In 2026, St. Catharines proudly marks its 150th anniversary as a City. While the roots of our community stretch back much further, we were incorporated as a City on May 1, 1876.
For 150 years, St. Catharines has been shaped by change, opportunity, and innovation for 150 years. What began as an agricultural settlement and canal-side industrial centre evolved into a cornerstone of Niagara’s growth and prosperity.
Today, St. Catharines is identified as a large and fast-growing municipality by the province - one of just two in the region, anchored by a diverse and resilient economy that blends manufacturing and agri-food roots with education, culture, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries. With vibrant neighbourhoods, including new housing growth to meet provincial density targets, a revitalized downtown, post-secondary institutions, and a strong connection to nature, arts, and heritage, the city continues to evolve—honoring its past while positioning itself for a dynamic and sustainable future.
This milestone year will bring together a series of meaningful celebrations, community initiatives, and events that honour the City’s rich history while looking ahead to its future. From cultural programming and historical reflections to City-wide gatherings and a special 150th celebration, the year will offer opportunities for people of all ages to connect, participate, and celebrate. We invite residents, businesses, community organizations, and visitors to be part of this once-in-a-generation moment as we reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and help shape a strong, vibrant future for St. Catharines.
Watch this space for updates as we share updates on how we will be celebrating throughout the year. For now, be sure to save the date for at least a couple of our celebrations:
- May 2, 2026 - STC 150 Birthday Celebration at Montebello Park: A free community celebration serving as the official launch of our 150 celebrations.
- July 1, 2026 - Canada Day: We're putting together some exciting plans to help celebrate Canada Day, and our City's 150th anniversary. Watch for updates!
Also, watch our Facebook and Instagram pages as we share different posts each week on our City's history and heritage.
STC 150: Our Common Ground and our logo
Every city has its stories. Generations pass, landmarks change, and histories fade. But one constant has endured it all - the land beneath our feet.
It has supported us, sustained us, and carried us forward. It bore the footsteps of the first Indigenous peoples, offered shelter to freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, and gave rise to the waterways, vineyards, orchards, and gardens that nourish us today.
This anniversary identity reflects that truth. Its shapes echo the parcels of land that form our city, each unique yet inseparable from the whole. Together, they create a vibrant patchwork: a symbol of neighbours, a community quilt of shared roots and values.
St. Catharines at 150 is more than a celebration of the past. It is a reminder that what unites us is stronger than what divides us, and that through it all, the land has remained the foundation on which we stand, and will always be our common ground.
Our STC 150 logo mark is inspired by land parcels and community patchwork: individual plots that sit side-by-side to shape a bigger whole. Each parcel represents a piece of St. Catharines - past and present residents, cultures, industries, and neighbourhoods coming together as one city. The result is a celebratory symbol that feels rooted, welcoming, and forward-looking.
STC 150 News