City of St. Catharines launches 150th anniversary year with flag raising
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The City of St. Catharines is marking a major milestone in 2026.
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe officially launched the City’s 150th anniversary celebrations with a ceremonial flag raising at City Hall on Monday, marking the beginning of the milestone year under the theme “Our Common Ground”. While its roots trace back much earlier, St. Catharines was officially incorporated as a City on May 1, 1876.
“This anniversary is about more than marking a date on the calendar,” said Mayor Siscoe. “It’s about recognizing what we share as a community — our histories, our neighbourhoods, and the people who have helped build St. Catharines over the last 150 years.”
The event, featuring a flag bearing a special 150th anniversary logo, brought together community leaders and representatives from all levels of government, including remarks from St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle, St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens, and Chair of Niagara Region Bob Gale, alongside members of St. Catharines City Council and the City’s senior leadership team.
The theme “Our Common Ground” was highlighted throughout the ceremony, emphasizing the shared history, values, and experiences that have shaped St. Catharines. A portion of the vision – which can be read in its entirety on the City’s website – states: “The land beneath our feet has been one constant that has endured – well before St. Catharines attained City status. It bore the footsteps of the first Indigenous peoples, offered shelter to freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, and gave rise to the waterways, vineyards, orchards, and gardens that nourish us today.”
The St. Catharines 150 logo mark carries on with that theme, inspired by land parcels and community patchwork: individual plots that sit side-by-side to shape a bigger whole. Each parcel represents a piece of St. Catharines - past and present residents, cultures, industries, and neighbourhoods coming together as one city.
A Year of Celebrations
The flag raising marks the first of several commemorative events and initiatives planned throughout the year, all designed to reflect the City’s past, present, and future.
Highlights include:
- A community celebration on Saturday, May 2 at Montebello Park, helping commemorate the official anniversary date of St. Catharines attaining City status;
- An enhanced Canada Day celebration on July 1, recognizing the anniversary of Canadian Confederation and St. Catharines’ 150th year, including a first-of-its-kind celebration for St. Catharines capping off the night;
- The appointment of a Poet Laureate for the anniversary year, who will use poetry to engage residents, celebrate civic pride, and enrich public life through readings, special initiatives, and cultural events connected to the history and culture of St. Catharines;
- A series of public art initiatives, showcasing local artists and community narratives in public spaces across the city, including a juried exhibition at City Hall, a themed mural in the downtown, and a 5 Corners art installation celebrating the indigenous history in our community;
- Weekly social media posts, highlighting St. Catharines’ rich history from a diverse range of perspectives;
- A 150th anniversary Tree Planting legacy project, in conjunction with local environmental groups; and
- St. Catharines 150 pop-up activations at various community events throughout the year.
Additional events and opportunities for public participation will be announced throughout the year as the anniversary celebrations continue.
Visit www.stcatharines.ca/STC150 for more information about St. Catharines 150 and upcoming programming.
Quotes:
"For 150 years, St. Catharines has been built by people who care deeply about their neighbours and their community. This anniversary is a chance to celebrate our shared history, honour those who came before us, and recommit ourselves to building an inclusive and vibrant city for generations to come." - Chris Bittle, St. Catharines Member of Parliament
“Happy 150th to St. Catharines — a city shaped by generations of residents whose hard work, courage, and community spirit built a place of hope and possibility. From its deep Indigenous roots to the Welland Canal and the neighbourhoods that grew together over time, St. Catharines honors its past, thrives in the present, and looks to the future with optimism. As the Member of Provincial Parliament, I am proud to serve this remarkable city and its people, and to celebrate all that makes it a place we are proud to call home.” – Jennie Stevens, St. Catharines Member of Provincial Parliament
“On behalf of all of Regional Council, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Mayor Siscoe, City Council, and St. Catharines staff on the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City. This milestone is a testament to the spirit of cooperation between municipalities that has defined Niagara over the decades. As Regional Chair, I look forward to continuing to work with St. Catharines and all our municipalities as we collaborate to find solutions to the most pressing issues our communities are facing.” – Bob Gale, Niagara Regional Chair
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