, April 5: Regular hours.
• Monday, April 6: Regular hours.
More holiday hours
City Hall, the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre, Victoria Lawn Cemetery and administration offices
• Friday, April 3: Closed. Cemetery visitation is open from dawn to dusk.
• Monday, April 6: Regular hours.
Call 905.688.5600 to report fallen trees, problems on roads and sidewalks, blocked catch basins or sewer back-ups.
Community Centres and Older Adult Centres
Port Weller Community Centre, Russell Avenue Community Centre and West St. Catharines Older Adult Centre
• Friday, April 3: Closed.
• Saturday, April 4: Regular hours.
• Sunday, April 5: Closed.
• Monday, April 6: Regular hours.
Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre
• Friday, April 3: Closed.
• Saturday, April 4: Regular hours.
• Sunday, April 5: Regular hours.
• Monday, April 6: Regular hours.
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Charities, community groups can apply
for 2026 Niagara River Lions tickets
The City of St. Catharines is offering tickets to 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 River Lions home games. The City will match eligible applicants to a select number of games available for groups to either:
- bring children and youth to a live sporting event at the Meridian Centre
- or, to use for fundraising purposes
Applications opened Monday, March 23 Interested organizations can apply online. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10.
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Spring 2026 program registration
begins tonight (March 24)
With the approach of spring drawing closer, it’s the perfect time to get out of winter hibernation and get active. There are plenty of new recreational and swimming programs to keep those of all ages active throughout the season.
Registration for residents of St. Catharines will open online on ActiveSTC on Tuesday, March 24 at 6 p.m. Residents can register in person at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre on Wednesday, March 25, 8:30 a.m.
Everyone can sign up online for activities on ActiveSTC on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. and in person registration will be open to everyone on Friday, March 27 at 8:30 a.m. at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre.
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Happy 150th, St. Catharines!
In 2026, St. Catharines proudly marks its 150th anniversary as a City. While our community’s roots stretch back much further, St. Catharines was officially incorporated as a City on May 1, 1876.
We want to celebrate with you
Share your St. Catharines memories, experiences, and stories. Sign our online guestbook. Post photos of your favourite spots. Take part in fun polls and trivia. Add your voice and experiences to our 150th celebrations and help us highlight what makes St. Catharines special.
Watch for updates in the coming weeks on our celebrations!
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Ali Hassan from CBC One’s Laugh Out Loud hosts this year’s Just for Laughs Road Show tour, which features CBC's Next Up Competition winner Alistair Ogden, Just For Laughs alumnus Anjelica Scannura and one of Variety’s 2024 "Top-10 to Watch", Jackie Fabulous!
Don’t miss some of the best acts from the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy festival when the Just For Laughs Road Show rolls into downtown St. Catharines at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre!!
| | Spring has sprung at the St. Catharines Public Library. Discover programs for all ages from STEM drop-ins and storytimes to poetry workshop and arts programs. Pick up a program guide at your neighbourhood library branch or check out the guide online: https://www.myscpl.ca/programs-events/program-guide/ | | | |
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