Spotlight on St. Catharines | |
City getting prepared for 2026 beach season at Lakeside Park and Sunset Beach
Renovations are ongoing, however the beaches in St. Catharines will be ready for guests as the season kicks off in May.
The City is preparing for the start of the beach season, with the beach at Lakeside Park ready for visitors come the first blast of warm weather, and work continuing to progress on schedule at Sunset Beach, which is tentatively scheduled to reopen ahead of the long weekend in May.
“Lakeside Park and Sunset Beach are key parts of our waterfront experience, and we’re excited to see both spaces being prepared to welcome the community this season,” said Eric Lamothe, Manager of Community Programs and Parks. “We’re excited to reopen Sunset Beach. The project is progressing well, and we hope the weather and other factors will continue to be in our favour as we move closer to reopening.”
Lakeside Park remains open and accessible. Washrooms will open early this year, on May 1, to coincide with the start of paid beach parking.
At Sunset Beach, the renovation project – a $6.9-million investment supported by a $4.4 million grant from the Province of Ontario – is on track. While it won’t be ready for May 1, the contractor is on track to open in May, ahead of the peak summer season. While some work will continue beyond re-opening, such as the replacement of the playground structure and some finishing touches to the boat ramp, residents will see some of the following efforts completed:
- General parking lot enhancements.
- Upgrades to trails, picnic tables, and other park amenities.
- Shoreline protection measures.
Updates on the reopening of the beach property to the public will be posted to the City’s website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
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Public Meeting: Townhouse development approved for Moffat Street / Arsenault Lane
City Council approved amendments for the lands known municipally as 101, 103, 105 and 107 Moffatt St., 12 Arsenault Ln. and Arsenault Lane.
This report considers Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to permit a 63-unit residential townhouse development located at 101, 103, 105 and 107 Moffatt St., 12 Arsenault Ln. and adjustments to Arsenault Lane.
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Amendments approved to permit construction of apartment buildings at 40A Ellis Ave.
Council approved amendments for three proposed apartment buildings totaling 506 residential units with 607 parking spaces. The development concept includes two 13-storey, 150-unit buildings, and one 18-storey, 206-unit building, with one level of underground parking connecting the three buildings, a small surface parking area at the front of the site and a larger surface parking area at the rear of the site. The site is located on the east side of Ellis Avenue, north of Abbot Street.
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By-law Enforcement and Licensing
City Council referred a report about a new Vacant Building Security By-law back to staff for a report with more information, including consultation with the Niagara Regional Police. The report recommended a new by-law and the hiring of a full-time contract by-law enforcement supervisor, and a full-time contract by-law enforcement officer dedicated to the downtown area for a two-year pilot
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Updates to "Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes" Policy
Staff undertook a comprehensive review of the previous policy and identified areas that required greater clarity, updating them ahead of the 2026 municipal election, set to take place this October.
| | Get Engaged with your City | | Check out the active projects seeking citizen feedback in St. Catharines and stay tuned to EngageSTC.ca to have your say on more projects 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.
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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Ontario Street Secondary Plan background study released
The City of St. Catharines invites the public to participate in an Open House and Community Visioning Session for the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Study.
The open house will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in the Concord and Chardonnay Rooms at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 327 Ontario St. in St. Catharines.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with display materials available for viewing. A presentation of the background study will begin at 6 p.m., with discussions to follow.
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Non-Traditional Crosswalks
Your feedback is requested: as interest in non-traditional crosswalks continues to grow, the City is developing a draft policy that outlines the process for evaluating requests for non-traditional crosswalks, the approval process, and specifics related to funding, as well as implementation timing, materials, and design.
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Everybody can play!
As the “City where everybody can play”, St. Catharines welcomes feedback from everyone in our community as we update our Recreation Facility and Programming Plan. The Plan will help us continue providing the types of recreation services and spaces that people living, studying and working in St. Catharines are looking for. Your ideas will help us renew our collective vision for recreation in St. Catharines and establish priorities for the next 10 years. Feedback is open until April 30.
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Beach Parking Permits
St. Catharines residents can once again purchase Beach Parking permits online for $16.25 ($109.25 for the boat launch) for the season. While access to the beach is free, the parking permits allow residents to park when paid parking is in effect without time limits or hourly charges at Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park between May 1 and Sept. 30.
Residents should be ready to apply with a copy of their vehicle ownership, as well as any form of eligible proof of residency. A full list of eligible documents is available on the City’s website.
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2026 Tree Giveaway
The City of St. Catharines is continuing to invest in a more resilient urban forest, and residents can play a direct role by planting a tree at home.
St. Catharines residents can claim a free tree to plant on their own property as part of the City’s annual Spring Free Tree Giveaway. From April 13-22, residents can register online and choose from one of four varieties: Tulip tree, Red Oak, Chokecherry and Eastern White Pine.
