St. Catharines News Briefs

Tuesday May 24, 2022
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  • Niagara St. Closure. Niagara St. between Vine St and Garnet Street in St. Catharines will be closed in both directions today for Hydro repairs. The closure is expected to last for at least 6-8 hours. (Niagara Regional Police)
  • Labour Day Event Returns. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Merritton Lions Labour Day weekend celebration will return this summer and will include the midway, carnival and Labour Day parade. It is also expected that fireworks, a car show and live music will likely be part of the event. (Niagara this Week)
  • St. Catharines Rent Prices Increase. St. Catharines has been ranked 25th on list of highest rents in Canada. A two-bedroom apartment in St. Catharines averages $1,837/month, a 8.79% hike from April 2021. (Insauga)
  • Horse Racing Begins. Opening day at the Fort Erie Race Track is Tuesday, May 31 with the first race at 4:05 PM. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free 125th anniversary t-shirt with program purchase and Jonesy will perform a free concert at the Tiki Bar. (610 CKTB)
  • Sinkhole In The Falls. Two lanes were closed on Thorold Stone Road between the QEW and Dorchester Road due to a sinkhole that was created by a water main break. Repairs should be complete by the end of Wednesday. (Niagara this Week)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Wednesday May 19, 2022
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  • Store Reopens After Robbery. Karat Jewellers at the Fairview Mall has reopened after a robbery on May 11 that saw the owner of the jewelry store shot in the leg and two others sprayed with a substance that was believed to be bear spray. (Insauga)
  • Bryan Adams Announces St. Catharines Show. Bryan Adams has announced that his ‘So Happy It Hurts’ tour will include a show at the Meridian Centre on October 14th. Tickets will go on sale Friday, May 27th. (610 CKTB)
  • Ford Commits To Twinning Skyway. PC leader Doug Ford said he is committed to twinning the Garden City Skyway during a Niagara-on-the-Lake campaign stop this morning. Ford said the twinning of the bridge will allow people to get to their destination faster and without the hassle of sitting in traffic. (Insauga)
  • Naming Sponsor For Canada Games Park. The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation is the newest naming sponsor at Canada Games Park. The 200m suspended indoor track will now be known as the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation Track and the north entrance to the Walker Sports & Abilities Centre will now be called The Haj Ahmad Foundation Entrance. (Niagara Region)
  • Abandoned Dogs Get Surgery. The two pups found abandoned in a park with the condition Cherry Eye will undergo a $3600 eye surgery. The shelter is hoping to raise money to cover the cost. After the procedure, the dogs will be available for adoption. (610 CKTB)
  • PC Candidates Skipping Debates. PC Leader Doug Ford is not offering an explanation why the Conservative candidate for St. Catharines Sal Sorrento, Niagara Falls candidate Bob Gale and Niagara Centre candidate Fred Davies are not participating in local riding debates. PC candidates declining to participate in debates is also taking place in other ridings throughout Ontario. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • Ford Visits Falls Tomorrow. After making campaign stops in Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines today, PC leader Doug Ford will be back in Niagara tomorrow with a stop in Niagara Falls at 11:30 AM. (101 The River)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Wednesday May 18, 2022
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  • No Relocation For IceDogs. St. Catharines CAO David Oakes has confirmed that the Niagara IceDogs’ license agreement has a clause that would require written consent from the city in order for the team to relocate to another city. Mayor Walter Sendzik said he has spoken to the IceDogs new owner, Dareen DeDobbelaer, who stated his goal is to bring a Memorial Cup to the community. (610 CKTB)
  • Doug Ford in Niagara Tomorrow. Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford will be speaking at a campaign stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake tomorrow morning at 10:30 AM followed by a short stop in St. Catharines. (610 CKTB)
  • Pride Crosswalk On Hold. Thorold City Council has decided to hold off on making a decision on the proposed Pride crosswalk in downtown Thorold due to the $27,000 price tag to complete the project. Staff will look into the region’s proposal to install a Pride crosswalk at the Canada Games facility and report back to council. (Thorold Today)
  • St. Catharines Hospital Garden Planned. A new garden is being planned by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore for the west side of the St. Catharines hospital to give patients and staff a place for respite. A fundraiser for the $40,000 garden project was launched last week. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • Siscoe Seeking Mayor’s Chair. Former St. Catharines city councillor and current regional councillor Matt Siscoe has announced that he will be running for mayor in the upcoming municipal election. Current Mayor Walter Sendzik previously announced that he will not be seeking re-election. (610 CKTB)
