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
The Ontario Street Corridor Plan background study is now available on EngageSTC, and will be the topic of an open house on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the Concord and Chardonnay Room of the Holiday Inn and Suites, 327 Ontario St. in St. Catharines. The open house begins at 5:30 p.m., with display materials available for viewing, and a presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m., with breakout discussions to follow.
The findings of the Background Study will help guide the future development of the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan area and support the creation of a long-term vision for the corridor that reflects community priorities and planning objectives.
Visit engagestc.ca/OntarioStreetStudy to learn more and ask the project team any questions or clarifications.