City adapting flood recovery efforts with targeted supports for residents in need

The City of St. Catharines, working alongside community partners, is adapting temporary flood supports to meet the changing needs of residents as recovery continues.

Over the past several weeks, the City has invested in enhanced waste collection, supported residents in need through its Vulnerable Assistance Registry (VAR), and worked with partners to offer other emergency supports following extraordinary rainfall and widespread flooding events. This includes working with more than 600 individuals on the VAR to determine their needs and connect them to supports, helping residents direct thousands of tonnes of flood waste to landfill through enhanced waste collection, distributing about 300 dehumidifiers and cleaning kits to residents, and more.

As residents' immediate needs evolve and some temporary measures come to an end, the City's recovery efforts continue, including targeted support for residents still dealing with cleanup, insurance claims and flood-damaged items.

“We know recovery isn’t happening at the same pace for everyone,” said CAO David Oakes. “As temporary measures transition, we will continue connecting those who need help with available supports, while advocating for the resources our community needs to recover and become more resilient.”

Enhanced waste collection moving to targeted pickups

This is the final week for enhanced city-wide “take-all” curbside collection of flood-related waste.

For residents who are still working through cleanup or insurance claims, the City is introducing two additional targeted collection dates for flooding-related personal waste:

• Monday, Aug. 24: Register from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21 at noon.
• Monday, Aug. 31: Register from Aug. 24 to Aug. 28 at noon.

This service is for waste resulting from recent flooding only, and limited to residential collection. It is not for general household cleanup, business waste or waste generated by contractors.

Register for targeted collection by completing the online form at www.stcatharines.ca/july2026flooding or calling Citizens First at 905.688.5600 if you need assistance completing the form.

Residents who already have eligible flood waste at the curb do not need to register. Crews continue to work through a significant volume of material, and waste already set out will be collected as soon as possible.

For collection, flood waste must be placed within four feet of the curb or roadway. Removing tarps or plastic coverings (garbage bags are acceptable) makes it clear that materials are intended for collection, allows crews to safely see what they are handling and helps keep collection moving efficiently. Residents unable to place waste within four feet because of ditches, culverts or other obstructions should contact Niagara Region’s Waste Info Line at 1.800.594.5542.

Large bins will continue to be available at Bill Burgoyne Arena for St. Catharines residents who need to dispose of flood-related waste this week through to Saturday, Aug. 22, and next week, Monday, Aug. 24 to Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proof of residency is required.

Tipping fees will continue to be waived at Humberstone Landfill and Bridge Street Waste and Recycling Drop-off Depot until Aug. 29 (one pickup truck or trailer is the maximum load).

Community supports

The City will transition its temporary Vulnerable Assistance Registry (VAR) today (Aug. 19) to a more targeted approach as demand has levelled off. The registry was established following the flooding to identify and connect vulnerable residents needing additional assistance with available supports and community partners.

The City will be working with partner organizations, including Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, to help connect residents with resources based on their individual needs. Community Care has established a flood hotline to assist those requiring supports, including food security, cleaning supplies and household items (while supplies last). The flood hotline can be called at 905.984.8953.

The City also continues to work with partners at Team Rubicon Canada, deployed by Ontario Corps, and Samaritan’s Purse to support homeowners in need. Crews are working through the VAR list to determine what help is still required, and have helped with remediation and removal of debris from dozens of homes to date.

To support mental health needs in the community, residents continue to have access to ATTCH Niagara, deployed by Ontario Corps to support those impacted by the recent flooding with free trauma stabilization. Sessions with volunteer therapists from the ATTCH Niagara Trauma and Crisis Response Team can be done virtually or in person by booking a session at https://attchniagara.com/resources/niagara-flood-support/. The website also includes other free emergency resources residents can access.

Recovery work and FLAP Applications

The City continues to collaborate with other levels of government on flood recovery and longer-term resilience.

More than 3,500 applications and expressions of interest have been received through the City’s Flood Alleviation Program (FLAP), representing approximately $17 million in requested support. The City is developing a Temporary Emergency Flood Alleviation Program to provide a more efficient pathway for residents to complete eligible flood-protection work.

While funding is not guaranteed – a discussion on program funding is tentatively expected at the Aug. 24 City Council meeting – the City is trying to balance establishing a support program with the need for homeowners to move forward with work protecting their properties. Until funding is approved, anyone proceeding with work must understand reimbursement through the program is not guaranteed. Residents can learn more and apply at www.stcatharines.ca/emergencyflap.

The City also continues to assess impacts to municipal infrastructure and advocate to provincial and federal governments for support with recovery, flood alleviation and longer-term infrastructure and resilience needs. The City is wrapping up several days of discussions with provincial officials at the Association of Ontario Municipalities annual conference, where the flooding response and recovery was a major topic in meetings with a wide range of provincial officials and ministries.

“As some of the temporary measures put in place immediately following the flooding conclude, our recovery work continues,” said Oakes. “We remain focused on supporting residents, addressing impacts to City infrastructure and services, and preparing for the work ahead.”