Steps to the Lake: Christie Street

Lake Access at Christie Street Right-of-Way

In 2021, the City of St. Catharines completed the installation of shoreline protection between Considine Avenue and Christie Street, the Abbey Mews area of Port Dalhousie. As a result of this work, the stairs located at the end of the Masefield Avenue right-of-way (ROW) were required to be closed. Through the completion of the Waterfront Access Master Plan, the City completed a review of the optimal location to install a new set of stairs to provide access to Lake Ontario in order to replace the closed stairs at Masefield Avenue. From this, it was determined that the end of the Christie Street ROW was the ideal location.

The City has retained Shoreplan Engineering to complete the design for the new stairs. Construction is expected to begin in late winter 2025 and is estimated to take up to two months to complete. Prior to the start of construction, the City is providing the opportunity for residents to review the proposed plan and ask any questions they may have.

The proposed work is to include:

• Installation of steel stairs from the end of the road right-of-way down to the top of the existing armour stone revetment;
• Installation of cut stone stairs along the east side of the shoreline protection from the top of the armour stone revetment into the waters of Lake Ontario;
• Installation of an asphalt pathway leading from the end of Christie Street to the steel stairs;
• Installation of a concrete pad at the end of the right-of-way which will include a bench, bicycle rack and garbage receptacle.

There will be some impacts to residents during construction. Lane restrictions and traffic controls will be in place throughout construction as necessary. At certain times there may be limited access to driveways and parking areas. The City will work with the contractor to minimize impacts as much as possible.

Please review the plans and provide any questions or comments via the Q and A section on the project page.