City Council supports
2026 Community Improvement Plan
City council approved the 2026 Community Improvement Plan that prioritizes brownfield remediation and affordable housing.
On Monday night, St. Catharines City Council authorized a by-law to adopt the 2026 Community Improvement Plan (2026CIP). Council further approved the 2026CIP funding strategy and referred the funding strategy for inclusion in future draft Multi-Year Operating Budgets.
A CIP allows municipalities to offer financial incentives to the private sector to stimulate investment in projects that support local community renewal objectives and strategies.
The CIP Review has been a high priority for Council under the City’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
The proposed 2026CIP contains five incentive programs:
- Brownfield Tax Increment Finance Program, amended with changes to the eligibility and scoring criteria.
- Tax Increment Finance Program, amended to required at least 10 per cent affordable rental units, changes to the scoring criteria, and providing an increased annual rebate for projects including 100 per cent affordable rental units.
- Façade Improvement Program, grant value amended to increase it from $10,000 to $20,000 and to increase the Heritage FIP grant value from $15,000 to $30,000. Designated Heritage properties will be required to apply for a Heritage Permit as part of alterations.
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Program, grant value amended to increase the grant value for the construction of an exterior ADU to up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $40,000.
By delivering on the goals of the CIP Review Task Force, approved 2026CIP projects will enhance the value of sites and their neighbourhoods, while increasing the municipal property assessment base.
City staff will continue to evaluate the 2026CIP to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the needs of community members and the City.
Council further voted that City staff provide a report on funding alternatives for the ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Program after the cessation of the grant funding.
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Council approves alternative motion on development charges complaint
Council approved an alternative motion which has the effect of setting the City Development Charges (DC) rate to $0 per unit, and as a result, the City will refund the City DC’s paid by the Complainant earlier this year.
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Council receives 2026 Asset Management Annual Update report
Council received a report regarding 2026 Asset Management Annual Update for information, in compliance with Ontario Regulation 588/17, Asset Management Planning for Municipalities.
| | Spotlight on St. Catharines |
Doors Open 2026 takes place this weekend
Explore historic and architecturally significant buildings when Doors Open St. Catharines returns on Saturday, June 13.
The 19 participating organizations include the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, and Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Significant heritage sites will also be open, including Lake Street Armoury, The Brown Homestead, Ridley College, and Niagara Memorial Masonic Temple Association. The event takes place as St. Catharines proudly marks its 150th anniversary as a City in 2026.
Eight places of worship will participate, including Knox Presbyterian Church, Royal House Redeemed Christian Church of God, Salem Chapel – British Methodist Episcopal Church, St. Barnabas Anglican Church, St. George’s Anglican Church, St. Ignatius of Antioch Antiochian Orthodox Church, St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, and Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church. Many will hold special events, such as organist and choir performances, exhibits, tour talks, and hymns in Byzantine chant.
Rhythm Automotive Canada will also open its doors. Go behind the scenes at Rhythm Automotive Canada. Explore Plant No. 2, built in 1954, before travelling through an underground tunnel to “The Forge,” dating to 1929. Discover how steering linkages, ball joints, and forged components are manufactured for clients around the world.
All pre-registration Doors Open locations have sold out.
All locations and tours are free, with most locations open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please check individual tour details, as some have limited space. Check our Doors Open St. Catharines webpage for more information, as well as our 16-page Doors Open St. Catharines 2026 Program Guide.
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2026 Municipal Election
Voting day for the 2026 municipal council and school board elections is Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Get ready to participate with our Elections webpage.
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Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with creativity and connection at free beading workshop
Join the City of St. Catharines for a free beading workshop presented by Mika of Indigenous Dreams as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Taking place on Saturday, June 20, participants will learn the basics of Indigenous beadwork in a welcoming, hands-on environment. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Irene Locke Program Room at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre.
All supplies are included, no previous experience is required, and participants of any age are welcome if they are comfortable holding and using a sewing needle. This workshop is free to attend; however, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation in support of the Niagara Regional Native Centre food pantry.
Space is limited and advance registration is required. We look forward to learning, creating, and celebrating together.
While this event is part of the City of St. Catharines 150 celebrations, we acknowledge that our community's story extends far beyond 150 years, rooted in the Indigenous peoples who first called this land home and were the original stewards of this land.
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City appoints Adam Smith new director of finance
The City of St. Catharines has appointed Adam Smith as Director of Financial Management Services, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Smith, who previously served as the City’s Associate Director of Financial Management Services, stepped into his new role on June 8.
Smith has more than 18 years of experience in municipal finance, beginning his career at the City of Hamilton in 2008. He also served in a senior role at the Niagara Region before joining the City of St. Catharines in 2017 as Manager of Accounting and Payroll. During his time at the City of St. Catharines, Smith has led a number of key initiatives, including reintroducing development charges, modernizing finance department operations and enhancing financial reporting.
