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Civic Square Design Study

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We’re continuing work on creating a vibrant, engaging and thriving downtown, building on past successes, and creating new spaces for pedestrians in our city core.

Building on the framework provided by the St. Catharines Downtown Creative Cluster Master Plan, we’ve seen a boom in the City centre. Goals - such as the construction of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the Meridian Centre, and the relocation of Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts - have become a reality and all have, in turn, helped create a thriving retail and cultural scene, drawing more people and businesses to the core. Our downtown is home a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population.

The development of outdoor public gathering spaces for those who live, work and visit in the downtown core is a strategic priority, both to promote livability and to create places for gathering and celebration. We can now look to the future of James Street and how it might transform to better suit the needs of our evolving downtown.

James Street has been identified for reconstruction, and along with surrounding public spaces such as the Central Library plaza, the City Hall lawns and parking lots, Market Square and the old courthouse, there’s a unique opportunity to create a cohesive outdoor space for everyone.

We want to bring the vision of a central community gathering space into reality.

But what does that vision entail? The next step will be completion of the Civic Square Design Study, which has now begun and will be best opportunity to share you ideas and vision for what this place could become. More opportunities to provide your input are on the way!

The Project

The City of St. Catharines has initiated a study to identify a preferred vision for the re-development of James Street, from King Street to Church Street, into a Civic Square area. Through the study, a recommended concept will be developed that will support the City’s goal of providing a community gathering place within the downtown core. The study area is highlighted in red below.

Project Background

The Civic Square is intended to be an inclusive and dynamic outdoor pedestrian space that will serve the growing downtown community and could host a range of special events, festivals, markets, and live performances.

Public Engagement

The first Public Information Centre was held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

A survey about the study was also posted. It closed on Jan. 2, 2024.

We’re continuing work on creating a vibrant, engaging and thriving downtown, building on past successes, and creating new spaces for pedestrians in our city core.

Building on the framework provided by the St. Catharines Downtown Creative Cluster Master Plan, we’ve seen a boom in the City centre. Goals - such as the construction of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the Meridian Centre, and the relocation of Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts - have become a reality and all have, in turn, helped create a thriving retail and cultural scene, drawing more people and businesses to the core. Our downtown is home a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population.

The development of outdoor public gathering spaces for those who live, work and visit in the downtown core is a strategic priority, both to promote livability and to create places for gathering and celebration. We can now look to the future of James Street and how it might transform to better suit the needs of our evolving downtown.

James Street has been identified for reconstruction, and along with surrounding public spaces such as the Central Library plaza, the City Hall lawns and parking lots, Market Square and the old courthouse, there’s a unique opportunity to create a cohesive outdoor space for everyone.

We want to bring the vision of a central community gathering space into reality.

But what does that vision entail? The next step will be completion of the Civic Square Design Study, which has now begun and will be best opportunity to share you ideas and vision for what this place could become. More opportunities to provide your input are on the way!

The Project

The City of St. Catharines has initiated a study to identify a preferred vision for the re-development of James Street, from King Street to Church Street, into a Civic Square area. Through the study, a recommended concept will be developed that will support the City’s goal of providing a community gathering place within the downtown core. The study area is highlighted in red below.

Project Background

The Civic Square is intended to be an inclusive and dynamic outdoor pedestrian space that will serve the growing downtown community and could host a range of special events, festivals, markets, and live performances.

Public Engagement

The first Public Information Centre was held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

A survey about the study was also posted. It closed on Jan. 2, 2024.

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  • Share Hi; could you please tell me what the following statement from your Civc Square Design Study piece, above, means: "Our downtown is home a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population." What is the residential range of housing that exists, or is planned, within this civic square? Thank you. on Facebook Share Hi; could you please tell me what the following statement from your Civc Square Design Study piece, above, means: "Our downtown is home a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population." What is the residential range of housing that exists, or is planned, within this civic square? Thank you. on Twitter Share Hi; could you please tell me what the following statement from your Civc Square Design Study piece, above, means: "Our downtown is home a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population." What is the residential range of housing that exists, or is planned, within this civic square? Thank you. on Linkedin Email Hi; could you please tell me what the following statement from your Civc Square Design Study piece, above, means: "Our downtown is home a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population." What is the residential range of housing that exists, or is planned, within this civic square? Thank you. link

    Hi; could you please tell me what the following statement from your Civc Square Design Study piece, above, means: "Our downtown is home a diverse and growing residential range of housing for a growing population." What is the residential range of housing that exists, or is planned, within this civic square? Thank you.

    Sissinghurst asked 6 months ago

    We appreciate your interest in this Study Project.

     

    This Civic Square development will serve as a catalyst for various cultural activities that encourage people to live, work, visit, and play in the heart of St. Catharines.

     

    The Civic Square is located within the Downtown St. Catharines Urban Growth Centre. The Civic Square study area surrounding land uses are designated as "commercial core" and "mixed medium-high" density residential/commercial that will support intensification efforts. Multiple high-density residential development projects are planned for the surrounding area, including residential tower projects at 88 James Street, 57 Carlisle Street, 14 Queen Street and 7 St. Paul Street West. Further high-density residential projects are anticipated.

