June 2013

Follow the signs to parking More than 1,000 parking spots in downtown St. Catharines Finding open parking spots downtown getting a ticket,” said Tracey Miller, the will soon be a little easier. City’s manager of Parking Services. The City is installing more than Another myth the City often hears: Park like a pro 80 green and white parking signs parking downtown is expensive. In • Parking peaks between 11 a.m. throughout downtown to direct motorists fact, the City’s rate of $1.50 per hour and 2 p.m. If you’re in a hurry, to parking lots and garages so they can is very reasonable compared to other plan your visit downtown outside easily find an open spot. municipalities and privately operated There’s a misconception there isn’t local lots. A three-hour visit downtown of these hours. enough parking available downtown. In costs less than $5 to park in any City fact, Kris Jacobson, the City’s manager spot. • If downtown parking is costing of Transportation Services, says there The City offers short-term and long- you $20 a week you’re paying are more than 1,000 City parking term parking, with most on-street spots too much. Visit our website or spots within a five-minute walk to most and some lots operating with a three- call 905.688.5601 ext. 1416 of downtown, including City Hall on hour maximum. Full day parking is for information on monthly park- Church Street, shopping on James offered at select lots and the parking ing permits. Street and dining on St. Paul Street. garages. “If you look around, there is parking to Rates apply from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. • Free bicycle parking is available be found,” said Jacobson. “Go a street with parking in any City spot free after throughout the downtown, with over in any direction and you’ll usually hours and on weekends. Motorists find on-street parking still only minutes should be mindful of posted time limits racks located at most City facili- away from where you are going.” and restrictions: The City prohibits ties, including City Hall/Market Only about 50 per cent of metered overnight on-street parking but Square, the St. Catharines Public spots downtown are being used during encourages overnight parking in long- Library, the Ontario Street Park- the day, so there are hundreds of spots term lots and garages. This ensures on- ing Garage and the Garden available on the street and in City lots. street parking is available for Park/Carlisle Street Parking The City’s parking garages at Garden short-term visits and assists with Garage. Park/Carlisle Street and Ontario Street garbage collection and snow removal are another option. The garages are activities. • Free parking is available at City close to everything downtown and For more information, search parking lots, garages and meters there’s no fear of an expired meter. “Parking Lots and Garages” at www. from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on week- “It can be more convenient to pay on stcatharines.ca, and be sure to look for your way out and there is no risk of our new parking signs. days and all day on weekends. On-street parking is prohibited from 3 a.m. until 6 a.m. daily. Final 2013 City crews keeping water safe tax bills Water quality testing at the City’s Park and Municipal Beach safe for three beaches has begun to ensure swimming 80 per cent of the time. Residential tax bills will be mailed to it’s safe for residents to cool off in the Jones Beach was closed about homeowners on June 21, 2013. Your lake. 90 per cent of the time, but faces third property tax instalment for 2013 All summer long, water samples unique challenges due to its size and is due Friday, July 12. To avoid late from Lakeside Park, Municipal Beach location. Jones Beach is sheltered in a charges, please ensure payment is and Jones Beach will be analyzed small inlet created by the entrance to received at City Hall on or before the for rising levels of E. coli, a bacteria the Welland Canal, so water doesn’t due date. known to cause skin rashes and ear, move as rapidly as it does at the other Payments can be made in person at nose and throat infections. When E. beaches. When bacteria washes into City Hall or most financial institutions, coli levels spike to unsafe levels, red the shoreline at Jones Beach, it takes as well as through Internet banking, warning signs are posted at beaches longer to wash away. telephone banking and regular mail. advising against entering the water. The City’s beaches have been safe Payments can also be deposited in the When levels return to normal, green for swimming since the 1990s and mail slot at the James Street entrance of signs are posted declaring it’s safe to water quality continues to improve City Hall. Please include tax stubs with make a splash. with time and investment. The City payments. The City reports beach conditions continues to modernize its sewer Please don’t send cash in the mail. on Facebook and Twitter, or residents system to reduce the amount of water Pre-authorized payments can call 905.935.2722 for the beach that reaches the lake untreated. The Pre-authorized debit payment plans report. City will also study samples from are available for your tax bill as well as A leading cause for beach water waterbodies throughout the city to find your water/wastewater bill. being declared unsafe is heavy out where pollution is coming from Pre-authorized payment plans rainfall washing pollutants into and what can be done to reduce it. provide the convenience of automatic watercourses, which then empty into Learn more by searching “Beach withdrawals from your bank account the lake. While a dry