A limited number of trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once all trees have been claimed. Visit stcatharines.ca/TreeGiveaway for full details and to register.
Residents who successfully register can pick up their free trees at Lancaster Park on Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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Thinking of running in the 2026
Municipal Election?
Niagara residents interested interested in running in the 2026 Municipal Election should attend the Candidates Information Night on Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
The event is hosted by the City of Welland on behalf of all Niagara municipalities at the Welland Community Centre, 145 Lincoln St. in Welland. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will outline what candidates can expect and how to prepare for the upcoming election. Doors open at 5 p.m. The information session begins at 6 p.m.
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Nominations now open now for the "Accessibility Matters Here" Award
The City of St. Catharines Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is inviting nominations for the Accessibility Matters Here Award, recognizing local businesses that are making meaningful strides toward accessibility and inclusion.
The award is an initiative of the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and the St. Catharines AAC, and celebrates businesses that are actively working to:
- •Remove barriers.
- •Providing inclusive and accessible communication.
- •Supporting equitable employment practices.
- •Delivering accessible customer service with dignity and respect.
- •Designing or adapting spaces for safer and navigable access.
Nominations are open until May 14, 2026.
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It's time for a celebration! St. Catharines marks 150 years since incorporating as a City
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! Come on down to Montebello Park on Saturday, May 2, noon to 4 p.m., for a free rain-or-shine extravaganza!
A family-focused afternoon of live entertainment, activities, and community experiences. Hotdogs / veggie dogs and cupcakes provided (while supplies last, get here early!). Don't miss the official cake cutting at 1 p.m.!
Here's a taste of what to expect:
- Do you think you can defeat Mayor Siscoe at Tic Tac "Throw"? Test your skills!
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Live performances throughout the afternoon by multiple local & multicultural groups, as well as musical performances by The Lincoln and Welland Regiment Band!
- Inflatable attractions, crafts and family activities.
- STC150 themed temporary tattoo station.
- Free STC150 stickers featuring art by local artists.
- Touch a Truck with St. Catharines' Fire and Municipal Works divisions.
- Exciting programming from our community partners: the St. Catharines Library, St. Catharines Museum, Friends of the Carousel, Garden City Gardeners (with a seed giveaway!), appearances by local team mascots and more!
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Poetry Workshop with Poet Laureate Shannon Kitchings
In celebration of National Poetry Month, the City of St. Catharines and the St. Catharines Public Library are partnering to present a poetry workshop for community members of all ages, all writing levels, and for those who wouldn’t call themselves writers at all, at the St. Catharines Library’s Central Branch (54 Church St.) on April 25 at 10 a.m.
The workshop is part of a series of initiatives recognizing National Poetry Month and highlighting the City’s commitment to arts and culture. The workshop is free with all materials provided. More information is available at stcatharines.ca/poetlaureate.
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Museum Walking Tours
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!
Tours include:
- Walking tours of Victoria Lawn Cemetery
- Walking tours of the Merritt Trail and other City parks and trails
- Walking tours of downtown, Merritton, and Port Dalhousie
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Now that the Masters Tournament has wrapped up, do you need more golf in your life?
Do you want to play golf for free?
The Garden City Golf Course is seeking friendly, reliable, and customer-focused individuals who are CPR / First Aid Certified to serve as Volunteer Golf Marshals for the upcoming golf season. Marshals play a key role in ensuring an enjoyable experience for all guests by maintaining pace of play, assisting golfers, and upholding course policies - all while earning free golf benefits.
This is a great opportunity for retirees, golf enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys being outdoors and engaging with the golf community.
Does this sound like you? Visit stcatharines.ca/golf to view the volunteer opportunity and requirements. See you on the course! ⛳
| | Hosted by The Beaverton's Aisha Alfa; this year's tour 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 on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. | | |
Dino Light is a glow-in-the-dark, family-friendly adventure and has been praised for its cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology, and dance by audiences all over the world.
Lightwire Theater have been featured as semi-finalists America’s Got Talent and the winners of Tru TV’s Fake Off! Experience this captivating show at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
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Cape Breton’s Men of the Deeps chorus invite you to celebrate 60 years of music, storytelling and camaraderie. The world-famous miners have spent the last 60 years on stages all over the globe together, preserving the past and lighting the way forward.
Prepare to enjoy uplifting songs, stories, belly laughs and maybe even a step or two in Partridge Hall on Sunday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
| | 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/ | |
OneRead, OneSTC: Terry Fallis and The Marionette
You're invited to join the St. Catharines Public Library and the City of St. Catharines for OneRead, OneSTC!
On June 11, Mayor Mat Siscoe will sit down with award-winning Canadian author Terry Fallis to discuss his latest book - The Marionette. Borrow The Marionette from SCPL and don't forget to register for an evening of conversation and community. This program is free to attend.
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Meet Catharine.
Here to Help.
Anytime. Anywhere.
Find her at stcatharines.ca
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