Mayor Mat Siscoe ends veto period early; approves amended St. Catharines 2025-26 Budget

Mayor Mat Siscoe waived the mayoral veto period for the 2025-26 multi-year budget on Monday, finalizing the City of St. Catharines’ budget by accepting City Council amendments tabled Nov. 21. This marks the conclusion of the budget process under the Strong Mayor legislation introduced by the Province of Ontario in 2023.

“This year’s budget process was different, but it has led to more transparent and accountable decisions,” said Mayor Siscoe. “We’ve balanced maintaining services at their current levels with ensuring affordability for taxpayers.”

With the Council amendments, the approved 2025 budget reflects a 2.82 per cent increase on the City tax bill, slightly higher than the 2.71 per cent proposed in the mayor’s draft budget. For the average homeowner, this translates to a property tax increase of $49.01 (or 1.13 per cent) from the City. The full breakdown on the impact to the average residential property tax bill is:

• City levy increase: 1.13 per cent or $49.01
• Estimated Regional levy increase (incl. special levies): 5 per cent or $217.07
• Education levy increase: 0 per cent or $0

The total estimated property tax increase with all levies included is: 6.13 per cent or $266.07 (rounded).

Updates for 2025

Adjustments made as part of the readoption process since the initial approval of the multi-year budget earlier this year include:

• George Taylor Field Enhancements: $1.1 million to revitalize this important recreational space.
• Pickleball Courts Development: $900,000 to construct new courts, addressing growing demand in the community.
• Forestry Service Delivery Enhancements: $595,709 in combined operating and capital budget investments to bring forestry maintenance services in-house, including the addition of staff, equipment, and vehicles.
• Accessibility Coordinator: $123,000 operating investment to fund the return of a full-time permanent Accessibility Coordinator to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Arts and Culture Support: $73,500 added to the 2025 operating budget (funded from the Civic Project Fund, no impact on levy) to support RAiN in becoming a sustainable art gallery, and $51,500 (also Civic Project Fund) added to SCCIP funding to meet demand from local arts organizations.
• Speed Humps Installation: $50,000 to replace temporary speed humps with permanent installations on Cumberland Street, Beachaven Drive, and Bogart Street, pending neighbourhood feedback.
• Hanging Basket Program: $20,000 to continue this beautification initiative in public spaces.

2025 Budget Highlights

With the readoption of the budget, investments made in 2025 will support key initiatives to support community well-being and infrastructure renewal, including:

• Fire Station No. 3 Reconstruction: $7.5 million for the replacement of this critical facility, designed to align with net-zero and green-building goals.
• Port Dalhousie Outdoor Aquatics: $1.8 million for a new splash pad, sun shelter, and washroom facilities.
• Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre Renewal: More than $1.8 million for critical upgrades, including refrigeration system replacement.
• Road Resurfacing: More than $2.6 million in investments across the city to improve road conditions and infrastructure.
• Active Transportation Infrastructure: $1.24 million for projects across the city that will help advance the Active Transportation Master Plan, including cycling and pedestrian safety improvements.

“This budget reflects the City’s commitment to investing in our future while listening to residents’ needs,” added Mayor Siscoe. “With these investments, we’re building a city that is accessible, sustainable, and livable for everyone.”

For more information on the 2025-26 Budget, visit stcatharines.ca/Budget.