summer is bad Conditions” at www.stcatharines.ca monthly or by instalment/due date, for your lawn, it’s great for the water giving peace of mind your bills will quality at beaches. be paid on time. For more information Last year was a good year for St. and application forms, search “Pre- Catharines beaches, with Lakeside Authorized Debit” at www.stcatharines. Residents can enjoy summer activities, like kite boarding ca or call 905.688.5601 ext. 1416. at Jones Beach, thanks to the City’s water quality testing. Save barrels of money Five ways to help keep our beaches clean with a rain barrel Remember how hot it was last summer? Remember how much you had to water the garden last year? Want to cut watering costs this summer? Think about using a rain barrel. The City is selling rain barrels, designed to catch and store rainwater for reuse, Saturday, June 8 at the Seymour- Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. The one-day sale runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until sold out. Barrels cost only $40 each, cash only. Proof of St. Catharines residency is required at time of sale. Free of chlorine and other chemicals, rain water is Don’t feed birds or Use the washroom Don’t use soaps or Use and dispose of Place garbage and ideal for helping plants thrive. Plus, reusing rainwater for other wildlife near to do your business. shampoos in the lake hazardous chemicals recycling in proper gardening cuts down on municipal water usage, saving the shoreline or other Fecal matter can lead or other watercourses. properly. bins or take them you money. It also helps reduce the amount of runoff watercourses. Always to harmful levels of home with you. that washes pollutants into the sewer system and local clean up after your E. coli in the lake. waterways. pet. Rainwater is not just for the garden. Use it for washing the car, mopping the floor and doing laundry to save even more money.

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From the desk of Merritton looks like the Rockwell development Port Dalhousie on Dalhousie will also be commen- A pedestrian crosswalk signal is cing now that the OMB has cleared Mayor operational at the end of Rockwood the way for construction. There Brian McMullan Avenue, allowing safe access to the are a few other possibilities being Canal Parkway as well as the St. considered by other developers so Catharines Museum for both walkers hopefully we will witness some much and cyclists. needed private investment in Port At the museum, there is an exhibit Dalhousie so that we can bring it highlighting events pertaining to the back to a prosperous and economic- War of 1812. This exhibit will be ally secure place of destination. Coun. Jeff Coun. Jennie open to the public until August 18, Coun. len Coun. bruce Along with this private investment Burch Stevens stack williamson 2013. will come the opportunities to invest Merritton Ward residents will have For anyone planning an event, the I would like to take this opportunity in the many heritage aspects in and multiple opportunities to enjoy parks Merritton Town Hall is renovated, to wish everyone a safe, happy and around Port Dalhousie. Please keep and facilities maintained by the City accessible, air conditioned, roomy fun filled summer season. I encour- in mind that none of this develop- of St. Catharines as warmer weather and inexpensive. For availability, age you to take advantage of the ment takes away from the natural approaches. contact St. Catharines Recreation beautiful Lakeside Park, the refresh- assets of our area. We will always The outdoor pool and small wading and Community Services at ing beach with all the activities it has have the pier, the beach, Lakeside pool at the corner of Seymour and 905.688.5601 ext. 1927. to offer, walks along our scenic pier, Park, the Carousel, the historic Jail Park avenues, located in Community Labour Day Fireworks occur and popping in and out of our few House and all other City-owned and Park, opens near the end of June, because of the generosity of donors but interesting shops and boutiques. protected assets. just in time for summer activities. in Merritton. This year’s committee Oh yes, and an absolute “must The village scape will take on a A newly installed playground was is once again seeking donations do” is to take a ride on our histor- transformation but one that will constructed next to the pool and saw so that this much-appreciated event ic carousel, which offers fun and accentuate our natural assets and lots of activity during its first year of can continue. All donations are tax amusement for the entire family at enhance the beauty of our lakeside operation. All baseball and soccer deductible. To make a donation the unbelievable price of five cents property. In time, Port Dalhousie will parks in Merritton are open. The simply contact Jennie Stevens or Jeff a ride. again become a sought after place Mayor Brian Garden City Golf course off Lincoln Burch. Your donation will be picked As far as private investment in Port of destination that will be aesthetic- McMullan Avenue is open until October. up and a tax receipt issued. Dalhousie, the Port Place develop- ally pleasing, prosperous and will The City will be holding its annual A meeting has been scheduled for With the unanimous support of ment appears to be at a standstill but offer a little something for everyone. rain barrel sale at 8 a.m. on June 8 the middle of July between the two my last update indicated that things Once again, I wish everyone a Council, Bird Construction Group at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Ward Councillors