Skip to Content
Make a PaymentAccessibilityCareersReport an IssueContact Us
mySTC

St. Catharines Logo St. Catharines Logo

St. Catharines Logo
  • Applications, Licences and Permits
    Toggle Section Applications, Licences and Permits Menu
    • Building Permits
      Toggle Section Building Permits Menu
      • Applying for a Building Permit
      • Do I need a Building Permit
      • Inspections
      • Issued Permits
    • Burn Permits
    • Business Licences
    • Community and Cultural Displays Program
    • Development Applications
    • Dog Licences
    • Food Trucks and Mobile Vending
    • Heritage Permits
    • Liquor Licences
    • Lottery and Gaming Licences
    • Marriage Licences
      Toggle Section Marriage Licences Menu
      • Civil Marriage Ceremonies
    • Short-term Rental Licensing
    • Signs
  • Arts, Culture and Events
    Toggle Section Arts, Culture and Events Menu
    • Arts and Culture Newsletters
    • Arts Awards
    • Attractions
      Toggle Section Attractions Menu
      • Centennial Gardens Totem Pole
      • Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum
      • Sports Hall of Fame
      • St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
    • Awards Programs
      Toggle Section Awards Programs Menu
      • Arts Awards
      • Trillium Awards
      • Volunteer Awards
    • Cultural Investment Program
      Toggle Section Cultural Investment Program Menu
      • SCCIP Development Programs
      • SCCIP Sustaining Programs
    • Farmers Market
      Toggle Section Farmers Market Menu
      • Market Vendors
      • Farmers Market Events
    • Festivals and Special Events
      Toggle Section Festivals and Special Events Menu
      • Culture Days
      • Farmers Market Events
      • Museum Events
      • News and Upcoming Events
      • Summer Concert Series
    • FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
    • History and Heritage
      Toggle Section History and Heritage Menu
      • Heritage Sites
        Toggle Section Heritage Sites Menu
        • British Methodist Episcopal Church, Salem Chapel
        • Former Lincoln County Courthouse
        • Former Merritton Town Hall
        • Heritage Tours
        • Lakeside Park Carousel
        • Mayholme Genealogical and Historical Research Centre
        • Morningstar Mill
        • Port Dalhousie Heritage District
        • Port Dalhousie Inner Range Lighthouse
        • Power Glen Heritage District
        • Queen Street Heritage District
        • The Underground Railroad
        • Yates Street Heritage District
      • History of the City
    • Libraries
    • Market Square
    • Public Art
      Toggle Section Public Art Menu
      • Art Exhibits
      • Bogart Park Public Art Project
      • Calls to Artists
      • Carlisle Street Public Art Project
      • Civic Art Collection
      • Fallen Workers Memorial
      • Monuments and Memorials
      • Pull Port Dalhousie
    • Richard Pierpoint Park
      Toggle Section Richard Pierpoint Park Menu
      • Centennial Gardens Partnership Fund
      • Centennial Totem Pole
    • Tourism
    • St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
      Toggle Section St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre Menu
      • Collections
        Toggle Section Collections Menu
        • eMuseum Online Collection
      • Exhibits
        Toggle Section Exhibits Menu
        • History InSite
        • Permanent Exhibits
        • Temporary Exhibits
        • Virtual Exhibits
      • Memberships
      • Museum Blog
      • Museum Events
        Toggle Section Museum Events Menu
        • Museum Calendar
      • Programs
        Toggle Section Programs Menu
        • Group Experiences
        • Guided Spirit Walks
        • Public Programs
        • STC StoryLab
        • Virtual Programs
      • Visiting Us
        Toggle Section Visiting Us Menu
        • Gift Shop
        • Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum
      • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Building and Renovating
    Toggle Section Building and Renovating Menu
    • Building Permits
      Toggle Section Building Permits Menu
      • Applying for a Building Permit
      • Do I need a Building Permit
      • Inspections
      • Issued Permits
      • Pre-Approved Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Designs
    • Heritage Properties
      Toggle Section Heritage Properties Menu
      • Heritage Designated Property Grant
      • History and Heritage
      • Heritage Properties and Conservation Districts
      • Heritage Permits
    • Housing Accelerator Funding
    • Inspections
      Toggle Section Inspections Menu
      • Building Inspections
      • Sewer Inspections
    • Signs
    • Zoning
  • Business and Economic Development
    Toggle Section Business and Economic Development Menu
    • Business Licences
    • Commercial and Charity Barbecues and Smokers
    • Community Profile
      Toggle Section Community Profile Menu
      • Demographics
      • Industries
      • Labour
