Register now for rec programs, Mayor's Poetry Challenge, April Pools Day and more from the City of St. Catharines

March 24, 2017

Registration open for City recreation programs

Want to play? Then don't delay.

Online registration is open. Want to register in person? Walk-in registration is available during regular business hours at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, Citizens First at City Hall and the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Celebrating Earth Hour? Be fire safe

Are you planning to celebrate Earth Hour Saturday night? Fire Chief Dave Wood urges everyone to keep fire safety in mind when the lights go out.

The City is turning off non-essential lights at City Hall and some other City buildings Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to show its support for Earth Hour 2017.

The fire chief recommends using flash lights, battery powered lanterns and flameless candles during Earth Hour. If you do plan to use traditional candles, the fire chief says they must be placed in sturdy candle holders, and kept away from children, pets and things that can catch fire. Never leave candles unattended and always extinguished candles before leaving the room. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should also have backup battery power to keep everyone safe if the hydro goes out.

Discuss plans to spruce up Lock 1

Want to learn more about a plan to spruce up Lock 1 of the Second Welland Canal in Port Dalhousie?

The Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines and the City of St. Catharines are hosting a public information session to discuss the project Tuesday, March 28 at the Port Dalhousie Older Adult Centre (19 Brock St.) at 6:30 p.m.

Proposed improvements for Lock 1 at 45 Lakeport Rd. include installation of a seating and performance area, fence replacement, streetscape improvements and public art. The information session includes a presentation at 6:30 p.m. followed by a question and answer period.

Want to go? RSVP to [email protected] or 905-688-5601 ext. 3138. Email Kristen Sullivan for more information.

New process for waiving special event fees

The City is rolling out a new process to make it easier for local groups to apply to have fees waived for special events held in St. Catharines.

Groups can now apply to have up to 50 per cent of City fees waived associated with running a single or multi-day event in St. Catharines.

There will be two application windows in 2017. Groups hosting events in 2017 must apply by Friday, March 31 at 4 p.m. Groups planning to host an event in 2018 will be able to apply later this year.

Conditions apply. Interested groups can learn more at www.stcatharines.ca/WaivedFees

The mayor's poetry challenge is back!

The Mayor's Poetry Challenge is returning this April with a theme to celebrate Canada's 150 th birthday.

Mayor Sendzik invites St. Catharines residents to submit an original poem about Canada's 150 th birthday for the Mayor's Poetry Challenge. All types of poetry will be accepted - from Shakespearean sonnets to fantastical Dr. Seuss-inspired pieces.

Poems should be sent to [email protected] by April 10 to be considered. The winning poet will be invited to recite their poem at the April 24 City Council meeting and may be included at upcoming Canada 150 events hosted by the City of St. Catharines.

Youth Leisure swims on sale

Get 10 youth leisure swims for only $20. That's 10 swims for the price of seven. Promotion Packs will be available for purchase at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre from March 27 to April 8. Regular admission standards apply.

Collect winter wreaths from City cemeteries
by April 1

The winter wreath program at Victoria Lawn Cemetery and St. Andrew's Cemetery comes to a close April 1.

All wreaths and artificial flowers must be removed from the cemeteries before April 1 to allow staff to proceed with regular spring maintenance.

Wreaths and glass encased flowers remaining on the graves after April 1 will be removed by cemetery staff and disposed of.

For more information contact the Victoria Lawn Cemetery at 905.688.5600.

An easier way to pay City bills

Have property tax bill payments paid automatically from your bank account and never miss a payment again.

Pre-authorized payments are the fastest and easiest way to pay property taxes and offer the convenience of automatic withdrawals from your bank account. Complete this form to enroll and enjoy the flexibility of making property tax bill payments in four instalments or 10 instalments and have peace of mind knowing payments will be paid on time.

New for 2017, property tax instalment due dates have changed to the last business day of installment months.

Remaining 2017 instalment dates:

Friday, April 28

Friday, June 30

Friday, Sept. 29

Are you in for the Niagara 2021 bid?

Show your support for Niagara's bid to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games. Visit www.niagara2021.com to show your support and help Niagara win the bid.

The winning bid will be announced March 30. Show your support for Niagara's bid on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hastag #NiagaraAreYouIn and mentioning @Niagara2021 and @CanadaGames.

A report from Walter Sendzik

Happy spring time St. Catharines. I hope we can say that after last week's storm, we've seen the last of winter. Thanks to all of the residents who helped us get the streets cleared quickly by keeping their cars off the road during the S'No Parking ban.

There is much work on Council's agenda this spring and progress continues on inter-municipal transit. After St. Catharines Council, as well as Welland and Niagara Falls city councils unanimously agreed to move forward with integrated transit, Niagara Region will be discussing transit this Thursday evening.

Connecting Niagara's transit systems is an important action item in our Council's strategic plan and it's critical for the entire Niagara region. This is an important meeting and significant step forward in creating an integrated, user-focused transit system for our region. Transit users, students, and all are welcome to participate in this important conversation. Read more details here.

City to encourage residents to plant trees on private property

St. Catharines could be greener once a two-year pilot project encouraging residents to plant more trees on their property is complete.

City Council directed staff to move forward on a year-round communication campaign and partnership strategy to raise awareness for planting and caring for trees.

Council also directed staff to prepare a draft by-law for trees on public and private property for consideration at a future public meeting.

City Council trying to protect 1,400 casino jobs

City Council is calling for MPP Jim Bradley and other MPPs to support a letter penned by the Niagara Regional Chair and the mayor of Niagara Falls to the province outlining concerns regarding modernization plans for Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort and the potential loss of 1,400 jobs.

Council also requested a letter of response on Bradley's efforts on this matter.

City Council to NPCA: accept free audit from province

City Council is urging the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to accept the provincial auditor general's offer of a free, independent operational review and audit.

City Council approved a motion Monday night requesting the Niagara Region withhold
St. Catharines taxpayers' portion of NPCA funding (estimated to be
$1.7 million in 2017) until the NPCA board accepts the auditor general's offer.

City Council also called on the NPCA board to revise its RFP for an audit so it follows the intent of a motion passed at its Jan. 18 meeting.

Other news

New homes for
Berkley Drive

A 30-home residential development and new road proposed for 4 Berkley Dr. (near Berkley Park) got the go-ahead from City Council after it approved the property owner's requests for City zoning by-law changes.

2017 water rates on the table next meeting

City Council will set the rates for water/wasterwater bills at the March 27 City Council meeting.

A public meeting will be held that evening where members of the public can speak about the proposed 2017 water/wastewater rates.

More council online

Council Highlights offers informal summaries of some of the recent decisions and business discussed during
St. Catharines City Council meetings.

The Office of the City Clerk provides a full recap of decisions and motions in its official minutes, available on the Friday after every
St. Catharines City Council meeting.

Click here for City of
St. Catharines council meeting agendas and minutes.

Digital versions of the Garden City Current are available. Click here to read past issues.

March 27

City Council

6:30 p.m., City Hall

Click here to learn about other upcoming meetings.

Click here to learn about construction projects happening in the City.

City of St. Catharines | [email protected] | http://www.stcatharines.ca
50 Church St
St. Catharines, L2R 7C2

The Garden City Current is produced by Corporate Communications at the City of St. Catharines.

Have questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]