News

City selects Poet Laureate in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary

The City of St. Catharines has chosen Shannon Kitchings as Poet Laureate to help celebrate the City’s sesquicentennial.

Kitchings will serve as an artistic ambassador for the City for 2026, using poetry to engage residents, celebrate civic pride, and enrich public life through readings, special initiatives, and cultural events connected to the history and culture of St. Catharines, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the City's incorporation.

The Poet Laureate is an honorary civic role that...

St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership hosts first Annual General Meeting

On January 29, 2026, the St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership (SCLDP) successfully hosted its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a significant milestone in advancing a coordinated, regional approach to destination development, tourism growth, and economic impact across the City of St. Catharines and the Town of Lincoln.

The SCLDP is a new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that is the result of years of discussions, collaboration, and visioning between the Town of...

Fire Chief Dave Upper wins Fire Chief of the Year

St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper has been recognized as one of the best in the province.

Upper was presented with the award last week at the 2026 Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) Hicks Morley Labour Relations Seminar in Toronto. The Hicks Morley Fire Chief of the Year Award is presented annually to fire chiefs who exhibit exceptional leadership, dedication, and a profound impact on their communities. 

“It is very humbling,” Upper said regarding the recognition. “I’ve been very blessed...

City launches call to artists for traffic cabinet wraps

As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2026, the City of St. Catharines is seeking local artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to create original artwork for traffic cabinet wraps throughout the city. Twelve artworks will be commissioned, two per ward, for installation in the spring.

The project is intended to celebrate St. Catharines’ 150th anniversary through local stories and themes while highlighting the unique people, places, and features of each ward. Designs should...

City of St. Catharines launches 150th anniversary year with flag raising

The City of St. Catharines is marking a major milestone in 2026.

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe officially launched the City’s 150th anniversary celebrations with a ceremonial flag raising at City Hall on Monday, marking the beginning of the milestone year under the theme “Our Common Ground”. While its roots trace back much earlier, St. Catharines was officially incorporated as a City on May 1, 1876.

“This anniversary is about more than marking a date on the calendar,” said Mayor Siscoe. “It’s...