Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Study

The City launched a land use study of the Ontario Street corridor from the QEW in the north to Welland Avenue in the south, leading into the downtown core.

The study guides future decisions for land use in that area of the city. The corridor includes the long-standing industrial properties at 282 and 285 Ontario St. (former General Motors manufacturing site), was a central focus of the study and for future redevelopment opportunities.

On May 30, 2022, Council endorsed terms of reference to undertake the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Study. The study terms of reference identifies study area boundaries and key elements of the study, including context, planning framework, guiding principles and objectives, study management, public engagement, deliverables, and timeline.

After the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan project was paused in April 2024, Mayor Mat Siscoe issued a mayoral directive on Nov. 6, 2025, to reinstate the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan study with the goal of bringing the proposed plan to Council for consideration by November 2026. The City has hired NPG Planning Solutions, and work has resumed on the project.

Public Engagement

On Monday, November 2, 2026, St. Catharines City Council approved the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan, marking a significant milestone in establishing a long-term vision for the future of the corridor.

Council adopted an Official Plan Amendment to establish the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan, providing a comprehensive planning framework to guide future development, redevelopment and revitalization of the area. 

The Plan establishes detailed policies to guide land use, housing and intensification, environmental remediation, built form and urban design, transportation and active transportation, parks and open spaces, natural heritage, infrastructure and public realm improvements. Together, these policies support the long-term transformation of the corridor into a more connected, complete and sustainable community while recognizing the character of surrounding neighbourhoods.

The City extends its appreciation to residents, landowners, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders who participated in the study process. Feedback received throughout the public engagement process helped inform the development and refinement of the Secondary Plan.

The final version of the Ontario Street Corridor Plan background study is now available on EngageSTC