and purchasers of will now help the City of St. are moving along smoothly and the wonderful summer and I look for- Entertainment Centre. Rain barrels the general Hospital site to discuss developer is looking at an early fall ward to meeting you in downtown Catharines take centre stage as the will be available for purchase for future plans and developments. This company has been awarded the construction start. It certainly would Port Dalhousie. $40 each. A green gardening is a priority issue in the Merritton be a positive sign for all the strug- Respectfully, contract to build our new Performing fact sheet is also available on the Ward. Arts Centre. gling businesses in Port. - Len Stack City’s website. Search “Gardening - Jeff Burch & Jennie Stevens Along with that development it The decision to delay construction factsheet” at www.stcatharines.ca. of the Performing Arts Centre was the right choice as it provided our St. patrick’s named St. Catharines as the seventh focus on the homes that look like team an opportunity to re-examine best city of its size for investment in St. Andrew’s rural Wainfleet rather than south St. the design and its features to ensure North, South and Central America. Catharines. Sorry Wainfleet, but the project remains within budget. This plan for the Downtown formed cattle aren’t allowed to graze within Bird Construction’s base bid came the basis for their decision. city limits. in at $36.9 million. To keep costs The most difficult component of We need to re-examine our bylaws low, the project team eliminated the plan for the City to influence is and enforcement to see if they work. some features which we can now the creation of new housing and If they don’t work, fix them. I suggest include in the final design, which increased density within the Core. when it comes to weeds, tall grass Fresh look for City website will come in below $42 million – our The City’s plan envisions a vibrant and garbage we become proactive original, approved, construction environment for new residents that like cities like Guelph. Guelph does budget. Coun. mark Coun. Mathew includes enhanced walkability, rich Coun. MATT Coun. Joe not rely solely on complaints but is This centre will be a state-of-the-art Elliott Siscoe Harris Kushner cultural activity, lively public spaces proactively searching for violations facility where we can showcase The planning, designing and and diverse housing choices. The Weeds, tall grass and garbage. I and fining immediately. Trust me, local talent, further support the arts, development of a vibrant Downtown City has worked with developers remember when I was just a young once an absentee landlord gets attract visitors to our community is a complex task. St. Catharines, in creative ways to entice new pup, growing up in St. Catharines. nailed with a few fines the lawn and enhance quality of life for our recognizing the need to revitalize housing development. We recognize It was a time when there seemed to mower will be a hummin’ and the residents. the Downtown Core, formed the that more people of diverse be an abundance of civic pride. A beer bottles will be in the recycling We are confident our centre will be Downtown Development and demographics, living in and around civic pride in which the majority of bin. the venue of choice and attract some Revitalization Committee in 2006. the Downtown Core, is the key to a residents along with the City took Here’s a thought: by being class acts. The Committee, with the support of Downtown renaissance. Currently pride in maintaining their gardens, proactive we may actually generate We’re excited that Bird the City’s Economic Development there are housing developments, lawns and properties. money to cover the Bylaw Officers’ Construction, one of four pre- and Planning Staff and Urban in varying stages, slated for Yates Now, I am not one to complain, salaries. Who knows, maybe there qualifying contractors, has been Design Consultants, developed the Street, the former Hotel Dieu oh wait yes I am, but with the are other ways to generate income awarded this tender as the company Downtown Creative Cluster Master Hospital site, the corner of James summer fast approaching I feel it municipally. That will be in my next is also building Brock University’s Plan in 2008. and Raymond streets, the corner of is time to turn up the heat on the article! Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Many of the components of Lake and Wellington streets and on neglect shown by some property Enough about weeds, let’s talk Performing Arts. The school of arts that plan, aimed at creating an Wellington Street itself. owners. This includes the City. First, about banners. I am pleased to is being relocated to our downtown environment in which people will The Downtown Creative Cluster the City needs to be proactive and report that council unanimously and will complement the City’s want to live, work and play in Master Plan is clearly working, not reactive in maintaining their supported a motion to display a project. the Downtown, have been either even as many of the components gardens, medians and any other banner of Warrant Officer Dennis As a Council, we recognize there implemented, or are in the midst are being completed. It is a tightly properties. Brown. I want to thank Dennis’s is potential for growth in the arts, of being realized. The Performing interwoven plan in which each of I thank Jim “garbage video man” widow Mishelle Brown for reaching culture and entertainment sector. This Arts Centre, the Marilyn I. Walker the elements are providing support Finley, but why does it take a out to the