Work to bring the Sunset Beach Community Vision to fruition is set to begin next week.

The Sunset Beach property will close to the public on Sept. 2, 2025, as it becomes an active construction site for the $6.9-million Sunset Beach Renovation Project. Guided by the 2019 vision study, conducted with extensive community engagement, and supported by a $4.4-million provincial grant, the project will modernize the park’s aging facilities – while preserving its unique character and natural assets, improve accessibility, and ensure it remains a vibrant public space for residents and visitors. A full closure, with tentative reopening scheduled ahead of next summer’s beach season, is required to ensure the work is completed in a safe and timely manner.

With funding from the Province of Ontario’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the City of St. Catharines is investing in upgrades to meet current standards and address challenges like fluctuating water levels, extreme weather, and growing recreational demands. Key improvements include:

• Accessibility and active transportation features
• Parking lot and access road enhancements
• Upgrades to trails and other park amenities, including additional shade structures
• Replacement of the playground structure
• Low-impact stormwater facilities
• Shoreline protection measures
• Reconstruction of the boat ramp

This closure overlaps with the final weeks of the seasonal beach parking pass program, which is valid until Sept. 30. While the Sunset Beach lot will not be accessible after Sept. 2, passes will continue to be honoured at the parking lot at Lakeside Park until the end of the season.

For more information visit: stcatharines.ca/SunsetRenos.