Community and Cultural Displays Program

Through this initiative, organizations within St. Catharines can apply to showcase displays that highlight cultural, social, environmental, and economic contributions. Displays will be featured at one of two select locations (City Hall and Montebello Park) on a first-come, first-served basis. This program reflects our commitment to supporting community engagement and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Applications

Applications are submitted online. If you require an alternative format for accessibility, please contact Citizens First.

Future intakes will open on Nov. 1 for the next calendar year and must be submitted eight weeks prior to the requested event date.

Please note, you will require photos of your proposed display for the application. Have them ready to upload as part of the process. To fulfill insurance requirements, you will also need to select whether you plan to provide a certificate of insurance for your display, or whether you wish to request to purchase insurance through the City.

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Eligibility Criteria

The following criteria apply to requests for Community and Cultural Displays on City Property.

Requests will only be accepted through the online intake form. Applicants requiring an alternate format for accessibility reasons may contact Citizens First.

General Requirements

Requests must:

Be submitted directly by the organization who owns and operates the display.

Be made at least eight weeks in advance of the requested installation date.

Be from an organization that resides and operates within the municipal boundaries of St. Catharines.

Be consistent with the City’s commitment to create an environment of equity and equality in government and community for all people regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, disability, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family status, immigrant status, receipt of public assistance, political affiliation, religious affiliation, level of literacy, language and / or socio-economic status.

Provide background information about the organization, cause or event and its specific significance for the City of St. Catharines.

Relate to an organization, cause or event that contributes to the economic, social, environmental and / or cultural fabric of St. Catharines.

Pertain to causes or organizations and not specific individuals.

Include information regarding the display, including size, materials and photos as indicated on the application form.

Only be submitted once per year from a single organization. Requests with repeat occurrences will not be accepted. Organizations seeking repeat occurrences are required to resubmit requests on an annual basis.

Requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and requests and / or preferred locations may be denied based on availability.

To allow for availability for multiple groups within the City, requests for display installations longer than 30 days will not be accepted. Requests for extensions may be considered when sites remain available within two weeks of the extension request.

Applicants must assume liability for displays on City property and must complete a permit and provide insurance to the City’s satisfaction. To ensure fairness and transparency for all applicants, the terms of the City’s permit shall be non-negotiable.

Eligible Requests Include:

Causes or events within the City of St. Catharines that may include:
- Public awareness and education campaigns
- Charitable fundraising campaigns
- Arts, athletic, historical, and cultural celebrations
- Religious events and / or observances
Recognition of an organization within the City of St. Catharines that has achieved national or international distinction or has made a significant contribution to the City of St. Catharines.
Provincially, federally and/or United Nations recognized causes and events that stand against hate related to faith-based or other groups in the St. Catharines community.
Special recognitions and honours at the discretion of the Mayor and/or City Council.

Ineligible Requests Include

Matters of controversial, ideological, or individual conviction.
Events, observances or celebrations pertaining to political states other than Canada.
Political events or observances, including requests related to political parties and candidates in any election.
Events or organizations with no direct connection to the City of St. Catharines.
Campaigns or events that are contrary to City policies and/or by-laws.
Campaigns or events intended for profit-making purposes.
Memorial requests for individuals, unless in conjunction with a broader cause (for example, the Terry Fox Run, Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Personal or private observances including but not limited to anniversaries and birthdays.
Topics that are contentious, inappropriate, offensive and/or carry potential reputational risk to the City.
Content or community group affiliations that are inconsistent with the City’s commitment to create an environment of equity and equality in the government and in the community for all people regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, disability, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family status, immigrant status, receipt of public assistance, political affiliation, religious affiliation, level of literacy, language and/or socio-economic status.

Functional Display Requirements

The following are the functional requirements for displays:

Displays must be constructed and installed in a manner that is consistent with outdoor installation and to withstand weather elements.

The maximum size for displays is 8 feet wide x 4 feet deep x 15 feet tall.

Displays containing offensive, graphic, or inappropriate messages or imagery are not permitted. Displays that contravene this requirement will be removed, regardless of whether part of the design or added through vandalism.

Displays shall not include speakers or noise emitting devices of any kind.

Displays may be illuminated in a manner that does not interfere with City business, neighbouring properties nor traffic. Strobe lighting is not permitted. The City reserves the right to discontinue the use of lighting and/or introduce fees for electricity use.

Applicants assume all responsibility for ownership, storage, and construction of displays.

Applicants install displays at their own risk and the City does not assume responsibility for theft, damage, nor vandalism to displays. The City will not entertain any requests for repairs nor compensation for any displays installed on City property.

Installations must comply with all applicable laws and by-laws.

The City reserves the right to remove displays that are deemed to be unstable or unsafe.

The City reserves the right to remove displays that are damaged and/or vandalized.

Applicants must assume liability for displays on City property and must complete a permit and provide insurance to the City’s satisfaction. To ensure fairness and transparency for all applicants, the terms of the City’s permit shall be non-negotiable.

If concerns arise regarding public safety or potential damage to City property, requests may be cancelled or displays removed at the sole discretion of City staff.

Successful Applicants

A list of successful applicants, including display locations and dates, will be provided here as applications are approved.


Applicant	Cultural Event / Significant Date Being Observed	Display Site	Display Date(s)
Catholic Women's League, St. Catharines Knights of Columbus, The St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral of St Catharines	Christmas	City Hall	December 10 - January 10