We’re continuing work on creating a vibrant, engaging and thriving downtown, building on past successes, and creating new spaces for pedestrians in our city core.

Building on the framework provided by the St. Catharines Downtown Creative Cluster Master Plan, we’ve seen a boom in the City centre. Goals - such as the construction of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the Meridian Centre, and the relocation of Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts - have become a reality and all have, in turn, helped create a thriving retail and cultural scene, drawing more people and businesses to the core. Our downtown is home to a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population.

The development of outdoor public gathering spaces for those who live, work and visit the downtown core is a strategic priority to promote livability and create places for gathering and celebration. We can now look to the future of James Street and how it might transform to better suit the needs of our evolving downtown.

James Street has been identified for reconstruction, and along with surrounding public spaces such as the Central Library plaza, the City Hall lawns and parking lots, Market Square and the old courthouse, there’s a unique opportunity to create a cohesive outdoor space for everyone.

We want to bring the vision of a central community gathering space into reality. You can help by sharing your ideas and vision for what this place could become.

The Project

The City of St. Catharines has initiated a study to identify a preferred vision for the re-development of James Street, from King Street to Church Street, into a Civic Square area. Through the study, a recommended concept will be developed that will support the City’s goal of providing a community gathering place within the downtown core. The study area is highlighted in red below.

Project Background

The Civic Square is intended to be an inclusive and dynamic outdoor pedestrian space that will serve the growing downtown community and could host a range of special events, festivals, markets, and year-round activities. To date, staff have developed several high-level options for the corridor, requiring input from the public prior to moving forward with a preferred concept.

Engagement Opportunities

Public Information Centre (PIC) #2

You are invited to join us at our second Community Visioning Open House to learn more about the project and share your ideas on the preliminary options developed by the Project Team. The meeting will be an open-house drop-in format with a formal presentation starting at 5:30 p.m. Staff will be on-site to hear your comments and answer your questions.

Date: Monday, Dec. 2, 2024

Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: Market Square, 91 King Street

A formal presentation will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Survey

An online survey will be open for feedback from Dec. 3, 2024, to Jan. 2, 2025. You will find it linked below when it is available.

Past Engagement Opportunities

An initial Public Information Centre was held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, and the first survey about the study closed on Jan. 2, 2024.