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...

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...

City opens fourth intake for Neighbourhood Micro Grants

Following a successful third intake last summer, the City of St. Catharines began accepting applications yesterday for the fourth round of its Neighbourhood Micro Grants program.

The Neighbourhood Micro Grants program offers funding for resident-led projects and events that bring neighbours together, promote social connections, and enhance the vibrancy of St. Catharines’ communities.

Residents can apply for up to $1,500 in funding to support neighbourhood projects and events during this intake...

City of St. Catharines launches Ice for Five pilot program

The City of St. Catharines is introducing Ice for Five, a new pilot program designed to make ice time more accessible and affordable for small groups. Beginning December 2025, skaters can book a half sheet of ice during non-prime hours for just $75 per hour, taxes and surcharges included.

Ideal for small-group training, skill development, or casual skating, Ice for Five offers a personalized experience without the constraints of traditional ice allocations. The pilot program will run from...

‘Layers’ juried art exhibition opens as part of City’s Culture Days

The City’s 2025 juried art exhibition, “Layers” – opening next Friday, Sept. 26 and on view through March 2026 – asked artists to explore how they use layers, by adding materials and by building ideas, memories, and experiences.

The selected artists used this process to reveal hidden stories, histories, and changes, inviting viewers to discover what lies beneath the surface, working in a variety of artistic mediums, such as metal, textiles, and found objects.

“The concept of ‘layers’ resonates...