News

New dedicated fund to mitigate budget impacts on taxpayers approved

To prepare for future challenges, the City of St. Catharines plans to enhance its budget process and will create a dedicated fund to mitigate the impact of the municipal budget on taxpayers.
“With the creation of a special Tax Mitigation Fund, Council and the City are committed to assisting our residents, our taxpayers, as we prepare for the financial challenges ahead,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe, following a meeting of Council Monday. “We plan to continue to not only identify but implement...

August 7 long weekend heats up in St. Catharines

Residents of St. Catharines have a variety of options for how to fill their days during the Civic Holiday long weekend. Please see below for what is open, closed, and special events that are taking place.

Lakeside Park Carousel

The historic Lakeside Park Carousel will be open for its regular hours (11 a.m. until 8 p.m.) all weekend, including Aug. 7. The price remains five cents per ride or admission by donation. More information can be found at stcatharines.ca/carousel.

Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm

Investigation leads to charges for downtown landlord

A downtown landlord has been convicted under the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code after an investigation led to the discovery of building code issues, missing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and other infractions at two downtown rental properties.

One of the properties is a problematic building at 412 to 414 St. Paul Street. The landlord was charged with ‘Failing to Comply with an Order’ laid under the Ontario Building Code and received a fine of $7,500.

“We take...

City launches new 12-month payment plan for property taxes

The City of St. Catharines has recently implemented a new tax billing system with enhanced functionality, accompanied by the introduction of a 12-month Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) plan.

This innovative payment option aims to provide property owners with greater flexibility and convenience in managing their property taxes.

The 12-month PAP plan offers an alternative payment and budgeting solution, allowing property owners to spread their tax payments over a year. Notably, the City is waiving the...

Affordable housing on the way at 320 Geneva

The City of St. Catharines, Niagara Region, and Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) are pleased to announce development plans at 320 Geneva St. in St. Catharines, with the goal of building more than 80 units of supportive and affordable housing over three phases, pending Regional Council’s final approval on July 20, 2023.

“I am excited to see this property moving forward on the goals expressed by both the last term of Council and this term of Council,” said St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. “It has been...