stcatharines.ca

Nov. 3, 2026

Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Building Heights' map, with heights ranging from four storeys (yellow) to 20 storeys (dark blue).

Council approves Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan

City Council approved the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan on Monday night.

Council adopted an Official Plan amendment for the creation of the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan, a comprehensive, long-term planning framework to guide future development and redevelopment within the corridor.

The plan encompasses approximately 101 hectares of land extending from the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to Welland Avenue along Ontario Street, including the former auto manufacturing site at 282 and 285 Ontario St.

The Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan provides detailed policy direction respecting land use, housing and intensification, environmental remediation, built form and urban design, transportation and active transportation, parks and open space, natural heritage, infrastructure and the public realm. 

Extensive public engagement went into developing the plan. About 250 people participated in three open houses.

More Council News

Council approves Turfgrass Maintenance and Prohibited Plant Species By-law

Council approved a new Turfgrass Maintenance and Prohibited Plant Species By-law and the associated administrative monetary penalties for non-compliance after recent case law caused municipalities to conduct a review of their by-laws regarding long grasses and weeds.

Council approved no fees in 2026 and 2027. Council approved a direction to City staff that the fee be considered during the 2028 Rates and Fees discussion.

The new by-law is more permissive and allows for greater biodiversity in the city and encourages pollinator gardens. Key changes:

• Naturalized habitat areas would be allowed under a permit that is granted to a property owner and does not stay with the property should ownership change.
• 38 plant species considered prohibited are already prohibited under provincial or federal legislation, are considered an ecological threat, are prohibited in other municipalities, or are public safety concerns.
• Naturalized habitat areas are permitted provided they are maintained and intentionally cultivated.
• A permit system will ensure intentional planting with purpose is occurring, and what species are being planted.
• Provisions for safety to ensure visibility for pedestrians and vehicles and prevent encroachment and obstruction.
• An appeal process to a permit denial would go to the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee, with another layer of appeal to go to Council to render a decision.

Council receives report on feasibility of a Nuisance Residential Lighting By-law

City Council received a report on the feasibility of a Nuisance Residential Lighting By-law.

The memo from the City Manager of By-law Enforcement and Licensing, Planning and Building Services is in response to a request at the Oct. 20 Council meeting.

At present, there is no direction by Council to pursue the by-law. Should capacity exist in City by-law enforcement in the future, the by-law could be explored at that time.

More Council Info

Coun. Kushner presented the Key to the City to recognize 50 years of public service

After 50 years of public service on St. Catharines City Council, Coun. Joe Kushner was presented the Key to the City during his final Council meeting on Nov. 2.

Mayor Mat Siscoe presented the Key to the City to Kushner, who has earned the distinction of being Canada's longest-serving municipal councillor. Kushner was first elected to represent St. Andrew's ward in 1976, and he has served on St. Catharines City Council continuously for the past five decades.

During his time on Council serving alongside seven mayors, Kushner became known for his fiscal prudence, deep knowledge of the City, and commitment to St. Andrew's residents. Beyond his Council contributions, Kushner joined Brock University in 1969 and spent more than five decades as an economics professor, educator and mentor. He has also been a longtime supporter of and volunteer with organizations across Niagara, including the Humane Society of Greater Niagara and Niagara Symphony, while contributing to other numerous community causes.

Earlier this year, Kushner’s historic municipal career was documented in the book, Canada’s Longest Serving Councillor Joseph Kushner, co-authored with economic historian and retired Brock University professor Wesley Turner.

Kushner has credited a simple lesson from his father with helping guide his decades in public life: that an elected representative’s job is to serve the public.

In addition to being presented with the Key to the City, City CAO David Oakes presented Kushner with a certificate and glass award from the Province of Ontario on behalf of City staff. St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens, a friend of Kushner's who served on City Council with him, presented him a scroll.

The Key to the City is bestowed upon individuals whose significant contributions have reflected positively on the community. Kushner joins a prestigious list of recipients of the Key to the City, including Edward Burtynsky, Robert Cooper, Tim Denis, Mary Ann Edwards, Norm Foster, Dr. Rosemary Hale, Doug Hamilton, Tim Hicks, Fergie Jenkins, Kristen Kit, Dr. Jack Lightstone, Dr. Dan Patterson and Tom Rankin.

Kushner received a standing ovation in Council Chambers from Council colleagues, City staff and senior leadership, family, friends and former colleagues following his remarks, which traced the highlights of his remarkable career of public service to the City of St. Catharines and its residents. He then swung the Mayor's gavel and adjourned the Council meeting, the Council term, and his 50-year Council career.

