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The City of St. Catharines will be closing facilities at noon today (Friday, Dec. 23) due to the winter storm. The following facilities will be affected:
- City Hall, Enterprise Centre and administrative offices
- St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
- Russell Avenue Community Centre and Port Weller Community Centre
- The Dunlop Drive and West St. Catharines Older Adult Centres
- St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
- Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
- Bill Burgoyne Arena
In anticipation of poor conditions, the St. Catharines Farmers Market will also be cancelled tomorrow (Dec. 24).
All meetings, programs and scheduled activities are cancelled. All branches of the St. Catharines Public Library and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre will also close at noon, and programming for the day has been cancelled. Meridian Centre has also closed its doors today.
The City will, however, be opening a warming centre from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Market Square today to protect vulnerable populations in the community. This is being offered to help complement any community support services ahead of the Out of the Cold program taking effect later this evening.
Environment Canada’s winter storm warning for St. Catharines remains in effect, with extreme winds, with the potential of gusts up to 100-110 km/h, snowfall amounts expected anywhere between 5 and 15 cm by Saturday morning, wind-chill values into the minus 20s, and the potential for icy and slippery surfaces due to the overnight rain freezing as temperatures dropped. The mix of wind and snow can result in visibility being reduced to near zero at times, and the risk of power outages. Avoid travelling today if you can.
Given the conditions and the challenges they may create, the City has declared a significant weather event. As per the Ontario Municipal Act, a municipality may declare a significant weather event when a weather hazard, either forecasted or occurring, has the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the roadways over which they have authority. This declaration suspends the standard timelines required for municipalities to meet their winter maintenance objectives but does not mean a reduction in services. The City’s full complement of plows are out across the City, but please be patient as crews for their best to address this challenging storm. At present no parking prohibitions are in place, but those who are able to avoid parking on the road are encouraged to do so to allow crews to work efficiently.
To report unsafe, slippery dangerous conditions, fallen tree limbs and other roads and sewer issues, including backups, call 905.688.5600.
Emergency services such as St. Catharines Fire Services are not affected by the closure. Residents are reminded that 911 is to be used for emergency situations only. Power outages are to be reported to Alectra Utilities at 905.684.8111 or online.
The City will continue to provide updates on its winter control efforts via its social media accounts, and any service disruptions and changes will be announced on the City’s website.
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