Administrative Amendment to the 2015 and 2020 Community Improvement Plans
Council approved a series of amendments to existing by-laws related to the Community Improvement Plan (CIP). These changes affect By-law 2014-276 and By-law 2020-155, which govern the 2015CIP and 2020CIP respectively. The amendments will allow for extensions of project completion deadlines and enable the City to revoke projects that have not entered into an agreement within one year of receipt of the CIP Agreement.
Additionally, By-law 2020-156 has been amended to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Building Services, or their designate, to approve deadline extensions for CIP applications.
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Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Amendment - 2020 Community Improvement Plan
Council approved an amendment to By-law 2020-155, which governs the 2020 Community Improvement Plan. This amendment increases the maximum grant amount available for the construction of interior and exterior accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
The updated by-law now allows for grants covering up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $40,000 for interior ADUs and $80,000 for exterior ADUs. Property owners may submit multiple ADU applications; however, the total cumulative grant amount per property is capped at $80,000.
The post-building permit application period was also extended from 30 days to 90 days.
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St. Catharines Calls for Provincial and Federal Action on Mental Health, Addictions, and Homelessness Crisis
Council passed a motion urging the provincial and federal governments to take immediate and decisive action to address the escalating mental health, addictions, and homelessness crisis, in alignment with the 'Solve the Crisis' campaign. The motion highlights the humanitarian crisis impacting communities across Ontario, with over 3,400 drug-related deaths, 234,000 Ontarians experiencing homelessness and over 1,400 homeless encampments across Ontario communities in 2023.
The motion calls for the Province of Ontario to officially recognize homelessness as a health priority and appoint a dedicated Minister and Ministry to oversee the issue, ensuring coordinated and adequately funded responses. It also advocates for the formation of a Provincial Task Force composed of diverse sector representatives to develop a comprehensive 'Made in Ontario Action Plan' to tackle the crisis effectively. Furthermore, the motion calls on the province to provide adequate, sufficient and sustainable funding and resources for municipalities to support vulnerable populations being impacted.
Copies of the motion are to be sent to key federal and provincial leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and relevant ministers, as well as St. Catharines' MPs and MPPs, and Ontario’s Big City Mayors.
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City Requests Extension of Niagara Region Development Incentive Programs
Council passed a motion on Monday night to request that Niagara Region extend the expiration deadlines for the Smart Growth Regional Development Charges Reduction Program and the Smarter Niagara Incentive Program Property Rehabilitation and Revitalization Tax Increment Grant. Currently set to expire on Oct. 1, 2024, these programs are crucial for housing and redevelopment projects.
Due to challenges like market fluctuations, rising costs, and pandemic-related delays, developments may miss the current deadline, jeopardizing their eligibility for these incentives. The City has asked for a three-year extension to Oct. 1, 2027, and for continued eligibility for projects approved by the City’s Community Improvement Plans by Sept. 30, 2024.
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| | Spotlight on St. Catharines | | | |
Your Guide to Staying Engaged with the City of St. Catharines
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Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the community, our website and digital tools can help you get and stay connected with the City of St. Catharines.
Explore Our Website
The City’s website is full of information and resources. Whether you’re looking for the latest news, need to access City services, or want to learn about upcoming events, stcatharines.ca has it all. The homepage is your starting point, with a simple menu that guides you to whatever you need—public services, council meetings, or recreation programs. It’s designed to be easy to navigate, so you can find what you’re looking for in just a few clicks.
How to Report an Issue
If you ever come across something in the city that needs fixing—like a broken streetlight or a pothole—reporting it is a breeze! The Report an Issue feature found at stcatharines.ca/ReportAnIssue lets you quickly alert us to the problem. Just tell us what’s wrong and where it is, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Discover MySTC Portal
Want to personalize your experience with City services? The MySTC portal found at stcatharines.ca/MySTC is your one-stop shop for managing your interactions with the City. Once you create an account, you can customize your dashboard to show what matters most to you—like your tax information, service updates, employment opportunities, and more. It’s a great way to keep all your city-related tasks in one convenient place.
Go Green with Paperless Billing
Say goodbye to paper clutter and hello to e-billing! By signing up for paperless billing, you can view your property tax and water bills online, track your water usage, and even check your payment history—all from the comfort of your home. It’s secure, eco-friendly, and super easy to use. Plus, you can access it anytime, anywhere, from any device. All you need to do is register or log in through our e-billing portal at stcatharines.ca/eBilling.
Get Involved with EngageSTC
Have ideas or opinions about what’s happening in the City? We want to hear from you! EngageSTC is our online platform where you can participate in surveys, share your thoughts on new projects, and stay updated on key initiatives. It’s your chance to help shape the future of St. Catharines, so don’t miss out! Find projects that need your input at stcatharines.ca/EngageSTC.
