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St. Catharines Strategic Plan

Read our 2019 to 2028 Strategic Plan for our vision for the future of St. Catharines.

Our vision is for St. Catharines to be the most dynamic, innovative, sustainable and livable city in North America.

To achieve that vision our decisions are guided by the plan, and built on four pillars:

  • Economic Prosperity;
  • Social Well-being;
  • Environmental Stewardship;
  • and a Cultural Renaissance.

Read the Strategic Plan 

Economic Prosperity

This pillar focuses on our commitment to building and growing a diverse and resilient economy through fiscal responsibility, urban regeneration and collaborative partnerships.

Economic Prosperity Pillar objectives:

  • Develop a Financial Plan as an overarching guiding document that informs all financial decisions and investments.
  • Develop a 10-Year Capital Infrastructure Plan that includes all major investments to address City needs, priorities and growth.
  • Establish a Capital Financing and Debt Strategy to balance affordability and investment needs.
  • Continue to implement the Economic Development Strategy (2017-2022) with particular focus on investments, employment and partnerships to attract, retain, and grow the economy of the City.

Social Well-being

The Social Well-being Pillar aims to build and support strong, inclusive neighbourhoods that provide high quality of life for residents of all ages. 

Pillar objectives:

  • Establish area-specific plans for the redevelopment of key sites in the City to promote strong, compatible, connected neighbourhoods that enhance the quality of life.
  • Improve transportation and overall connectedness (all modes, including GO Rail, VIA Rail, and inter-municipal transit and active transportation), incorporate urban design guidelines and provide complete streets in City neighbourhoods.
  • Refine and implement the Recreation Facilities and Programming Master Plan (2015-2026)
  • Incorporate key deliverables into the Capital Infrastructure Plan and annual budget process
  • Implement Park Renewal Plan (2017) and invest in prioritized play structures
  • Develop and implement sponsorship policy and pursue partnership opportunities for parks infrastructure.
  • Invest and leverage outside investments in Canada Summer Games Legacy projects that will provide permanent facilities and upgrades for future generations.
  • Update the Parks Policy Plan to include options for urban parks, civic spaces and exploration of a community benefits strategy.

Environmental Stewardship

This pillar sets a strategic goal of adapting innovative approaches and continuing responsible community planning and decision-making that balances growth, enhances quality of life, manages emergencies, and minimizes the environmental impacts of climate change.

The pillar's main objective is to develop a Climate Change Action Plan to address:

  • Climate change impacts and mitigation planning
  • Energy conservation and demand management
  • Waterfront/shoreline protection and water course erosion
  • Advocacy for updated floodplain mapping
  • Storm water management options 
  • Identification of capital investments to address climate change
  • Establish corporate waste reduction targets and ­sustainable building guidelines ­ 

Cultural Renaissance

This pillar is focused on celebrating the City’s rich history, diversity, arts and cultural assets through leadership, promotion and investments that support measurable, sustainable creative growth.

Pillar objectives:

  • Support of the creative cluster and promotion of cultural talent, festivals, events and venues ­
  • Stable, sustainable cultural support and funding
  • Addressing Heritage Preservation
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