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The City is preparing for the start of the beach season, with the beach at Lakeside Park ready for visitors come the first blast of warm weather, and work continuing to progress on schedule at Sunset Beach, which is tentatively scheduled to reopen in time for the long weekend in May.
“Lakeside Park and Sunset Beach are key parts of our waterfront experience, and we’re excited to see both spaces being prepared to welcome the community this season,” said Eric Lamothe, Manager of Community Programs and Parks. “We’re excited to reopen Sunset Beach. The project is progressing well, and we hope the weather and other factors will continue to be in our favour as we move closer to reopening.”
Lakeside Park remains open and accessible. Washrooms will open early this year, on May 1, to coincide with the start of paid beach parking.
At Sunset Beach, the renovation project – a $6.9-million investment supported by a $4.4 million grant from the Province of Ontario – is on track. While it won’t be ready for May 1, the contractor is on track to open in May, ahead of the peak summer season. While some work will continue beyond re-opening, such as the replacement of the playground structure and some finishing touches to the boat ramp, residents will see some of the following efforts completed:
• General parking lot enhancements.
• Upgrades to trails, picnic tables, and other park amenities.
• Shoreline protection measures.
Updates on the reopening of the beach property to the public will be posted to the City’s website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
Beach Parking Permits
St. Catharines residents can once again purchase Beach Parking permits online for $16.25 for the season. While access to the beach is free, the parking permits allow residents to park when paid parking is in effect without time limits or hourly charges at Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park between May 1 and Sept. 30.
Residents should be ready to apply with a copy of their vehicle ownership, as well as any form of eligible proof of residency. A full list of eligible documents is available on the City’s website.
Paper permits are not issued as your registered plate acts as your permit. Once applicants receive their approval email and successfully pay for their permit, they can park in beach lots without paying an hourly fee.
Applying online to avoid any lineups is recommended, but those without access to a computer can apply in person on the second floor of City Hall. In-person applicants will need to bring supporting documentation and photo identification.
With the Sunset Beach boat launch being completed as part of the renovation project, the City is also accepting resident boat launch parking permit requests. Permits are $109.25 and applications can be completed on the City’s beach parking page, or in person at City Hall. Those who complete the application online must make payment in person at City Hall, following the review and approval of their permit. Please note, there may be intermittent disruptions to the boat launch as final completion work continues through the coming weeks.
Residents without permits, or non-residents not eligible for permits will be required to pay the regular rates for parking at the two beaches. Paid visitor parking is in effect at Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach from May 1 to Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. The fee for each parking space is $3.25 per hour. Sunset Beach has a $20 flat maximum fee for the day, while parking at Lakeside Park has a three-hour maximum time limit.
As beach season kicks off, please remember to be respectful to others, dogs must remain leashed and picked-up after, and please clean up your site as you leave.
Learn more about our beaches at www.stcatharines.ca/beaches
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