Waterfront Access Master Plan Survey
The second survey concluded on April 8, 2024.
Welcome to the City of St. Catharines Waterfront Access Master Plan engagement page.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with the City.
Your feedback will help the City further its insights on the reasons and ways people access the waterfront. It will also provide some information regarding improvements that can be made.
Background
The project study area includes the entire shoreline across the City of St. Catharines including the beaches, parks, trails and other access points along the waterfront. The City and Region have completed a number of studies and plans and these will be integrated into the City’s WAMP.
In 2021, the City implemented emergency shoreline protection resulting in the closure of stairs used by the public for access to the waterfront in the Abbey Mews area of Port Dalhousie. In addition, a number of existing staircases to access the water are reaching their end of life. The City has been reviewing implementing potential features that would reinstate public access to Lake Ontario and protect the shoreline. Changes to the waterfront access points will be necessary to continue providing safe and reliable access for residents and visitors across the entire waterfront.
The waterfront is for everyone and is an important public amenity. The WAMP will aim to ensure equitable access across the St. Catharines shoreline.
Get Involved
Throughout the study timeline, the City has requested input from the public through a survey and mapping activity, as well as a Public Information Centre where the preliminary findings from the survey and mapping activity were presented (link to video can be found below). As we enter the final stage of the study, the City would now like the public's input in regards to the draft priorities and improvements for each of the future waterfront access points.
Please click here to view highlights of the draft WAMP. Should you wish to review / access the full draft WAMP report, click here. Following your review of the information, please take the opportunity to fill out the survey linked below to provide your feedback on the information presented.
Public Information Centre
On September 26, 2023, a Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on Zoom. The meeting was recorded and has been uploaded to the City’s YouTube channel for viewing.
The PIC provided information on the findings to date and an opportunity for attendees to provide their input and ask questions.
Residents are encouraged to view the meeting and provide comments or questions to the City’s Project Manager, Jocelyn St. Denis.
Places Mapping Survey
The following link leads to a mapping activity where you can identify specific access points along the waterfront. Please add a pin to indicate the unique access points that you like, access points that need improvement, or locations for potential new access points.