     

  • Share Why is a civic square needed? Montebello park is nearby and a good venue for events. This project will be a large expenditure- there is a huge capital deficit that needs to be addressed before additional large venue are created. on Facebook Share Why is a civic square needed? Montebello park is nearby and a good venue for events. This project will be a large expenditure- there is a huge capital deficit that needs to be addressed before additional large venue are created. on Twitter Share Why is a civic square needed? Montebello park is nearby and a good venue for events. This project will be a large expenditure- there is a huge capital deficit that needs to be addressed before additional large venue are created. on Linkedin Email Why is a civic square needed? Montebello park is nearby and a good venue for events. This project will be a large expenditure- there is a huge capital deficit that needs to be addressed before additional large venue are created. link

    Why is a civic square needed? Montebello park is nearby and a good venue for events. This project will be a large expenditure- there is a huge capital deficit that needs to be addressed before additional large venue are created.

    Mmkreuk asked 6 months ago

    The City's Strategic Plan supports the development of a Civic Square, as does the St. Catharines Downtown Creative Cluster Master Plan. City Council recently approved an update to the City's Strategic Plan. This update includes the construction of a civic square as a Priority Initiative to "enrich the urban growth centre vitality through creative placemaking initiatives".

     

    The Civic Square is intended to serve as a central gathering spot for the growing downtown St. Catharines community and can host smaller events to take pressure off Montebello Park and other downtown streets. As we plan to accommodate significant residential growth downtown, we must also support livability. Montebello Park is a valued community amenity but is insufficient to accommodate all needs and projected growth.

  • Share How will the city address the homelessness issues faced by many in the area you propose to develop this project? Will increased mental health, housing and intervention be explored? on Facebook Share How will the city address the homelessness issues faced by many in the area you propose to develop this project? Will increased mental health, housing and intervention be explored? on Twitter Share How will the city address the homelessness issues faced by many in the area you propose to develop this project? Will increased mental health, housing and intervention be explored? on Linkedin Email How will the city address the homelessness issues faced by many in the area you propose to develop this project? Will increased mental health, housing and intervention be explored? link

    How will the city address the homelessness issues faced by many in the area you propose to develop this project? Will increased mental health, housing and intervention be explored?

    CBOYD asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your interest in the James Street Civic Square Design Study Project.

     

    We acknowledge that housing and homelessness are valid issues and concerns. We also acknowledge that this visioning and design study project will not directly support efforts to alleviate homelessness in our community.

     

    Like communities elsewhere in Niagara and across Ontario, the effects of this crisis are visible in the city of St. Catharines. As a lower-tier municipality, the City of St. Catharines is not directly involved in housing and homelessness services like other single-tier municipalities in the province. The Niagara Region, however, does provide a range of programs and services relating to housing and homelessness to assist in this crisis.

     

    The City of St. Catharines remains committed to investing in community infrastructure throughout the city.

  • Share Has the city considered what the traffic impact will be on surrounding roads if James Street is severed and inaccessible to vehicles? Living and working in the area I know that a large amount of traffic uses James St exiting the downtown core to reach Lake St/Welland Ave, with few reasonable alternative through-streets in the area. At first glance this could result in a significant uptick in traffic on Queen Street to the west and as far east as Geneva for direct access to Welland Ave (neither of which is well suited to this). Similarly, I anticipate significant spillback onto small residential roads (Lyman, Gerard, Beecher) in the area which are not equipped with signalized intersections. I am not opposed to a downtown pedestrian square, but I question the location. I do understand the logic of colocation with the Centennial Library and City Hall/Market Square, but perhaps James St between King and St Paul is a better fit. on Facebook Share Has the city considered what the traffic impact will be on surrounding roads if James Street is severed and inaccessible to vehicles? Living and working in the area I know that a large amount of traffic uses James St exiting the downtown core to reach Lake St/Welland Ave, with few reasonable alternative through-streets in the area. At first glance this could result in a significant uptick in traffic on Queen Street to the west and as far east as Geneva for direct access to Welland Ave (neither of which is well suited to this). Similarly, I anticipate significant spillback onto small residential roads (Lyman, Gerard, Beecher) in the area which are not equipped with signalized intersections. I am not opposed to a downtown pedestrian square, but I question the location. I do understand the logic of colocation with the Centennial Library and City Hall/Market Square, but perhaps James St between King and St Paul is a better fit. on Twitter Share Has the city considered what the traffic impact will be on surrounding roads if James Street is severed and inaccessible to vehicles? Living and working in the area I know that a large amount of traffic uses James St exiting the downtown core to reach Lake St/Welland Ave, with few reasonable alternative through-streets in the area. At first glance this could result in a significant uptick in traffic on Queen Street to the west and as far east as Geneva for direct access to Welland Ave (neither of which is well suited to this). Similarly, I anticipate significant spillback onto small residential roads (Lyman, Gerard, Beecher) in the area which are not equipped with signalized intersections. I am not opposed to a downtown pedestrian square, but I question the location. I do understand the logic of colocation with the Centennial Library and City Hall/Market Square, but perhaps James St between King and St Paul is a better fit. on Linkedin Email Has the city considered what the traffic impact will be on surrounding roads if James Street is severed and inaccessible to vehicles? Living and working in the area I know that a large amount of traffic uses James St exiting the downtown core to reach Lake St/Welland Ave, with few reasonable alternative through-streets in the area. At first glance this could result in a significant uptick in traffic on Queen Street to the west and as far east as Geneva for direct access to Welland Ave (neither of which is well suited to this). Similarly, I anticipate significant spillback onto small residential roads (Lyman, Gerard, Beecher) in the area which are not equipped with signalized intersections. I am not opposed to a downtown pedestrian square, but I question the location. I do understand the logic of colocation with the Centennial Library and City Hall/Market Square, but perhaps James St between King and St Paul is a better fit. link

