News

City secures $25.7 million from federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund

On Jan. 17, 2024, St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle announced an investment of $25.7 million to boost housing supply in St. Catharines. The funding is through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a $4 billion initiative that offers financial support to local governments for expediting the development of new homes.

“This is fantastic news for the City of St. Catharines. The Housing Accelerator Fund is set to support the City in implementing a range of...

HonkMobile Payment System now online at Ontario Street Parking Garage

The City has added the Ontario Street Parking Garage to the list of cashless parking facilities in St. Catharines as the City works towards streamlining parking operations.

Effective immediately, patrons using the popular garage will experience the efficient and user-friendly method for parking payments without the need for cash.

“We have the opportunity to use our existing HonkMobile system as a cashless option for patrons as we explore alternatives for a new system,” said Kathryn Hannah,...

Dec. 7 fire caused by lithium-ion batteries

An investigation by St. Catharines Fire Services has determined that a fire on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at a residence on St. Paul Street, was started by lithium-ion batteries. 

The fire has been ruled accidental, and one person who was injured in the fire remains in hospital. 

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in devices such as smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, e-cigarettes, and toys. 

“As we all utilize so many rechargeable devices in our homes, St. Catharines Fire Services would like to take...

St. Catharines Fire Services adds new dispatch partners

St. Catharines Fire Services (SCFS) is proud to welcome two more emergency dispatch partners. As part of new Fire Dispatch Services agreements, SCFS is now providing emergency call-taking and dispatch services to Hastings County and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. 

Hastings County, the second largest county in Ontario, is comprised of 14 municipalities including Centre Hastings, Bancroft, Madoc Township, Tweed and Deseronto. Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte is a First Nations Reserve, located east of...

Arts and culture funding approved by Council

The City of St. Catharines continues to invest in the city’s vibrant arts and culture sector. At their meeting Nov. 27, City Council approved the final rounds of St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) funding for this year. The total allocation is for $82,215. 

The funds will be distributed to applicants through the Sustaining – Festival Program, Arts Development Program and Culture Builds Community Program. The approvals bring the total SCCIP funding allocated in 2023 to $401,400.