Martindale Pond Weir Study

The Project

The City of St. Catharines has initiated a study to evaluate and recommend a long-term solution for the Martindale Pond Weir, located on Twelve Mile Creek between Lakeport Road and the Harbour Walkway Trail.

Constructed in approximately 1887, the masonry overflow weir has been the subject of several previous condition and dam safety assessments. The purpose of this study is to assess existing conditions, develop and evaluate alternative solutions, recommend a preferred solution, and mitigate any potential negative environmental impacts associated with the proposed works.

Study Area

The Martindale Pond Weir is located on Twelve Mile Creek at the north end of Martindale Pond, between Lakeport Road and the Harbour Walkway Trail. The weir was originally constructed as an overflow weir for Lock 1 of the Third Welland Canal and consists of a stone masonry structure with four spillway bays and timber stop logs.

The study is specifically focused on the Martindale Pond Weir, however will give due consideration to the surrounding Twelve Mile Creek, Martindale Pond, adjacent Heywood Generating Station, and surrounding municipal lands and infrastructure. The Heywood Generating Station is located approximately 50 m east of the weir and currently uses flows from Martindale Pond for power generation. The Study will consider existing environmental, social, cultural, technical and economic conditions within the study area when developing and evaluating alternative solutions.

Process

This Notice signals the commencement of the study, which will define the problem / opportunity, identify and evaluate alternative solutions, and determine a preferred solution in consultation with the City of St. Catharines, regulatory agencies, Indigenous communities, affected stakeholders and the general public.

Public and review agency consultation is a key element of the process and input will be sought throughout the Study. Three Public Information Centres (PICs) are anticipated, which will provide opportunities for members of the public to review project information and alternative solutions and provide comments. 

At the conclusion of the Study, findings will be documented in a Project File Report, which will be made available for a minimum of 30 calendar days for public review and comment. A Notice of Study Completion will be issued at that stage.

Public Engagement

Residents are invited to join us at our first Community Visioning Open House to learn more about the project and share ideas. The meeting will be an open house drop-in format with no formal presentation. Staff will be on-site to hear comments and answer questions.

The first Public Information Centre is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026. 

It will take place at Port Dalhousie Lions Club (201 Main Street, St. Catharines). Information boards will also be available on the project website following the PIC. Online comment forms will be available for feedback from November 5 to December 3, 2026.

The public will be notified of additional consultation opportunities through the City’s website and other appropriate notification methods. Comments received will be reviewed and their consideration documented in the Project File Report. Except for personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact the Project Team members identified below:

City of St. Catharines

Lee Robinson, P.Eng.
Project Manager,
50 Church St.
PO Box 3012
St. Catharines, Ontario 
L2R 7C2
905.980.6580
lrobinson@stcatharines.ca

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