Council approves Zoning By-law Amendment to permit daycare at 45 Manchester Ave.
City Council amended the Zoning By-law to permit a proposed daycare within the existing Niagara Regional Housing townhouse at 45 Manchester Ave.
The Special Provision would permit the conversion of an existing dwelling unit into a daycare. No new construction is proposed save and except new fencing, an outdoor play area, and minor exterior entranceway alterations.
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Council votes against Zoning By-law and Official Plan amendments for proposed four-storey apartment building at 447, 449 Geneva St.
Council voted unanimously to deny a developer’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment applications for a proposed four-storey apartment building with 50 units abutting a residential neighbourhood of single-family homes at 447 and 449 Geneva St. amid ongoing flood response and recovery.
Council heard from two area residents, who encouraged Council to deny the applications.
James Webb of Webb Planning Consultants, spoke on behalf of the developer, and presented Council with a July 31 memo addressing residents’ concerns voiced at the July 13 Public Meeting, including rear garage entry and noise concerns, garbage storage, sanitary sewer capacity and stormwater management, and rear yard interface to adjacent residential properties. Webb maintained in his memo and before Council that the proposal meets Ontario Building Code and AODA Guidelines, municipal guidelines, and planning objectives by designing a midrise building with appropriate setbacks and separation to existing neighbouring, low density residential with a proposed height that is less than the maximum height permitted by the Zoning By-law.
To facilitate the proposed development, the applicant had applied for an Official Plan amendment to redesignate the property from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential with a special policy for an increase in density. The Zoning Bylaw application requested an amendment to rezone the lands from Low Density Residential – Suburban Neighbourhood (R1) to Medium Density with Special Provision (R3-201). The Special Provision requested reduced interior side yard setbacks to the building and balconies, front yard balcony setback, minimum landscape buffers surrounding a parking area, minimum parking requirements, increased maximum density and reduced maximum building height.
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Council defers development charges for proposed hotel until occupancy
City Council approved Heart of Niagara Hotels’ request to defer the payment of development charges to occupancy for construction of a new commercial hotel at 89 Meadowvale Dr.
Council authorized a Development Charges Deferral Agreement with the developer, providing for payment of the applicable development charges over a two-year period in three equal instalments, with the first instalment payable prior to the issuance of the occupancy permit.
Council further directed staff to update the Development Charges Interest Policy to identify that no interest shall be applied to deferral agreements for commercial hotel developments.
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Brock University President presents Brock Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Update
Brock University President Dr. Lesley Rigg made a presentation to Council with the university’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Update. Rigg shared the university’s strategic directions – shape tomorrow though research, discovery and knowledge, build sustainable futures, realize you matter, and bring the world to Brock, and Brock to the world.
By the Numbers Highlights of Brock University’s presentation include:
- 2,047 Brock employees of a total of 2,842 live in Niagara Region; 992 live in St. Catharines
- $2.363 billion – Brock’s economic impact in Niagara
- $3.545 billion – Brock’s contribution to Ontario’s economic landscape
- More than 130,000 Brock alumni
- 1,029 – Brock co-op placements in St. Catharines since 2023
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Library Central Branch renovation revised scope approved
City Council approved the revised scope for the St. Catharines Public Library (SCPL) Central Branch Renovation and authorized the use of capital funds of $4.85 million previously approved through the City’s 2023 Capital Budget.
SCPL has refined the scope of work and is now proposing an estimated $7.15-million renovation and accessibility project for the Central Branch. The SCPL will provide $2.3 million from the SCPL Capital Reserve and SCPL Endowment and Trust Fund to fund the balance of the project estimate. The full report can be accessed here.
Council receives report on Scent-Free Awareness Program
Council received a report on a Scent-Free Awareness Program for City Facilities. The report is in response to a Council request last year in response to a need brought forward by the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. Education and awareness materials, along with staff training, will be developed ahead of the launch. Read the full report here.
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Council approves delegated authority to approve eligible affordable housing applications
City Council delegated authority to City staff to approve the applications to exempt development charges, exclude parkland dedication and discount community benefit charges for eligible affordable housing units, and execute any legal agreements.
The full report can be accessed here.
Council approves award for water infrastructure location services to Peninsula Video and Sound Inc.
Council approved the award for water infrastructure location services to Peninsula Video and Sound Inc. in the amount of $350,000, plus applicable taxes.
The single source procurement for the interim extension of water infrastructure locate services provides the City with operational continuity and procurement stability until a competitive bid process is completed.
Read the full report here.
| | Spotlight on St. Catharines |
City continues flooding recovery response
We understand thousands of residents across St. Catharines have been impacted in some way by the recent extreme rainfalls and flooding and that the last two weeks have been difficult for many.
