Waterfront Access Master Plan Survey
This consultation has concluded. Thank you for your feedback.
Welcome to the City of St. Catharines Waterfront Access Master Plan Survey.
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.
For this survey, the City is looking to make both physical improvements and beautify the shoreline along Lake Ontario.
There are two parts to this survey. The first one is a list of 11 questions identifying your use, access points, and thoughts on current waterfront accessibility. The second is an interactive map. It is linked on the first section of the survey (as question 12) and under 'Map' on the main page. You will have the opportunity to identify areas that you think should have waterfront access, areas where the waterfront access can be improved, and waterfront access areas that you are happy with.
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
Your priorities for the future of the waterfront are important to us! There will be several opportunities to ask questions and provide input throughout the process.
Take some time to complete our first phase of consultation, an online survey and a mapping activity. The survey and map will remain open until August 11.
Please note, you must be registered to complete the survey.
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.