    • Economic Development
    • Film Productions
    • Liquor Licences
    • Short-term Rental Licensing
    • Signs
    • Starting a Business
    • Vendor and purchasing opportunities
  • By-laws and Animal Services
    Toggle Section By-laws and Animal Services Menu
    • Animal Services and Control
      Toggle Section Animal Services and Control Menu
      • Coyotes
      • Dog Licences
    • By-law Directory
    • By-law Enforcement
    • Commonly Requested By-laws
      Toggle Section Commonly Requested By-laws Menu
      • Backyard Fires and Chimeneas
      • Boulevard By-law
      • Graffiti By-Law
      • Noise By-law
      • Park By-law
      • Parking By-law
      • Pool Enclosure and Fence By-Law
      • Property Standards By-law
      • Short-term Rental Licensing
      • Sign By-law
      • Snow Removal By-law
      • Vacant Building Registry By-law
      • Vital Services By-law
      • Waste Disposal By-law
      • Weeds and Tall Grass By-Law
      • Zoning
    • Coyotes
    • Report an Issue
  • Community Services and Supports
    Toggle Section Community Services and Supports Menu
    • Accessibility
    • Cemeteries
    • Commissioning of Documents
    • Disability Assistance Programs
      Toggle Section Disability Assistance Programs Menu
      • Boulevard Grass Cutting Service
      • Payment Extension Program
      • Property Tax Deferrals for Homeowners
      • Snow Removal Program
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
      Toggle Section Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Menu
      • 2SLGBTQI+ Advisory Committee
      • Accessibility
      • Accessibility Advisory Committee
      • Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
      • DEI in the News
      • Disability Assistance Programs
      • Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
      • Housing and Homelessness
      • Indigenous Relations
      • Older Adults Advisory Committee
      • Older Adult and Youth Programming
      • Senior Assistance Programs
    • Extreme Temperatures
    • Fee Assistance in Recreation
    • Housing and Homelessness
    • Organization Assistance Programs
      Toggle Section Organization Assistance Programs Menu
      • Ethno-Cultural Organization Assistance Programs
      • Non-profit Property Tax Rebate Program
    • Property Tax Deferrals for Homeowners
    • Senior Assistance Programs
      Toggle Section Senior Assistance Programs Menu
      • Boulevard Grass Cutting Service
      • Payment Extension Program
      • Property Tax Deferrals for Homeowners
      • Snow Removal Program
      • Water and Wastewater Senior Credit Program
  • Council and Administration
    Toggle Section Council and Administration Menu
    • Accountability and Transparency
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Committees, Boards and Task Forces
      Toggle Section Committees, Boards and Task Forces Menu
      • Advisory Committees and Task Forces
        Toggle Section Advisory Committees and Task Forces Menu
        • 2029 Historic Welland Canals Task Force
        • 2SLGBTQI+ Advisory Committee
        • Accessibility Advisory Committee
        • Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
        • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
        • Citizen Task Force to Review Remuneration for Council, Boards, Agencies and Commissions
        • Clean City Task Force
        • Committee of Adjustment
        • Community Improvement Plan Review Task Force
        • Development Studies Task Force
        • Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
        • Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
        • Downtown Heritage Conservation District Task Force
        • Fallen Firefighters Memorial Task Force
        • Heritage Advisory Committee
        • Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force
        • Older Adults Advisory Committee
        • Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Neighbourhood Advisory Committee
        • Property Standards Appeal Committee
        • Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee
        • Special Event Fee Reduction Task Force
        • St. Catharines Museum Advisory Committee
        • Surplus Lands Development Task Force
      • Boards and Commissions
      • Budget Standing Committee
      • Meeting Calendar
    • Budget and Finances
      Toggle Section Budget and Finances Menu
      • Asset Management
      • Budgets and Financial Statements
      • Rates and Fees
    • Careers
      Toggle Section Careers Menu
      • Employee Resources
    • Citizens First
    • City Hall
    • Contact Us
    • Departments
    • Elections
      Toggle Section Elections Menu
      • Voter Information
      • Candidate Information
      • Certified Candidates
      • Registered Third Party Advertisers
      • Key Election Dates
      • Election Resources and Forms
      • Campaign Finances
      • 2022 Municipal Election
        Toggle Section 2022 Municipal Election Menu
        • 2022 Election Results