Mayor Mat Siscoe declared a state of emergency on Aug. 3 after a pair of intense storms brought more than 140 mm of rain across the city on July 27-28 and again on Aug. 2. The historic storms overwhelmed the City’s infrastructure, including roads and sewer / stormwater infrastructure, and has caused flooding that has affected homes, businesses, City facilities, and significant property damage, including shoreline erosion to private and public property. The City's Emergency Operations Centre has remained active to coordinate response efforts, prioritize resources and support decision-making as recovery continues.
We are listening and are using what we hear to understand the full scope of impact and to inform and shape support and recovery efforts.
Cleanup and debris removal of flood-related waste
The City of St. Catharines has large bins available Aug. 10-15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for residents who need to dispose of flood-related waste. Proof of residency will be required. Large bins are available at the following locations:
• Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
• Bill Burgoyne Arena
Household hazardous waste is not accepted at the City's large bins. Learn more about drop-off locations for household hazardous waste at permanent depots year-round from the Niagara Region.
Niagara Region is offering enhanced waste services to residents, with curbside garbage limits lifted city-wide for flood-related waste until Aug. 21 on your regular collection day. Flood-related waste can be placed at the curb even if it’s not your regular garbage collection week.
Residents are not required to book flood-waste related large items for curbside collection. There is no limit to the number of large items you can set out curbside on your scheduled collection day.
Reminders:
• Use extra care when disposing of flood-waste that may contain nails, screws, broken glass, sharp edges or other hazards.
• Enhanced garbage collection is limited to flood-related waste. There's a lot to pick up and this will help crews move through neighbourhoods more quickly.
Tipping fees are waived at Humberstone Landfill and Bridge Street Waste and Recycling Drop-off Depot until Aug. 22 (one pickup truck or trailer is the maximum load).
Learn more about the Niagara Region's temporary waste services due to flooding webpage.
Vulnerable Assistance Registry
We’re providing assistance to eligible residents who require support cleaning up from the floods. Residents who were affected by flooding and need help can complete the City’s Vulnerable Assistance Registry online form at stcatharines.ca/july2026flooding or call 905.688.5600.
Support from the Province of Ontario
We appreciate the Province of Ontario’s assistance with recovery efforts supporting flood-impacted residents in our community, including:
• deploying volunteers from Ontario Corps partner Team Rubicon Canada
• contributing cleaning kits and dehumidifiers
• deploying Ontario Corps volunteers to assist with outbound calls to residents on the Vulnerable Assistance Registry
The City remains in collaborative discussions with provincial officials regarding potential further supports and assistance that may be available.
Team Rubicon Canada
Ontario Corps partner Team Rubicon Canada has landed in St. Catharines to support recovery efforts, answering a request for assistance from the Province of Ontario through Ontario Corps.
Residents may see Team Rubicon Canada teams in flood-affected neighbourhoods performing property assessments and recovery work. The volunteers are identifiable by their grey Team Rubicon Canada shirts and official organizational branding.
The process:
• Team Rubicon Canada will call affected residents on the City’s Vulnerable Assistance Registry and set up an appointment for a site visit.
• Team Rubicon Canada volunteers will conduct a site assessment.
• A signed agreement is required before Team Rubicon Canada completes work. Work will be completed at no cost.
• Team Rubicon Canada will create a work order, and schedule when work will commence.
• Team Rubicon Canada volunteers will attend the property on the scheduled day to complete the work order.
Samaritans Purse is establishing similar disaster relief operations in the Town of Lincoln and is including St. Catharines in its support response.
Both volunteer organizations will prearrange appointments with residents for site visits and to complete work, will not show up unannounced and will never ask for money or donations.
The City continues to list flood recovery updates, resources and supports as they become available at stcatharines.ca/july2026flooding.
Proactive measures ahead of rainfall
We continue to closely monitor weather conditions and take proactive measures to address forecasted rainfall. Our crews have been out across the city cleaning out ditches and catch basin grates, inspecting and repairing damaged culverts and generally checking that everything can drain.
Like everyone, we watch the forecast and urge residents to monitor weather conditions as well. We will release updates on our website and social media channels as needed.
The way forward
Following discussions with City Councillors and conversations with residents, Mayor Mat Siscoe has issued a Mayoral Direction to the City of St. Catharines in response to the recent widespread flooding in our community. The Mayoral Direction requires the City report back with recommendations in seven key areas:
• Independent Flood Resilience Review
• Priority Flood Mitigation Areas
• Enhance the Flood Alleviation Program (FLAP)
• Review Stormwater Maintenance Practices
• Improve Public Reporting and Monitoring
• Expand Public Education and Preparedness
• Continue Enhanced Waste Collection
Read the full Mayoral Direction Statement here.
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2026 Municipal Election
Get on the voters list for the municipal election on Monday, Oct. 26!
Check, update or add yourself by Aug.12 at registertovoteon.ca or directly with your municipality after this date.
