The City of St. Catharines is inviting residents to help shape the future of recreation in the community.
The City has launched public engagement, including an online survey and upcoming open houses, for its Recreation Facility and Programming Plan. Feedback provided will ensure that recreation programs, services, and facilities meet the needs of those living, studying, and working in St. Catharines. As the “City where everybody can play,” St. Catharines strives to create accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for all. The updated plan will establish priorities for recreation services and spaces over the next 10 years.
Community members are encouraged to join the conversation in several ways:
Residents are invited to complete a brief community survey, which will be open from Jan. 24 until Feb. 16, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The survey can be completed online at stcatharines.ca/RFPPSurvey. The survey takes approximately five to 10 minutes to complete, and responses will remain confidential.
Drop-in open houses will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, providing an opportunity for residents to learn about the plan, ask questions, and share feedback in person. There will be no formal presentations at these sessions, which will be held as follows:
For those unable to attend, display boards will be available online, and written comments can be submitted via the website. Those unable to attend are invited to complete the brief community survey online at stcatharines.ca/RFPPSurvey.
The City will host virtual focus groups with representatives from major community partners and facility users. Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to contact the City.
The draft plan will be made available for public review and comment at a later date on Engage STC, and a second round of open houses will follow.
“We want to ensure that our recreation services reflect the diverse needs and interests of our community,” said Ilyse Norton, Community Initiatives Specialist. “Your feedback is critical to helping us build a vision for recreation in St. Catharines for the next decade.”
The City’s Recreation Facility and Programming Master Plan Committee will help to guide the implementation of the Recreation Facility and Programming Plan by advising Council and staff to ensure projects and budgets align with the plan.
To learn more about the plan and stay updated on engagement opportunities, visit stcatharines.ca/RFPP.