Council to revisit 142 Queenston St. application at Dec. 8 Council meeting
Council referred back to staff a request for a refreshed recommendation regarding the Official Plan amendment, Zoning By-law amendment and Plan of Subdivision Approval Conditions for 142 Queenston St, and that this week, staff meet with the Mayor, Ward Councillors and the CAO to determine how the City can work with the developer to achieve a recommendation that works for all parties and report back to Council at the Dec. 8 City Council meeting.
The proposed development is for nine, 24-storey towers, connected by four to six-storey podiums, with 2,443 units, up to 2,360 square metres of commercial space, and 2,977 parking spaces of combined underground and structured parking. The property is the former St. Catharines General Hospital site.
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Council approves the Ice for Five Pilot Program
Council approved the Ice for Five Pilot Program, which offers a discounted ice rental rate for smaller groups of five unique participants or less during non-prime hours.
The 2025 and 2026 Schedule of Rates and Fees will be amended to include a new Ice for Five non-prime ice rental rate of $75 per hour, all taxes and surcharges included, for half a sheet of ice.
The pilot program would be implemented in December 2025, and staff would report back to Council on its results in Q2 2026.
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Council approves $91K for round four of SCCIP program
Council approved the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee's recommendations for investment of $91,000 through round four of the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP).
The City’s SCCIP funding program provides opportunities for investment in the cultural vitality of the community. Many SCCIP applicants partner with social service agencies to develop specialized programming that engages underserved communities and residents. SCCIP applicants also program events and activities that appeal to a wide range of interests to ensure St. Catharines residents are provided with access to opportunities for professionally led arts experiences and creative self-expression.
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Council receives for information Invasive Species Management Plan report
Council received the staff report, Development of an Invasive Species Management Plan, and directed that the report be revisited in advance of the 2027 Budget deliberations.
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Council approves motion for City to advocate to province for Regional Social Services Responsibility Act
Council approved a motion that St. Catharines City Council advocate to the Province of Ontario for the creation and enactment of legislation, referred to as “Regional Social Services Responsibility Act” that would:
- Establish a process by which a Local Area Municipality (LAM) may formally petition the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to assume responsibility for an area of social service delivery that is within the Regional government’s mandate but demonstrably unmet or inadequately fulfilled;
- Allow the Ministry, upon review and approval of such a petition, to authorize the LAM to undertake the necessary actions to provide the service directly;
- Require the Regional government to reimburse the LAM for all reasonable and demonstrated costs incurred in fulfilling that service, ensuring the LAM taxpayers are not financially penalized for the Regional government’s inaction; and
- Encourage greater transparency and accountability by mandating annual public reporting by Regional governments on compliance with their service responsibilities.
The City also calls on the province to increase funding available for homelessness services at a level at least equal to the per capita average of the other Regional Municipalities. The motion will be circulated to the Premier of Ontario, the Niagara Region, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and Ontario’s Big City Mayors caucus for endorsement and support
| | Spotlight on St. Catharines | | Spirit of the season: City's holiday events return | | Ready for the holidays? Here's a roundup of some of the City of St. Catharines’ most popular holiday events to warm the hearts of the young, young-at-heart and everyone in between as we embrace the spirit of the season. |
Let it Glow
The City of St. Catharines is thrilled to bring back for the fourth season its beloved holiday festival, Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light.
This year’s free, self-guided holiday festival will run from Saturday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, and illuminate Rennie Park, Port Dalhousie, and downtown St. Catharines with spectacular light displays and free, family-friendly activities.
Opening night Nov. 29, residents and visitors can join in the holiday spirit with a celebration featuring entertainment, and glow-in-the-dark giveaways. Beloved characters will bring additional holiday cheer, while the historic Lakeside Park Carousel will be open for one night only offering nostalgic rides. Families can also capture memorable moments at a Santa photo station, with complimentary photos to share and cherish. Hot chocolate, donated by Tim Hortons, will be at Rennie Park during the Let It Glow opening night while supplies last.
