Council approves rezoning 355 Merritt St. to permit a stand-alone parking lot
Council approved a City-initiated application to rezone the lands at 355 Merritt St. and Wedsworth Street road allowance to permit a stand-alone parking lot.
The parking lot will serve the Old Merritton commercial core, while also offsetting on-street parking spaces proposed to be removed through the planned Merritt Street and Chestnut Street reconstructions.
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Council directs Niagara Region support for Welcoming Streets' stable funding
Council directed City staff to support Niagara Region in pursuing federal and provincial funding opportunities that would provide two years of stable funding for the Welcoming Streets Initiative.
The Welcoming Streets Initiative is a pilot program, which is non-police, community-based approach to improving safety and supporting the downtown core and Queenston area. It operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Welcoming Streets Team is comprised of an outreach worker paired with a Block Leader, who is someone with lived or living experience).
Council further directed that staff report back to Council on the outcome of the funding application process, including recommendations for long-term program sustainability and improved coordination and communication regarding funding status.
Carolyn Dyer, executive director of REACH Niagara, which provides life-saving street healthcare to people who are unhoused and at-risk in Niagara, and Talia Storm, , director of Street / Works Services at Positive Living Niagara, which supports people at-risk and affected by HIV, HCV, STBBIs and substance abuse, presented to Council on the pilot program.
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Council authorizes transfer of 2 Facer St. to MDC
Council declared the lands at 2 Facer St. surplus and authorized its transfer to the St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation (MDC).
The lands have a building that is currently being leased by the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara (BGCN) until March 31, 2028. The proposal to transfer the lands has been reviewed and discussed with the BGCN.
The MDC has requested the transfer of the City’s property at 2 Facer St. to assist in creating housing units within the city. The intent for the property is to incorporate both a BGCN program space and childcare centre with the creation of residential units.
The Council-approved motion aligns with the goals of the City’s Strategic Plan in working to achieve or exceed the provincial housing target of 11,000 new residential units by 2031.
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Council learns Neil Peart Memorial funding to be secured by year end 2026
The Neil Peart Commemorative task force has fundraised nearly $210,000 to date towards the $1-million project goal. As RUSH announced, a portion of proceeds from the VIP Experiences during the band’s “Fifty Something Tour” will be donated to support the Neil Peart Memorial at Lakeside Park. Following the band’s tour, it is anticipated the remaining funds required for the project will be secured. The task force established the end of 2026 as the fundraising completion date.
Construction of the Neil Peart Memorial at Lakeside Park will begin approximately one year after the completion of fundraising pending Council approval.
Council further waived the Public Appointments Policy to appoint Judy Peart, Neil’s sister, as the Peart family representative to the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force.
To donate to the Neil Peart Memorial, visit stcatharines.ca/neilpeart
Image credit: Trace Planning and Design
| | | Spotlight on St. Catharines | | City celebrates Black History Month | | |
The City of St. Catharines invites residents to celebrate the start of Black History Month with a special launch event and the unveiling of an art exhibit at City Hall.
The City will host the launch event on Monday, Feb. 2, at 3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, located on the third floor of City Hall. The event will include remarks from Mayor Mat Siscoe as well as performances from acclaimed jazz, soul and pop artist Juliet Dunn, and a poetry reading from singer, songwriter, and poet, Andrew Reid. Following the program, a flag-raising ceremony will take place on the front lawn of City Hall.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, residents are invited back inside City Hall to the third floor for the unveiling of the art exhibition “Black Histories, Black Futures”, presented in partnership with Future Black Female, and Blackowned 905. Curated by Tanika Hillocks, Cultural Community Consultant, the exhibit invites us to reflect on the depth and presence of Black histories in St. Catharines and beyond. It honours future worlds where Black identity and culture are imagined in transformative ways, while affirming that Black presence is not confined to the past. A reception begins at about 4:30 p.m., with remarks at 5 p.m. Snacks will be provided by local Black-owned business, Flavour Fuel.
The exhibit will remain on display on the third floor of City Hall and can be viewed during normal business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Feb. 27.
Throughout the month of February, the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is inviting residents to learn more and celebrate Black history and culture in St. Catharines by exploring the last year of the exhibit, “Last Stop: In their Own Words”. Last Stop challenges the traditional narratives of the local settlement of refugee Freedom Seekers in St. Catharines in the 1850s. Also watch for the museum’s Black History Month blog series every Saturday this February.
The City is also proud to partner for Future Black Female’s Annual On Stage Variety Show, , on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m., at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre – an unforgettable evening highlighting the creativity, brilliance, and diversity of Black talent in the Niagara Region. This high-energy show promises a captivating mix of musical performances, comedy, dance, and spoken word, all curated to showcase the richness of Black artistic expression. From emerging voices to seasoned performers, audiences will experience a night full of inspiration, entertainment, and storytelling brought to life on stage. There will also be an exciting vendor market curated by BlackOwned905. Tickets are pay what you can, including free.
A variety of other events and programs are also taking place in St. Catharines to mark Black History Month. Watch the City’s social media channels and website for more information. The St. Catharines Downtown Association is also compiling a list of community activities on its website.
| | 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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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.
Share your St. Catharines' memories, experiences, and stories.
View the project at engagestc.ca/stcatharines150
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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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City of St. Catharines named
2026 Hamilton-Niagara Top Employer
For the second consecutive year, the City of St. Catharines has been recognized as a Hamilton-Niagara Top Employer by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada's Top 100 Employers project, for its innovative human resource programs.
The competition reviews employers on eight criteria, including, among others, Work Atmosphere and Social; Health, Employee Communications; Training and Skills Development; and Community Involvement.