  • Fireworks Over The Falls. The Niagara Falls Fireworks Series over the falls will launch Friday night and continue every night until October 10th. In total, there will be 144 shows over the falls this summer. (105 The River)
  • Virgil Stampede On This Weekend. After a two year hiatus, the Virgil Stampede is back and runs May 21 to the 23 at the Virgil Sports Park.  (105 The River)
  • Lobbyist Registry Launched. The Niagara Region has launched a lobbyist registry to track all lobbying activities directed towards members of council and staff. The registry will allow the public to have full awareness of who is advocating to the Region and what topics are being discussed. (Niagara Region)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Tuesday May 17, 2022
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  • IceDogs Sold. The Niagara IceDogs have been sold to Darren DeDobbelaer, pending approval from the OHL board of directors. DeDobbelaer owns and operates the Brantford Bandits, a junior-B team in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, and the Brantford 99ers, a junior A team in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Since coming to St. Catharines in 2007, the team has been owned by Bill and Denise Burke. The team is not expected to be relocated. (Niagara this Week) 
  • YMCA St. Catharines Official Closes. The YMCA in St. Catharines and all programs will officially close on May 31, 2022. The property was bought by Atria Development Corporation and while there was hope some of its programs could continue operating out of the location, that it not possible at this time. (610 CKTB)
  • City Councillor Reprimanded. Grantham Coun. Dawn Dodge has been reprimanded after it was determined that she was in violation of the code of conduct for representing residents against a zoning application. Dodge said that she respected the decision of the integrity commissioner and apologized for her actions. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • No Raise For City Councillors. St. Catharines city councillors voted 6-5 against a raise that would have seen councillors pay increased by approximately $7,000 after the municipal election in October. (610 CKTB)
  • Victoria Weekend Activities. The city of St. Catharines will be offering a number of activates this Victoria Day weekend including the opening of the Lakeside Park Carousel, Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm, Morningstar Mill and the city’s splash pads. (City of St. Catharines)
  • Niagara Biennial Design Awards. ​Nominations are now open for the 2022 Niagara Biennial Design Awards. Celebrating design excellence, these awards showcase Niagara’s unique communities and highlight the contributions from design professionals and artists towards the region’s economy. (Niagara Region)
  • Downtown Closing Streets For Pedestrians. The first weekend of June will mark the return of pedestrianized streets in downtown St. Catharines as well as the launch of the Downtown Promenade, which features 18 weeks of community based activities and events. Pedestrian zones will be located on James Street and St. Paul Street on Fridays 4 PM – 11 PM and Saturdays 10 AM – 11 PM although locations and times may vary depending on special events. (My Downtown)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Monday May 16, 2022
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  • Gas Prices Rise Again. Gas prices have reached a new record high in Niagara with the average price now at 208.9 cents per litre. Gas prices are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future. (610 CKTB)
  • Fire at Harvey’s. The Harvey’s restaurant at the corner of Montrose and Thorold Stone Road caught on fire Monday morning around 4:30 AM. Heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming out of the drive-thru window. Damage is estimated at $215,000 (CHCH)
  • Submit Your Garden. The city of St. Catharines is inviting residents to submit their gardens for the upcoming STC in Bloom garden tour. Submissions will be accepted from May 16 to May 30 and include the resident’s address, a photo of their garden and a brief description of what makes their garden unique or impactful. (City of St. Catharines)
  • Howie Mandel Receives Key To City. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati will be presenting the Key to the City to actor and comedian Howie Mandel today at 4 PM at Niagara Falls city hall. Mandel is at the Fallsview Casino for the taping of Canada’s Got Talent. (105 The River) 
  • New Park In Thorold. The city of Thorold is preparing to award the contract for the construction of a new park in the Merritt Meadows Neighbourhood. The park will cost over $400,000 which includes installation of playground equipment, rubber safety surface, concrete walkway, benches, signage, and drainage. (Thorold Today)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Friday May 13, 2022