2026 Trillium Awards recognize residents and youth helping the City bloom

From a youth-led initiative bringing new life to a City park to a front-yard landscape where every detail comes together, the City of St. Catharines is celebrating the people and properties helping the Garden City live up to its name.

The City recognized The Green Herons with its Green Leader Award and honoured 14 properties for outstanding landscaping and beautification efforts during its annual Trillium Awards celebration on Monday, Nov. 2.

The Green Herons, a group of young environmental advocates dedicated to protecting natural spaces and native species across Niagara, received the Green Leader Award for their commitment to environmental stewardship and community greening.

Among their efforts is a new pollinator garden at Johnson Park in St. Catharines, featuring a diverse range of native plants that provide valuable habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

The youth-led organization also operates its own native plant greenhouse, sourcing and growing plants in partnership with World Wildlife Fund and Carolinian Canada's In the Zone program. The Johnson Park project received support through the City's Community Gardens Funding Program, and The Green Herons will continue to maintain the garden.

The Green Leader Award recognizes an individual or community organization that has made a significant contribution to greening St. Catharines while inspiring others to do the same.

The evening also celebrated the creativity and dedication of residents whose front-yard landscaping helps beautify neighbourhoods across the city.

The Mayor's Award, the highest honour recognizing the best overall front-yard landscape among this year's nominations, was presented to 2 Leicester Crt.

The homeowners transformed the front yard into a natural garden filled with a wide array of flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and mature trees. Highlights include pollinator-friendly plant material that pops with an abundance of texture and colour. The thoughtful combination of plants, design and attention to detail creates an exceptional overall display.

The Community Choice Award, determined through an online vote by residents, was presented to 43 Dalhousie Ave. in Port Dalhousie.

Twelve additional properties received Civic Beautification Awards, recognizing outstanding front-yard landscaping in each of the city's six wards.

The 2026 Civic Beautification Award recipients are:

• Merritton Ward: 52 Pinecrest Ave. and 13 Colonel Lyall St.
• St. Andrew's Ward: 42 McDonald St. and 22 Henrietta St.
• St. George's Ward: 56 Garnet St. and 5 Stanmary Dr.
• St. Patrick's Ward: 56 Court St. and 47 Kernahan St.
• Grantham Ward: 22 Thompson Ave. and 28 Spring Garden Blvd.
• Port Dalhousie Ward: 9 Mackie St. and 123 Dalhousie Ave., Unit 104.

St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame inducts five exceptional athletes, builder into Class of 2026

Five distinguished athletes and builders of sport in the city are the latest inductees into the illustrious St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame.

The 2026 St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated on Oct. 29 for their significant achievements in sport, either in competition or through other exceptional contributions, at the hall of fame on the concourse level of the Meridian Centre, 1 David S. Howes Way:

• John Dakin (Athlete): Hockey, Fastball
• Wally Dick (Athlete): Fastball, Basketball
• Jeff Finley (Athlete): Football
• Kirsten Moore-Towers (Athlete): Figure Skating
• Albino Pereira (Builder): Volleyball

The 2026 inductees’ names have been added to the David S. Howes St. Catharines Sports Wall of Fame, and each inductee received a commemorative plaque and pin. This year’s class brings to 203 the number of inductees to the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame.

Founded in 1990, the Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of athletes and builders who have significantly contributed to the development of sport in St. Catharines, and who went on to success at provincial, national and / or international levels. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, candidates must have been born or raised in St. Catharines or lived in the city during their sporting career.

To learn more about the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Inductees' accomplishments, click the "Read More" button below.

Let It Glow: A Celebration of Light returns

Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light returns for a sixth season of dazzling light displays and memorable moments in St. Catharines.

Brightening up the holiday season with thousands of twinkling and glittering lights and light displays and family-friendly fun at Rennie Park, Port Dalhousie and Downtown St. Catharines, this year's Let it Glow festival kicks of Saturday, Nov. 21.



Stay tuned to stcatharines.ca for more details.

An Evening of Entertainment with Brad Boland

Enjoy dinner followed by an Evening of Entertainment with Brad Boland on Friday, Nov. 27.

Dinner menu provided by Classic Caterers includes turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, and dessert. Non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Tickets are $40 per person for members, $50 per person for non-members. Ticket purchase subsidized by Dunlop Association Legacy Fund.

Come out Friday, Nov. 27 to Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre (80 Dunlop Dr.). Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m.

