The Sunset Beach Renovation Project is a City of St. Catharines initiative to upgrade the park’s facilities, including parking lots, trails, the boat ramp, playground and shoreline protection. It’s guided by the 2019 Sunset Beach Community Vision Study and supported by a $4.4 million provincial grant.
Sunset Beach Renovation Project
Sunset Beach has officially reopened as of Monday June 22, 2026.
Sunset Beach Parking:
- Parking has been increased to approximately 185 spaces.
- Paid Parking is in effect for Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park from May 1 to Sept 30.
- Parking at Sunset Beach is $3.25 per hour, or a $20 flat fee for the day. Lakeside Park is $3.25 per hour with a 3-hour maximum.
- Residents are exempt from time limits if a Beach Parking Permit is purchased at our Beach Parking Page - please ensure you are following the step-by-step guide, as well as choosing "special permits", to avoid purchasing issues. Beach Permits are only valid for Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park parking lots.
Residents with accessible parking permits are eligible for 3 free hours of parking in City lots (which includes both beach lots).
If the parking lot is full, please respect instructions of those directing traffic or those at the gate. Alternative areas to visit include Lakeside Park, the Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, or City splash pads. See our Aquatics Page for locations.
While many of the amenities are complete, we're asking the community to be patient and respectful with the finishing touches required, and to be mindful of any areas that are still a work in progress:
- Newly planted dunes, hydroseeded areas, sod, and landscaping require time to establish and can be damaged if walked on.
To keep traffic flowing safely and ensure access for emergency services, the City may implement soft road closures on Arthur Street or other areas during times of high volume.
Why?
To ease congestion, to prevent blocked driveways, and to assist emergency vehicles that may be called to the area.
During peak times and the soft road closures, traffic will still be permitted to access:
- Local businesses
- Port Weller Community Centre, the park, and splash pads
Please respect the neighbourhood. We ask all visitors to be courteous and respectful of local residents and private property. Let’s all do our part to keep the community safe and enjoyable for everyone.
See you at the beach (and don't forget your sunscreen)!
Area Map
(click to download)
Progress Report - May 2026
View our YouTube playlist to see the before/after progress in action!
Project Overview
The Sunset Beach Renovation Project is a key initiative to modernize the park’s aging facilities, improve accessibility, and ensure it remains a vibrant public space for residents and visitors. With funding from the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund (SPIF), the City of St. Catharines is investing in upgrades to meet current standards and address challenges like fluctuating water levels, extreme weather, and growing recreational demands.
Key Improvements
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Parking lot enhancements
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Upgrades to trails, picnic tables, and other park amenities
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Reconstruction of the boat ramp
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Replacement of the playground structure
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Shoreline protection measures
The project aligns with the St. Catharines Strategic Plan, supporting economic prosperity, social well-being, environmental stewardship, and cultural vibrancy.
Stay Informed
The City is committed to keeping the community updated throughout the renovation process. Here’s how you can stay in the loop:
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Review the Council Report and Presentation from March 17, 2025
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Media Releases and Notices: Posted at Sunset Beach and online
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Webpage Updates: Check back here for the latest information
A Community Town Hall was held on May 6, 2025, hosted by Mayor Siscoe and Ward 5 Councillors.
Take a look at the project boards from the meeting:
Funding and Timeline
The Sunset Beach Renovation Project is made possible through a $4.4 million grant from the Province of Ontario, covering 73.33 per cent of eligible costs. The City is contributing $1.6 million, or 26.67 per cent, to bring the total project budget to $6.9 million. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 following a tender process, with completion targeted for March 2027.
Background
In 2019, the City completed the Sunset Beach Community Vision Study after extensive public consultation, setting the stage for these improvements. In 2023, Council secured provincial funding and hired Dillon Consulting Limited to design and oversee the project, ensuring it reflects community priorities and preserves Sunset Beach as a vital waterfront asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sunset Beach Renovation Project?
Are there environmental benefits to this project?
Yes, the project supports environmental stewardship by enhancing shoreline protection, preparing for climate change impacts like severe weather and preserving the area’s natural assets, as outlined in the St. Catharines Strategic Plan.
What is the Sunset Beach Community Vision Study?
It’s a study completed in 2019, endorsed by Council on July 15, 2019, that set the long-term plan for Sunset Beach improvements based on community input. It’s the foundation for the current renovation project. Read the study here.
How was the community involved in planning this project?
In 2019, the City completed the Sunset Beach Community Vision Study, which included extensive community engagement to determine the long-term framework for the park’s improvements. This vision guides the current renovation plans.
Are there plans to expand access to Sunset Beach?
In 2019, Council directed the City to research land acquisition from Niagara Region for secondary access at the north end of the beach. Updates on this will be reported back to Council separately.
How is the project being funded?
The Province of Ontario provided $4.4 million (73.33 percent of eligible costs) through the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund (SPIF). The City contributed $1.6 million (26.67 percent), for a total project cost of $6.9 million.
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