St. Catharines 150

The City of St. Catharines is marking a major milestone in 2026.

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe officially launched the City’s 150th anniversary celebrations with a ceremonial flag raising at City Hall on Monday, marking the beginning of the milestone year under the theme “Our Common Ground”. While its roots trace back much earlier, St. Catharines was officially incorporated as a City on May 1, 1876.

“This anniversary is about more than marking a date on the calendar,” said Mayor Siscoe. “It’s about recognizing what we share as a community — our histories, our neighbourhoods, and the people who have helped build St. Catharines over the last 150 years.”

The event, featuring a flag bearing a special 150th anniversary logo, brought together community leaders and representatives from all levels of government, including remarks from St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle, St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens, and Chair of Niagara Region Bob Gale, alongside members of St. Catharines City Council and the City’s senior leadership team.

The theme “Our Common Ground” was highlighted throughout the ceremony, emphasizing the shared history, values, and experiences that have shaped St. Catharines. A portion of the vision – which can be read in its entirety on the City’s website – states: “The land beneath our feet has been one constant that has endured – well before St. Catharines attained City status. It bore the footsteps of the first Indigenous peoples, offered shelter to freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, and gave rise to the waterways, vineyards, orchards, and gardens that nourish us today.”

The St. Catharines 150 logo mark carries on with that theme, inspired by land parcels and community patchwork: individual plots that sit side-by-side to shape a bigger whole. Each parcel represents a piece of St. Catharines - past and present residents, cultures, industries, and neighbourhoods coming together as one city.

A Year of Celebrations

The flag raising marks the first of several commemorative events and initiatives planned throughout the year, all designed to reflect the City’s past, present, and future.

Highlights include:

• A community celebration on Saturday, May 2 at Montebello Park, helping commemorate the official anniversary date of St. Catharines attaining City status;
• An enhanced Canada Day celebration on July 1, recognizing the anniversary of Canadian Confederation and St. Catharines’ 150th year, including a first-of-its-kind celebration for St. Catharines capping off the night;
• The appointment of a Poet Laureate for the anniversary year, who will use poetry to engage residents, celebrate civic pride, and enrich public life through readings, special initiatives, and cultural events connected to the history and culture of St. Catharines;
• A series of public art initiatives, showcasing local artists and community narratives in public spaces across the city, including a juried exhibition at City Hall, a themed mural in the downtown, and a 5 Corners art installation celebrating the indigenous history in our community;
• Weekly social media posts, highlighting St. Catharines’ rich history from a diverse range of perspectives;
• A 150th anniversary Tree Planting legacy project, in conjunction with local environmental groups; and
• St. Catharines 150 pop-up activations at various community events throughout the year.

Additional events and opportunities for public participation will be announced throughout the year as the anniversary celebrations continue.

Visit www.stcatharines.ca/STC150 for more information about St. Catharines 150 and upcoming programming.

The City of St. Catharines is inviting applications from local poets for a one-year appointment as Poet Laureate, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the City's incorporation.

The Poet Laureate, to be selected through a call to artists that opened today (Dec. 8) at www.stcatharines.ca/calltoartists, will serve as an artistic ambassador for the City, and will use poetry to engage residents, celebrate civic pride, and enrich public life through readings, special initiatives, and cultural events connected to the history and culture of St. Catharines. The term will run from January 2026 to December 2026. An honorarium of $2,500 will be provided to support the Poet Laureate’s activities, including the creation of commissioned works for the City’s 150th anniversary.

The Poet Laureate is an honorary civic role that recognizes an accomplished St. Catharines-based poet who demonstrates:
• A strong body of creative work,
• Commitment to community engagement,
• Passion for the literary arts, and
• The ability to represent the City through spoken and written word.

The role includes creating and presenting original poems for key civic occasions, including events tied to the 150th anniversary, and serving as an advocate for poetry and the literary arts across the community. Working collaboratively with the City’s Cultural Services team, the Poet Laureate will take part in City-led cultural events, readings, workshops, and engagement activities; connect with residents through public readings, mentorship, or community writing projects; and complete one legacy project that reflects St. Catharines.

“Having a Poet Laureate is a meaningful way to honour the many voices, stories, and creative traditions that shape St. Catharines,” said Jessica Wilson, Culture Supervisor. “Poetry invites us to reflect on where we come from, who we are, and the future we’re creating together. We look forward to welcoming a poet who can help us mark the City’s 150th anniversary with artistry, thoughtfulness, and a deep respect for our diverse cultural landscape.”

Applicants must be current residents of St. Catharines and remain so for the duration of the term, being prepared to fulfill all responsibilities associated with the role. They should have a strong connection to the literary arts, with demonstrated involvement in the poetry community, and show experience in public presentation, mentorship, or community engagement. Preference may be given to poets whose work engages with St. Catharines’ diverse histories, communities, and cultures, in alignment with the City’s Culture Plan and commitments to equity, inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation.

Application process
Applications are now open at www.stcatharines.ca/calltoartists. Applicants must submit a letter of interest outlining their relevant experience, artistic approach, proposed outreach activities, concept for a legacy project, and interest in contributing to the City’s 150th anniversary programming. A resume or CV detailing publication history, artistic activities, and community engagement experience is required, along with three to five work samples from the last 10 years. Applicants must also include a short bio.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of representatives from the City’s Cultural Services office, a member of the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, and a community expert in poetry or the literary arts. Selection will be based on the applicant’s body of work, contributions to the local or broader literary community, demonstrated capacity for public engagement and collaboration, and ability to represent the City during its 150th anniversary year. Short-listed candidates may also be invited to interview with the committee.