An interactive sound and light installation called “Why Don’t We Together” from the Dear Bear Multi-Arts Collective will be at Lakeside Park under the bandshell. The audio-visual immersive storytelling and light experience invites people to climb inside a small hut and listen to original short audio stories.
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Downtown St. Catharines Lights Up
- City Hall Wonderland: City Hall will shine bright with thousands of lights and a three-storey, fully lit Christmas tree, an annual favourite for photos.
- St. Paul Street Canopy: Take a stroll under a sparkling canopy of thousands of twinkling lights that stretches across St. Paul Street.
- A Winter’s Night in James Street Alley: The alleyway that connects James Street to Garden Park will shine with shimmering lights; a serene space for evening strolls.
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35th Annual Civic Christmas Carol Concert
Join us on Dec. 9 at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 99 Ontario St., for an afternoon of holiday music and community spirit for the 35th Annual Civic Christmas Carol Concert. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the concert begins at noon. Sing along, celebrate the season with Mayor Mat Siscoe, and support Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold.
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Photos with Santa at Market Square
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to noon: Families can visit Market Square for a meet-and-greet with Santa. Enjoy complimentary professional photos with Santa himself. Explore the St. Catharines Farmers Market for the best Niagara makes, bakes, and grows and shop holiday gifts created by local vendors.
Photo credit: Anne Kalagian Photography
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New Year’s Eve Public Skate at Seymour-Hannah
Ring in the New Year on Dec. 31 with a free public skate from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. Doors open at 9 a.m. All four pads will be open; one will feature a glow-in-the-dark experience and glow sticks for skaters. Character visits and a 2026 family photo booth round out the celebrations. There is limited space on the glow rink. Watch for more details in the coming weeks.
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Tree of Giving
Give a toy to spread some joy during St. Catharines’ 28th Annual Tree of Giving.
Donate new, unwrapped gifts, gift cards, or financial gifts to support Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold by dropping off items in donation bins at City facilities until Dec. 15.
For more information on how to get involved, including an online donation portal and printable gift tags, visit stcatharines.ca/Giving before Dec. 15. While gift cards are preferred, see gift suggestions by infant, toddler and children’s age groups.
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Mitten Tree Campaign
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre’s annual campaign begins on Dec. 6 and runs through Jan. 4, 2026. The campaign encourages residents to help local families in need by donating winter clothing at the museum. The mitten tree will begin accepting donations on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Residents can decorate a tree set up in the museum with new or gently used winter wear such as mittens, gloves, scarves, and toques during regular museum hours. Donations will be distributed to Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold and Start Me Up Niagara.
| | 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.
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Council will consider any potential amendments to the Mayor's 2026 Readoption Budgets at a Council Budget meeting on Nov. 19, 2025.
Send your questions and comments about the Mayor's 2026 Budget Readoption process to budget@stcatharines.ca
View the project at engagestc.ca/Budget
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The City of St. Catharines is updating its Official Plan (known as the “Garden City Plan”).
The Garden City Plan provides a long-term vision for land use and development in the City. It guides where we live, work and play.
View the project and ask questions at engagestc.ca/UpdatetheGCP
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28th Annual Tree of Giving runs now till Dec. 15
Residents can help brighten lives across St. Catharines and Thorold this holiday by donating new, unwrapped gifts, gift cards, or monetary contributions to support Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold.
Community members are encouraged to consider gift suggestions by age group:
- Infants to two years: cuddly toys, educational toys, talking books, large blocks
- Ages three to five: toy cars, trucks, children’s flashlights, dolls, books, puzzles, art and craft supplies
- Ages six to eight: action figures, art supplies, books, games, cameras, jewelry
- Ages nine to 12: LEGO sets, books, sports equipment, models, games
- Ages 13 to 16: gift cards ($25 value) for fast food, Landmark Cinemas, Niagara Pen Centre, Shoppers Drug Mart; sports supplies and equipment, cosmetics, jewelry, hair accessories, hair tools
Tree of Giving donation bins are set up across several key City locations, including Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, City Hall, Russell Avenue Community Centre, St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, Port Weller Community Centre, Dunlop Drive and West St. Catharines Older Adult Centres, and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. Donations are also welcome at the launch event of Let It Glow: A Celebration of Light on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Lakeside Park.