community so this could new facility will provide the venue to School of Fine and Performing Arts, to, and complement, the next concerned citizen like Jim to create happen. Enjoy your summer, the help spur that growth. the Carlisle Street Parking Garage, element. It is reinforced by and some noise to get things done? We weather, friends, family. But, make Once our new Performing Arts the new Spectator Facility, two- in conformity with all other City, pay taxes and we deserve a level sure you cut your lawns and clean Centre officially opens, we will see way traffic conversion, rerouting of Regional and Provincial plans. A of service that should be given, not up your garbage! an influx of students and professors the Wine Route and infrastructure complex plan that is demonstrating asked for. Once the City begins - Matt Harris during the day using this facility and improvements are all components such amazing signs of success, to lead by example, we can then supporting local businesses. that we have read about. should not be foolishly altered or In the evenings, the PAC will The Downtown Creative Cluster dismissed on a whim. bring residents and visitors to the Master Plan was honoured recently – Mark Elliott downtown, breathing new life into when a division of the London Times the heart of our city. The centre, along with the other components of our revitalization clean up behind St. Paul Street. In Grantham on the wall near the entrance com- plans – the new Spectator Facility, St. george’s the St. George’s ward area, clean memorating the date of induction. Carlisle Street parking garage, two- ups were undertaken in the Lancast- This display was constructed so that way traffic downtown – will redefine er Park area and on McCalla Drive. it could be relocated if a permanent our city’s core. The Clean City Committee oper- Hall of Fame was established. Change takes time. As a Council, ates a phone-in Litter Alert hotline. With the construction of the new we had to remain united in our Reports can be made about specific Spectator Facility plans are under- approach, and invest in our areas that require attention because way to construct a 1,000 sq. ft. community now and into the future. of garbage or litter. Messages left St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame Soon, however, we will see our will be retrieved by a Clean City within the facility. With the help of shared vision become a reality. Committee member, who will then our Museum staff and staff from While it is too early to predict the Coun. Peter Coun. Greg contact the individual who reported Coun. dawn Coun. Bill Recreation and Community Services, Dodge Phillips economic spinoff, we’re confident Secord Washuta the situation within a week, visit the research into design and logistical these investments in our downtown With the snow long gone and the location indicated, and, wherever Recently, five new inductees were features has commenced and dis- will support existing local businesses, summer upon us, we can see the lit- possible, initiate a volunteer clean placed in the St. Catharines Sports cussions with the contractor, Ball/ encourage expansion and new ter that has accumulated throughout up. The individual who reports Hall of Fame, bringing the total Rankin, have begun. Various other private growth in our community. the fall and winter months. Pitch In the location will be encouraged to number of inductees to 147 since municipalities (Oshawa, Windsor, Our business community has Day was held on Saturday, April 17. participate in any clean-up efforts. its inception in 1990. This year’s etc.) will be visited to ensure that been supportive of our direction A total of 263 volunteers collected The Litter Alert hotline is available at inductees include Bill Fitzgerald, “best practices” are followed. The as it reaffirms the message that St. 279 bags of litter from approximate- 905.688.5601 ext. 1630 Keith Murphy, Liz Earley, Ron Roy aim is to have a hands-on, interac- Catharines is open for business. ly 20 locations throughout the City. We would encourage residents to and Larry Miller. They are to be tive and educational site. The Wall The spotlight will be shining on St. Some groups collected 20 or more make Pitch In Day every day. Also, congratulated for their past athletic of Fame will be relocated to the new Catharines when the curtain rises bags. In addition to bagged litter, please remember to keep employing achievements. site. in 2015. Together we can ensure a several large items were collected, the principles of reduce, re-use and The present Sports Hall of Fame is Within the last month, the St. Cath- bright and prosperous tomorrow. including couches, road pylons, recycle. The proliferation of garbage located at the St. Catharines Muse- arines Sports Hall of Fame launched - Mayor Brian McMullan fencing, construction material and and litter leaves a negative impres- um, where some sports memorabilia its new website. This exciting feature shopping carts. The most common sion of our city on residents and of local significance is displayed displays all the biographies of the litter items collected were take-out visitors. along with biographies of each in- inductees, a brief history of the Hall containers and cigarette butts. We would like to thank the volun- ductee. It is located in the same gen- and a form that can be downloaded Contact The largest amount collected was teers who took the time to help clean eral area as the Ontario Lacrosse for future application for induction the Mayor 70 bags from the Moffat St./Glory up our city on Pitch In Day to make it Hall of Fame. consideration. Check it out and en- Hill area. Two large piles of litter, a better place to live for everyone. Last year, a Wall of Fame was joy the sporting history of St. Catha- [email protected] made up of mostly household items, - Peter Secord & Greg Washuta constructed at The Seymour-Hannah rines. The new website address is 905.688.5601 ext. 1540 were collected during the downtown Sports and Entertainment Centre. www.scshof.com. Each inductee has a plaque mounted - Dawn Dodge & Bill Phillips