Purchase tickets in advance by Nov. 20 either online using the Tickets button below or in-person at any Older Adult or Community Centre.

Celebrate the season with the Lincoln Concert Band and Art Show

Celebrate the season with the Lincoln Concert Band and Art Show on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre.

The Art Show and Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a seasonal festive concert by the Lincoln Concert Band from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 each and include a warm beverage and sweet treat.

Purchase tickets in advance by Nov. 27 either online using the Tickets button below or in-person at any Older Adult or Community Centre.

Warm up this fall with our Toonie Swims

Join us this fall for our Toonie Swims at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre.

Remaining Fall Toonie Swims are taking place:

• Saturday, Nov 21, 2 p.m.
• Friday, Dec 4, 6:30 p.m.

Registration is available at stcatharines.ca/ToonieSwim

Explore storied city neighbourhoods on Autumn Walking Tours with the Museum

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.



Museum Autumn 2026 Walking Tours with spots still available at time of publication (Nov. 3) include: 



• 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 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, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

*Note: Port Dalhousie: St. Andrew's Cemetery Walk and the Victoria Lawn Cemetery Walk each has only one spot remaining (as of publication on Nov. 3). Book soon to avoid disappointment.

Spend your PD Days with the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

Come to the museum on PD Days for seasonal selections of stories, songs, and an activity or craft. Each PD Day will feature one and a half hours of interactive and creative activities themed to the season. Activities are best suited for kids ages 5-9, registration not required.

Join the Museum for its final 2026 PD Days event, Winter Clothing, on Friday, Nov. 27.

2026 Remembrance Day ceremonies

The City’s upcoming Remembrance Day ceremonies were shared during the Council meeting on Nov. 2 by the mayor and ward councillors.

On Wednesday, Nov. 11 and on Sunday, Nov. 8 in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines will come together to honour the courage and sacrifices of those who served in the armed forces.

Remembrance Day Ceremony at Memorial Park and afterward at Royal Canadian Legion Polish Veterans Branch 418

Wednesday, Nov. 11

St. Catharines Cenotaph, Memorial Park, 6 St. Paul St. W.

10 a.m.: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 will gather at City Hall, 50 Church St., for a wreath-laying ceremony.

10:30 a.m.: Parade begins from City Hall along Church Street and south down Ontario Street, before turning onto St. Paul Street West and ending at the cenotaph at Memorial Park. A rolling road closure will take place for the parade, and St. Paul Street West will be closed for the ceremonies in front of Memorial Park.

10:45 a.m.: Remembrance Day services at the cenotaph, including moments of reflection and a silent observance.

Following the service at the St. Catharines Cenotaph: Royal Canadian Legion Polish Veterans Branch 418 will be participating in the downtown service at Memorial Park but will welcome individuals following the event at its new home at 294 Vine St. The kitchen will be open and there will be an art display by arts student Aven McCarthy, a Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School graduate. 

Merritton Remembrance Day Ceremony

Wednesday, Nov. 11

Merritton Legion Branch, 2 Chestnut S. E. Ceremony in the upper hall (upstairs)

With the ongoing work in Merritton on Merritt Street, the Merritton Legion branch (Royal Canadian Legion Branch 138) will lay wreaths before 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Instead, the Legion invites the community on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m. to a ceremony at the Legion Hall in the upper hall, which is located upstairs. It is recommended to arrive early to reserve your seat. If you require mobility assistance or elevator / lift access details, contact the branch steward in advance at 905-227-1821.

Port Dalhousie Remembrance Day Ceremony



Sunday, Nov. 8

Port Dalhousie Cenotaph, 73 Main St.

Around 10 a.m.: Parade from the Port Dalhousie Legion (Royal Canadian Legion Branch 350) at 57 Lakeport Rd. to the cenotaph, at the corner of Ann and Main streets.

10:45 a.m. The Remembrance Day service takes place at the cenotaph.

Joni Mitchell performed by Sean McClelland

Experience the first concert in the Double Vision series, where Niagara musicians play a set of music you know and love, and a set of original music we know you'll love.

Enjoy the music of Joni Mitchell performed by St. Catharines' Sean McClelland on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

Family doctors in St. Catharines accepting new patients

Are you looking for a new family doctor?

There are more than a dozen family physicians in St. Catharines currently accepting new patients. Get connected to care here ➡ www.stcatharines.ca/findadoc and click on Niagara Region's Find a Doctor webpage for doctors accepting new patients.

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