Jan. 24, 2025 – The City of St. Catharines is inviting residents to help shape the future
of recreation in the community.
The City has launched public engagement, including an online survey and upcoming
open houses, for its Recreation Facility and Programming Plan. Feedback provided will
ensure that recreation programs, services, and facilities meet the needs of those living,
studying, and working in St. Catharines. As the “City where everybody can play,” St.
Catharines strives to create accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for all.
The updated plan will establish priorities for recreation services and spaces over the
next 10 years.
Community members are encouraged to join the conversation in several ways:
Survey
Residents are invited to complete a brief community survey, which will be open from
Jan. 24 until Feb. 16, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The survey can be completed online at
stcatharines.ca/RFPPSurvey. The survey takes approximately five to 10 minutes to
complete, and responses will remain confidential.
Public Information Centres
Drop-in open houses will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, providing an opportunity for
residents to learn about the plan, ask questions, and share feedback in person. There
will be no formal presentations at these sessions, which will be held as follows:
• Kiwanis Aquatics Centre Lobby, 425 Carlton St., 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Central Library Branch, 54 Church St., 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Kiwanis Aquatics Centre Lobby, 425 Carlton St., 3:30 to 6 p.m.
For those unable to attend, display boards will be available online, and written
comments can be submitted via the website. Those unable to attend are invited to
complete the brief community survey online at stcatharines.ca/RFPPSurvey.
Focus Groups
The City will host virtual focus groups with representatives from major community
partners and facility users. Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to
contact the City.
Future Engagement Opportunities
The draft plan will be made available for public review and comment at a later date on
Engage STC, and a second round of open houses will follow.
“We want to ensure that our recreation services reflect the diverse needs and interests
of our community,” said Ilyse Norton, Community Initiatives Specialist. “Your feedback is
critical to helping us build a vision for recreation in St. Catharines for the next decade.”
The City’s Recreation Facility and Programming Master Plan Committee will help to
guide the implementation of the Recreation Facility and Programming Plan by advising
Council and staff to ensure projects and budgets align with the plan.
To learn more about the plan and stay updated on engagement opportunities, visit
stcatharines.ca/RFPP.