Contact your Councillor Merritton St. andrew’s st. George’s st. patrick’s grantham port dalhousie Coun. BURCH Coun. harris Coun. secord Coun. Elliott Coun. dodge Coun. stack [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 905.327.5153 905.329.6802 905.327.9854 905.327.1763 905.327.9704 905.327.5235

Coun. STEVENS Coun. kushner Coun. washuta Coun. Siscoe Coun. phillips Coun. williamson [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 905.328.6722 905.327.9638 or 905.327.9905 905.329.8162 905.327.5363 905.934.2787 905.685.1817 Page 3 The Garden City Current June 2013

Building a deck? Let’s talk Great feedback Consult the City before you start your home renovation projects for zoning bylaw Do you have something to say about the City’s So, you’re finally about to create your The City also needs to ensure the draft of the new zoning bylaw? You have one backyard oasis by adding a deck to the project conforms to various regulations. last chance to offer your input in person before back of your house. The question is, do You don’t want to build your shed in a the City planners working on the project begin you need a building permit? wetland or too close to you neighbour’s reviewing the feedback they’ve received and It’s a question a lot of DIYers ask house, as it may cause some heartache make a few tweaks over the summer. themselves when they’re starting to down the road. Residents are invited to meet the planners plan small construction projects for their The proposed project and site must working on the new zoning bylaw June 12 at home. comply with the City’s official plan and Market Square from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to The City has the answer and wants to zoning bylaw, as well as regulations 8:30 p.m. help you through the process, so don’t set out by the Niagara Conservation The feedback City planners have received hesitate to call Building Services at Authority, the Ministry of Transportation so far has been positive and constructive, and 905.688.5601 ext. 1660. and/or other applicable governing will likely result in some revisions to the draft Generally, building permits are bodies. In cases where you don’t need new bylaw. The discussions the City is having required for material or structural a building permit for your project, you with residents is leading to an even better new alterations on your property. If you still have to comply with these zoning zoning by-law because its given planners a are planning a project where you are bylaw requirements. It’s always best to better understanding of the different issues each tearing down walls, building a deck, check with the City first. neighbourhood faces. installing a furnace, or building a shed, Obtaining a building permit can Residents have also used the opportunity to you should consult the City before you be quick and easy. Applications are learn more about what the draft new zoning begin, and for a lot of good reasons. available online, just search “Building bylaw will mean for their properties. For starters, the City wants to make Permits” at www.stcatharines.ca. Some Currently, the City has 11 separate zoning sure your proposed project will be safe. permits can even be issued same- bylaws, with more than 1,300 site specific A building permit ensures your project day for select small projects if all the exemptions. The new draft bylaw simplifies that will meet the minimum standards set paperwork is in order and if there are into one by-law applied across the City that will out in the Ontario Building Code. In the no issues regarding zoning or other be easier to understand and apply. case of the backyard covered deck, it regulations. City planners will take their final draft of the ensures it’s structurally sound and won’t Remember, whether you are doing zoning bylaw for more public consultation in collapse on a windy day or when you the work yourself or you’ve hired a September before submitting a final draft for are entertaining. contractor, it is always the homeowners council approval in November. One of the biggest responsibilities for responsibility to ensure, when the City is to protect public safety. For necessary, that a building permit A Building Permit ensures your home project meets the minimum standards set out in the focus on the homes that look like homeowners, that means protecting is obtained before beginning any rural Wainfleet rather than south St. themselves and future occupants. construction or demolition. Ontario Building Code. Catharines. Sorry Wainfleet, but cattle aren’t allowed to graze within city limits. We need to re-examine our bylaws and enforcement to see if they work. If they don’t work, fix them. I suggest when it comes to weeds, tall grass Fresh look for City website and garbage we become proactive like cities like Guelph. Guelph does Check out what’s new at www.stcatharines.ca not rely solely on complaints but is proactively searching for violations It’s been a few years since we’ve Water meter readings and fining immediately. Trust me, refreshed our website, so in mid- You can now submit water once an absentee landlord gets May we launched a