St. Catharines residents advised to use online or in-person options during Canada Post mail stoppage

As of Sept. 25, 2025, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has launched a national strike. During this strike, Canada Post mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered, some post offices will be closed, and no new mail will be accepted.

While the City’s modernization efforts, such as e-billing and online payments, have provided additional tools to conduct City business online, there are still some services which rely on the mail system. The City is working on alternate arrangements for some of these services to minimize the impact to residents and to ensure the business of the City can continue.

Taxes, Water and Parking

Property owners and residents are still responsible for on-time property tax, water, and parking fine payments, by their due date. Regular penalties will apply for late payments.

Final property tax notices were mailed May 7 and the final instalment of 2025 property taxes is due Monday, Sept. 29. We are advising residents not to mail their property tax payments.

The City mailed Sections C and D of our water billing just ahead of the labour disruption, and residents in those areas may not receive their bill until the strike has ended. Those affected can contact Citizens First or use e-billing to determine their balance. Check a past water bill to learn your section. Your section letter appears in the top right corner of your water bill below your account number. We will provide updates on distribution of water bills in other sections, as the situation evolves.

The City of St. Catharines offers residents and property owners the option to view their property tax and water bill information online with paperless e-bills. Visit stcatharines.ca/E-bills for more information or to register.

Property taxes, water bills and parking fines can be paid online using Visa or MasterCard through the City’s provider, Paymentus, at stcatharines.ca/PayOnline. Payment can also be made by cheque, cash, or debit, in-person at our Citizens First counter on the second floor of City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Credit cards may be used at the self-service kiosk next to Citizens First. Convenience fees apply. Cheques can also be dropped in the after-hours drop box at City Hall, located at the James Street entrance. Do not place cash in the drop box.

Alternatively, residents and property owners can set up a pre-authorized debit payment plan with the City. Visit stcatharines.ca/PAPTaxForm for property taxes, and stcatharines.ca/PAPWaterForm for water bill payments.

Property tax and water bill payments can also be made at most financial institutions.

Please do not send payments through the mail during the strike. If you have already sent payment by mail, you can contact your financial institution and ask them to put a “Stop Payment” on the cheque. If you prefer to pay by cheque, you can do so in person at City Hall or leave a cheque in the James Street after-hours drop box. Please note, residents who opt to do this should notify Citizens First to ensure your original cheque is not cashed and can be mailed back to you once the strike has ended.

Correspondence

During the postal disruption, the City will deliver public notices and time-sensitive correspondence required by legislation by hand or by courier. Residents who are expecting correspondence from the City that is not time-sensitive can look forward to receiving it after any possible postal disruption has passed.

City of St. Catharines residents, suppliers and customers should avoid sending the City time-sensitive information until after the possibility of a postal disruption has ended. Time-sensitive information can be delivered to the City in person to Citizens First on the second floor at City Hall (50 Church St.) Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or sealed in an envelope and dropped into the mail slot at the James Street entrance after hours.

Online Services

Recreational program registration, dog licensing, water meter reading, Report an Issue, and building permit applications can be conducted, as per regular business operations, on the City’s website.

Permits and Licences

Building permits and business licences will be available for pickup at the Planning and Building counter, first floor of City Hall. Business licence payment can be made online using Visa or MasterCard, over the phone by credit card, in-person at the Planning and Building counter, or by cheque left in the after-hours drop box on James Street. Do not put cash in the drop box.

Suppliers

The City of St. Catharines urges suppliers to enroll in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), the preferred payment method. EFT ensures secure, timely payments.

For those suppliers who cannot transition to EFT, cheques will be available for pickup at City Hall, 50 Church St. Invoices, account statements, and inquires can be sent via email to accountspayable@stcatharines.ca. For EFT enrolment assistance, please contact our Suppliers team at suppliers@stcatharines.ca.

For more information, including a detailed FAQ, please visit stcatharines.ca/CanadaPostStrike.