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Get the Garden City Current in your inbox. Sign up at www.stcatharines.ca There may be no better place in the city to take an evening stroll than Victoria Lawn Cemetery, says resident Matt Holley. Peaceful and safe with beautiful monuments dating back to the early times of St. Catharines doting the landscape, the cemetery offers residents a chance to stretch their legs while also learning a little something about the City. It’s just one of the City’s many open spaces Holley enjoys with his young family. “It’s a great place to walk,” said Holley, a co-chair for the City’s Green Committee. “There’s so much history. It’s like there’s a hushed reverence.” If there’s one thing most residents have in common it’s a love for the outdoors. Whether it’s homeowners puttering around in their garden, spunky youngsters hiding and seeking on playgrounds at neighbourhood parks or runners and cyclists logging endless clicks along the Merritt Trail, there’s a lot to do outside around these parts. The City’s Recreation Master Plan states there’s 3.2 hectares per 1,000 residents in St. Catharines. Good thing too, because unstructured or individual activities, such as running, walking, golf and skateboarding, are trending upwards, increasing the usage of the City’s trails and open spaces. The City continues to work hard to live up to its reputation as the Garden City, maintaining more than 1,000 acres of green space, including two golf courses, three beaches, two dog parks and one petting farm. Residents can enjoy more than 100 parks and more than 250 carefully manicured floral displays within some of those parks. And, there’s also a number of trails, a network of about 90km, that crisscross the city. While the City does its best to keep parks and trails looking their best, residents can play a role in the upkeep as well. Let us know when you see too-long grass and weeds, unsightly graffiti or fallen trees and limbs. The City wants to make sure its open spaces offer the best experience possible. Of course, when you see litter you can be a big help by picking it up and disposing of it. Holley and Green committee co-chair Dave Heywood invite residents with ideas on improving green space in the city to send them an email at [email protected]. City offers many parks, trails and beaches to explore Discover the Garden City The third tax installment for commercial properties is due Friday, Aug. 9. Tax bills were mailed to property owners on July 19. To avoid late charges, please ensure payment is received at City Hall on or before the Aug. 9 due date. Payments can be made in person at City Hall or most financial institutions as well as through Internet banking, telephone banking and regular mail. Payments can also be deposited in the mail slot at the James Street entrance of City Hall. Don’t forget to include tax stubs with payments. Do not send cash in the mail. Pre-authorized payments Pre-authorized debit payment plans are available for tax bills and water/wastewater bills. Pre-authorized payment plans provide the convenience of auto- matic withdrawals from your bank account monthly or by instal- ment/due date, giving peace of mind your bills will be paid on time. For more information call 905.688.5601 ext. 1416. Final commercial tax bills Report fallen trees and branches to 905.935.3813. See some graffit? Call our hotline at 905.688.5601 ext. 3138. Adopt-a-Street and collect litter along its boulevard. Call 905.688.5601 ext. 2160. Plant a boulevard tree on your property. Call 905.937.7210. Keep grass neatly trimmed. Report long grass and weeds to 905.937.7210. Five ways to help St. Catharines look its best The City is hosting a second round of open houses to hear what the public thinks about its revised zoning rules. Staff spent two months reviewing feedback offered by residents, and have made a few tweaks to the new draft zoning by-law. For instance, while there was a push early in the year from residents wanting permission to store RVs on their property, City planners heard from others opposed to wide-open permission. It’s led to some proposed restrictions for RV storage in the new draft by-law. Planning staff will make formal presentations regarding revisions to the initial draft zoning by-law during meetings at Market Square Sept. 16 and Sept. 25. Residents can also meet City planners at Market Square Aug. 29, the Pen Centre Sept. 5 and at the Fairview Mall Sept. 12. The final by-law will go before City Council this fall. Help zone your St. Catharines The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre has settled into its new office without missing a beat. The Enterprise Centre has called the third floor at 1 St. Paul St. home since it relocated at the beginning of April. Previously, the centre occupied ground floor space in the same building. Staff are enjoying their new digs, and the essential services the centre offers new and small businesses have remained unchanged, although public access computers are no longer available. Access the office by taking the elevator just inside the Ontario Street entrance. The Enterprise Centre is Niagara’s largest one-stop resource for business start-up information and facilitating business growth. New office for Enterprise Centre Your government, your say Peaceful and steeped in history, the Victoria Lawn Cemetery is one of Matt Holley’s favourite places to escape for a quiet walk. Think government – be it at the City or Regional level – is too large, too complicated or too ineffective? Think it needs to change? That’s gover- nance reform. St. Catharines City Council wants to hear from residents on a variety of issues and suggestions, including: Dual representation (electing one local part-time councillor for each of the City’s six wards and electing six councillors to represent residents full-time on City and Regional councils). Redrawing ward boundaries for the City and the Region. Reducing the number of municipalities in Niagara. Adjusting representation at the Region based on population. Electing one city councillor per ward. Your opinion on governance reform is important. Open houses are planned for Thursday, Aug. 8, Monday, Sept. 16 and Monday, Sept. 30. All open houses will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 Church St., from 7 to 9 p.m. An online survey is also available for resi- dents to complete. August 2013