redesigned meter readings using an online nailed with a few fines the lawn homepage along with other online form. Search “Meter Reading mower will be a hummin’ and the enhancements. Submission” at www.stcatharines. beer bottles will be in the recycling Homepage bin. ca and simply follow the Here’s a thought: by being Our homepage has been changed instructions inside the PDF. proactive we may actually generate to make it easier for you to find Make the process as easy as money to cover the Bylaw Officers’ what you’re looking for. The search possible by having your water salaries. Who knows, maybe there bar has been enlarged and moved meter card or bill ready before you are other ways to generate income so it is easier to find. In fact, the begin. municipally. That will be in my next search bar, powered by Google, is Adobe Acrobat Reader is required article! the best way to find information on to submit the form, and can be Enough about weeds, let’s talk our website. Simply type in what downloaded from the City’s about banners. I am pleased to you’re looking for. website. Water meter readings will report that council unanimously Also new is the “I’d Like To ...” continue to be accepted by fax, supported a motion to display a drop down menu, which lists some mail, phone and in person. banner of Warrant Officer Dennis of the most commonly used City Construction map Brown. I want to thank Dennis’s programs and services. This menu The City’s construction projects widow Mishelle Brown for reaching will be adjusted throughout the are now listed on an easy-to-use out to the community so this could year to mark changing trends. Google map. Just click on a road happen. Enjoy your summer, the The new homepage also features or bubble to learn more about a weather, friends, family. But, make text links and rotating banners project. sure you cut your lawns and clean linking to more information about Find the map by clicking the up your garbage! timely programs and services, as button near the bottom of our - Matt Harris well as buttons along the bottom homepage. Watch for a similar of the page linking to some of the map regarding parking to come most visited webpages on our site. online soon. Font size on our homepage is now also adjustable. Stay safe this BBQ season Barbecue season, one of the best things • When lighting the grill, always have In the event of prolonged hot and dry about summer, is here again. There really is the lid open. Open the valve at the weather conditions, Fire Services may order nothing quite like grilling up some grub over cylinder, then turn on the barbecue a fire ban, as fire can quickly burn out of an open flame. controls and light the burner using the control if it spreads to nearby grass and But, mixing food with fire, fuel, metal and ignition button. If there is no igniter, plants. Barbecues are still permitted under the distractions of entertaining guests can insert flame from a long match or the ban, but Fire Services advises residents be a recipe for disaster. barbecue lighter through the side to exercise caution when cooking. Graffiti Follow these seven tips to stay safe this burner hole. Light the match before you If Fire Services issues a fire ban notice barbecue season: turn on the gas at the grill controls. it will be posted at www.stcatharines.ca. removal • Always follow the manufacturer’s • Transport a propane cylinder safely Residents who do not comply with the fire instructions for the safe maintenance by placing it in a secure, upright ban will be charged and could face fines up and use of your barbecue. position with the safety valve on top. It to $50,000. program • At the start of the season, make sure is preferable to transport it on the floor Fire Services also reminds residents the burner ports and orifices are clear of of the passenger compartment. Make Ontario Fire Code prohibits open air rust, dust and cobwebs. sure the windows of the vehicle are burning in St. Catharines, as well as bon • Check for leaks by brushing a 50/50 open. fires, outdoor fireplaces and chimenias. For Have you seen graffiti on public or private mix of liquid soap and water onto all • Never use or store a propane more information call the Fire Prevention property anywhere in the city? Tell us where - cylinder connections and hoses. Rising barbecue indoors or in any enclosed Office at 905.688.5601 ext. 4224. we want to know. bubbles when you turn on the valve space, including a garage. The City of St. Catharines is committed indicates a leak. Tighten connections • Have your propane cylinder inspected to reducing and eliminating graffiti in our or repair the hose until there are no and requalified or replaced every 10 neighbourhoods. Prompt reporting and bubbles. years. removal of graffiti is essential in keeping neighbourhoods clean. To report graffiti in progress, call 9-1-1. You can report graffiti on public and private Five ways to minimize the risks for fire and burns property by: Phone - 905.688.5601 ext. 3138 Email - [email protected] Twitter - @St_Catharines Facebook - /cityofstcatharines Once the City is aware of graffiti on public property, every effort will be made to remove it within 48 hours (24 hours in the case of obscene or discriminatory graffiti). The City will also notify private property owners when they have been tagged with graffiti and will require removal within seven days. Property owners who have been tagged can apply for financial assistance to cover Attend public fireworks Never leave a campfire Crush cigarette butts Leave the lid open when Comply with any fire 50 per cent of the removal cost (up to $500) displays instead