St. Catharines 150

Thanks to all who attended! Photos to come soon. Scroll down for further celebrations throughout the year.

In 2026, St. Catharines proudly marks its 150th anniversary as a City. While the roots of our community stretch back much further, we were incorporated as a City on May 1, 1876. For 150 years, St. Catharines has been shaped by change, opportunity, and innovation for 150 years. What began as an agricultural settlement and canal-side industrial centre evolved into a cornerstone of Niagara’s growth and prosperity.

Today, St. Catharines is identified as a large and fast-growing municipality by the province - one of just two in the region, anchored by a diverse and resilient economy that blends manufacturing and agri-food roots with education, culture, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries. With vibrant neighbourhoods, including new housing growth to meet provincial density targets, a revitalized downtown, post-secondary institutions, and a strong connection to nature, arts, and heritage, the city continues to evolve, honoring its past while positioning itself for a dynamic and sustainable future.

Celebrate with us

This milestone year will bring together a series of meaningful celebrations, community initiatives, and events that honour the City’s rich history while looking ahead to its future. From cultural programming and historical reflections to City-wide gatherings and a special 150th celebration, the year will offer opportunities for people of all ages to connect, participate, and celebrate. We invite residents, businesses, community organizations, and visitors to be part of this once-in-a-generation moment as we reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and help shape a strong, vibrant future for St. Catharines. Watch this space for updates as we share other updates on how we will be celebrating throughout the year. This includes:

STC 150 Celebration: Saturday, May 2, 2026

While May 1 is the anniversary of our incorporation, the City is scheduling a community celebration at Montebello Park on Saturday, May 2, from noon to 4 p.m. Official greetings, including a welcome from Mayor Mat Siscoe, will be provided at 1 p.m.

This completely free, family-friendly event will feature:

• Live entertainment, including The Motels and Lincoln & Welland Regiment Band
• Free hotdogs and a water refill station (bring your own reusable water bottles)
• 150 Cake display, including free cupcakes
• Inflatable games
• An STC150 selfie station
• Touch-a-truck displays, including Municipal Works vehicles and St. Catharines Fire and Emergency Services trucks
• STC giveaways, including temporary tattoos and custom STC150 stickers
• Displays / activities from community partners, including appearances by Bones of the Niagara IceDogs and Dunkin of the Niagara River Lions.

(Please note, free items / giveaways are while supplies last).

Headed to the St. Catharines Farmers' Market on May 2? The market will also have an interactive table celebrating STC 150. Head to the market for some breakfast or an early lunch, then head over to Montebello Park for the community celebrations!

Can't make it downtown? The St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre has you covered. The facility will be fully decorated for the occasion, and families are encouraged to hop in the pool and swim 150 metres together to mark the City's milestone. In addition, the aquatics team will be hosting two free leisure swims at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. 

Register for leisure swims at www.stcatharines.ca/activestc - search 'leisure'

Throughout the week, participants of all ages will be invited to take part in the “150 Challenge,” designed to keep everyone active, smiling, and celebrating in the water.

All lifeguards and instructors will encourage participants to try a challenge from the following list:

• Blue Challenge: Swim 150 metres in the lane pool
• Green Challenge: Complete 150 minutes of aquatic fitness
• Gold Challenge: Swim 150 centimetres during a swimming lesson
• Light Blue Challenge: Tread water for 150 seconds

These challenges allow everyone from beginners to seasoned swimmers to participate in a meaningful and fun way while celebrating the historic milestone.

We're proud to make a splash for St. Catharines’ 150th and bring our community together through movement, celebration, and water fun!

July 1: Two celebrations. One City.

We're celebrating July 1 the St. Catharines way, combining our 150 celebrations with a patriotic day of activities. Join us Wednesday, July 1 at Montebello Park for a celebration headlined by The Trews. Activities will begin at noon at Montebello Park, with a family zone and programming happening through to 4 p.m. At 4 p.m. Lincoln and Welland Regiment Band will take to the stage for the official remarks, followed by an evening of main stage entertainment. The Trews will close out the night at 8:15 p.m.

The City will also have a fireworks and drone show at Rennie Park that evening. Watch for more details!

Also, watch our Facebook and Instagram pages as we share different posts each week on our City's history and heritage.

EngageSTC

Visit our St. Catharines 150 webpage on EngageSTC to share your St. Catharines memories, experiences, and stories; sign our online guestbook; post photos of your favourite spots; take part in fun polls and trivia and more. Add your voice and experiences to our 150th celebrations and help us highlight what makes St. Catharines special.

STC 150: Our Common Ground and our logo

Every city has its stories. Generations pass, landmarks change, and histories fade. But one constant has endured it all - the land beneath our feet.

It has supported us, sustained us, and carried us forward. It bore the footsteps of the first Indigenous peoples, offered shelter to freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, and gave rise to the waterways, vineyards, orchards, and gardens that nourish us today.

This anniversary identity reflects that truth. Its shapes echo the parcels of land that form our city, each