        • Financial Statements
        • Campaign Finances
        • Joint Niagara Compliance Audit Committee
      • 2025 Ward 6 By-election Results
    • Mayor and Council
      Toggle Section Mayor and Council Menu
      • Agendas and Minutes
      • Council Meeting Calendar
      • Mayor’s Office
      • Presenting to Council
      • Upper-Tier Government Representatives
      • Ward Councillors
      • Ward Map
    • Niagara Open Data
    • Official Emblems and Symbols
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
      Toggle Section Plans, Reports and Studies Menu
      • Climate Adaptation Plan
      • Culture Plan
      • Projects and Studies
      • Recreation Facility and Programming Master Plan
      • St. Catharines Strategic Plan
      • Transportation Master Plan
    • Policies and Procedures
      Toggle Section Policies and Procedures Menu
      • Disclaimer
      • Privacy Policy
      • Rzone Policy
    • Records, Access and Privacy
    • Submitting a Claim
    • Surplus Auctions
    • Twin City
    • Upper-Tier Government Representatives
  • Home, Property and Environment
    Toggle Section Home, Property and Environment Menu
    • Backyard Fires and Chimeneas
    • Basement Flooding
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Environment
      Toggle Section Environment Menu
      • Bee City St. Catharines
      • Climate Adaptation Plan
      • Climate Change
      • Water Quality
    • Frozen Water Lines
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Gardening
      Toggle Section Gardening Menu
      • Boulevard Gardens
      • Community Gardens
      • Policy for Community Gardens on City Land
    • Hydro Utilities
    • Property Taxes
    • Rain Barrel Sales
    • Residential Rat Control
    • Short-term Rentals
    • Trees
      Toggle Section Trees Menu
      • Boulevard Trees
      • Invasive Species
      • Oak Wilt
      • Plum Pox Virus
      • Tree and Stump Removals
      • Tree Giveaway
    • Water, Utilities and Services
  • Fire and Emergency Services
    Toggle Section Fire and Emergency Services Menu
    • Emergency Preparedness
      Toggle Section Emergency Preparedness Menu
      • Emergency Preparedness Guide
      • Know the Hazards
    • Fire Services
      Toggle Section Fire Services Menu
      • Backyard Fires and Chimeneas
      • Barbecues and Smokers
      • Burn Permits
      • Commercial and Charity Barbecues and Smokers
      • Fire Bans
      • Fire Prevention Office
        Toggle Section Fire Prevention Office Menu
        • Fire Prevention Month
      • Fire Safety
        Toggle Section Fire Safety Menu
        • Carbon Monoxide Awareness
        • Fire Extinguishers
        • Smoke Alarms
      • Report an Issue
      • Special Event Planning Guidelines
    • Hospitals and Healthcare
    • Report an Issue
  • News, Notices and Updates
    Toggle Section News, Notices and Updates Menu
    • Arts and Culture Newsletters
    • City Projects Construction Map
    • Community Events Calendar
    • Garden City Current Newsletter
    • mySTC Portal
      Toggle Section mySTC Portal Menu
      • mySTC Portal Frequently Asked Questions
    • News Releases
    • Projects and Studies
      Toggle Section Projects and Studies Menu
      • Energy Management Plan
      • Fairview Park Community Vision
      • Future of 282-285 Ontario Street
      • GO Transit Station Secondary Plan
      • Grantham Rail Trail Design-Build - Trail Improvements Project
      • Hampstead Place Reconstruction
      • Labyrinth at Fairview Park
      • Lake Street Improvements
      • Lake Street Reconstruction
      • Neil Peart Memorial
      • Niagara 2041
      • Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Study
      • Port Dalhousie Secondary Plan Study
      • Ridley Road EA and Reconstruction
      • St. David's Road Townline Road Reconstruction
      • Sunset Beach Community Vision
    • Public Notices
    • Road and Traffic Notices
    • Social Media
    • Subscribe
  • Planning and Development
    Toggle Section Planning and Development Menu
    • Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act
    • Committee of Adjustment
    • Community Benefits Charges
    • Community Improvement Plan
    • Condominiums
    • Development Agreements
    • Development Applications
    • Development Charges
    • Heritage Properties
      Toggle Section Heritage Properties Menu
      • Heritage Designated Property Grant
      • History and Heritage
      • Heritage Inventory and Conservation Districts
      • Heritage Permits
    • Official Plan
      Toggle Section Official Plan Menu
      • Official Plan Amendments
    • Planning and Building Services Open Houses
    • Servicing Agreements
    • Site Plan Control
    • Subdivisions
    • Urban Design
    • Zoning
      Toggle Section Zoning Menu
      • Zoning By-law Amendments
      • Zoning Map
  • Property Taxes
    Toggle Section Property Taxes Menu
    • Assessments
    • Budget and Finances
    • Changing Your Address
    • Paperless e-bills
