New Art Installations now Downtown | | "Half Breed" by Marvin Dale, located at the Ontario Street Parking Garage. Part of the Downtown Storefronts Public Art Project. | | The final property tax instalment due date is coming up on Sept. 29. | | |
City to increase Administrative Penalty System and Special Event Parking Rates
Effective Jan 1, 2026, the Special Event Parking Fee will be increased for garages and municipal lots, with parking fines also being increased. A tiered penalty system for parking fines will be introduced, where repeat fines will increase $10 per violation within the same 30-day period. This does not include daily parking rates. Staff were also requested to investigate moving to a cashless model at garages and City lots.
| | | |
Work on 2026 budget readoption set to begin
As the City prepares to enter its final year of the 2024 to 2026 multi-year budget cycle, work on the readoption of the 2026 budget is set to begin. A report to Council outlined the schedule, which starts with Council receiving information from staff on potential budget changes on Oct. 15, followed by the Mayor publishing his budget on Oct. 27. Once the Mayor publishes his budget, Council may then consider amendments to the budget. A detailed timeline, as well as information on ways for residents to share their feedback, including the Telephone Town Hall and an in-person open house, can be found in the report and online at www.stcatharines.ca/budget.
| | |
Capital Budget request for compact storage for Museum
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre has an opportunity to apply to a federal grant for a compact storage unit for its artifacts. Matching funding is required for the application, so the museum is seeking $250,000 as a capital request for 2026. The funds would only be used if the grant application is successful.
| | |
Result of Public Meeting: Official Plan and Zoning Amendments Approved for 185-191 Bunting Rd. / 189 Dieppe Rd.
While no specific development proposal is being made at this time, Council approved an expansion to the permitted land uses on the properties at 185-191 Bunting Rd. and 189 Dieppe Rd., to include light industrial uses, car dealerships, and hotels.
| |
By-law to address panhandling to be drafted
Council directed staff to research and draft a nuisance by-law aimed at prohibiting panhandling and similar activities in locations that present heightened safety risks, such as major intersections and highway on / off ramps.
| | |
A motion regarding Public Safety: Public Access to the National Sex Offender Registry and Bail Reform
Council passed a motion calling on the Government of Canada to amend the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to make the National and Provincial Sex Offender Registry publicly accessible, and reform bail processes for repeat offenders.
| |
Siscoe pens letter to the Prime Minister
Mayor Mat Siscoe has issued a statement of support for the Call for Justice Reform by Welland Mayor Frank Campion and the City of Welland. Read more below.
| |
‘Layers’ juried art exhibition opens as part of City’s Culture Days
The City’s 2025 juried art exhibition, “Layers” – opening this Friday, Sept. 26 and on view through March 2026 – asked artists to explore how they use layers, by adding materials and by building ideas, memories, and experiences. The City is hosting an opening reception for the exhibit on Friday at 5 p.m.
| |
Downtown Forgivable Loan Program Available Now
The St. Catharines Downtown Forgivable Loan Program (DFLP) provides a one-time, interest-free loan of up to $100,000 per property (with an additional $50,000 available for barrier-free units) to building owners who convert vacant upper-floor, rear, or basement spaces into new residential units within the Downtown Priority Neighbourhood.
| |
Arts and culture will take centre stage for three weeks this fall as the City of St. Catharines celebrates Culture Days. Featuring a wide range of interactive live performances, events and workshops, Culture Days began on Sept. 19 and runs until Oct. 12.
| |
The City’s Official Plan is more than 10 years old and needs updating to reflect current planning rules in Ontario. Everyone who lives, works and plays in St. Catharines is encouraged to have their say. Visit stcatharines.ca/UpdateTheGCP to learn about the City’s official plan, browse links to related reports and documents, and find in-person opportunities to learn more.
| | This interactive series highlights local farmers and provides the opportunity to learn about a seasonal produce item, including its history, nutritional value and preparation ideas. Come savour what fresh picked tastes like as we feature our farmers and for our young patrons: make a fun craft. | |
Museum Walking Tours: Queenston
From Richard Pierpoint to Theophilus Mack and beyond, the history of this community in St. Catharines’ east end is overflowing with familiar names, industries, and stories. Explore Queenston, from rural beginnings to industrial success and beyond, this Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
| |
You're invited to the Purchasing Open House
Curious about how to do business with your local government — but not sure where to begin? Join the City of St. Catharines for the Purchasing Open House, an in-person networking event that brings together municipal procurement staff from across the region.
Set for Thursday, Sept. 25, the Purchasing Open House offers the chance to:
- Learn how the municipal bidding process works
- Get answers directly from purchasing professionals
- Build valuable connections with procurement teams
- Explore opportunities to grow your business locally
Economic development representatives will also be on hand to speak with you about doing business in Niagara. Bring your questions. Leave with connections.
| |
Howie Mandel at the PAC
Howie Mandel brings the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre his eclectic experiences as a constant force in show business for more than 40 years.
|
Grape and Wine Display Contest
Downtown St. Catharines is painting the streets purple once again with the award-winning Grape and Wine Window Display! Check out the creative window displays and vote for your favourite now through Sept. 28. Categories include Most Elegant, Most Creative, and Best Overall - plus you could win a $100 Downtown gift card! Learn more at mydowntown.ca
| | |
LitFest returns for its second year
The St. Catharines Public Library's LitFest returns for its second year Saturday, Nov. 8.
LitFest as an all-day, all-ages literary festival celebrating all things reading, writing, and illustration. It's about discovering a love of literature at any age and unearthing new experiences.
Join in the celebrations at the Central Library during the day with family-friendly activities and at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre for A Night of Mystery panel discussion and Q and A.
| | | |
|
Meet Catharine.
Here to Help.
Anytime. Anywhere.
Find her at stcatharines.ca
| | Connect with our customer service team: | | | | |