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Page 1: Discover the Garden City - St. Catharines · 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, visited the Market Square to get the excitement brewing for the events to come. During our official Pan

Get the Garden City Current in your inbox. Sign up at www.stcatharines.ca

There may be no better place in the city to take an evening stroll than Victoria Lawn Cemetery, says resident Matt Holley. Peaceful and safe with beautiful

monuments dating back to the early times of St. Catharines doting the landscape, the cemetery offers residents a chance to stretch their legs while also learning a little something about the City. It’s just one of the City’s many open spaces Holley enjoys with his young family.“It’s a great place to walk,” said Holley,

a co-chair for the City’s Green Committee. “There’s so much history. It’s like there’s a hushed reverence.” If there’s one thing most residents have in

common it’s a love for the outdoors. Whether it’s homeowners puttering around in their garden, spunky youngsters hiding and seeking on playgrounds at neighbourhood parks or runners and cyclists logging endless clicks along the Merritt Trail, there’s a lot to do outside around these parts.The City’s Recreation Master Plan states

there’s 3.2 hectares per 1,000 residents in St. Catharines. Good thing too, because unstructured or individual activities, such as running, walking, golf and skateboarding, are trending upwards, increasing the usage of the City’s trails and open spaces.The City continues to work hard to live up to

its reputation as the Garden City, maintaining more than 1,000 acres of green space, including two golf courses, three beaches, two dog parks and one petting farm. Residents can enjoy more than 100 parks and more than 250 carefully manicured floral displays within some of those parks. And, there’s also a number of trails, a

network of about 90km, that crisscross the city.While the City does its best to keep parks

and trails looking their best, residents can play a role in the upkeep as well. Let us know when you see too-long grass and weeds, unsightly graffiti or fallen trees and limbs. The City wants to make sure its open spaces offer the best experience possible.Of course, when you see litter you can be a

big help by picking it up and disposing of it.Holley and Green committee co-chair Dave

Heywood invite residents with ideas on improving green space in the city to send them an email at [email protected].

City offers many parks, trails and beaches to exploreDiscover the Garden City

The third tax installment for commercial properties is due Friday, Aug. 9.Tax bills were mailed to property owners on July 19. To avoid

late charges, please ensure payment is received at City Hall on or before the Aug. 9 due date. Payments can be made in person at City Hall or most financial

institutions as well as through Internet banking, telephone banking and regular mail. Payments can also be deposited in the mail slot at the James Street entrance of City Hall.Don’t forget to include tax stubs with payments. Do not send cash

in the mail.Pre-authorized paymentsPre-authorized debit payment plans are available for tax bills

and water/wastewater bills.Pre-authorized payment plans provide the convenience of auto-

matic withdrawals from your bank account monthly or by instal-ment/due date, giving peace of mind your bills will be paid on time. For more information call 905.688.5601 ext. 1416.

Final commercial tax bills

Report fallen trees and branches to 905.935.3813.

See some graffit? Call our hotline at 905.688.5601 ext. 3138.