Smith is also the Chief Financial Officer for St. Catharines Hydro / St. Catharines Hydro Generation and has recently been serving as the City’s acting director of finance following the retirement announcement from former director Kristine Douglas.
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City pools preparing to open for summer
Everybody in! The City of St. Catharines’ outdoor pools are ready for summer and open for the season Friday, June 26.
Everyone is welcome at the City’s three outdoor pool locations:
- Port Dalhousie Pool, large and small pool, 205 Main St.
- Lincoln Park Pool, small pool, 63 Chetwood St.
- Lion Dunc Schooley Pool, large and small pool, 32 Seymour Ave.
Starting June 26, Port Dalhousie Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool will be moving to cashless payment. Accepted payment methods include debit, credit, and mobile payments.
The pools at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre will be closed through to June 26 for scheduled maintenance. There are no swimming lessons, leisure swims or other aquatic programs scheduled during the closure and the pools will be unavailable for rentals.
The Guest Services counter, lobby and program rooms will remain open. Access to the St. Catharines Public Library’s Dr. Huq Family Library Branch will not be affected by the pool maintenance.
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Accessibility Matters Here Award recipients announced
The City of St. Catharines Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 Accessibility Matters Here Award campaign, recognizing businesses and community organizations that have made meaningful strides in advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Delivered in partnership with the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC, member municipalities of Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, Port Colborne, Thorold and West Lincoln, the 2026 awards mark the initiative's pilot year for St. Catharines AAC.
This year’s award recipients are:
• Accessible Employment – Kalsada Coffee Bar, 393 St. Paul St.
• Accessible Built Environment – Westview Centre 4 Women, 17 Gale Cres.
• Accessible Customer Service – {pocket}CHANGE, 393 St. Paul St.
The awards were announced during National AccessAbility Week (May 31 – June 6, 2026), which celebrates the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and recognizes the work being done to remove barriers and build a more accessible and disability-inclusive Canada.
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City names 2026 Arts Awards nominees
The City of St. Catharines looks forward to recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of the 2026 St. Catharines Arts Awards nominees as it proudly announces the short list of its 28 finalists.
This year’s Arts Awards will be presented on Thursday, June 18 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, proud venue sponsor of the 2026 Arts Awards. Admission is complimentary; however, seating for this distinguished celebration of arts and culture is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets to the 2026 Arts Awards will be available through the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre box office
The Arts Awards will recognize nominees in the following five categories:
- Arts in Education Award
- Emerging Artist Award
- Established Artist Award
- Making a Difference Award
- Patron of the Arts Award
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Register for summer fun starting tonight
Summer is the perfect time to get active, try something new and enjoy the outdoors, and the City has a wide range of swimming, recreation and cultural programs to help you do just that.
The City’s summer session for swimming and recreation programs starts at the end of June. Online registration for St. Catharines residents opens tonight (Tuesday, June 9) at 6 p.m.
Summer programs are often in high demand, with some classes filling quickly. To avoid delays on registration day and improve your chances of getting into your preferred program, residents should create an ActiveSTC account or update their account information in advance. Participants can also browse available programs now and add selections to their “Wish List” for quick access when registration opens.
Visit stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTCPrograms for program descriptions, registration information and more.
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City promoting active, healthy lifestyles as June is Recreation and Park Month and Seniors Month
The City of St. Catharines is marking June with a month-long parks and recreation celebration and a wide array of programs and activities to get everybody moving.
June is Recreation and Parks Month, a movement spearheaded by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, promoting the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social, and environmental health. St. Catharines joins communities across Ontario in embracing the initiative to promote local programs, activities, and events, parks and facilities available for residents.
This month, residents can enjoy tennis lessons, Magic with Gil, forest therapy walks, skating, hiking, and more. Visit stcatharines.ca/JuneIsForRecreation for more details.
The City of St. Catharines also celebrates Seniors Month in June. It’s a time to honour the older adults in our community and their contributions, encourage active, healthy lifestyles, and highlight programs and activities at the City’s Older Adult Centres. Visit stcatharines.ca/JuneIsForSeniors for more details.
While most programs and activities are drop-in, some require advanced registration and may have a fee. Admission requirements, schedules, and more information are available at stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC.
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'Full Colour: A Celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ Art and Expression on display until August 14
The City unveiled our group exhibit, “Full Colour: A Celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ Art and Expression,” on June 5 during our Pride Month celebrations.
Come out Thursday, June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. for our "Full Colour" opening reception in the Third-Floor Gallery space at City Hall to view the exhibition and meet the Artists.
