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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.
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.
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.
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 LotsSpecial 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 LotSpecial 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. 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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