Sunset Beach Renovation Project

Project Update - Know Before You Go: Sunset Beach has (softly) reopened as of Saturday May 16, 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 www.stcatharines.ca/beachparking - 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. Alternatives areas to visit include Lakeside Park, the Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, or City splash pads. See www.stcatharines.ca/aquatics 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 work in progress:

Newly planted dunes, hydroseeded areas, sod, and landscaping require time to establish and can be damaged if walked on.
The playground will remain fenced until final surfacing and safety requirements are completed.
Mobi-mats will be installed in the next few weeks.

🚧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.

Lastly, a grand opening celebration is being scheduled for June - stay tuned for further info.

See you at the beach (and don't forget your sunscreen)!

Area Map
(click to download)

Sunset Beach Map

Progress Report - May 2026

Progress Report - April 2026

Progress Report - Jan to March 2026

Progress Report - December 2025

Progress Report - November 2025

Progress Report - October 2025

Progress Report - September 2025

Project Update - September 2025

Effective Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Sunset Beach property (including beach access) will be fully closed to the public as it becomes an active construction site for the $6.9-million Sunset Beach Renovation Project. A full closure, with tentative reopening scheduled ahead of next summer's beach season, is required to ensure the work is completed in a safe and timely manner.

Sunset Beach is undergoing an exciting transformation to enhance this beloved waterfront destination. Guided by the 2019 Sunset Beach Community Vision Study and supported by a $4.4 million provincial grant, this renovation project will protect, restore, and enhance the park while preserving its unique character and natural assets.

This closure overlaps with the final weeks of the seasonal beach parking pass program, which is valid until Sept. 30. While the Sunset Beach lot will not be accessible after Sept. 3, passes will continue to be honoured at the parking lot at Lakeside Park until the end of the season.

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 Province of Ontario’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), 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

Parking lot enhancements
Upgrades to trails, picnic tables, and other park amenities
Reconstruction of the boat ramp
Replacement of the playground structure
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:

Review the Council Report and Presentation from March 17, 2025
Media Releases and Notices: Posted at Sunset Beach and online
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?

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.

What improvements are being made?

The project includes parking lot upgrades, trail and picnic table improvements, a new boat ramp, a replacement playground and shoreline protection to address aging infrastructure and environmental challenges.

Why is this renovation needed?

Many facilities at Sunset Beach are nearing the end of their service life and need repairs or replacement. The project also addresses challenges like fluctuating water levels, extreme weather and increased demand for recreational spaces.

When will construction start and finish?

Construction is expected to begin on Sept. 2. The project must be completed by March 31, 2027, as per provincial funding requirements.

How will construction affect access to Sunset Beach?

A full park closure, including the beach, is planned from Sept. 2, 2025, to May 14, 2026, for major work like the playground, south parking lot and beach edge upgrades.

Will there be changes to parking at Sunset Beach?

Yes, the project includes parking lot improvements.

What happens if construction delays occur?

The project must be completed by March 31, 2027, as specified by the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund. Any operational implications or delays will be reported back to Council as needed.

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.

Who is designing and managing the construction?

Dillon Consulting Limited was hired through a formal Request for Proposal process in 2023 to develop the engineered designs and provide contract administration for the Sunset Beach Renovation Project.

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.

Where can I learn more or ask questions?

Attend the community town hall on April 29, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Port Weller Community Centre (1 Bogart St.), or contact the City at 905.688.5600.

How will the City communicate updates during construction?

Updates will be shared through a Council presentation (April 7, 2025), a community town hall (April 29, 2025), media releases, public notices at the beach and this webpage.

How is the project being funded?

The Province of Ontario is providing $4.4 million (73.33 per cent of eligible costs) through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The City is contributing $1.6 million (26.67 per cent), for a total project cost of $6.9 million.

Does this project affect my taxes?

There are no new financial implications with this update. The City’s $1.6 million contribution was previously approved in capital budgets from 2022 to 2024, alongside the $4.4 million provincial grant.