After the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan project was paused in April 2024, Mayor Mat Siscoe issued a mayoral directive on Nov. 6, 2025, to reinstate the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan study with the goal of bringing the proposed plan to Council for consideration by November 2026. The City has hired NPG Planning Solutions, and work has resumed on the project, with public engagement expected in April to commence the community visioning exercise. Watch this page for more details, or use the “Subscribe to Page Updates” button to receive any webpage updates straight to your inbox.
The City launched a land use study of the Ontario Street corridor from the QEW in the north to Welland Avenue in the south, leading into the downtown core.
The study guides future decisions for land use in that area of the city. The corridor includes the long-standing industrial properties at 282 and 285 Ontario St. (former General Motors manufacturing site), was a central focus of the study and for future redevelopment opportunities.
On May 30, 2022, Council endorsed terms of reference to undertake the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Study. The study terms of reference identifies study area boundaries and key elements of the study, including context, planning framework, guiding principles and objectives, study management, public engagement, deliverables, and timeline. It is estimated that the study will take approximately two and a half years to complete.
Public Engagement
There were opportunities for public engagement and input throughout the study process.
A public open house took place on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 327 Ontario St. in St. Catharines, in the Merlot Room. Display materials were available for viewing and a presentation was given, followed by a question-and-answer session. See our public notice for more details.
Visit engagestc.ca/OntarioStreetStudy to learn more and ask the project team any questions or clarifications.