FAQs

Naturalization is a process of ecological restoration that involves returning an altered or degraded site to a more natural condition through the use of trees, shrubs, sod, grasses, pollinators and flowers that are native to the area.

City staff maintain cul-de-sacs over 400 square metres.

The City of St. Catharines has a total of 294 cul-de-sacs. 17 cul-de-sacs are over 400 square metres and are maintained by city staff. The remaining 277 cul-de-sacs are under 400 square metres and are maintained by residents.

The cost to naturalize cul-de-sacs under 400 square metres highly depends on the method used to naturalize. Staff are identifying the various methods that may be used, and the costs associated with naturalization and the maintenance required after the space has been naturalized.  

Yes, the City has numerous naturalized spaces on city-owned property. The City offers opportunities to naturalize public spaces through the Community Gardens Funding Program, which provides matching funds for capital costs related to building a community garden and / or pollinator garden on city-owned property. There are currently six community gardens and 10 pollinator gardens throughout the City.

The City has also partnered with Bee City Canada to make a commitment to protect pollinators, including the naturalization of areas on City property to attract pollinators. Additionally, the City has partnered with Small Scale Farms to install beehives in naturalized areas within Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm and Malcolmson Eco-Park.