The current Mayor of St. Catharines, elected for the 2018 to 2022 term, is Mayor Walter Sendzik.
About Mayor Sendzik |
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Walter Sendzik was born and raised in St. Catharines. In 2014, as a first-time candidate for political office, he was elected as Mayor of St. Catharines and re-elected in 2018. As Mayor, Walter brings a strategic focus and business-like approach to City Hall where he has focused on streamlining processes and building a culture of excellent customer service. Since becoming Mayor, the City has approved a new strategic plan and economic development strategy, stabilized tax rate increases and implemented long-term budgeting. With a background in business, Mayor Sendzik has been a strong advocate for local business and regularly meets with local businesses, employers and investors. Understanding transportation as key for business success and getting people to work, school and services, Mayor Sendzik has led in the transformation of inter-municipal transit from a pilot project to a permanent service that will connect all of Niagara's communities. He has helped bring private sector partners to community events and worked with the development community on a new housing action plan. In 2015 Mayor Sendzik launched the Compassionate City initiative which has helped inspire St. Catharines' residents to take action to build a city where everyone belongs. With his open-door policy, Mayor Sendzik is accessible to residents, charities and community groups and regularly participates in fundraisers, 5-km runs and cultural experiences. Mayor Sendzik is focused on building on the progress and momentum of the city and the greater Niagara region as an attractive place to live, work and invest. Prior to becoming Mayor, Walter was Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC). During his seven years at the Chamber, Walter led the evolution of the local Chamber into a truly Niagara Chamber with more than 1,400 members. Under Walter's leadership, the GNCC established itself as the largest business organization in Niagara and the third-largest in Ontario. It is also the only Chamber in Niagara to receive accreditation with distinction for operational excellence by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Prior to the Chamber, Walter founded Vines Publishing, a company specializing in wine and travel magazines and books. He sold the company in 2005. Walter has co-authored five books, including Vines: The Buyer's Guide to Canadian Wine and The Insider's Guide to Niagara Wine Country. Walter has served on local and provincial boards, including Niagara College, Hotel Dieu Shaver, Pathstone Mental Health and LCBO. He currently serves on the boards of Niagara Regional Housing, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, and Ontario's Big City Mayors. In 2008 Walter was awarded the Bernie Gillespie Award by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce as top executive of the year. He is also a recipient of a Niagara Top 40 Under 40 Award. He is an active Rotarian and an honourary member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 and the Canadian Polish Society. Walter holds a Masters from McGill University, an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and an ICD - Rotman Directors Education Program from the Rotman School of Business. |
Contact Mayor Sendzik |
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You can contact Mayor Walter Sendzik by phone at 905.688.5601 ext. 1540, by email at mayor@stcatharines.ca or by mail at: City of St. Catharines St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2 Stay up to dateYou can also keep up to date with the Mayor by visiting Mayor Sendzik's website and following him on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram. |
Mayoral services |
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Community members can make requests to the mayor's office for a variety of services to recognize milestones, celebrations and special events.
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State of the City |
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At the Mayor's 2021 State of the City address, Mayor Sendzik celebrated 'everyday heroes' throughout the ongoing pandemic recovery. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and the way we've seen our community step up and respond during the COIVD-19 health crisis is just another shining example of how incredible the City of St. Catharines is. Team STC Hall of Fame inducteesTogether with the St. Catharines economic development team, Mayor Sendzik inducted five businesses into the Team STC Hall of Fame for their contributions in the community and abroad. |
Compassionate STC |
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Mayor Sendzik invites you to join him in signing the Compassionate STC Charter - a commitment to making our city a more compassionate and prosperous place by taking personal action and working together. Learn more about Compassionate STC, an online platform that provides information on how to get involved and use the services and resources available to you as a member of the St. Catharines community in building a shared future where everyone belongs. Social services directoryFind the right phone number for your social services need with our Compassionate City Guide. |
Mayor's Poetry Challenge |
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Congratulations to Susan Vaisian, winner of the 2021 Mayor’s Poetry Contest with her submission of ‘Recognizing Grace’. You can view her poem here. The Mayor’s Poetry Challenge takes place during National Poetry Month in April, which began in 1998 by the League of Canadian Poets to celebrate and appreciate poetry. The 2022 Mayor’s Poetry Challenge information will be shared in April 2022. About the Mayor's Poetry ChallengeThe Mayor's Poetry Challenge takes place during National Poetry Month in April, which began in 1998 by the League of Canadian Poets to celebrate and appreciate poetry. |