News

Paid parking returns to St. Catharines streets, lots and garages; begins at beach lots on June 2

With the provincial stay-at-home order nearing completion, the City of St. Catharines is set to resume paid parking at on-street meter spaces, off-street lots and garages – in addition to the initiation of new paid parking at City beaches.

Earlier this year City Council had approved temporary free parking in response to the provincial restrictions in an effort to support businesses that continued to operate during the shutdown. With reopening set to take place later this month, paid parking will return...

St. Catharines Fire Service, dispatch using innovative location app to locate people in need of assistance

Three words is all it can take to help emergency services find you in the event of an emergency, thanks to a new tool being launched to fire departments served by the City of St. Catharines fire dispatch. 

The new technology, known as what3words, is a free app, or online map at what3words.com, that generates a unique three-word identified to pinpoint someone’s location if they are unaware of their location and require assistance. Emergency services can then accurately and quickly be dispatched...

David Oakes selected as new City of St. Catharines Chief Administrative Officer

David Oakes has been selected by City Council to serve as the next Chief Administrative Officer for the City of St. Catharines.

With the announcement of the retirement of current CAO Shelley Chemnitz, Council embarked on a recruitment process to select a new CAO, ultimately selecting Oakes to fill the role. Chemnitz leaves the position after over 30 years with the municipality.

“Having worked with David for many years, he has the vision and leadership to lead St. Catharines forward. This past year...

Public engagement underway for James Street civic space

The City of St. Catharines is turning to residents for their vision of an outdoor space in the heart of the City.

Building on the framework provided by the St. Catharines Downtown Creative Cluster Master Plan — and its successes such as the downtown location of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Meridian Centre and Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts — the City is looking to the future of James Street. Specifically, the City is contemplating the creation of an enhanced outdoor,...