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.
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.
Public Engagement
Join us on Tuesday, June 9th for an upcoming open house to review three concept plans for the Ontario Street Corridor, developed through feedback from the April 14, 2026 public open house, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and the Technical Advisory Committee.
Residents, businesses, property owners, and community members are invited to learn more about the study, review the proposed concepts, share feedback, and help shape the long-term vision for the corridor.
Details of the open house are as follows:
- Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Location: Holiday Inn and Suites, Concord and Chardonnay Room, 327 Ontario St., St. Catharines
- Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a presentation and community visioning on alternative land-use plans at 6 p.m.
Watch for more details and additional documents, as well as other opportunities to share your feedback, on EngageSTC.