    • Property Tax Calculator
    • Property Tax Deferrals for Homeowners
    • Tax Certificates
    • Tax Payments and Rates
    • Tax Receipt Requests
    • Tax Sales
    • Supplementary Tax Bills
  • Recreation and Leisure
    Toggle Section Recreation and Leisure Menu
    • ActiveSTC Program Registration
    • Arenas and Ice Rinks
      Toggle Section Arenas and Ice Rinks Menu
      • Arena and Ice Rentals
      • Community Outdoor Ice Rinks
      • Public Skating and Arena Programs
        Toggle Section Public Skating and Arena Programs Menu
        • Preschool Stick and Puck
        • Public Skating
        • Shinny Hockey (18+ and 45+)
        • Ticket Ice Figure Skating
        • 65 + Pond Hockey
    • Beaches
      Toggle Section Beaches Menu
      • Beach Parking
      • Sunset Beach Renovation Project
    • Donations and Memorials
    • Golf Course
    • Happy Rolph's Animal Farm
    • Leash-free Dog Parks
    • Meridian Centre Community Use Program
    • Older Adult Centres
      Toggle Section Older Adult Centres Menu
      • Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre
      • Older Adult Centre Program Calendar
        Toggle Section Older Adult Centre Program Calendar Menu
        • Older Adult Centre Events
      • Rent an Older Adult Centre
      • West St. Catharines Older Adult Centre
    • Outdoor Activities
      Toggle Section Outdoor Activities Menu
      • Boat Launches
      • Hiking, Walking and Running
    • Parks, Playing Fields, Courts and Green Spaces
    • Pickleball Courts
    • Pools and Splash Pads
      Toggle Section Pools and Splash Pads Menu
      • Aquatics and Ice Safety
      • St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
        Toggle Section St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre Menu
        • Aquatic Deals and Events
        • Aquatic Fitness Schedule
        • Book a Program Room
        • School Instructional Swim Program
        • Swimming Schedule
      • Outdoor Pools
      • Pool Rentals
      • Splash Pads
      • Swimming Lessons
    • Recreation Programs
      Toggle Section Recreation Programs Menu
      • Drop-in Programs
      • Fee Assistance in Recreation
      • ActiveSTC registration
      • School Instructional Swim Program
      • Swimming Lessons
    • Rent Facilities, Fields and Parks
      Toggle Section Rent Facilities, Fields and Parks Menu
      • Kiwanis Field
      • Pool Rentals
    • Richard Pierpont Park
    • Rzone Policy
    • St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
    • Tennis Courts
    • Trails
      Toggle Section Trails Menu
      • Trail Map
      • Trail Rules, Safety and Courtesy
      • Virtual Trail Passport
    • Volunteering
      Toggle Section Volunteering Menu
      • Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park
      • Friends of Morningstar Mill
      • Friends of the Carousel
  • Roads, Parking and Traffic
    Toggle Section Roads, Parking and Traffic Menu
    • Adopt a Street
    • City Projects Construction Map
    • Parking
      Toggle Section Parking Menu
      • Beach Parking
      • Downtown Parking Map
      • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
      • Parking in Port Dalhousie
      • Parking Permits
        Toggle Section Parking Permits Menu
        • Accessible Meter Parking Permit
        • Accessible Parking Permits
        • Commercial Parking Permits
        • Monthly Parking Permits
        • Residential Parking Permits
        • Veteran's Parking Permits
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
      • Smart Phone Parking Payments
      • Special Event Parking
      • Winter Parking
    • Report an Issue
    • Road and Traffic Notices
    • Road Permits and Applications
      Toggle Section Road Permits and Applications Menu
      • Oversize and Overweight Vehicle Permits
      • Street Banner Permits
    • Snow Removal
      Toggle Section Snow Removal Menu
      • Sidewalk Snow Removal
      • Snow Removal Process
      • Winter Parking
    • Traffic and Road Safety
      Toggle Section Traffic and Road Safety Menu
      • Pedestrian Crossovers
      • Road Maintenance
      • School Crossing Guards
      • School Zone Safety
      • Street Cleaning
      • Traffic Signals, Utility Poles and Street Lights
  • St. Catharines Museum
  • Water Utilities and Services
    Toggle Section Water Utilities and Services Menu
    • Backflow Prevention
    • Basement Flooding
    • Fire Hydrants
    • Frozen Water Lines
    • Paying Your Water Bill
      Toggle Section Paying Your Water Bill Menu
      • Open or Close an Account
      • Paperless e-bills
      • Understanding Your Water Bill
      • Water and Wastewater Senior Credit Program
      • Water Meters
        Toggle Section Water Meters Menu
        • Submit Your Meter Reading
        • Water Meter Replacement
      • Water Wastewater Calculator
    • Rain Barrel Sales
    • Report an Issue
    • Sewers
    • Water Certificates
    • Water Conservation
    • Water Quality
    • Water Wastewater Calculator
Contact Us