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  • Rain Barrel Sale and Tree Giveaway. Beginning May 16, residents of St. Catharines can sign up online to purchase a rain barrel or receive a free tree for their property through the city’s annual spring Rain Barrel Sale and Free Tree Giveaway.  The Rain Barrel Sale and Free Tree Giveaway will both take place on May 28 in the parking lot of Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. (City of St. Catharines)
  • 406 Reopens. The northbound lanes of highway 406 reopened last night at 10 PM after a hydrochloric acid spill closed the highway on Wednesday. The southbound lanes reopened yesterday. (610 CKTB)
  • Candidates Miss Debate. Provincial Conservative candidates Sal Sorrento (St. Catharines), Fred Davies (Niagara Centre) and Bob Gale (Niagara Falls) have all turned down invitations to participate in the YourTV local riding debates. Sam Oosterhoff (Niagara West) is the only Conservative candidates in Niagara who has agreed to the join his riding’s debate. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • Residential Development. The former home of Central Community Church at the corner of Scott and Geneva street in St. Catharines could soon be the site of a 369 unit development that will include two 20-storey residential apartment buildings and three stacked townhouse. The land became available when the church recently moved into a larger building in Niagara-on-the-Lake. (Niagara this Week)
  • LCHS Searching For Dog Owner. The Lincoln County Humane Society is looking for information on a pair of dogs that were found at a park and appear to be left behind by their owner. Both dogs suffer from cherry eye and need expensive surgery. (610 CKTB)
  • New LTC Home. A new long-term care facility opened in west St. Catharines yesterday. The three-storey, 160-bed facility offers both basic and private rooms and is above and beyond ministry requirements, with each floor having their own family kitchen, balconies, and hair salon stations. (Niagara this Week)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Thursday May 12, 2022
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  • Virtual Urgent Care. Launched in March, the Niagara Virtual Urgent Care is an online treatment service that allows adult patients who don’t have access to a primary care provider to book a same-day appointment and receive care via their mobile phones, tablets or computers. Nurse Practitioners can diagnose, order diagnostic tests, formulate and prescribe treatment plans and co-ordinate referrals to specialists. Appointments are booked online at UrgentCareOntario.ca. (Niagara Health)
  • Golf Course Opens. The Garden City Golf Course will open for the season on May 13 at 7:30 AM. During the week, the price will be $12 for nine holes and $22.95 for 18 holes. On weekends, nine holes costs $15.55 and a round of 18 is $24.05. To book your tee time, call 905.688.5601 ext. 1677. (City of St. Catharines)
  • 406 Remains Closed. The northbound lanes of highway 406 in St. Catharines will continue to be closed late into the evening due to yesterday’s hydrochloric acid spill. It is likely the road will need to be repaved or may need to be completely replaced as the acid eats into the asphalt. (610 CKTB)
  • Go Train Service. Seasonal and holiday Go Train service will resume to Niagara Falls beginning May 21. The train service will see trains depart from Union Station to Niagara Falls three times a day and make the return trip from Niagara Falls to Union Station three times a day as well. (CHCH)
  • Liberal Leader in St. Catharines. Ontario Liberal leader Stephen Del Duca will be stopping in St. Catharines for a meet-and-greet tonight at 6 pm at the Glenridge Plaza. (Insauga)
  • Shooting Victim Identified. The individual shot in yesterday’s robbery of Karat Jewellers at the Fairview Mall was owner Konstantinos Voulgaridis. Voulgardis, who was shot in the leg, is now recovering at home. (St. Catharines Standard)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Wednesday May 11, 2022
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  • Shooting at Fairview Mall. Three people were injured after a robbery at gun point took place today at 11:30 AM at Karat Jewellers inside the Fairview Mall in St. Catharines. Two individuals inside the store were sprayed with a substance and as the suspects fled, shots were fired and an individual was struck. The shooting victim is currently listed in serious condition with non-life threating injuries. The suspects fled the scene on a motorcycle. (Niagara Regional Police)
  • Senior Planners leave Thorold. Another senior planner is no longer with the city of Thorold, leaving the municipal planning department with only one full-time employee. Last month, the manager of planning resigned to take a position with the city of Port Colborne. The exodus of planning employees comes after a series of controversies. (Thorold Today)