Subscribe to the Garden City Current Newsletter
Want to keep up with all the latest city news and events? Subscribe to the Garden City Current newsletter at stcatharines.ca/Current! Delivered straight to your inbox, this bi-weekly newsletter is packed with updates on the latest Council meeting and what’s happening around town.
Promote an Event with the Community Calendar
Planning a local event? Get the word out by submitting it to our Community Calendar at stcatharines.ca/CommunityCalendar! This is the perfect way to let everyone know about your event, whether it’s a community event, non-profit fundraiser, or something else happening in our community. When you submit your event, it gets listed on the City’s website, making it easier for people to find and attend.
| | Check out the active projects seeking citizen feedback in St. Catharines and stay tuned to EngageSTC.ca for upcoming projects looking for resident input. | |
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Rain Barrel Sale orders open Wednesday, Aug. 28
Residents keen to help create a green St. Catharines can go online starting Wednesday to purchase a rain barrel for their property.
Residents can purchase as many as two rain barrels for their property when pre-orders open online on Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. >
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Williamson Point Officially Opens at Malcolmson EcoPark
The City of St. Catharines is pleased to announce the successful grand opening of Williamson Point at Malcolmson Eco-Park, which took place Aug. 22.
The event, attended by community members, City officials, and special guests, celebrated the dedication of a parkette in the northernmost >
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City delegation returns from AMO 2024 Conference
Last week, the Mayor, councillors and City staff attended the 2024 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa. The conference provided a critical platform for City officials to engage with provincial leaders and advocate for St. Catharines’ top priorities. >
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City to Launch Community / Cultural Displays Program
Next month, the City will introduce a new Community and Cultural Displays Program, providing local organizations the opportunity to create and showcase displays that reflect the unique cultural, social, and economic fabric of St. Catharines. The Community and Cultural Displays Program aims to celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of St.Catharines by offering a platform for local organizations to >
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Fall program registration begins Today (Aug. 27)
With the start of fall just several weeks away, now is the perfect time to renew your commitment to keeping you and your family active this year. There are plenty of new recreational and swimming programs to keep those of all ages active throughout the fall.
Registration for residents of St. Catharines opens online on ActiveSTC at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 27. >
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Applications open for final round of SCCIP funding
Applications are now open for the final round of St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) funding for 2024.
The deadline for Arts Development, Culture Builds Community, and Sustaining Festival Programs applications is Sept. 19 (for projects starting Jan. 2025 or later).
SCCIP offers six program streams tailored to specific priorities, eligibility criteria, and evaluation >
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City celebrates Valleyview Park grand reopening
The City of St. Catharines is excited to announce the much-anticipated grand reopening of Valleyview Park, the latest project to be unveiled as part of the City’s Parks Renewal Plan.
The $469,999 investment for the 20 Ker St. neighbourhood park in the Merritton Ward includes a replacement of the play structure and new multi-use courts for tennis, basketball, and ball hockey play. >
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Evening of Entertainment with Brad Boland
Nov. 22, 2024
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dunlop Drive OAC
80 Dunlop Drive
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Free Magic Show
with Ken McCreedy
Oct. 27, 2024
2 p.m.
Dunlop Drive OAC
80 Dunlop Drive
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Lunch and Learn
with Leah Mete
Sept. 25, 2024
11 a.m.
Dunlop Drive OAC
80 Dunlop Drive
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Garden City Movie Night:
Over the Hedge
Sept. 6, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Rennie Park
60 Lakeport Road
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Shoreline Clean Up
at Sunset Beach
Sept. 21, 2024
10 a.m. to noon
Sunset Beach
1 Lombardy Ave.
| | | By popular demand! A second show with Feist comes to FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre for an intimate performance with special guest Charlotte Day Wilson. Don’t miss these two remarkable singer-songwriters on Tuesday Sept. 17 in Partridge Hall. | |
| It's Library Card Sign-Up Month! | | |
A library card from the St. Catharines Public Library is more than just a piece of plastic—it’s your key to a world of knowledge, entertainment, and community resources. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to St. Catharines, here’s why you should consider signing up for a library card today.
Free Access to Books, Movies, and More
With a library card, you gain free access to an extensive collection of books, movies, music, and audiobooks. Whether you’re into the latest bestsellers, classic films, or educational materials, the library has something for everyone.
Digital Resources at Your Fingertips
Beyond physical items, your library card unlocks a wealth of digital resources. From eBooks and eAudiobooks to online courses and research databases, you can access a world of information from the comfort of your home, 24/7.
Programs for All Ages
The St. Catharines Public Library offers a wide range of programs and events for all ages. Storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and lectures provide opportunities for learning, socializing, and personal growth.
Technology and Workspace
Need a quiet place to work or study? The library provides comfortable spaces equipped with free Wi-Fi and desktop computer access. You can also use your card to borrow technology like a GoPro or a Bluetooth portable speaker at no charge.
Getting a St. Catharines Public Library card is quick and easy. Visit your local branch or sign up online to start exploring everything the library has to offer. It’s a small step that can lead to big discoveries!
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