Adopt-a-Street and collect litter along its boulevard. Call 905.688.5601 ext. 2160.

Plant a boulevard tree on your property. Call 905.937.7210.

Keep grass neatly trimmed. Report long grass and weeds to 905.937.7210.

Five ways to help St. Catharines look its best

The City is hosting a second round of open houses to hear what the public thinks about its revised zoning rules. Staff spent two months reviewing

feedback offered by residents, and have made a few tweaks to the new draft zoning by-law.For instance, while there was

a push early in the year from residents wanting permission to store RVs on their property, City planners heard from others opposed to wide-open permission. It’s led to some proposed restrictions for RV storage in the new draft by-law.Planning staff will make formal

presentations regarding revisions to the initial draft zoning by-law during meetings at Market Square Sept. 16 and Sept. 25. Residents can also meet City planners at

Market Square Aug. 29, the Pen Centre Sept. 5 and at the Fairview Mall Sept. 12.The final by-law will go before

City Council this fall.

Help zone your St. Catharines

The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre has settled into its new office without missing a beat.The Enterprise Centre has called the third

floor at 1 St. Paul St. home since it relocated at the beginning of April. Previously, the centre occupied ground floor space in the

same building.Staff are enjoying their new digs, and the

essential services the centre offers new and small businesses have remained unchanged, although public access computers are no longer available. Access the office by taking the elevator just

inside the Ontario Street entrance.The Enterprise Centre is Niagara’s largest

one-stop resource for business start-up information and facilitating business growth.

New office for Enterprise Centre Your government, your say

Peaceful and steeped in history, the Victoria Lawn Cemetery is one of Matt Holley’s favourite places to escape for a quiet walk.

Think government – be it at the City or Regional level – is too large, too complicated or too ineffective? Think it needs to change? That’s gover-nance reform.St. Catharines City Council wants to hear

from residents on a variety of issues and suggestions, including: •Dual representation (electing one local

part-time councillor for each of the City’s six wards and electing six councillors to represent residents full-time on City and Regional councils).

• Redrawing ward boundaries for the City and the Region.

• Reducing the number of municipalities in Niagara.

•Adjusting representation at the Region based on population.

• Electing one city councillor per ward.Your opinion on governance reform is

important. Open houses are planned for Thursday,

Aug. 8, Monday, Sept. 16 and Monday, Sept. 30. All open houses will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 Church St., from 7 to 9 p.m.An online survey is also available for resi-

dents to complete.

August 2013

Page 2: Discover the Garden City - St. Catharines · 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, visited the Market Square to get the excitement brewing for the events to come. During our official Pan

We’ve started the clock on a two-year countdown for the Pan Am Games as St. Catharines will play host to world-class athletes.I was honoured to be joined by

special guests for the announcement, including St. Catharines MP Rick Dyk-stra, MPP Jim Bradley, and Olympic medalist Doug Hamilton, Olympic rower Jane Thornton and Canadian National Rowing Team athlete Dan Casaca.St. Catharines is proud to host the

2015 Pan Am Games rowing com-petition.We have a rich history in rowing

and have many home-grown high-calibre athletes, talented coaches and rowing enthusiasts. The Pan Am Games will provide us with an op-portunity to showcase our spectacular community and allow us to be ambas-sadors for our country.As hosts of the Pan Am rowing

competition we hope to again make sporting history in St. Catharines. I know our local athletes, coaches, and volunteers look forward to the 2015 Games and are proud to be a part of it.

We are also looking forward to showcasing Henley Island, our row-ing facilities and our St. Catharines Rowing Club.It will be an exciting year, as the

face of our downtown will be trans-formed with our Spectator Facility opening in 2014, followed by our new Performing Arts Centre in 2015.We have also converted the streets

to two-way traffic and constructed a new parking garage to encourage people to visit our city’s core. Soon, we will also welcome the Wine Route to the heart of our city.I expect our pilot project to create a

new civic square, with the closure to vehicle traffic on a portion of James Street from Church to King streets, will be welcomed downtown. This civic square will make our core a more pedestrian-friendly destination that encourages people to support our local businesses. We have made important invest-

ments to renew our infrastructure and to build a more prosperous future. Visitors will be witness to our city’s progress and our more vibrant downtown.