Interested in running as a candidate in the municipal election? The deadline to file nominations papers is 2 p.m. on August 21, 2026. Learn more about registering as a candidate here: Registering as a Candidate | City of St. Catharines
Get ready to participate in the 2026 municipal election with a variety of resources for electors, voters, and more, on our Elections webpage.
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Mayor Mat Siscoe addresses recent City-wide flooding and the path forward
Mayor Mat Siscoe issued a statement on Aug. 10 following the recent city-wide flooding incidents, the City’s response and the path toward a more flood-resilient St. Catharines.
The Mayor said in the past two weeks, thousands of residents across our city have experienced unprecedented flooding following three extraordinary rainfall events, each producing rainfall amounts near or above what is typically associated with a 100-year storm. Mayor Siscoe said much of St. Catharines received more than a foot of rain, a volume of water that would overwhelm virtually any municipal stormwater system in North America.
"While emergency response and recovery remain our top priority, we have a responsibility to ensure our community is better prepared for the future," the Mayor said in his statement. "Last week, following discussions with City Councillors and conversations with residents, I issued a Mayoral Direction to St. Catharines CAO David Oakes in response to the recent widespread flooding in our community."
The Direction requires staff to report back to Council with recommendations in seven key areas:
- Independent Flood Resilience Review
- Priority Flood Mitigation Areas
- Enhance the Flood Alleviation Program (FLAP)
- Review Stormwater Maintenance Practices
- Improve Public Reporting and Monitoring
- Expand Public Education and Preparedness
- Continue Enhanced Waste Collection
"Behind every flooded basement is a family dealing with disruption, financial loss and an incredible amount of stress," the Mayor continued. "Our residents don't expect us to control the weather. They do expect us to learn from it, prepare for it, and fight for the investments needed to protect our community. That's exactly what this Direction is designed to do."
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Fall Program Registration begins on Aug. 25
With the approach of fall in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to keep your commitment to stay active.
Fall Program registration opens for St. Catharines' residents online on ActiveSTC at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Residents can register in-person at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre (SKAC) at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Everyone can sign up for activities on ActiveSTC on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m., and in-person registration will be open to everyone on Friday, Aug. 28 at 8:30 a.m. at SKAC.
Online registration requires an account. Avoid delays on registration day by creating an ActiveSTC account or updating account information ahead of time. You can also browse programs now and add them to your "Wish List" to easily find them when registration opens.
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Charities, community groups can apply for 2026-27 Niagara IceDogs tickets
The City is helping to create unforgettable moments for children and youth by inviting charities and community groups to apply to experience OHL hockey from the City's private suite at the Meridian Centre.
Registered charities, incorporated not-for-profit organizations, and minor not-for-profit sports associations serving St. Catharines and Niagara are invited to apply to the City's Meridian Centre Community Use Program for 12 free suite tickets to the 2026-27 Niagara IceDogs' home games.
The City will match eligible applicants to a select number of games to use tickets for an unforgettable experience or for use for fundraising initiatives. Preference will be given to St. Catharines-based organizations providing youth programs and services.
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City matches Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore funding for Charles Ansell Park installations
The City of St. Catharines joined the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore on July 24 to unveil two new installations in Charles Ansell Park - a Peace Pole, and a water refilling station and drinking fountain - two areas of focus for Rotary.
The Peace Pole reads "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in English, French, Japanese (in honour of where the Peace Pole movement began in 1955) and in Anishanaabemowin. The Peace Poles are reminders to cultivate peace in thought, words, and action.
The City matched the Rotary club's funding for the project through its Parks Legacy Fund, which matches donations, legacy giving, and community projects to renew and upgrade assets in City parks.
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Enjoy two hours free parking in August to shop, dine in Downtown St. Catharines
Throughout August, the City is offering a Downtown Merchant Validated Parking Pilot project to make the Downtown St. Catharines' experience more convenient for residents and visitors.
Thanks to our partnership with HONK and the Downtown St. Catharines Association, customers of a downtown business can receive a QR code to scan into their cell phone, enter their licence plate, and receive two hours free parking at Downtown metered parking, including surface lots, on-street spaces, and in the Ontario Street Parking Garage. Note: The City's self-serve Garden Park / Carlisle Street Parking Garage is exempt from the program.
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Vote now for your favourite front yard garden
Each year, the City of St. Catharines recognizes individuals who have helped beautify our community through the Trillium Awards.
Thank you to all who nominated a front yard garden in the city for one of the following Trillium Awards:
- Mayor's Award
- Civic Beautification Award
- Green Leader Award
- Community Choice Award
A panel of judges is currently tabulating votes in the first three categories.
Vote now in the Community Choice Award category for your favourite front yard garden in the city. Review the nominees on our website, and then cast your vote. Voting is open until Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.
