Cul-de-sac Naturalization

In St. Catharines, there are a total of 294 cul-de-sacs. Currently, City staff take care of the 17 larger cul-de-sacs measuring over 400 square metres. However, the remaining 277 cul-de-sacs, which are smaller than 400 square metres, are maintained by residents.

The City of St. Catharines is currently exploring the possibility of implementing a cul-de-sac naturalization program and seeking feedback from residents. Naturalization aims to bring sites back to a more natural state by reintroducing native trees, shrubs, grasses, pollinators, and flowers specific to the area. City staff are in the process of identifying different methods that can be used, assessing the costs associated with naturalization, and determining the maintenance requirements after the areas have been restored. The cost of naturalizing cul-de-sacs under 400 square metres will vary depending on the chosen method.

Within St. Catharines, there are already several areas on City-owned property that have been naturalized. The City offers opportunities for naturalization through the Community Gardens Funding Program, which provides matching funds for the construction of community and pollinator gardens on City-owned land. There are currently six community gardens and 10 pollinator gardens throughout the city.

To further protect pollinators, including bees, the City of St. Catharines has partnered with Bee City Canada. As part of this collaboration, areas on City property are being naturalized to attract and support pollinators. Moreover, in locations such as Happy Rolph's Animal Farm and Malcolmson Eco-Park, the city has teamed up with Small Scale Farms to install beehives in designated naturalized areas.

Residents are invited to provide valuable feedback using the survey tool below before Sept. 7, 2023.