Just recently, mascot Pachi the Por-cupine, the new face of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, visited the Market Square to get the excitement brewing for the events to come.During our official Pan Am count-

down launch we also revealed a spe-cial mural which is now on display on

the third floor at City Hall. The work was created for the City by sports art-ist David Arrigo through the Pan Am Mural Experience presented by CIBC. I encourage residents to visit City Hall to see the mural. For St. Catharines, these are exciting

times – and the best is yet to come.- Mayor Brian McMullan

MAYOR BRIANMCMULLAN

[email protected] ext. 1540

Page 2 The Garden City Current August 2013

MERRITTONCOUN. [email protected]

COUN. [email protected]

ST. ANDREW’SCOUN. [email protected]

COUN. [email protected] or 905.685.1817

ST. GEORGE’SCOUN. [email protected]

COUN. [email protected]

ST. PATRICK’SCOUN. [email protected]

COUN. [email protected]

GRANTHAMCOUN. [email protected]

COUN. [email protected]

PORT DALHOUSIECOUN. [email protected]

COUN. [email protected]

Merritton Ward is busily gearing up for Labour Day events.Fireworks! Fireworks in Merritton on

Labour Day weekend has turned out to be a spectacular event unsurpassed by any other.These wonderful and much appreci-

ated fireworks displays are dependent upon the generosity of Merritton busi-nesses, labour organizations, unions and individuals for funding. The fireworks budget for 2013 has not

as yet met its targeted amount. All dona-tions are tax deductible and cheques are to be made out to the City of St. Catharines.Your ward councillors will gladly pick

up any donation, large or small. Call Jennie Stevens at 905.641.5744 or Jeff Burch at 905.988.3695. Or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] with your contact infor-mation.The Merritton Labour Day Parade will

follow the original route from the Pen Centre to the Community Centre on Park Avenue once again this year.The new fire hall at the corner of

Hartzel Road and Oakdale Avenue has been completed and your two ward councillors have received much positive feedback in regards to its appearance and functionality. Unfortunately, Transport Canada and

C.N.R. have decided to once again ini-tiate train whistles at the Moffatt Street crossing.City Staff, your two ward councillors

and a group of concerned citizens are working diligently to address this con-cern. A safety report being conducted by both Transport Canada and C.N.R. will be completed by the end of August. Safety arms and warning bells have been budgeted for and the installation has been approved by Council. We are awaiting a resolution from Transport Canada and C.N.R.

- Jeff Burch & Jennie Stevens

COUN. JEFF BURCH

MERRITTON

COUN. JENNIESTEVENS

Another busy summer here in St. Patrick’s Ward, with lots of events going on and lots of opportunities for the community to get out and see the work being done to improve our hometown.In the Martindale area, a great deal of

concern has been expressed about the 406 interchange project currently being discussed by the Region. In recent weeks, residents have collected names on petitions opposing the current plan, which many fear will lead to increased traffic in front of the two elementary schools. The Region has recently sent out information on why they believe allowing the traffic to pass in front of the schools is the best option. Please make yourself aware of the information, and take the time to attend one of the neighbourhood open houses in September, which will be announced and advertised by the Region.In the downtown, a number of events

will be taking place, starting with the always popular Rotary RibFest in Montebello Park from Aug. 2 to 4. Niagara Buskerfest also gets going from Aug. 16 to 18 at the intersection of James and King streets, and is sure to be a fun time again this year. New for this year is the St. Catharines

Night Market, taking place Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 6 to Sept. 10 at Market Square. Featuring food, drinks and entertainment, the new Night Market coincides with a City Council initiative to create a Civic Square in the downtown, so come on out to see the first stages of yet another transformation of public space in St. Catharines.And finally, a reminder – Coun.

Siscoe’s Ward meetings will start again after the summer hiatus. Meetings start in September and are on the third Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Committee Room 1 at City Hall.