of host- unattended. Don’t start a thoroughly to extinguish. lighting your BBQ. Use bans or restrictions issued through the City’s Graffiti Removal Program. ing your own. campfire with a flam- Never discard a burning the igniter, a long match by Fire Services. Find the application form online by searching mable liquid. cigarette in brush or from or BBQ lighter. “Graffiti Removal” at www.stcatharines.ca. a moving vehicle. Page 4 The Garden City Current June 2013 Happening in Five things to do for free (or nearly nothing) St. Catharines The Garden City: it’s a moniker dancing shoes. Fun for all ages. that speaks to the glorious What: Summer Band Concert June is Recreation and Parks Month as well benefits nature has offered to Series as Older Adults Month, so we’re taking the our community. Some of the best Where: Montebello Park opportunity to highlight some of the facilities things to do in St. Catharines When: Every Sunday and and activities available to residents. are outdoors. And best of all, Tuesday in June and August; A full listing of activities is available online they’re free of charge, or very 7 to 9 p.m. at www.stcatharines.ca and will be posted close to it. Search “Summer Band Concert at City recreational facilities, but here a few Roast a weenie Series” at www.stcatharines.ca highlights: There’s nothing quite like sitting Meet the farmers around the campfire on a nice Enjoy perusing nearly two Skate 4 Eight summer night. dozen vendors at Market June 8, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We provide the drinks, Square three days a week. A free event organized marshmallows and roasting While shopping for fresh by the Mayor’s Youth sticks, you bring your own lawn produce straight from the local Advisory Committee chairs, blankets, hot dogs and farmers’ fields isn’t free, the to promote active, other snacks. Don’t forget your people watching is, and so is healthy lifestyles, safe refillable water bottle. the live music every Thursday skateboarding practices The night includes games, from noon until 2 p.m. and carved sometime near the turn Walk, run, cycle or ‘blade the and local recreational crafts, face painting and, of every Saturday from 11:30 of the 20th century. It features path that follows the length of facilities. Features live course, roasting and singing. a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 68 hand-carved animals, the canal. Learn more about entertainment. Seymour- Great for families with There’s also a free discovery including one of only five Looff the history of the Welland Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, children ranging in age from table on Saturdays from 9 to lions in North America. While Canal and St. Catharines inside 240 St. Paul St. W. 905.688.5601 ext. preschoolers up to 12-years-old. 11 a.m. where youngsters can admission is not free, at a mere the museum. Admission by 1556. What: Campfire Sing-a-Longs enjoy hands-on experiences like 5 cents a ride, it’s pretty close. donation. Where: Burgoyne Woods Park making butter, tasting honey What: Lakeside Park Carousel What: The Welland Canal When: June 18, July 23, Aug. and creating art. St. Catharines Arts Awards Where: Lakeside Park Where: The St. Catharines 20; 6 to 8 p.m. What: St. Catharines Farmers’ When: Daily from June 10 to Museum and Welland Canals June 8, 7 p.m. Search “Burgoyne Woods” at Market Sept. 1; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Centre Help celebrate the best in local theatre, www.stcatharines.ca Where: Market Square Search “Carousel” at www. When: Ships transit the canal music, literature, film and art. Tickets are $10. Music in the park When: Tuesdays, Thursdays stcatharines.ca from April until December; Reserve your ticket by calling 905.688.5601 Enjoy live music at the Pavilion and Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Watch ships in the canal museum open daily from 9 a.m. ext. 5229. St. Catharines Museum and performed by local bands and Search “Farmers’ Market” at See ships from all over the to 5 p.m. Welland Canals Centre, 1932 Welland musicians. Each night features www.stcatharines.ca world climb up the escarpment Search “Welland Canal Canals Pkwy. Search “Arts Awards” at a different genre, including big Ride the Looff Lion as they navigate Lock 3 of Museum” at www.stcatharines. www.stcatharines.ca for more information. band, jazz, top 40, country, Take a spin on the Lakeside the Welland Canal. Climb the ca rock and hits from the ‘50s Park Carousel and experience platform for an even closer look to the ‘80s. Bring your own a century-old tradition in Port at how Lock 3 works. blanket, lawn chair, drinks Dalhousie. The carousel is Enjoy a picnic or play with the and snacks. Don’t forget your a Charles I.D. Looff original young’uns in the nearby park. 50+ Indoor Model Plane Flying Spectators welcome at Spectator Facility info session June 11, 9 a.m. to noon Enjoy flying model Did you provide input into the design of airplanes? Come try doing the new Spectator Facility currently under it inside with models of construction in downtown St. Catharines? all shapes and sizes, Ever wonder how it was incorporated into learn more about indoor the final drawings for the project? aviation and make new The City will hold a public information friends. Port Weller Community Centre, 1 session within the next few months to Bogart St., 905.937.6232. share which design elements it was able to capture from public input for the new Free Outdoor Walks facility and the reasons behind why those decisions were made. June 13, 20 and 27 It’s been about a year since residents Explore your