Empty council chambers

HomeCouncil and AdministrationAccountability and Transparency
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Accountability and Transparency

The City of St. Catharines is committed to making sure that you are aware and informed about the decisions, actions and conduct of elected officials, staff, and members of committees, boards and task forces. Useful information is available through:

  • Meeting Calendar: this calendar provides the date, time and location of upcoming Council, committee and task force meetings.
  • Council Agendas: agendas provide an overview of topics that will be discussed at a meeting; meetings are listed in date order.
  • Council Minutes: meeting minutes capture the Council decisions from each meeting.

Public Notice Policy

The Municipal Act requires a municipality to adopt and maintain a policy regarding the circumstances in which the municipality shall provide notice to the public and, if notice is to be provided, the form, manner and times notice shall be given.

The City's updated Public Notice Policy was approved by Council on April 29, 2024.

In accordance with the provisions contained in the Municipal Act, the City's policy sets out a list of matters for when public notice is to be given and the minimum form, manner and time for providing such notice.

Code of Conduct and Integrity Commissioner

City Council has adopted a Code of Conduct to set a high standard of conduct for the Mayor, City Councillors, and members of the City's Advisory Committees, Boards and Task Forces.  

Information is provided below on how to file a Code of Conduct complaint if you believe a member has breached the Code of Conduct. Complaints are investigated by the City's Integrity Commissioner.

Integrity Commissioner

City Council has appointed ADR Chambers, Michael Maynard, as the City's Integrity Commissioner. The position is appointed by, and reports directly to, City Council. The Integrity Commissioner is responsible for:

  • Advising Council, committee, and board members of their duties under the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; 
  • Deciding whether to investigate complaints about Members' conduct;
  • Making recommendations after an investigation;
  • Conducting inquiries into alleged contraventions of certain sections of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; and
  • Providing educational information to members.

 

How to file a Code of Conduct complaint

If you identify or witness behaviour or activity by a member that you believe contravenes the Code of Conduct, you are able to submit a Code of Conduct complaint. Individuals are encouraged to follow the Informal Complaint Procedure as the first means of remedying the behaviour or activity.

Informal Code of Conduct Complaints

The Informal Complaint Procedure includes the following steps:

  • Document the incident where the member may have breached the Code of Conduct: include dates, times, locations, other persons present, and any other relevant information;
  • Advise a third party about the concerns regarding the member's actions;
  • Advise the member that the behaviour or activity appears to contravene the Code of Conduct;
  • Identify to the member the specific provision(s) of the Code of Conduct that may have been contravened;
  • Encourage the member to acknowledge and agree to stop the prohibited behaviour or activity and to undertake to refrain from future occurrences of the prohibited behaviour or activity;
  • If applicable confirm to the member that their response is satisfactory, or advise the member that their response is unsatisfactory;
  • Consider the need to pursue the matter in accordance with the formal complaint procedure, or in accordance with any other applicable judicial or quasi-judicial process or complaint procedure.

If both you and the member agree, the Integrity Commissioner may participate as a mediator in an informal process in an attempt to settle or resolve the issue.

Formal Code of Conduct Complaints

The City recommends using the Informal Complaint Procedure as the first means of remedying behaviour or activity of a member that you believe violates the Code of Conduct. However, you may file a formal complaint with or without following the informal complaint procedure.