Results in all categories are tentatively expected to be announced in late August.
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Explore storied city neighbourhoods on autumn walking tours with the Museum
Explore the foundations of our community during cooler weather with an autumn 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 include:
- Merritt Trail: Hike the Canal; Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Yates Street: Heritage Architecture; Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Churches of Church Street; Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- 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 3:30 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, 20 to 11:30 a.m.
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Join popular Guided Spirit Walks this September
Join one of the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre's 15th annual Guided Spirit Walks this September in Victoria Lawn Cemetery, part of the City's 150th anniversary celebrations.
Hear stories about our city on the eve of its incorporation in 1876 by the people who lived it. The popular program includes a guided walk and theatrical scenes throughout the cemetery.
Familiar names included on this year's tour include:
- John Charles Rykert
- Thomas R. Brownlee
- Cornelia Collier
- Dency Copeland
- Martha Ann St. John
- Mary McCalla
- Daniel Webster Bixby
- John Latham Ranney
- Robert Lawrie
- Lily Wilson
- Sidney Rose Badgely
Learn more about this year's event on the St. Catharines Museum Blog.
Register for one of eight Guided Spirit Walk events on the following dates and times:
- Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 11, 6 to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 11, 7 to 8 p.m.
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Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 to 8 p.m. (two spaces left at time of publication)
- Thursday, Sept. 17, 7 to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 18, 6 to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 18, 7 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19, 6 to 7 p.m.
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Apply now for Neighbourhood Micro Grants
Apply now for the City of St. Catharines' fifth round of its Neighbourhood Micro Grants program.
The Neighbourhood Micro Grants program offers funding for resident-led projects and events that bring neighbours together, promote social connections, and enhance the vibrancy of St. Catharines’ communities.
Residents can apply for up to $1,500 in funding to support neighbourhood projects and events during this intake period, which runs from July 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2026, for projects and events taking place between Dec. 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027.
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Everybody in for swim lessons!
Three weeks left for would-be swimmers from ages three to 12 can join us for pay as you go swimming lessons at the Lion Dunc Schooley Pool! (32 Seymour Ave.)
Register via www.stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC
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One summer Toonie Swim remains
Enjoy our last Toonie Swim of the summer on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre.
Keep an eye on the City's social media accounts to learn the dates of our fall Toonie Swims.
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Hot Summer Nights update
As our community continues to recover from the recent flooding, St. Catharines Fire Services has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Hot Summer Nights events for 2026, including previously announced make-up dates.
We know how much families look forward to these Wednesday night events, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding.
Right now, our priority is keeping City resources focused on supporting residents and our community through flood recovery.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue this important work.
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Summer Concerts in the Park continues
The City’s free outdoor Summer Concert Series returns in August with concerts on Wednesday nights, weather permitting, from 6 p.m. to dusk at Montebello Park.
The Vaudevillian performs on Wednesday, Aug. 12 with Sleepy Jean. Then, Bucking Broncos takes the stage on Wednesday, Aug. 19 with The Mandevilles.
Hot dog cart, craft beverages, ice cream truck, and family games. Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs.
If weather forces a concert cancellation, the City will provide updates on our social media channels.
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St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre - Open Late
Check out the Museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, open late until 8 p.m. through Aug. 31.
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Full Colour: A Celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ Art and Expression on display until Aug. 14
Three days remain to view 20 artworks by 15 artists from St. Catharines and across the Niagara Region working in disciplines, including painting, prints, drawings, textiles, and sculpture, to explore the many ways 2SLGBTQIA+ communities express identity, build connection, and imagine new possibilities.
"Full Colour" is on display through Friday, Aug. 14 in the Third-Floor Gallery space at City Hall, 50 Church St. It is available for viewing during regular City Hall business hours, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Crash Test Dummies perform at PAC
Crash Test Dummies are a three-time Grammy nominated and JUNO award-winning group that soared to the top of the worldwide charts in the early 1990s with hits “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman’s Song.”
Experience their live show at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on Tuesday, Sept 22 at 7:30 p.m.
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Hear Sing Pitch Perfect at PAC
Join Deke Sharon, Father of Contemporary a cappella and musical director of the Pitch Perfect films, to sing a song from the famous movie franchise.
This will be an unforgettable and interactive evening of fun in Partridge Hall at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on Wednesday, Oct 14 at 7:30 p.m.
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Join library's third annual SCPL Litfest
Join St. Catharines Public Library for the third annual SCPL LitFest presented in partnership with FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
SCPL LitFest is an all-ages literary festival celebrating reading, writing, and illustration. It's about discovering literature at any age and unearthing new experiences. This year, the festival will be a weeklong celebration of learning, literacy, and historical fiction!
Visit the library from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 for a series of workshops and events to help you explore your literary creativity, discover new reads, and celebrate local literature.
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