Parking Lots and Garages

There are more than 1,000 downtown parking spots offered by the City of St. Catharines. Use the map below to see parking options offered by the City.

Payment options for each parking lot and garage are included in the parking map displayed below.

COVID-19 Suspension of Paid Parking

Beginning Jan. 19, 2021 until the end of April 2021 parking will be free at all City lots, garages and on-street parking spaces. Safety related parking prohibitions, such as fire routes, loading zones and curbside pickup spaces will continue to be enforced. Three-hour limits for parking at on-street spaces and surface lots is also being enforced to promote vehicle turnover. Long-term parking remains free at garages.

Please continue reading for further information for monthly permit holders.

Ontario Street, Garden Park and Carlisle Street Garages:
  • Recurring payments have been suspended
  • Any prepayment for a permit will be applied to the next payable month, for example, prepayment for February 2021 will be applied to May 2021
  • Permits that are paid to date will remain active and allow access to the garage during the free period 
  • Permit holders wishing to cancel their permit must provide notification by emailing Citizens First
  • Please note that cancellation will result in deactivation of your permit and the loss of your space at the garage 
  • Permit holders set up for recurring payments will be notified via email before the next charge is applied, to change your email or cancel recurring payments email Citizens First
 Surface Lots
  • Surface lots requiring a monthly permit will not be monitored during the free period (February 2021 – April 2021)
  • Requests for refunds for any prepaid months must be submitted via email to parking services  with the following information:
    • First and last name
    • Permit number
    • Months requested
    • Mailing address
    • Telephone number
  • Due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time the option to extend a surface lot permit is not available. Refunds will be issued in the form of a cheque and sent to the mailing address provided. 

Renovations at the Ontario Street Parking Garage

The Ontario Street Parking Garage is open during renovations replacing the north-east stairway (next to the vehicle exit on William Street)

Crews are removing and replacing the stairway enclosure, including the stairs, landings and railings. 

  • The north-east stairway and enclosure (closest to William Street vehicle exit) will be temporarily closed during construction

  • Construction is expected to be completed by December

  • The basement level parking area will temporarily unavailable during construction
  • The William Street sidewalk between the stairwells will be closed during construction
  • One parking garage exit gate will temporarily close from time-to-time
  • Construction is expected to be completed by December 2019

At least one stairway on the William Street side of the parking garage and both stairways on the Ontario Street side of the building will be open at all times.

While the Ontario Street Parking Garage will remain open during the renovations, the City may need to schedule a full parking garage temporary closure after-hours to facilitate some of the construction.

Call Citizens First at 905.688.5600 or email for more information.

Special Event Parking - Meridian Centre and FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

Parking Garages and the Head Street, Race Street and Garden Park Parking Lots

Special event parking is $5 when evening and weekend events are happening at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre or Meridian Centre. Payment can be made by cash, paid on entrance to the garage / parking lots. 

Drivers are now able to pay via their phone at City parking garages during periods of special events parking. Using Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Credit Card drivers will be able to scan or tap with their phone to pay the $5 special event charge. No app is required, however, drivers can use the Honk mobile app for a more seamless experience.

David S. Howes Way Parking Lot

Special event parking is $10 when evening and weekend events are happening at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre or Meridian Centre. Payment is by cash only and is paid on entrance to the parking lot.

Fees for Parking Meters and Dispenser Lots

All City-owned and operated parking lots and garages are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Parking at certain lots and garages is free outside of normal business hours, Monday to Friday. Business hours differ for some locations, so please review the posted hours of operation listed for the location you are interested in.

All City meters have a three-hour maximum daily parking limit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a rate of $1.75 per hour (effective Jan. 1, 2020). Metered parking is free outside those hours, except between the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., where parking is prohibited. Tokens, quarters, loonies and toonies are accepted at City meters and dispenser lots. HST is included in all quoted parking lot and garage fees.

Payment options for each parking lot and garage are included in the parking map.

Monthly Lots & Garage Permits

In downtown St. Catharines, monthly parking is available at City owned parking lots for a nominal fee. Due to the high demand for parking in the downtown core, all parking permits are issued on a first come, first serve basis.

To purchase a monthly parking permit for a surface lot, visit Citizens First, located on the 2nd Floor of City Hall between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Methods of payment include cash, cheque, debit, VISA and MasterCard.

If you are looking to obtain a monthly parking permit for either the Ontario Street Garage or Garden Park/Carlisle Street Garage.

Call Citizens First at 905.688.5600 or email for more information about availability.

Downtown Parking Study

In 2016, City staff researched and completed a downtown parking study, looking at the current and long-term parking needs for the downtown core.

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