 

Submitting a Formal Code of Conduct Complaint

To submit a formal Code of Conduct Complaint, complete the Formal Complaint Form and submit it to the Office of the City Clerk on the third floor of City Hall. The form must be signed in front of a Commissioner for Affadavits; this service can be provided by the City Clerk's Office. Review the City's Code of Conduct Complaint Protocol for complete details before submitting a formal Code of Conduct complaint.

 

Fees for Submitting a Formal Code of Conduct Complaint

When submitting a complaint, you'll need to pay the required administration fee of $41.95. Payment must be made in the Office of the City Clerk when you submit the complaint.

The Integrity Commissioner will not open an investigation until this fee is paid.

Integrity Commissioner Reports for Code of Conduct Complaints

2022 Reports
  • Report 2021-07 and 2022-01 - regarding former Councillor Mat Siscoe and Mayor Walter Sendzik (May 31, 2022)
  • Report 2021-06 - regarding Councillor Dawn Dodge (April 14, 2022)
  • Report 2021-05 - regarding Councillor Karrie Porter (March 30, 2022)

 

2021 Reports
  • Report 2020-02 - regarding Councillor Karrie Porter (Jan. 7, 2021)
  • Report 2020-03 - regarding former Councillor Mat Siscoe (Jan. 7, 2021)

 

Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when a member has any direct, indirect or deemed pecuniary interest involving an item to be discussed by the members of that Council, committee, board or task force. For information on conflicts of interest, please see the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

Members must declare any conflict of interest for item(s) at a meeting before that item is discussed and submit a written conflict of interest declaration form to the City Clerk. Information from the conflict-of-interest declaration form is included below as part of the Declaration of Interest Registry. After making a declaration, a member cannot participate in discussion or vote on the item and cannot seek to influence any decision or recommendation related to that item.

Members are responsible for making declarations of interest and adhering to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Failure to do so can result in an investigation by the Integrity Commissioner and/or an application being brought before the courts under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. 

Submitting a Conflict-of-Interest Complaint

To submit a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner under to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, you must download, complete and submit the City's Application for Inquiry - Alleged Contravention of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Instructions on completing and submitting the form are listed on the form. Completed forms must be signed in front of a Commissioner for Affidavits, this service can be provided by the Office of the City Clerk on the third floor of City Hall.

Declaration of Interest Registry

Declaration of Interest Registry
NameMeeting TypeDateItemNature of Interest
Councillor Mark Stevens Council (Budget) Nov. 16, 2022 7.3 Councillor Stevens sits on the board of directors of Crime Stoppers of Niagara, which receives revenues from raffles from River Lions and IceDogs games at Meridian Centre
Councillor Joe Kushner Council Dec. 12, 2022 8.1 Councillor Kushner's employer is a partner with Canada Games Park
Councillor Jackie Lindal Council Jan. 16, 2023 6.2 Councillor Lindal's son is employed by a hotel owner that submitted the item of correspondence
Councillor Bruce Williamson Council Jan. 30, 2023 9.1 Councillor Williamson's grandparents were Ethel and Cyril Williamson
Councillor Kevin Townsend Council Jan. 30, 2023 9.2 Councillor Townsend is employed by the District School Board of Niagara
Councillor Bruce Williamson Council Jan. 30, 2023 9.2 Councillor Williamson is employed by the District School Board of Niagara
Mayor Mat Siscoe Council Jan. 30, 2023 9.2 Mayor Siscoe was employed by the Niagara Catholic District School Board
Councillor Bill Phillips Council Feb. 13, 2023 Closed Item 2.1 Councillor Phillips' relative is the Chief Financial Officer of the company in question
Councillor Joe Kushner Council Feb. 13, 2023 9.1 Councillor Kushner is an owner of a restaurant that has a temporary commercial patio on private property
Councillor Kevin Townsend Council Mar. 6, 2023 6.3, sub-item 2 Councillor Townsend is employed by the District School Board of Niagara
Councillor Caleb Ratzlaff Council April 3, 2023 10.1 Councillor Ratzlaff is a member of one of the organizations named in the motion
Councillor Caleb Ratzlaff Council April 3, 2023 7.1 Councillor Ratzlaff has a collegial relationship with the ministers of New Hope Church
Councillor Joe Kushner Council May 15, 2023 9.1 Councillor Kushner's employer is mentioned in the motion
Councillor Matt Harris Council June 12, 2023 10.2 Councillor Harris' employer is named in the motion
Councillor Bill Phillips Council July 24, 2023 7.6, sub-item 7 Councillor Phillips' son's employer is named in the motion
Councillor Caleb Ratzlaff Council July 24, 2023 14.2 Councillor Ratzlaff has a collegial relationship with the ministers of New Hope Church
Brian Narhi Heritage Advisory Committee Aug. 31, 2023 7.4 and 7.5 Brian Narhi's employer is working on the Fairview Park / John Page Park project and the Committee's funds could be potentially going towards hiring his employer to do some of the work for the project.
Councillor Dawn Dodge Council Sept. 11, 2023 10.1 Councillor Dodge owns property that she rents to family
Andrew Humeniuk Heritage Advisory Committee Sept. 28, 2023 7.4 Andrew Humeniuk is the Executive Director of the Brown Homestead
Brian Narhi Heritage Advisory Committee Sept.28, 2023 7.4 Brian Narhi is one of the unpaid directors of the Brown Homestead
Lorraine Giroux Heritage Advisory Committee Sept. 28, 2023 7.4 Lorraine Giroux is a director for the Brown Homestead
Councillor Joseph Kushner Council Oct. 16, 2023 9.1 Councillor Kushner's employer is mentioned in the presentation
Councillor Joseph Kushner Council (Budget) Nov. 1, 2023 8.5 Councillor Kushner's employer is mentioned in the presentation
Councillor Bill Phillips Council Nov. 13, 2023 6.4, sub-item 7

