The City of St. Catharines maintains and repairs the city's street system in the community. This includes maintenance on streets, sidewalks, curbs and driveways. Learn about our snow removal process for how we keep roads cleared during the winter season.

Report a damaged pothole, sidewalk or curb

To report a damaged pothole, sidewalk or curb on a City-owned street, call the City at 905.688.5600 so we can assess the damage. You can also report the issue using our online reporting form.

For potholes, please refer to our map to determine if the street is maintained by the City of St. Catharines or Niagara Region. If the pothole is maintained by Niagara region, call 905.980.6000.

Apply to make changes to your driveway

If you plan to make alterations to your driveway or want to add a new driveway, you must fill out one of these applications:

Please note, these applications don't apply to new homes or building construction. Contact the Planning and Building Services department if you're building a new home.

If you have any questions about your application, contact Citizens First.

Fees

You are required to pay an application fee along with these additional fees (if applicable):

Application A or B - $134.45
Curb cut - $31.50 per metre of curb cut (minimum charge is 1 linear metre)
Culvert installation - $319.05 (minimum charge of four linear metres and subject to change due to culvert size and type)

All fees are paid prior to scheduling and completing the work. Curb cutting and culvert installation work is managed by the City's Municipal Works department.

Streets

The City patrols all City-owned streets for repair as required by the Minimum Maintenance Standards Inspection Program. Streets are maintained by Niagara Region and the City.

Potholes

During the winter months, potholes are filled with cold mix asphalt until spring when proper repairs are completed.

Potholes start to form when temperatures fluctuate. When water seeps into the road and temperatures drop, the water turns to ice which expands the road. When vehicles drive over the weakened area of the asphalt, potholes begin to form.

Street cleaning

Learn about our street cleaning process, our schedules and what you can do to help.

Road resurfacing process

Road resurfacing is when old pavement and concrete on the road is removed and replaced. This process helps keep our roads in good shape and safe to drive on. Learn about the steps it takes to resurface roads in the City to understand the process.

Please note, the timelines to complete each step of the road resurfacing process depend on the streets and resources involved.

Prep work

Paint is used to identify sections of concrete which need to be replaced, as well as underground utility locations.

Removal

Damaged concrete is removed and the area is prepped for the new concrete.

New concrete

Forms are setup so new concrete can be poured.

Sub drain, if required

A trench is dug just in front of the curb and a drainage pipe is installed. This is only done on roads that do not have existing sub drains.

Milling

The old pavement surface is ground using a milling machine. This process usually takes one day. Parking restrictions will be in place during this time.

Adjust appurtenances

Sewer access holes and catch basins are raised to match the same level as the new pavement.

Tack coat

An oil product is applied prior to paving. The oil helps the new asphalt pavement stick.

Paving

A layer of new asphalt is applied. Sometimes more than one layer of pavement may be required to make the pavement level with the gutter

Reinstatements

Damaged driveways are repaired and topsoil and sod are placed. The area is cleaned up, and construction signs and barricades are removed.

Crack sealing roads

Crack sealing is completed on roads that are at least three years old and takes a few hours to complete. Traffic can travel over crack sealing once the sealant has dried. Crack sealing is scheduled throughout the summer construction season from May to October. Work is completed on Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What is crack sealing?

Crack sealing is a cost-effective method that prolongs the lifespan of the asphalt with permanent seals. It restores the road at the surface to keep out excess water or moisture from the asphalt or concrete and prevent further cracking and deterioration of city streets.

Crack sealing process

Crack sealing is completed by:

Crack is identified
Routing machine may be used to make the crack s a uniform depth and width
Dust and debris are cleared from the crack
Sealant is poured and tooled into the crack
Sealant has set and can be driven on

What to expect during crack sealing projects

There are minor impacts to traffic and use of the road during crack sealing projects, including:

Schedule – Weather permitting, crack sealing is started in October. Signs will be installed 72 hours prior to project to provide notice.
Parking restrictions – Parking will be restricted on both sides of the street during the crack sealing days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lane closures – There will be no full street closures during the operation. One lane will always be kept open. Lane closures may last approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Access to alleys and driveways – Access to these areas may be disrupted for a few minutes during the day of the work but crews will minimize these times and help as needed
Dust – keep your windows and doors closed to avoid dust from entering your home

Sidewalks

We maintain the 500 kilometres of city-owned sidewalk in the community through our sidewalk inspection and spot repair program.

If a sidewalk is broken or raised, we put in a temporary patch or grind the sidewalk as quickly as possible. If necessary, the sidewalk slab(s) will be identified for replacement as part of the sidewalk repair program.

Curbs

The City is responsible for roadside curbs. If a curb is damaged, a temporary patch is put in place as quickly as possible. The curb section will be noted for permanent repair as part of the annual curb repair program.

Road Maintenance