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 in the Third-Floor Gallery space at City Hall, 50 Church St. It is available for viewing during regular City Hall business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
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Strawberry Social a sweet start to summer
Join us for our annual Strawberry Social on Saturday, June 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dunlop Drive Older Adults Centre, 80 Dunlop Dr.
Pre-order your tickets for $12 each, which includes fresh strawberries, tea biscuit, and ice cream, coffee and tea, as well as entertainment by the Lincoln Concert Band. Food provided by PigOut Catering.
Note: please pre-order your tickets by Friday, June 12 online at stcatharines.ca/StrawberrySocial or in-person at any of our Older Adult Centres or Community Centres.
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City set to rock with The Trews on Canada Day
It’s two celebrations. One City. The City of St. Catharines is set to celebrate Canada Day in a special way this year.
July 1 will feature a full day of music and celebration at Montebello Park in downtown St. Catharines, headlined by Canadian rock favourites The Trews, and the City’s first ever fireworks and drone show at night starting at 10 p.m. at Rennie Park in Port Dalhousie. The celebrations, also part of the City’s 150th anniversary activities, will help create a day that reflects both national pride and the common ground that connects the community.
The City is excited to bring its Canada Day celebrations back to downtown St. Catharines, with a full day of festivities at Montebello Park. Presented in partnership with Cicada Music and Arts Festival with support from Heritage Canada and Experience Ontario, the free event will feature live music, creativity, family activities, food, and entertainment starting at noon and capping off with a headline performance by The Trews at 8:15 p.m.
The lineup will also include Sully Burrows, Julianna Riolino, The Thuds, and The Strictly Hip, and for those with children, the day will feature performances by The Mountain Man, Spencer Burton, and Rockin’ Time with Mr Rob and Friends.
Montebello Park will be animated throughout the day, with a focus on family games and entertainment from noon to 4 p.m., along with special St. Catharines 150 merchandise for sale, and food trucks and craft beverages available for purchase throughout the day.
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Call for artists open until June 29 for City's
17th annual juried exhibition, 'Current'
Emerging, student and established artists living in the Niagara Region are invited to submit their work to the 17th City of St. Catharines Annual Juried Art Exhibition, 'Current,' now through Monday, June 29 at 4:30 p.m.
Niagara is shaped by currents – its waterways, its histories, and the forces that move through the region today. This year’s theme invites artists to explore both the literal flows that define this place and the cultural, social, and global currents influencing our present moment.
Submissions of original artwork in all mediums created within the past three years are eligible, and up to three works may be submitted per artist.
The exhibition will be displayed in the Third-Floor Gallery space at City Hall, 50 Church St., from Sept. 18, 2026, to Jan. 22, 2027.
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Explore storied city neighbourhoods on summer 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 Summer 2026 Walking Tours include:
- Port Dalhousie: VIllage and Villagers; Friday, July 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Queenston: A Community of Dreamers; Saturday, July 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- From "Welland City" to "Merritton": Friday, July 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Port Dalhousie and the Early Welland Canals; Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- What's Brewing in Western Hill? Friday, Aug. 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Port Dalhousie: St. Andrew's Cemetery; Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Facer Street: Last of the Old, First of the New; Friday, Aug. 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
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Get moving at the Older Adult Centres
The City of St. Catharines offers a variety of recreation and leisure programs at our three older adult centres! Make new friends, get involved, volunteer and keep your mind and body active with our many opportunities.
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Discover PAC's new 26 / 27 season
The arts belong here, and so do you.
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s 26 / 27 PAC Presents Season welcomes audiences to experience more than 80 performances across our four venues, bringing together internationally celebrated artists and an incredible showcase of local Niagara talent.
From season opener Crash Test Dummies to Canadian icons Trooper, Big Sugar, I Mother Earth, Men Without Hats, Matthew Good and His Band, and so much more.
Check out PAC's 26 / 27 Season.
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Pre-Holi Bollywood Dance Party
The St. Catharines Downtown Association is kicking off Holi Festival Weekend with an exciting Bollywood Party on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Downtown St. Catharines. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with Bollywood music, cultural dancing, live entertainment, delicious food, drinks, and great vibes as we celebrate together in the heart of downtown. Gather your friends and family and be part of a fun night of music, culture, and community. Use promo code PARTY to receive 50 per cent off your tickets. Get your tickets today before this special offer ends!
When: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Market Square (91 King St., Downtown St. Catharines)
Admission: Varies (Kids 12 and younger are free)
Don't miss the Holi Festival of Colours on Saturday, June 20. Join thousands for a vibrant celebration of colour, culture, music, food, and family fun in Downtown St. Catharines. Learn more and get your tickets today at mydowntown.ca/holi
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The Library's Summer Program Guide is here
Summertime at the library is just around the corner. Start planning your season with the Library's Summer 2026 Program Guide now available at all SCPL locations. Pick up your copy during your next library visit or view the digital version on the Library's website.
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