2026 Flood Support Programs | City of St. Catharines

The City of St. Catharines recognizes the significant rain storms and flooding between July 21 and August 2 has impacted thousands of residents in every part of the city and that the weeks following the storms have been difficult for many.

City, regional and provincial support programs are available for residents who were impacted by significant rain fall on July 21, July 27-28 and August 2.

Vulnerable Assistance Registry

The City of St. Catharines recognizes the significant impacts the recent extreme rainfalls has had on residents, families and businesses across our community. The City is providing assistance to eligible residents who require support removing water and waste from their homes.

Complete the form below if you've been affected by flooding and need help. If you need assistance completing this form call Citizens First at 905.688.5600.

Complete the form

Volunteer Opportunities

Ontario Corps

Emergencies happen. When they do, Ontario needs people like you. Join thousands of volunteers who have signed up to help during emergencies. Ontario Corps can be mobilized to supplement local response efforts ensuring that every community gets the help it needs.

Learn more and volunteer with Ontario Corps.

Team Rubicon Canada

Ontario Corps partner Team Rubicon Canada is an international non-profit disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy volunteers, at no cost, to communities affected by disasters.

Learn more and volunteer with Team Rubicon Canada.

Samaritans Purse

Samaritans Purse is establishing similar disaster relief operations in the Town of Lincoln and is including St. Catharines in its support response.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Samaritan’s Purse Canada is deploying a Disaster Relief Unit, a tractor-trailer filled with relief equipment, to help families after massive floods across Ontario’s Niagara region.

Learn more and volunteer with Samariatan's Purse Canada.

Both volunteer organizations will prearrange appointments with residents for site visits and to complete work, will not show up unannounced and will never ask for money or donations.

Flood-related waste

Large bins are available for St. Catharines residents who need to dispose of flood-related waste August 10-15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following City facilities:

Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
Bill Burgoyne Arena

Proof of residency will be required.

Household hazardous waste is not accepted at the City's large bins. Learn more about drop off locations for household hazardous waste at permanent depots year round from the Niagara Region.

Temporary waste services due to flooding

Curbside garbage limits are lifted city-wide for flood-related waste until August 21 on your regular collection day. Flood-related waste can be placed at the curb even if it’s not your regular garbage collection week.

Residents are not required to book flood-waste related large items for curbside collection. There is no limit to the number of large items you can set out curbside on your scheduled collection day.

Tipping fees are waived at Humberstone Landfill and Bridge Street Waste and Recycling Drop-off Depot until Aug. 22 (one pickup truck or trailer is the maximum load)

Learn more about the Niagara Region's temporary waste services due to flooding webpage.

Reminders

Use extra care when disposing of flood-waste that may contain nails, screws, broken glass, sharp edges or other hazards.
Enhanced garbage collection is limited to flood-related waste. There's a lot to pick up and this helps crews move through neighbourhoods more quickly.

Emergency assistance

If you are experiencing financial hardship and need support with basic needs such as food or housing, you may be eligible for Ontario Works or Emergency Assistance through the provincial Ontario Works program.

Emergency Assistance is a Provincial program that provides short-term financial assistance to individuals or families experiencing an emergency who are not currently receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) financial assistance.

The provincial Emergency Assistance benefit may be considered where the situation has resulted in an immediate financial crisis and the individual or family does not have sufficient resources to meet essential basic or shelter needs.

Emergency Assistance is not a universal benefit available to everyone affected by flooding or other disasters. Applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements.

Learn more an apply

Resources

ATTCH Niagara

Offers flood-specific trauma and stabilization supports, including 1 to 2 complimentary stabilization sessions for those in acute need, along with free online trauma resources.

Learn more about ATTCH Niagara

Pathstone Mental Health

Offers child, youth and family mental health supports, including no-cost walk-in counselling and direct intake options.

Link to services:

Learn more about Pathstone Mental Health