The Civic Holiday is Monday, Aug. 2, and while there will be some closures on the holiday, there is still plenty to do this long weekend. Here is a roundup of some of the activities to enjoy, along with some of the closures that will take place:

Pools and splash pads

The pools at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, as well as the Port Dalhousie, Lincoln Park and Lion Dunc Schooley outdoor pools and all City splash pads will be open throughout the weekend, including the Civic Holiday on Monday. Please note, advance registration is required for some facilities and activities, there are capacity limits and pools will be closed regularly for cleaning. Regular admission and supervision standards are in effect. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/aquatics for information on schedules, admission fees, as well as regulations and requirements in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Beaches

St. Catharines Sunset, Lakeside Park and Jones Beaches remain open for use. The City recommends visitors check the region’s beach water testing for water conditions before swimming. Capacity limits are in effect, and parking is limited. A reminder that paid parking remains in place at Lakeside Park and Sunset Beach for anyone without a resident beach parking pass. Vehicles will be fined or towed for parking where prohibited. Please note that barbecues, smoking and alcohol are not allowed on St. Catharines beaches and guests may be subject to search upon entry. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/beaches for more details, including the location of free offsite parking.

St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre will be open all weekend, as well as Civic Holiday Monday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with intermittent closures for enhanced cleaning. Admission is by donation. Visit www.stcatharinesmuseum.ca for more information, including details on mask and screening requirements.

The museum is also holding a virtual opening for its latest exhibition, North is Freedom: The Legacy of the Underground Railroad. The event will take place Sunday, Aug. 1, as part of the Museum’s 2021 Emancipation Day celebrations. The virtual opening will be streamed via YouTube at 2 p.m., and will also be available to replay afterwards, on the Museum’s YouTube page. Details can be found at www.stcatharines.ca/northisfreedomopening.

Garden City Golf Course

Golfers can swing on by the Garden City Golf Course this holiday weekend, but they must reserve a tee time in advance. The City-run golf course will be open from 7 a.m. to dusk all weekend, including Monday. However, enhanced health and safety processes are in place, so visit www.stcatharines.ca/golf for more information and to book a tee time.

Lakeside Park Carousel

Take a spin on the Lakeside Park Carousel over the weekend, including Monday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Intermittent stoppages will take place for enhanced cleaning. Masks are required for all users aged over 10. Admission by donation. For more information visit stcatharines.ca/Carousel.

Morningstar Mill

Morningstar Mill, which reopened earlier this month, will be open Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Monday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only the historic grist mill itself will be open for tours. Masks are required, and capacities will be reduced to allow for physical distancing. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/morningstarmill for details. The grounds around the heritage buildings and the trail system adjacent to the mill, are also open for use. Hiking in off-trail areas, including watercourses, can pose serious risks and is not advised.

Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the animals, and the new playground, at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm this weekend. The park itself is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, with the farm animals available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park, which also includes a picnic area and trails along the shore of Lake Ontario, is located at 650 Read Rd.

As a reminder to residents, anyone wishing to locate City parks, playgrounds playing fields and courts throughout the City can do so using the City’s parks module. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/parks for a map of amenities, including a description of each location.

Closures

The following City facilities will be closed on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, for the Civic Holiday:

• St. Catharines City Hall (including the Citizens First customer service desk)
• The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre
• Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, Bill Burgoyne Arena and Garden City Arena Complex
• The City’s outdoor sports fields are closed for bookings
• Dunlop Drive, Port Dalhousie and West St. Catharines older adult centres are closed

• Port Weller Community Centre and Russell Avenue Community Centre are closed this weekend, although Russell Avenue remains open for washroom access only.

• Victoria Lawn Cemetery offices (visitation is always available from dawn to dusk)

Report fallen trees, park maintenance, road and sidewalk issues, blocked catch basins or sewer backups, by calling 905.688.5600, or to citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca. Report power outages to Alectra Utilities at 905.684.8111.

St. Catharines Transit will be operating on a holiday service schedule on Monday, Aug. 2 for the Civic Holiday. Transit returns to its regular schedule on Tuesday, Aug. 3. St. Catharines Transit’s administration office will also be closed Monday, Aug. 2.

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Contact:

citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca