News

House fire serves as reminder to practice caution when smoking

St. Catharines Fire Services is reminding residents to exercise caution in discarding smoking materials.

At 6:18 a.m. today, fire crews were called to a fire at a two-storey house on Maracay Way. The fire was brought under control and subsequent investigation showed the fire originated outside of the home, on a concrete patio underneath wood benches located directly adjacent to the house. The fire spread from the wood bench to the home and resulted in approximately $10,000 in damages.

“Improperly discarded...

Fires underscore importance of home fire safety

Two recent fires in the City serve as an important reminder to residents concerning the importance of safe practices when it comes to electrical appliances and the operation of barbecues and smokers.

Early last Friday morning, St. Catharines Fire Services responded to a home fire on Linlake Drive that caused $150,000 in damages and sent one resident to hospital. A subsequent investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario ascertained the source of the fire was a modified space heater in...

Chief Administrative Officer announces retirement

Long-term employee and City Chief Administrative Officer Shelley Chemnitz will retire in July 2021.

In 2017, Ms. Chemnitz became the City’s CAO after years of financial, administrative and leadership experience, previously serving as the Commissioner of Corporate Support Services and City Treasurer. “CAO Chemnitz has been an outstanding leader for our City – especially over the past nine months as we managed our way through COVID-19,” said Mayor Walter Sendzik. “She rose to the unprecedented challenges...

City to finish year in better fiscal health with Safe Restart funding

Today’s announcement from the Province of Ontario, providing a total of roughly $2.7 million in funding, will ensure the City finishes the year in good financial health, while providing a buffer for COVID-19 impacts on 2021 operations.

Today the Province announced allocations under the federal-provincial Safe Restart — Phase 2 program. In total $2.05 million was allocated under Phase 2 to St. Catharines, based on the City’s year-end 2020 financial forecasts submitted as part of its application in...

St. Catharines Fire Services igniting holiday safety initiatives

St. Catharines Fire Services are reminding residents to practice fire safety during the holiday season while participating in some fun online public engagement initiatives until Dec. 24.

 “I’m wishing for a fire-free holiday season this year, but I need residents to help make this come true,” said Fire Chief Jeff McCormick. “Typically fires happen when people get preoccupied, distracted, or let their guard down. With the busyness of the holidays, it is very easy to get distracted or...