News

City rolls out tax relief for homeowners

City Council has approved the implementation of a Property Tax Penalty and Interest Relief Program to provide support to St. Catharines’ homeowners who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residential property owners who can demonstrate financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for relief from late payment penalties or interest charges during the five-month period between July 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020.

“This application-based program offers assistance...

City Council votes to enact mandatory mask by-law, effective Friday

The City is adding masks to its toolkit in the fight against COVID-19, with a new mandatory masks by-law coming into effect this Friday.

City Council passed a by-law Monday requiring owners and/or operators of enclosed public spaces, to require mask use by those entering their establishments, in addition to the provision of hand sanitizer at entrances. The move comes as the City attempts to move forward with its STC Framework for Recovery, while taking steps to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 transmission...

City beaches closed at dusk effective immediately

Update, July 3, 2020: Since the initial closure of beaches at dusk the City has provided further clarification of beach operation times, and control measures. Beaches will only be open 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., including parking lot gates. Social distancing requirements, maximum groups of 10 and parking where prohibited will be enforced with tickets being issued.

 

 

The City is moving to address ongoing issues at its beaches with several actions, including overnight closures of these...

Significant transit investment on the way to St. Catharines and Niagara

Millions of dollars will pour into the City’s transit infrastructure in the years ahead, flowing from Federal, Provincial and municipal streams.

On Thursday morning, politicians from across Niagara gathered virtually to announce investments totalling more than $78 million dollars into 31 public transit projects across the region. Eleven of those projects, representing an investment of more than $41.2 million, will be directed to transit in St. Catharines.

More than $16.5 million Federal; $13.7 million...

St. Catharines’ beaches are back with new safe swimming initiative

As the City of St. Catharines is now in Stage 2 of its STC Framework for Recovery, beaches will open to the public on Friday, June 26. The reopening will coincide with a new safety initiative to protect swimmers from personal watercraft, which will be rolled out at St. Catharines’ beaches during the next few weeks.

Up until this point, beaches were officially open only for walking through. Starting Friday, everyone will be able to soak up the sun at Lakeside Park and Sunset beaches. They will be groomed...