- Mat Siscoe

COUN. MATHEW SISCOE

COUN. MARK ELLIOTT

ST. PATRICK’S

In September, Council will deal with options to change the format of council, such as abolishing the ward system and having city-wide elections; having full time councillors; and having six part time and six full time councillors who would serve on both city and regional councils. In my opinion, the present ward

system works very well. The ward system means that residents get to know their elected officials and that all areas of the city are represented on Council. As one who has had the privilege to have served as your ward councillor for over 30 years, I know my responsibility is to serve the residents of St. Andrew’s, but if I were elected city wide, I could very well be beholden to special interest groups who may have financed my upper limit $86,485 election campaign. Then we hear the argument that part-

time councillors should be replaced with full-time councillors because full-time councillors would have more time to do the job. A survey of councillors indicated an average weekly workload of 15 hours and perhaps the same for regional councillors. Therefore, to do the work is not a full-time job which would require a full-time salary and full-time staff. We should be part-time elected taxpayers as opposed to part-time fully paid senators (oops!).Space does not permit me to comment

on city council consisting of six full-time councillors who would also serve on regional council and six part-time councillors who would not. Suffice to say, I am not in favour. If you wish to share your thoughts with

me or require additional information, please feel free to contact me at 685.1817 or email me at [email protected]

- Joe Kushner

COUN. JOE KUSHNER

COUN. MATTHARRIS

ST. ANDREW’S

Contact your Councillor

Construction in the citySpectator Facility

Performing Arts Centre

Fire Station No. 4

It’s time for some summer fun and if you are looking for some fun things to do St. Catharines has lots of ways to enjoy the season.Looking for a place to cool off on

a hot day? Start off at the St. Catha-rines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre where

you can go for a leisurely swim, take a water aerobics class or swim some laps. Or step outside and play in the nearby splash pad, have a picnic or catch a soccer game.St. Catharines also has six outdoor

pools if you’re looking to get a little sun while you swim. Visit the Arthur Street Pool, in Arthur Street Park, if you have little ones. It’s always free admission.If you like to walk or ride your bike,

St. Catharines has many parks and trails. A local favourite is the Walkers Creek Park system where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake-front with plenty of native trees and plantings to see along the way.Another popular route is along the

Welland Canals Parkway, where you

can pass the ships making their way through the canal. This route will also take you to the St. Catharines Mu-seum, which offers a place to picnic, playground for children and a view-ing platform to get a birds-eye view of the ships. While you’re there, visit the museum’s displays and galleries. Admission is by donation.Happy Rolph’s offers you a chance

to spend a day in the country without leaving the city. The popular park of-fers a playground, the 9/11 Memo-rial Walkway and some barnyard furry friends to visit.If the beach is more your scene,

visit Municipal and Lakeside Park beaches. Lakeside Park is the best known and offers the carousel, which you can still ride for a nickel, as well

as a playground and the pier. At Mu-nicipal Beach, the City’s hidden gem, you can have a picnic and walk the beach.For more ideas on things to do in

St. Catharines visit the City’s website www.stcatharines.caHave a safe, happy summer with

family and friends.- Dawn Dodge & Bill Phillips

GRANTHAM

COUN. DAWN DODGE

COUN. BILL PHILLIPS

Riding the Carousel in Lakeside Park is a great summer tradition.

In recent months there have been numer-ous news pieces from across the country about corruption in municipal government. Unsurprisingly, the root of these sordid affairs has largely been about money and greed. Therefore, any time there is an opportunity to improve the governing system by reducing the temptation for an elected official, public servant or one of their financial backers from unfairly receiv-ing personal gain at the expense of the broader community it is imperative that we take advantage of it. In my view, the role of a city councillor is

to make decisions that serve the common good. This translates into voting and act-ing in an impartial manner in favour of the option which brings the greatest possible good for the greatest possible number of individuals. It must be about a collective choice that is shared and beneficial for all or most members of the community. It is definitely not about lobbying for and giving special treatment to vested interests who donated to your election campaign. Every few years it seems there is a group

who discusses ideas to change local government. The current scheme that has been tabled involves moving away from 12 part-time city representatives to six part-time and six full-time serving both the Region and the City. I will not be supporting this proposal because in my view it does the exact opposite of what we should be striving for in terms of achieving the best way to serve the common good. By creating more full-time politicians and centralizing more power onto fewer individuals the risk of lobbyists and vested interests influencing political decisions is made worse, not better. For, undoubtedly less cost, the present system is inclusive of more representatives watching over the public purse and participating in making civic government more accountable than would the proposed alternative.Enjoy the rest of summer,