    Has the city considered what the traffic impact will be on surrounding roads if James Street is severed and inaccessible to vehicles? Living and working in the area I know that a large amount of traffic uses James St exiting the downtown core to reach Lake St/Welland Ave, with few reasonable alternative through-streets in the area. At first glance this could result in a significant uptick in traffic on Queen Street to the west and as far east as Geneva for direct access to Welland Ave (neither of which is well suited to this). Similarly, I anticipate significant spillback onto small residential roads (Lyman, Gerard, Beecher) in the area which are not equipped with signalized intersections. I am not opposed to a downtown pedestrian square, but I question the location. I do understand the logic of colocation with the Centennial Library and City Hall/Market Square, but perhaps James St between King and St Paul is a better fit.

    AW asked 5 months ago

    A traffic analysis will be completed as part of this study, and the findings of that analysis will be considered in the creation of any design alternatives. Regardless of what design option is selected for the Civic Square, the block of James Street between King and St. Paul will be an important bridge between the Civic Square and St. Paul Street. 

    A number of community members have expressed a desire for that block to be improved and this may be a focus of future works.

  • Share How much parking revenue will be lost with this project? Will the market square lose all its parking meters? on Facebook Share How much parking revenue will be lost with this project? Will the market square lose all its parking meters? on Twitter Share How much parking revenue will be lost with this project? Will the market square lose all its parking meters? on Linkedin Email How much parking revenue will be lost with this project? Will the market square lose all its parking meters? link

    How much parking revenue will be lost with this project? Will the market square lose all its parking meters?

    Mmkreuk asked 6 months ago

    To answer your question, it is unclear at this stage of the study process.

    This Project is a visioning and design study to identify a preferred vision for the redevelopment of James Street. The City is currently in the process of gathering community input. 

    City Staff are working with the Project Design Consultants in the early stages of the Community Visioning and the Stakeholder Engagement process. The City is looking for the public's dreams, thoughts, ideas, and feedback to help it develop a public space that reflects the community's vision.

  • Share Will there be adequate and accessible 24/7 public washrooms available to support this space? on Facebook Share Will there be adequate and accessible 24/7 public washrooms available to support this space? on Twitter Share Will there be adequate and accessible 24/7 public washrooms available to support this space? on Linkedin Email Will there be adequate and accessible 24/7 public washrooms available to support this space? link

    Will there be adequate and accessible 24/7 public washrooms available to support this space?

    Cilac asked 6 months ago

    To answer your question, at this stage of the study process, we don't know. 

    This Project is a visioning and design study to identify a preferred vision for the redevelopment of James Street. The City is currently in the process of gathering community input.

  • Share Who is on the design team ? on Facebook Share Who is on the design team ? on Twitter Share Who is on the design team ? on Linkedin Email Who is on the design team ? link

    Who is on the design team ?

    Robert K. asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your interest in the James Street Civic Square Design Study Project. 

    The Project Design Consultants Team consist of:

     - R.V. Anderson Associate Limited (RVA) Prime Consultant – Engineering Consultant,

    - DTAH– Landscape Architecture & Streetscape Design (Urban designers, planners, and architects)

    - LURA Consulting – Community Engagement and Visioning Consultant,

  • Share How that will affect current businesses located on King street? (East Izakaya and Wind Japanese and Thai) on Facebook Share How that will affect current businesses located on King street? (East Izakaya and Wind Japanese and Thai) on Twitter Share How that will affect current businesses located on King street? (East Izakaya and Wind Japanese and Thai) on Linkedin Email How that will affect current businesses located on King street? (East Izakaya and Wind Japanese and Thai) link

    How that will affect current businesses located on King street? (East Izakaya and Wind Japanese and Thai)

    Wind Group asked 6 months ago

    To answer your question, we are unsure at this stage of the study process. 

    This Project is a visioning and design study to identify a preferred vision for the redevelopment of James Street.

Page last updated: 03 Jan 2024, 06:51 AM