St. Catharines and Lincoln win EDCO Award of Excellence

The City of St. Catharines and the Town of Lincoln have been jointly awarded the Economic Development Council of Ontario (EDCO) Award of Excellence in the Visitor Attraction and Tourism Product Development – Urban category, at the EDCO President’s Dinner during the 2026 Annual EDCO Conference.

The EDCO Awards of Excellence, held Feb. 4 in Toronto, celebrate the most impactful and innovative economic development initiatives across Ontario. The St. Catharines / Lincoln win recognizes the municipalities’ leadership in urban–rural collaboration through the creation of a shared Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), a model that has strengthened the regional tourism economy, supported local businesses, and elevated both communities as a premier destination.

Launched in 2023 and formally endorsed by both municipal councils in 2024, the joint DMO brings together the economic development teams of St. Catharines and Lincoln under a shared vision: positioning Niagara’s urban and rural destinations as vibrant, sustainable tourism hubs that drive economic growth and community prosperity. Working alongside key community partners including accommodation providers, craft beverage producers, and arts, culture, and heritage organizations, the initiative has aligned stakeholders around a cohesive regional narrative that celebrates St. Catharines’ dynamic urban, cultural and culinary offerings alongside Lincoln’s renowned craft beverage, farm-to-table and agricultural experiences.

Through a coordinated approach to marketing, destination development, and placemaking, the partnership has delivered measurable success in strengthening regional tourism. In its first year, the partnership generated more than 40-million marketing impressions and realized significant cost savings through shared resources and integrated campaigns. The introduction of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in both municipalities has created a sustainable funding model for ongoing tourism investment, ensuring continued reinvestment in destination development and enhanced visitor experiences as visitation grows.

The St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership continues to advance new initiatives, including a Destination Management Plan, Economic Impact Study, and a joint Marketing and Communications Plan, with support from Niagara Region Economic Development and the federal Tourism Growth Program. These initiatives will help guide future investment, policy, and storytelling across the region. By prioritizing trust, transparency, and a shared strategic vision, the St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership has established a benchmark for municipal collaboration and serves as a replicable model for communities across Ontario and Canada.

 The City of St. Catharines and the Town of Lincoln extend their sincere appreciation to EDCO for this recognition.

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Quotes

“This recognition from EDCO reflects the true impact of collaboration, where municipalities unite with a shared vision. Together with Lincoln, we’ve built a partnership that fosters economic development, supports local businesses, and highlights the best of both our urban and rural assets.”

- Mat Siscoe, Mayor, City of St. Catharines

“This award highlights the opportunity that comes from thinking regionally while acting locally. By connecting what makes our communities unique - Lincoln’s vibrant rural and agricultural experiences with a strong urban destination - we’re helping grow tourism in a way that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors across the region.”

- Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln

“The success of our destination marketing stems from collaboration across all sectors. When we unite our efforts, we tell a compelling story that mirrors the diverse, dynamic character of our region, where world-class food, wine, and culture blend seamlessly with agriculture and urban energy.”

- Brian York, Director of Economic Development and Government Relations, City of St. Catharines

“This partnership is about rethinking how destinations grow beyond fixed municipal boundaries in a changing tourism landscape. By uniting urban and rural strengths under a shared vision, we’re building a platform that supports sustainable investment, authentic storytelling, and long-term economic resilience — not just for today, but for the future of tourism in Niagara.”

- Paul Di Ianni, Director of Economic Development and Communications, Town of Lincoln