The Yates Street Heritage District in the City of St. Catharines was first developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s along the banks of Twelve Mile Creek on land originally owned by William Hamilton Merritt. Yates Street is named after John B. Yates, an investor in the Welland Canal.
Heritage permits
If you own property in the Yates Street Heritage District, you may need to apply for a heritage permit before you starting any construction or renovation projects on your property.
Take a heritage walking tour
Explore the Yates Street Heritage District by taking one of our heritage walking tours. This is a great way to spend the afternoon while learning about the commercial and social history of the community.
Early spas on Yates Street
William Hamilton Merritt began building a mill along the shores of Twelve Mile Creek soon after moving to the area. It was there that he discovered an artesian well with mineral water flowing from a deep cavity in the earth. This water could be boiled, leaving behind salt residue – a valuable commodity at the time.
In later years, it was discovered that drinking or bathing in the mineral water could cure a variety of ailments. This prompted the development of two spa resorts on Yates Street – the Stephenson House and Springbank Hotel. Those with ailing health and vacationers from far and wide tested the healing powers of the mineral waters.
Yates and the Welland Canal
Starting in the early 1800s, many mills were constructed along Twelve Mile Creek that needed reliable access to water. As well, the Erie Canal was being designed in the United States, a waterway that would divert vessels away from local businesses in Upper Canada. Hoping to solve both problems, Merritt formed the Welland Canal Company in 1824.
The Company consisted of many investors, including John B. Yates, an entrepreneur from the United States. Yates Street in St. Catharines was named in his honour. The Canal was finished in 1829, bringing vessels through Twelve Mile Creek on their way to the Great Lakes.
History of the neighbourhood
In the following years, many important businesses made their home on the banks of the Welland Canal. These included the Taylor & Bate Brewery, Shickluna Shipyards, and St. Catharines Wheel Works. Yates Street was located very close to the new businesses so many of the mill owners and managers chose to live there. They were generally wealthy and therefore wanted large, elegant homes. A lot of the homes were constructed in elaborate styles such as Georgian and Tudor that are rarely seen in other parts of the City due to the large size and detailing required.
Over the years, the homeowners have preserved many of the trees on their property, creating the beautiful tree-lined streetscape we see today. Although the mills and other businesses ceased operation after a new route was chosen for the canal, the elegant residences remain, creating a beautiful eclectic neighbourhood.