News

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...

City passes 2021 budget with 1.86 per cent tax increase for average homeowner

Despite the financial impacts of COVID-19 on its operations the City is utilizing alternate funding streams and reducing expenses in the year ahead, to ensure residents aren’t hit with a heavy financial burden in 2021.

On Monday, City Council approved the 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets, representing a 1.86 per cent increase to the municipal portion of property tax in the year ahead for the median home. The modest increase comes as the City continues to see an upswing in operational costs and decreased...

Virtual fun with St. Catharines Museum holiday programming

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre has got parents covered when it comes to keeping young minds active and engaged over the holiday break.

Holiday programming at the museum will move online this year, with three different, discovery-based, virtual clubs engaging children in high-energy learning and exploration at home.

Children aged 5 to 7 can register for the Jr. Engineers Club to learn all about transportation and Welland Canal operations with movement-based activities and crafts.

For...

Geneva Street property on the market for affordable-housing development

 

The former home of the City’s Community, Recreation and Culture Services department, will be the future home of residents seeking an affordable place to live.

After being declared surplus by the City, the property at 320 Geneva St. was listed for sale this week. The 3.9-acre property is currently occupied by a 9,358-square-foot building that until recently housed Community, Recreation and Culture Services (CRCS) administrative offices and vehicle bays. With CRCS administration moving downtown,...