City of St Catharines celebrates grand reopening of Sunset Beach

A community vision has come to life at Sunset Beach, where extensive improvements have transformed the waterfront destination with new amenities, enhanced accessibility and environmental features designed to protect the shoreline for years to come.

The long-awaited reopening comes after undergoing a $6.9-million renovation project.

Guided by the 2019 Sunset Beach Community Vision Study and supported by a $4.4 million grant from the Government of Ontario, this renovation aims to protect, restore and enhance the park while preserving its unique character and natural assets.

“Our government is proud to support local infrastructure projects that lay the foundation for strong, resilient communities and make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “The renovation of Sunset Beach in St. Catharines is part of Ontario’s $236 billion capital plan over the next decade to build and expand infrastructure that will help keep workers on the job and support economic growth.”

“Sunset Beach has been a favourite waterfront destination for families in St. Catharines for generations,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “With the redevelopment of this recreational space complete – including provincial funding to support improvements of the parking lot, boat ramp, and existing park amenities, as well as shoreline protection efforts – this iconic city beach will continue to serve local residents for years to come.”

“Sunset Beach belongs to the community and this transformation reflects what residents told us they wanted it to be,” said St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. “Thanks to the Government of Ontario's partnership and investment, we've been able to protect this treasured waterfront space while creating a more accessible, welcoming and vibrant destination for everyone.”

Renovations at the Sunset Beach property include:

·         A new playground, the largest in the city’s history.

·         A reconstructed boat launch and launch for non-motorized watercraft.

·         A separate pedestrian walkway at the main entrance.

·         Beach walk, a concrete path connecting the parking lot and beach, including new fallen log habitats adjacent to the walk.

·         A newly paved and expanded parking area of approximately 185 spaces, increased from the original 150.

·         New accessible picnic tables, located along the paved path near the playground and washroom facility and under the sun shelter.

·         New benches.

·         New mobi-mats.

·         New lounge chairs located along the beach walk.

·         A maintenance compound and associated amenities to support operations.

In addition to the new and renovated assets, the Sunset Beach project also includes a range of environmental and Low Impact Development (LID) features designed to improve stormwater management, protect the shoreline and enhance the natural environment.

• Shoreline protection measures have been implemented to help reduce erosion and protect land along the lake from wave action. Features such as armour stone, structural elements and plantings help stabilize the shoreline and support the long-term resilience of the beach area.
• Bioretention areas have been planted to collect and manage rainwater runoff. The soil and vegetation help filter pollutants from the water before it is released into Lake Ontario.
• Fallen log habitat features have been incorporated to support local biodiversity by providing shelter and habitat for insects and other small wildlife.
• Rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to capture rainwater runoff and allow it to slowly infiltrate into the ground, helping to improve water quality and reduce runoff volumes.
• Tree trenches are designed to store stormwater underground, where it can be absorbed by trees and surrounding soils. This helps support tree growth, encourage infiltration and reduce surface runoff.
• A bioswale has been included to help convey and manage stormwater runoff. As water moves through the planted swale, vegetation and soil help slow flows, promote infiltration and improve water quality.

Together, these features help improve stormwater management, support shoreline resilience, enhance habitat and contribute to the long-term environmental sustainability of Sunset Beach.

“These improvements are about creating a better experience for everyone who visits Sunset Beach while ensuring the park remains sustainable for years to come. It's a project that balances recreation, accessibility and environmental stewardship,” said Phil Cristi, Director of Community, Recreation and Culture Services. “Residents will notice exciting new amenities, improved accessibility, enhanced connections to the waterfront and environmental features working behind the scenes to manage stormwater, protect the shoreline and support local ecosystems.”

An overview of the renovation, including aerial footage showcasing the various updates over the last several months, can be found at www.stcatharines.ca/sunsetrenos.

A reminder that paid parking is in effect for Sunset Beach (and Lakeside Park) until September 30.

•      Sunset Beach: $3.25 per hour, or $20 flat daily rate

•      Lakeside Beach: $3.25 per hour with a three-hour maximum

•      Exceeding time limits will result in a penalty notice.

St. Catharines residents can purchase a beach parking permit, which allows no daily time limit at the Lakeside Park and Sunset Beach parking lots. See www.stcatharines.ca/beachparking for more information.