Project Update - May 2025
The City remains committed to delivering a high-quality renovation of Sunset Beach that meets the community’s expectations. During the final stages of preparation, a technical issue was identified in the original bid package provided to the City. To maintain the fairness and integrity of the procurement process, we are restarting the contractor selection process.
City staff are working quickly to reissue the tender and remain committed to maintaining similar timelines for construction.
We understand the community’s excitement for this long-anticipated improvement and appreciate your patience. More information will be shared as updated timelines are confirmed.
Sunset Beach is undergoing an exciting transformation to enhance this beloved waterfront destination. Guided by the 2019 Sunset Beach Community Vision Study and supported by a $4.4 million provincial grant, this renovation project will protect, restore, and enhance the park while preserving its unique character and natural assets.
Project Overview
The Sunset Beach Renovation Project is a key initiative to modernize the park’s aging facilities, improve accessibility, and ensure it remains a vibrant public space for residents and visitors. 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
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Parking lot enhancements
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Upgrades to trails, picnic tables, and other park amenities
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Reconstruction of the boat ramp
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Replacement of the playground structure
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Shoreline protection measures
The project aligns with the St. Catharines Strategic Plan, supporting economic prosperity, social well-being, environmental stewardship, and cultural vibrancy.
| Boat Launch closed for 2025 |
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As part of the Sunset Beach Renovation Project, the Sunset Beach boat launch will be closed for the 2025 season to allow for essential upgrades. Due to this closure, the City will not be selling boat launch permits for the 2025 season. While we understand this may cause inconvenience, these improvements are necessary to ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of the boat launch. Once completed, the upgrades will provide a better and safer experience for all boaters. |
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Alternative Launch Location |
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Boaters wishing to launch within St. Catharines are encouraged to use the St. Catharines Game and Fish Association boat launch, located at 61 Lighthouse Road. For information on launch fees and access, please contact the St. Catharines Game and Fish Association directly. |
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Closure Timeline |
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Anticipated Start: Late Spring 2025 Expected Duration: Approximately one year The City appreciates your patience and cooperation during this time. We look forward to welcoming you back once the upgrades are complete. |
Stay Informed
The City is committed to keeping the community updated throughout the renovation process. Here’s how you can stay in the loop:
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Review the Council Report and Presentation from March 17, 2025
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Media Releases and Notices: Posted at Sunset Beach and online
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Webpage Updates: Check back here for the latest information
A Community Town Hall was held on May 6, 2025, hosted by Mayor Siscoe and Ward 5 Councillors.
Take a look at the project boards from the meeting:
Funding and Timeline
The Sunset Beach Renovation Project is made possible through a $4.4 million grant from the Province of Ontario, covering 73.33 per cent of eligible costs. The City is contributing $1.6 million, or 26.67 per cent, to bring the total project budget to $6.9 million. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 following a tender process, with completion targeted for March 2027.
Background
In 2019, the City completed the Sunset Beach Community Vision Study after extensive public consultation, setting the stage for these improvements. In 2023, Council secured provincial funding and hired Dillon Consulting Limited to design and oversee the project, ensuring it reflects community priorities and preserves Sunset Beach as a vital waterfront asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the Sunset Beach Renovation Project? |
| The Sunset Beach Renovation Project is a City of St. Catharines initiative to upgrade the park’s facilities, including parking lots, trails, the boat ramp, playground and shoreline protection. It’s guided by the 2019 Sunset Beach Community Vision Study and supported by a $4.4 million provincial grant. |
| What improvements are being made? |
| The project includes parking lot upgrades, trail and picnic table improvements, a new boat ramp, a replacement playground and shoreline protection to address aging infrastructure and environmental challenges. |
| Why is this renovation needed? |
| Many facilities at Sunset Beach are nearing the end of their service life and need repairs or replacement. The project also addresses challenges like fluctuating water levels, extreme weather and increased demand for recreational spaces. |
| When will construction start and finish? |
| Construction is expected to begin in May 2025, following a tender process in March 2025. The project must be completed by March 31, 2027, as per provincial funding requirements. |
| How will construction affect access to Sunset Beach? |
| Construction will occur in phases. From May 16, 2025, to May 14, 2026, the north end will be closed, but the south parking lot and beach will remain accessible. A full park closure, including the beach, is planned from Sept. 2, 2025, to May 14, 2026, for major work like the playground, south parking lot and beach edge upgrades. |
| Will there be changes to parking at Sunset Beach? |
| Yes, the project includes parking lot improvements. The north parking lot will be upgraded in Stage 1 (May 16, 2025 – May 14, 2026), and the south parking lot will be addressed during Stage 3 (September 2, 2025 – May 14, 2026). |
| What happens if construction delays occur? |
| The project must be completed by March 31, 2027, as specified by the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund. Any operational implications or delays will be reported back to Council as needed. |
| Are there environmental benefits to this project? |
| Yes, the project supports environmental stewardship by enhancing shoreline protection, preparing for climate change impacts like severe weather and preserving the area’s natural assets, as outlined in the St. Catharines Strategic Plan. |
| What is the Sunset Beach Community Vision Study? |
| It’s a study completed in 2019, endorsed by Council on July 15, 2019, that set the long-term plan for Sunset Beach improvements based on community input. It’s the foundation for the current renovation project. Read the study here. |
| How was the community involved in planning this project? |
| In 2019, the City completed the Sunset Beach Community Vision Study, which included extensive community engagement to determine the long-term framework for the park’s improvements. This vision guides the current renovation plans. |
| Who is designing and managing the construction? |
| Dillon Consulting Limited was hired through a formal Request for Proposal process in 2023 to develop the engineered designs and provide contract administration for the Sunset Beach Renovation Project. |
| Are there plans to expand access to Sunset Beach? |
| In 2019, Council directed the City to research land acquisition from Niagara Region for secondary access at the north end of the beach. Updates on this will be reported back to Council separately. |
| Where can I learn more or ask questions? |
| Attend the community town hall on April 29, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Port Weller Community Centre (1 Bogart St.), or contact the City at 905.688.5600. |
| How will the City communicate updates during construction? |
| Updates will be shared through a Council presentation (April 7, 2025), a community town hall (April 29, 2025), media releases, public notices at the beach and this webpage. |
| How is the project being funded? |
| The Province of Ontario is providing $4.4 million (73.33 per cent of eligible costs) through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The City is contributing $1.6 million (26.67 per cent), for a total project cost of $6.9 million. |
| Does this project affect my taxes? |
| There are no new financial implications with this update. The City’s $1.6 million contribution was previously approved in capital budgets from 2022 to 2024, alongside the $4.4 million provincial grant. |