St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership hosts first Annual General Meeting

On January 29, 2026, the St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership (SCLDP) successfully hosted its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a significant milestone in advancing a coordinated, regional approach to destination development, tourism growth, and economic impact across the City of St. Catharines and the Town of Lincoln.

The SCLDP is a new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that is the result of years of discussions, collaboration, and visioning between the Town of Lincoln and the City of St. Catharines with the goal of attracting visitation to benefit our local economy and communities.

The AGM brought together municipal leaders, industry partners, and stakeholders to review foundational governance, highlight early accomplishments, and outline strategic priorities for 2026.

Members received an overview of the SCLDP’s mandate and strategic initiatives, followed by the presentation and approval of key governance and operational structures.

Lincoln and St. Catharines recognize that tourism plays a vital role in our local economies, helping to create jobs and economic growth through visitation which supports small businesses, throughout our communities. By attracting visitation and investment, tourism creates jobs across a wide range of sectors and circulates dollars through our communities, helping to sustain the services and amenities that residents enjoy year-round.

The AGM concluded with the election of Directors, including the confirmation of acclaimed Directors and available Board positions, formally establishing the Partnership’s inaugural Board.

The first Annual General Meeting represents an important step in formalizing governance, accountability, and a shared vision for the St. Catharines–Lincoln (Niagara Benchlands) destination.

Elected Board of Directors:

• Councillor Lynn Timmers, Town of Lincoln
• Councillor Matthew Harris, City of St. Catharines
• Karen Doyle, City of St Catharines
• Paul Di Ianni, Town of Lincoln
• Norman Beal, Peninsula Ridges Estates Winery, Culinary Sector
• Adam Christie, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Director at Large
• Graham Cocking, Crush on Niagara Tours, Tourism Sector
• Dexter Lautenbach, The Watering Can, Director at Large
• Maribeth McKey, Vintage Hotels, Accommodation Sector
• Adrian Nitsopoulos, Hampton Inn St. Catharines, Accommodation Sector
• Tom Nitsopoulos, Holiday Inn & Suites, St. Catharines, Accommodation Sector
• Sue-Ann Staff, Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, Craft Beverage Sector
• Craig Swanson, Arterra Wines Canada, Craft Beverage Sector

Quotes

“The first Annual General Meeting of the St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership marks an important step forward in building a strong, coordinated approach to destination development across our communities. By working together with our partners in St. Catharines, we are strengthening the Niagara Benchlands as a welcoming and resilient destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

~ Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln

“The AGM is an important step forward and confirms that the work completed to date is strongly aligned with the Province’s recently announced Destination Niagara plan. Through years of collaboration and a shared regional vision, we are building a coordinated approach to destination development that will strengthen tourism growth, enhance economic impact, and deliver lasting benefits for our communities across St. Catharines and Lincoln.”

~ Mat Siscoe, Mayor, City of St. Catharines

“This partnership allows us to deliver complementary and aligned destination messaging that showcases the very best of St. Catharines and Lincoln, and will allow us to continue to strengthen tourism growth and economic impact for our communities. From scenic trails, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches, to world-class live entertainment and a thriving craft beer, wine, and culinary scene, there is truly something here for everyone to enjoy.”

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

“Tourism is a critical driver of local economic growth, supporting businesses, jobs, and investment across Lincoln and the City of St. Catharines. This partnership strengthens our ability to tell a cohesive destination story and compete in a dynamic visitor economy.”

~ Paul Di Ianni, Director of Economic Development and Communication, Town of Lincoln

Backgrounder

About the St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership

Established in 2023 and formally endorsed by both councils in 2024, the St. Catharines–Lincoln Destination Partnership is a collaborative municipal Destination Marketing Organization focused on strengthening destination management, tourism development, and job creation and economic growth. The partnership advances shared priorities through coordinated strategy, data-informed decision-making, and strong public-private collaboration.