For those who prefer a digital option, the City has added QR codes to Tree of Giving posters, donation bins, and campaign materials, allowing residents to make a quick donation to Community Care using a mobile device.
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Toonie Swim
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 to 3 p.m.
St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
425 Carlton St.
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Photos with Santa at Market Square
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to noon
Market Square, 91 King St.
Families are invited to Market Square for a meet-and-greet with Santa. Enjoy complimentary professional photos with Santa, perfect for holiday cards.
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SAVE THE DATE: St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre PD Day drop-in program is next week — Friday, Nov. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Families with children ages five to 12: stop by the museum the morning of Friday, Nov. 28 for story time, interactive activities, and a craft.
No registration required. Admission to the Museum is by donation.
Learn more about the Museum: stcatharines.ca/Museum
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Explore the Museum's Collection
Explore the Museum's Collection with Adrian Petry on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. Lunch provided by Chef Paul's Catering. Event including lunch runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Purchase tickets for $12 each in advance in-person at Dunlop Drive Older Adults Centre or online at ActiveSTC by Dec. 3.
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Register for City e-billing and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card from Downtown St. Catharines!
We’ll be randomly selecting two winners from everyone who registers for e-billing from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 to each receive a $100 Downtown St. Catharines gift card. Register by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30 to enter the draw.
Visit stcatharines.ca and tell Catharine, “I want to enter the e-billing contest” for more information and to register.
Visit stcatharines.ca/ebilling to learn more.
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As we continue the process of the Mayor's 2026 Budget Readoption, the agenda has published for our next City Council Budget meeting taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. and can be found online here.
This agenda includes City Councillors' proposed amendments to the Mayor's Draft Capital and Operating Budgets. See the details of each of the amendment requests that will be discussed on Nov. 19.
How can you participate? Watch in person, or online via our YouTube at stcatharines.ca/YouTube
You can also provide official correspondence or submit a request to make a delegation. Find more information at stcatharines.ca/Council
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2026 Calendars on Sale
2026 calendars, featuring artwork by the Artists of the Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre, are available for sale at the following locations: Older Adult Centres (Dunlop Dr. and West St. Catharines), Community Centres (Russell Ave. and Port Weller), and St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.
Calendars are $10 each, with a portion of the proceeds going to The RAFT.
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Elisapie in concert
Elisapie is an emblematic and award-winning Canadian Inuk singer-songwriter whose music integrates Inuit themes and rock music. See her live on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Since winning her first Juno Award in 2005 with Taima, her band at the time, Elisapie's body of work has been frequently praised. Her 2018 album, The Ballad of the Runaway Girl, was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. earned her numerous Félix Awards and received a Juno nomination.
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Dallas Smith performs
Expect an amazing power acoustic performance from three-time consecutive Canadian Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year Dallas Smith on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Across his storied career, the hitmaker has amassed 21 Gold-certified singles, nine Platinum-certified singles, and four Gold-certified albums with more than 640 million global streams and more than two million album equivalents to date.
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Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail
Thursdays, Dec. 4 and 18, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Head downtown for the Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail on Thursday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec.18 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy two Late Night Shopping dates, plus free hot chocolate, gift wrapping, kids' crafts, photo booth, community caroling, and 30-plus retail shops open late. Complete the Holiday Trail Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a $500 Downtown Gift Card and a Harlem Globetrotters Family Prize Pack!
To see everything happening for the holidays - including promotions, events, and the Holiday Trail map, visit Downtown Holiday Trail! - St. Catharines Downtown Association.
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St. Andrew's Day with Ronnie O'Byrne
In Scotland and many countries with Scottish connections, St. Andrew's Day is marked with a celebration of Scottish culture.
Join Ronnie O'Byrne, born in Edinburgh and residing in Canada, on Monday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library Merrit Branch in the Program Room to learn more about Scottish history and the Scottish influence on Canada's founding fathers while enjoying some Scottish shortbread.
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