News

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,...

St. Catharines Fire Services encouraging residents to have a fire safe long weekend

As the summer season’s first long weekend approaches St. Catharines Fire Services wants residents to be extra cautious when it comes to fire safety. Barbecue safety is always important throughout the year, but for those residents dusting off their barbecues for the first time this season, it is important to undertake an initial three-step safety check of the grill by:

1. Cleaning the burner ports with a pipe cleaner or wire, ensuring they are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs and other debris

Licensing, by-laws approved to better address short-term rental concerns

The City is beefing up its regulatory framework when it comes to addressing concerns with short-term rental (STR) operations in St. Catharines.

On Monday night, City Council approved a Licensing and Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for STRs, such as those operated through online portals like AirBnB and VRBO. These new tools compliment amendments made to the City’s Zoning By-law late in 2020 that redefined STRs as home-based businesses. The amendments, combined with licensing and AMPS,...

Shoreline protection efforts continue in 2021

A move to protect shorelines from the impacts of climate change will deliver a boost for local fish habitats as well.

With climate change driving increasingly high Lake Ontario levels, and erosion posing an ever-present risk to lakefront properties and infrastructure, the City is moving forward to mitigate impacts on a stretch of the waterfront.

Specifically, the City has approved a contractor for 2021 shoreline protection along a stretch of Shore Boulevard. The roughly $1.7 million project will see...