Councillor Phillips' son is an executive with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and oversees licensing.

Councillor Joseph Kushner Council (Budget) Jan. 22, 2024 11.2

Councillor Kushner declared a Conflict of Interest (pecuniary) for Item 11.2 as he is an owner of a restaurant with a patio.

Councillor Carlos Garcia Council April 8, 2024 11.1

Councillor Garcia declared a Conflict of Interest (pecuniary) as he has an interest in a company impacted by the motion.

Councillor Kevin Townsend Council April 8, 2024 11.1

Councillor Townsend declared a Conflict of Interest (pecuniary) as he is currently doing work for Enbridge Inc.

Councillor Joseph Kushner Council July 22, 2024 10.3

Councillor Kushner declared a Conflict of Interest as the matter pertained to him.

Councillor Dawn Dodge Special Council Aug. 26, 2024 3.2

Councillor Dodge declared a Conflict of Interest due to possible use of the program.

Councillor Caleb Ratzlaff Council Sept. 23, 2024 6.3

Councillor Ratzlaff declared a Conflict of Interest as the Councillor is a director with a land trust with an interest in the lands at 155 Ontario Street for the purpose of affordable housing.

Councillor Bruce Williamson Council Dec. 16, 2024 9.1

Councillor Bruce Williamson declared a Conflict of Interest (pecuniary) for the component of the report dealing with District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) facilities as he is an employee with the DSBN.

Councillor Kevin Townsend Council Dec. 16, 2024 10.1 Councillor Townsend declared a Conflict of Interest (pecuniary) as he is currently working with a green energy client.
Councillor Mark Stevens Council Jan. 27, 2025 2.2 Councillor Stevens declared a Conflict of Interest as he was the former President of the Grantham Lions Club.
Councillor Robin McPherson Council Feb. 10, 2025 10.2 Councillor McPherson declared a Conflict of Interest as she is currently running in the provincial election.
Councillor Caleb Ratzlaff Council Feb. 10, 2025 10.2 Councillor Ratzlaff declared a Conflict of Interest as he works for the Ontario NDP candidate, Jennie Stevens, seeking re-election.
Andrew Humeniuk Heritage Advisory Committee Designations Sub-Committee Feb. 28, 2025 7.1 Andrew Humeniuk is the owner of the property.
Councillor Kevin Townsend Council March 17, 2025 7.1 Councillor Townsend declared a Conflict of Interest as his current employer is working on a project in Richmond Hill with the agent.
Mayor Mat Siscoe Council March 17, 2025 10.1 Mayor Siscoe declared a Conflict of Interest as this matter involves property owned by the family of his Chief of Staff.
Councillor Joseph Kushner Council March 31, 2025 9.1 and Closed Item 2.1 Councillor Kushner declared a Conflict of Interest as he works for Brock University.
Mayor Mat Siscoe Council April 29, 2025 6.6 Mayor Siscoe declared a Conflict of Interest as this matter involves a property owned by the family of his Chief of Staff.

