News

City continues investments in safe drinking water while delivering on affordability

Despite a tough budget year brought on by the impacts of COVID-19, the City is continuing to invest in safe, affordable drinking water for its residents while balancing the impact on household budgets.

On Monday night, following a public meeting on proposed 2021 water / wastewater rates, Council approved the 2021 Water and Wastewater Budget, including $6.9 million in contributions to capital infrastructure replacements and investments. While some capital spending prescribed under the City’s 10-year...

Residents reminded to be fire-conscious in the kitchen after Wednesday house fire

St. Catharines Fire Services is reminding residents to be aware of ignition sources in the kitchen after a Wednesday afternoon fire on Russell Avenue caused $100,000 in damages.

Fire crews were called to the single-storey home around 4 p.m. on Feb. 17 to respond to a fire that started in the kitchen. Further investigation placed the cause of the fire as accidental. A combustible appliance that was set on the stove top temporarily during cleaning caught fire due to the burner accidentally being turned...

Online open house underway for draft Aquatic Facilities Strategy

Residents can now review the draft of the City’s Aquatic Facilities Strategy, engage staff on the document and provide their feedback with the launch of an online open house.

The development of an Aquatic Facilities Strategy will guide the City’s development of aquatic facilities such as outdoor pools, indoor aquatic centres and splash pads over the next 10 years. Building on prior community surveys, demographic projections and an in-depth examination of current facilities the draft points to increased...

House fire serves as reminder to practice caution when smoking

St. Catharines Fire Services is reminding residents to exercise caution in discarding smoking materials.

At 6:18 a.m. today, fire crews were called to a fire at a two-storey house on Maracay Way. The fire was brought under control and subsequent investigation showed the fire originated outside of the home, on a concrete patio underneath wood benches located directly adjacent to the house. The fire spread from the wood bench to the home and resulted in approximately $10,000 in damages.

“Improperly discarded...

Fires underscore importance of home fire safety

Two recent fires in the City serve as an important reminder to residents concerning the importance of safe practices when it comes to electrical appliances and the operation of barbecues and smokers.

Early last Friday morning, St. Catharines Fire Services responded to a home fire on Linlake Drive that caused $150,000 in damages and sent one resident to hospital. A subsequent investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario ascertained the source of the fire was a modified space heater in...