Aug. 27, 2024 – Residents keen to help create a green St. Catharines can go online
starting Wednesday to purchase a rain barrel for their property.
Residents can purchase as many as two rain barrels for their property when pre-orders
open online on Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. Rain barrels enable residents to collect rainwater for
use in their gardens while reducing water pollution by keeping property runoff out of the
sewer system.
Environmental stewardship is one of the five pillars in the City of St. Catharines
Strategic Plan. Its goal – that St. Catharines be recognized as a leader in environmental
sustainability and resilient in the face of any climate change.
Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel is an easy and effective method of water
conservation.
“Residents who invest in a rain barrel are supporting a more environmentally friendly
and sustainable St. Catharines by decreasing the volume of pollutants entering our local
waterways through stormwater runoff,” Environmental Field Technician Shyanne
Matone said.
“In areas with combined sewer systems, rain barrels also help redirect water from
downspouts away from wastewater treatment facilities, reducing the strain on these
systems and mitigating risks such as basement flooding,” Matone continued.
“Furthermore, rain barrels offer a source of water free from minerals and chlorine that
can be great for your garden, while also helping to lower peak water demand during the
summer months.”
Barrels are $60 each, tax included, and must be picked up on Saturday, Sept. 14
between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Seymour-Hannah Sports and
Entertainment Centre at 240 St. Paul St. W.
Residents are asked to bring identification with proof of a St. Catharines address at the
time of pickup.
Barrels are limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, including how
to order a rain barrel, visit stcatharines.ca/RainBarrel.