Make every drop count: Rain barrel sales now open

Purchase by May 25 or until sold out; pickup set for June 13

Residents interested in helping to create a green St. Catharines can go online now to purchase a City-subsidized rain barrel for their property.

Residents can now purchase, at the deeply discounted rate of $60 each, as many as two rain barrels for their property until May 25 or when pre-orders sell out. Rain barrels enable residents to collect rainwater for use in their gardens while reducing water pollution by keeping property runoff out of the sewer system.

“Residents who invest in a rain barrel are supporting a more environmentally friendly and sustainable St. Catharines by decreasing the volume of pollutants entering our local waterways through stormwater runoff,” Environmental Field Technician Shyanne Matone said. “In areas with combined sewer systems, rain barrels also help redirect water from downspouts away from wastewater treatment facilities, reducing the strain on these systems and mitigating risks such as basement flooding.”

“Rain barrels also offer a source of water free from minerals and chlorine that can be great for your garden, while also helping to lower peak water demand during the summer months,” Matone added.

Environmental stewardship is one of the five pillars in the City of St. Catharines Strategic Plan, with a goal that St. Catharines be recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability and become more resilient to climate change.

Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel is an easy and effective method of water conservation and a way to save money on your water bill. There are also a handful of other benefits, ranging from environmental to plant health for those who enjoy gardening.

Barrels are $60 each, tax included, and must be picked up on Saturday, June 13 between 8:30 a.m. and noon in the parking lot of Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre at 240 St. Paul St. W.

Residents are asked to bring at time of pickup some form of identification with proof of a St. Catharines address, such as a driver’s licence or recent utility bill.

Barrels are limited and pre-order is required. For more information, including how to order a rain barrel, visit stcatharines.ca/RainBarrel.