St. Catharines has finalized its 2026 multi-year budget after Mayor Mat Siscoe waived the veto period and accepted Council’s recent amendments.
The approved plan results in a 1.74 per cent increase on the City portion of property taxes, amounting to about $31 more for the average homeowner.
Several key adjustments were made, including added support for winter control, cultural programs, and the city’s upcoming 150th anniversary.
The budget also invests heavily in infrastructure, parks, roadwork, and community facilities across the city, aiming to address resident concerns and support long-term growth.
2026 Budget Highlights With the readoption of the budget, investments made in 2026 will fund key initiatives to support community wellbeing and infrastructure renewal, including:
• $2.1 million for road and underground improvements on Facer Street.
• $1.2 million for a sanitary sewer upgrade on Queenston Street.
• $1.7 million in road and underground improvements on Gale Crescent.
• $6 million in watermain replacement projects slated for the Castlewood / Riverview; St. Paul Cresent; and Bailey / Galbraith / Hillview / Kinsey / Power Glen areas.
• $1.75 million for HVAC upgrades and elevator modernization at St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.
• $225,000 to support accessibility and lighting upgrades at the Port Dalhousie branch of the St. Catharines Public Library.
• $2.8 million to replace a rescue truck and pumper / tanker truck for St. Catharines Fire Services.
• $2.3 million invested into City parks, including new multi-use courts and playgrounds at Johnson and Wembly Drive Parks, new playgrounds at Lester B. Pearson and Realty Park and new multi-use courts at Fairhaven Park.
• $1.72 million in upgrades to infrastructure at recreational facilities, including a new washroom at Berkley Park, soccer field lighting upgrades at Lancaster Park, a new scoreboard at Merritton Arena and concession and washroom renovations at Alex Mackenzie Park.
(Written by: Matt Latour)