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City will open Market Square again for warming centre on Saturday
The City of St. Catharines has announced all facilities will remain closed on Saturday, Dec. 24, in anticipation of poor conditions due to the winter storm.
This follows the early closure of all facilities on Dec. 23. While administrative offices were scheduled to be closed as part of usual business hours, the City has decided to close the following facilities, and cancel all programming, on Dec. 24:
- 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
The St. Catharines Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday has also been cancelled. The Discovery Table activities that were to take place will be rescheduled to the final market of the season, on Thursday, Dec. 29. The market will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day, but Discovery Table activities – including free hot apple cider and kids’ crafts – will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The City will once again open Market Square as a warming centre on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to support vulnerable populations in the community. This is being offered to help complement any community support services ahead of the Out of the Cold program.
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. The mix of wind and snow can result in visibility being reduced to near zero at times, and the risk of power outages. The City’s significant weather event declaration remains in place due to these conditions, so avoid travel if you can.
A full complement of City crews continue their efforts this afternoon to address the snow, and drifting due to the high winds, across the City. Municipal Works staff have also been dealing with isolated issues such as downed trees. Another shift of City crews is scheduled to continue operations through the overnight hours. With the storm expected to last through Saturday morning, we continue to ask for the community’s patience, as the high winds mixed with the snow continue to make efforts a challenge on the main roads.
To report unsafe, slippery dangerous conditions, fallen tree limbs and other roads and sewer issues, including backups, call 905.688.5600.
A reminder that while no parking prohibitions are in place at this time, please refrain from parking on the roads if you can to assist City crews with their snow removal efforts.
A reminder that 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 and any service disruptions via its social media accounts and on its website.
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