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Toonie Swim
Wednesday, Feb. 11
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
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Toonie Swim
Sunday, March 22
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
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Black Histories, Black Futures art exhibition set to open on February 2
The City, in partnership with Future Black Female and Black Owned 905, recently invited Black artists from across the Niagara region to participate in a special Black History Month exhibition, titled Black Histories, Black Futures.
Black Histories, Black Futures asked artists to create works that reflect the depth of Black histories in St. Catharines and beyond. Stories shaped by community-building, migration, Emancipation Day gatherings, resistance movements, and the city’s historic ties to the Underground Railroad — while imagining how these histories inform the present and inspire what comes next.
This year’s exhibition coincides with the 150th anniversary of St. Catharines’ incorporation and the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada.
The exhibition will be installed at City Hall (50 Church St.), and at the St. Catharines Public Library, Central Library Branch (54 Church St.) from Feb. 2 through April 1, 2026.
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Enjoy Family Day at the Museum
Experience a jam-packed day full of family-friendly activities that are all about maps and moving around St. Catharines. Jumping off from our “You are Here” map exhibit, visitors will discover St. Catharines history, learn mapping and wayfinding skills, and have fun. Activities include:
- Map-themed story time and sing-along music session (drop-in 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Orientation Gallery)
- Old-time map-making craft (drop-in 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burgoyne Room and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Burgoyne Room)
- A skill-testing wayfinding adventure around the museum, including mapping, compass orienteering, and land surveying
- An interactive kids’ gallery tour all about transportation Kids Historical Transportation Interactive Gallery Tour 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
- A once-a-year chance to explore behind-the-scenes in the Collections vault Behind-the-Scenes Collections Tours. Best for children aged 12 and older. Tours on the hour (but not 12 p.m.) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No food, drink, bags, or coats. Tour is approximately 45 minutes of standing and includes a flight of stairs (down and up)
- Ongoing throughout the museum: Interactive Activity Book and self-guided mapping activities for kids and families
No registration required. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission by donation.
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Museum PD Day drop-in program Feb. 13
SAVE THE DATE: The next St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre PD Day drop-in program of interactive and creative activities themed to the season is next month — Friday, Feb. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Families with children ages five to 12: stop by the museum the morning of Friday, Feb. 13 for story time, interactive music session, and an exciting craft or activity.
This PD Day theme is Music and St. Catharines history.
No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to the Museum is by donation.
Learn more about the Museum: stcatharines.ca/Museum
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Call To Artists: Traffic Signal Cabinet Wraps
As part of the City’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2026, the City of
St. Catharines is seeking local artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to create original artwork for traffic cabinet wraps throughout the city. Twelve artworks will be commissioned, two per ward, for installation this spring.
The project is intended to celebrate St. Catharines’ 150th anniversary through local stories and themes while highlighting the unique people, places, and features of each ward. Designs should explore connections between the city’s natural and built environments and cultural identity, reflect creativity, positivity, and diversity, and be suitable for all audiences.
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Apply for City Micro Grants for community initiatives, events
Residents: apply for as much as $1,500 in funding to support neighbourhood projects and events during this intake period, which runs from Jan. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026. This round will fund approved projects and events taking place between June 1, 2026, and Nov. 30, 2026.
The City encourages eligible groups (at least three residents from different households) to consider a variety of eligible projects and events, such as:
- Community workshops ─ such as skill-sharing or learning a new craft.
- Neighbourhood events ─ including music, clothing or book exchanges, arts and crafts, food drives, and more.
- Neighbourhood Summer or Fall Festival.
- Neighbourhood picnics or potlucks.
Eligible expenses include park permits, insurance and project materials. Funding will not be approved for items such as presenter honorariums, donations to charities, or capital costs.
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Apply for small group half sheet ice time with Ice for Five pilot program
Small groups of as many as five skaters can book a half sheet of ice during non-prime hours for just $75 per hour, taxes and surcharges included.
Ideal for small-group training, skill development, or casual skating, Ice for Five offers a personalized experience without the constraints of traditional ice allocations. The pilot program runs through the second quarter of 2026.
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Art in Action: Climate
FRIDAY, JAN. 30 — SUNDAY, FEB. 8
artinactionniagara.ca
Art in Action: Climate is a 10-day, Niagara arts experience that reflects on our changing planet and the true cost of progress. Through immersive media, cinema, live performance, symposia, youth participation, culinary and wine experiences, and partner events across the region, the festival invites audiences to engage deeply and take meaningful action. Anchored by In the Wake of Progress, an immersive multimedia work by St. Catharines-born Edward Burtynsky, the program also features SKéN:NEN: Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, Avanti Singers, gallery exhibitions, a climate-themed film festival, educational programming, and a one-day climate symposium.
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Downtown D'Lish: Soulicious Edition returns
Wednesday, Feb. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 22
Winter doesn’t have to feel so blah in Downtown St. Catharines. This February, we’re bringing the flavour back with Downtown D’Lish: Soulicious Edition, running from February 11 to 22. Our signature dining event returns during Black History Month, featuring a special partnership with Soulicious Pepper Sauce, a local, Black-owned business.
Downtown restaurants have signed on to take part, each will offer exclusive prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus inspired by bold, soulful flavours - all with their own unique take.
It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a midday meal, plan a night out, try something new, and support local restaurants this winter. For participating restaurants, menus, and full details, keep an eye on downtowndlish.ca
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Celebrate 150 years of STC with the library
2026 marks the City of St. Catharines' 150th anniversary! Celebrate this incredible milestone with the St. Catharines Public Library this winter with educational and creative programs featuring local history, noteworthy landmarks, and iconic local figures. Programs are free to attend, but don't forget to register in advance to secure your seat!
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Property Tax Due Dates for 2026 | |
Interim Billing
Friday, Feb. 27
Thursday, April 30
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Final Billing
Tuesday, June 30
Tuesday, Sept. 29
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