 

Integrity Commissioner Reports for Municipal Conflict of Interest Act Complaints

2022 Reports

Report 2022-01 and 2022-02 regarding former Councillor Mat Siscoe (May 31, 2022).

Closed Meetings

Section 239 of the Municipal Act sets out the rules that Council must follow to hold a meeting that is closed to the public (also known as an “In-Camera” meeting), and the types of items that Council can discuss during closed meetings. Section 239.1 of the Municipal Act allows the public to request an investigation into whether the municipality has complied with the open meeting requirements of the Municipal Act. Closed Meeting complaints are investigated by the Ontario Ombudsman; complaints can be submitted directly to the Ombudsman through their online complaint form.

Ombudsman

The Ontario Ombudsman's jurisdiction includes investigations of the City's administrative functions and services. The Ombudsman's services are intended to be a last resort available when the complainant has exhausted other available complaint mechanisms and reviews available within the municipality.

The Ombudsman can make non-binding recommendations to the municipality to address concerns identified through its investigation.

  • Accountability and Transparency
  • View Full Council and Administration Menu
    Toggle side navigation menu
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Committees, Boards and Task Forces
      Toggle Section Committees, Boards and Task Forces Menu
      • Advisory Committees and Task Forces
        Toggle Section Advisory Committees and Task Forces Menu
        • 2029 Historic Welland Canals Task Force
        • 2SLGBTQI+ Advisory Committee
        • Accessibility Advisory Committee
        • Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
        • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
        • Citizen Task Force to Review Remuneration for Council, Boards, Agencies and Commissions
        • Clean City Task Force
        • Committee of Adjustment
        • Community Improvement Plan Review Task Force
        • Development Studies Task Force
        • Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
        • Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
        • Downtown Heritage Conservation District Task Force
        • Fallen Firefighters Memorial Task Force
        • Heritage Advisory Committee
        • Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force
        • Older Adults Advisory Committee
        • Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Neighbourhood Advisory Committee
        • Property Standards Appeal Committee
        • Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee
        • Special Event Fee Reduction Task Force
        • St. Catharines Museum Advisory Committee
        • Surplus Lands Development Task Force
      • Boards and Commissions
      • Budget Standing Committee
      • Meeting Calendar
    • Budget and Finances
      Toggle Section Budget and Finances Menu
      • Asset Management
      • Budgets and Financial Statements
      • Rates and Fees
    • Careers
      Toggle Section Careers Menu
      • Employee Resources
    • Citizens First
    • City Hall
    • Contact Us
    • Departments
    • Elections
      Toggle Section Elections Menu
      • Voter Information
      • Candidate Information
      • Certified Candidates
      • Registered Third Party Advertisers
      • Key Election Dates
      • Election Resources and Forms
      • Campaign Finances
      • 2022 Municipal Election
        Toggle Section 2022 Municipal Election Menu
        • 2022 Election Results
        • Financial Statements
        • Campaign Finances
        • Joint Niagara Compliance Audit Committee
      • 2025 Ward 6 By-election Results
    • Mayor and Council
      Toggle Section Mayor and Council Menu
      • Agendas and Minutes
      • Council Meeting Calendar
      • Mayor’s Office
      • Presenting to Council
      • Upper-Tier Government Representatives
      • Ward Councillors
      • Ward Map
    • Niagara Open Data
    • Official Emblems and Symbols
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
      Toggle Section Plans, Reports and Studies Menu
      • Climate Adaptation Plan
      • Culture Plan
      • Projects and Studies
      • Recreation Facility and Programming Master Plan
      • St. Catharines Strategic Plan
      • Transportation Master Plan
    • Policies and Procedures
      Toggle Section Policies and Procedures Menu
      • Disclaimer
      • Privacy Policy
      • Rzone Policy
    • Records, Access and Privacy
    • Submitting a Claim
    • Surplus Auctions
    • Twin City
    • Upper-Tier Government Representatives

Contact Us

Subscribe To Page Updates

St. Catharines footer logo

Open new window to view our Facebook page Open new window to view our Instagram page Open new window to view our X page Open new window to view our YouTube page Open new window to view our LinkedIn page

Copyright © 2023 The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines, 50 Church St., PO Box 3012, St. Catharines ON L2R 7C2,
Email: CitizensFirst@stcatharines.ca, Tel: 905.688.5600, TTY: Type 711 for the operator

AccessibilityCareersReport an IssueContact UsWebsite FeedbackPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerSitemap
By GHD Digital

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.