community, were invited to participate in two public get active, learn about consultation sessions seeking input for our green spaces and Spectator Facility design. Feedback from connect with new that meeting as well as input from all people. Walks are stakeholders were reviewed, considered weather permitting. and, where feasible, incorporated into the Hosted by the Friends design brief document issued to the pre- of Malcolmson Park and the Walkers Creek qualified project bidders as requirements to An artists’ rendering shows what downtown St. Catharines will look like from Hwy. 406 Neighbourhood Association. For more info be included in their proposals. and meeting points call 905.688.5601 Ball-Rankin Construction was the successful once the Spectator Facility (left) and the Performing Arts Centre (right) are complete. ext. 1912 or visit www.wcna.ca or www. bidder and was retained to design malcolmsonecopark.com. and build the Spectator Facility for the you would like a direct invitation to the “Downtown Spectator Facility” for more guaranteed maximum price of $45 million. information session, please send an e-mail information about the project and to check 50+ Public Skate The date, time and location for the to [email protected] with the out the webcam streaming live video from June 19, 26, 9:15 a.m. upcoming information session will be subject line “Public Information Session.” the site. Cool off at the rink with advertised at www.stcatharines.ca. If Visit www.stcatharines.ca and search a public skate at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. Search “50 Plus Skate” Make a splash this summer at www.stcatharines.ca or call 905.688.5601 City pools open for the season ext. 1927 for more information. The Port Dalhousie Pool opens for • Arthur Street Pool weekend swims June 7, while the 92 Arthur St. City’s other outdoor pools open for • Burgoyne Woods Pool ® daily programing June 29. 30 Edgedale Rd. Tall Ships 1812 Tour The City offers a wide range of • Lancaster Pool June 29 to July 1 aquatic programs, including leisure 30 Wood St. Celebrate the return of swims, aquafit and swimming lessons • Lincoln Park Pool the tall ships to St. for all ages and skills. 63 Chetwood St. Catharines. The Hours of operation are subject to • Lion Dunc Schooley Pool ships will be change based on weather conditions. 32 Seymour Ave. docked at As a reminder, you should always • Port Dalhousie Pool Lockhart Point swim with a friend, and children 205 Main St. Park from June should swim under adult supervision. City splash pads: 28-30, departing Most pools close for the season Aug. • Catherine Street Park Splash Pad before noon July 1 25. Lion Dunc Schooley Pool and 64 Catherine St. and sailing through Lancaster Pool will close for the season • Pearson Park Splash Pad the Welland Canal and passing by the St. Sept. 2. 352 Niagara St. Catharines Museum. Search “St. Catharines Search “Pools and Splash Pads” at It’s quiet now, but soon the Port Dalhousie Pool will Tall Ships” at www.stcatharines.ca or phone www.stcatharines.ca to learn more. be packed with happy swimmers. 905.984.8880 for more information. Construction coming to a street near you Watermain replacement and storm sewer work Storm sewer construction beginning in the Spring Road resurfacing and spot curb repairs starting started in May and lasting for eight weeks: and lasting eight weeks: and ending in July: • Glencairn Drive from Linwell Road to Clover Street • Harcove Street from Scott Street to Rabuka • St. Paul Street between William and Court streets. • Mckenzie Street between Niagara and Clover streets Avenue • Abraham Drive • Rabuka Avenue between Harcove and City-wide asphalt roadway crack sealing, concrete roadway • Cherie Road from Cindy Drive to Samuel Court White streets repairs and sidewalk repairs will start and end this summer. • Cherie Road from Halene Court to Cindy Drive • Thompson Avenue between Harc- • Samuel Court from Cherie Road to the cul-de-sac ove and White streets City facilities Road resurfacing and spot curb repairs beginning • Youngblut Avenue between Harcove • Victoria Lawn Cemetery: driveway rehabilitation and and ending this summer: and White streets expansion, new sewer installation and road resurfacing • Monarch Park Drive from Agar Drive to Graham Avenue Watermain and sanitary sewer is starting in the summer and ending in the fall. • Linwell Road from Geneva Street to Mcdermid Road replacement work starting in the • Construction of the new Merritton Fire Hall (427 Merritt • Caroline Street from Marlene Drive to Glendale Avenue summer and lasting eight weeks: Rd.) is ending this summer. • Caroline Street from Marlene Drive to its north limit • Plymouth Avenue between Grantham and Elmwood Help our crews work safely • Crown Street avenues Slow down in construction zones and obey posted speed • Clayburn Avenue from Queenston Street to Westchester Semi urban road resurfacing starting and ending limits. Follow the instructions of road attendants and treat Crescent this summer: temporary stop lights the same way you would a regular stop • Clark Street from Welland Avenue to Church Street • Dieppe Road from about 100 meters east of Neilson light. Thanks for your co-operation. Watermain, sanitary sewer and storm sewer Avenue to Cushman Road construction and road and sidewalk work started • Cushman Road from Queenston Street to Dieppe Road in January and ending in July: • Emmett Road from Queenston Street to its south limit Dates and schedules subject to change. Durations listed • Lake Street from Welland Avenue to Beach Street are for each project and not the individual road sections.