  • Fire at Grocery Store. Ryan’s No Frills on Welland Ave in St. Catharines will be shut down indefinitely due to an electric fire. (Insauga)
  • Farmers Market. Starting May 14, a selection of special events will be featured on Saturdays at the St. Catharines Farmers Market. Events include the return of the Market Discovery Table and Music in the Square concert series, alongside new cooking demonstrations and a community engagement series. The St. Catharines Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 8 AM to 2 PM and Saturdays from 7 AM to 1 PM. (City of St. Catharines) 
  • 406 Closed. The 406 is closed in both directions between Glendale and Westchester in St. Catharines after a truck leaked hydrochloric acid on the roadway. Motorist are being asked to avoid highway 406 until it re-opens, which likely won’t happen until later this evening. (610 CKTB)
  • Fallsview Casino Entertainment Centre. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has delayed the opening of the new 5000 seat Fallsview Casino Entertainment Centre to address operational requirements at the facility such as finalizing building equipment, furniture and fixtures, testing and training. They are also optimizing the acoustics of the theatre. (St. Catharines Standard)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Tuesday May 10, 2022
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  • Sendzik Not Seeking Re-election. St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik has announced that he will not seek re-election when the municipal election takes place on Oct 24. Sendzik has served as the Mayor of St. Catharines for two terms and stated that he will decide over the summer what he will do next. (Insauga)
  • New Casino Theatre Opening Delayed. Although the new 5,000 seat Fallsview Casino Entertainment Centre was completed in early 2020, no events have been held in the facility and a message on the casino’s website states that all events at the venue are “currently paused.” Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has stated there are issues with the “specs” of the building but the theatre should open in September or October. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • FACS Fundraiser. FACS Niagara is planning LemonAID day on June 12 which will see 100 Lemonade stands set up across Niagara. Mountainview Building Group is joining forces with the FACS Niagara Foundation for the event which will raise funds to send kids to summer camp. (610 CKTB)
  • Prescription Drugs Drop Off. Niagara Region Public Health and Niagara Regional Police Service are inviting residents to drop off old and unused prescription drugs at participating locations across Niagara on Saturday, May 14 from 10 AM – 3 PM. The event is contact-free, rain or shine, and you can drive, walk or cycle through. (Niagara Region)
  • Body Identified. The body found on May 4 by St. Catharines Hydro employees in the water at Port Dalhousie has been identified as Katrina Blagdon. Blagdon went missing in January 2022. Foul play is not suspected. (Niagara Regional Police)

St. Catharines News Briefs

Monday, May 9, 2022
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  • Gas Prices Climb. – Gas prices at some stations climbed to $1.99/litre this weekend and could be increasing by as much as 10 cents over the next two weeks. (610 CKTB)
  • Support Ukraine. The Bridge for Peace initiative will take place tonight with people gathering on highway overpasses between 6 – 7 PM in support of Ukraine. Individuals are also asked to bring flags and signs to show their support. (610 CKTB)
  • Patenting Expo. The Spring 2022 Family & Parenting Expo will take place Saturday May 28 from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday May 29 from 11 AM to 5 PM at the rear parking lot of the Pen Centre. The event will see over 100 vendors participate and will support No Bare Bums Niagara, an organization that helps struggling parents with diapers and other care items. (Niagara this Week)
  • Indigenous Health Centre Opens. An Indigenous health centre is expanding its Niagara operations. The De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre will now offer primary care options after having provided mental health services in Niagara since 2017. (Niagara this Week)
  • Traffic Enforcement. Red-light cameras and automated speed enforcement will now be installed on roadways throughout the Niagara Region. The Vision Zero program has now been approved by all 12 Niagara municipalities after the Town of Grimsby voted 7-2 to support the program last week. (Niagara Independent)
  • COVID News. Niagara’s acting medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, said that the number of COVID related deaths is disproportionately impacting people living in long-term-care homes. However, despite the fact that 13 Niagara Health patients with COVID died last week, provincewide wastewater data is showing a small downward trend of the virus. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • Bridge Closure. The Allanburg Bridge will be closed on Wednesday from 9 AM – 4 PM for maintenance. (Thorold Today)