News

City waives 2021 licence fees for certain types of businesses

St. Catharines City Council has approved the waiving of business licence fees for 2021 to assist a number of businesses including restaurants, theatres and public halls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Council recognizes the challenges local businesses have experienced during the ongoing pandemic. Small businesses are vital to the backbone of our economy and this is just one of the few tools the City has to support them and try to reduce the financial burden," said Mayor Walter Sendzik. "This is a small,...

Online open house underway for draft Aquatic Facilities Strategy

Residents can now review the draft of the City’s Aquatic Facilities Strategy, engage staff on the document and provide their feedback with the launch of an online open house.

The development of an Aquatic Facilities Strategy will guide the City’s development of aquatic facilities such as outdoor pools, indoor aquatic centres and splash pads over the next 10 years. Building on prior community surveys, demographic projections and an in-depth examination of current facilities the draft points to increased...

Nominations open for 2021 St. Catharines Arts Awards

Nominations are now open for the City’s annual celebration of the creative individuals who bolster the community’s cultural landscape, and those who support them.

Online nominations are being accepted for the 2021 St. Catharines Arts Awards. The City of St. Catharines is looking to the public for help in celebrating the arts community through nominations of artists and those who champion them. Local artists, residents, businesses, volunteers, patrons and organizations are eligible to be nominated...

City funding available for community gardens

Green thumbs get ready! The City of St. Catharines is providing funding for community gardens to take root.

Incorporated charities and not-for-profit groups looking to build or expand a community garden can apply for matching funds from the City to cover up to half of eligible start-up costs, including lumber, soil, seeds, rain barrels and other materials and equipment.

“Community gardens offer many benefits beyond access to healthy food, including physical activity, opportunities for people to teach...

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...