- Bruce Williamson

COUN. BRUCE WILLIAMSON

COUN. LEN STACK

PORT DALHOUSIE

From the desk of Mayor Brian McMullan

Pachi the Porcupine stopped by City Hall and Market Square as part of the 2015 Pan Am Games two-year countdown.

Page 3: Discover the Garden City - St. Catharines · 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, visited the Market Square to get the excitement brewing for the events to come. During our official Pan

the third floor at City Hall. The work was created for the City by sports art-ist David Arrigo through the Pan Am Mural Experience presented by CIBC. I encourage residents to visit City Hall to see the mural. For St. Catharines, these are exciting

times – and the best is yet to come.- Mayor Brian McMullan

With little over a year until it opens, the Spectator Facility is taking shape -- literally.In the coming weeks, crews will begin assembling the fa-

cility’s structure, beginning with three loads of steel expected on site Aug. 19 for columns along the north end of the facility. Work on the structure and roof will continue until spring 2014.Work inside the Spectator Facility is also coming togeth-

er, with Ken Noakes of SMG Canada recently appointed general manager of the venue. Noakes’ role is to oversee operations at the facility - including everything from staffing to booking acts – and comes to the role having spent the last five years managing the K-Rock Centre in Kingston, a similarly-sized facility. “Ken brings amazing

experience to the project,” said Rick Lane, director, recreation and community services. “He’s managed facilities similar to ours for more than a decade. He knows what it takes to run a successful facility and attract top entertainment.”Right now, Noakes, City

staff, Ball-Rankin Construc-tion and project manager CBRE are finalizing the interior designs for the facility, after which Noakes will focus on operations planning. The Spectator Facility is scheduled for completion in Septem-

ber 2014, and will accommodate 6,000 people for concerts and 4,500 for hockey games.Residents can see construction as it happens through the

City’s Spectator Facility Construction Camera.

Page 3 The Garden City Current August 2013

Construction in the city

The first stage of construction for the new Downtown Performing Arts Centre is well underway.Residents watching the City’s PAC

construction webcam at www.stcath-arines.ca during the afternoon of July 26 witnessed the very first concrete pour for the new facility. Cement mixers were lining up on Head Street

with 22 metres of concrete for the beginnings of the PAC’s foundation.Construction began in June after

council awarded Bird Construction Group the contract for the above-ground construction. Bird Construc-tion was the low bidder for the contract, and is also the company selected by Brock University to reno-

vate the Canada Hair Cloth building for the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. At $36.85 million, Birds’ bid came

in well under budget, and the City was able to restore some alternate items that were originally deleted to fit within the City’s $42.5 million construction budget. These include

landscaping, upgraded finishes in the concert hall, enhanced flooring in the upper and lower lobbies, upgrades to roof cladding and enhanced exter-ior and interior lighting. These items will ensure the PAC maintains optimal operational efficiency and will enhance the audience and performer experience.

The total cost for the PAC is $60 mil-lion, with $36 million in Federal and Provincial funding from the Building Canada Fund, and $24 million paid by the City.

Merritton residents can continue to count on fire-fighters getting to them quickly thanks to a new, state-of-the-art fire station. Located at 427 Merritt St. (near Oakdale

Avenue), this 16,000 sq. ft. fire hall features two drive through vehicle bays, as well as the City’s new data storage facility.Designed by Venerino V.P. Panici Architect Inc.

and built by Charter Builders, both of St. Cath-arines, at a total cost of $6 million, Station 4 replaces the original Merritton Fire Hall located on Walnut Street. The new fire station will also be home to the City’s central communications office and the training division, both currently operating from Station 1 at 64 Geneva St. It will also host

the City’s data centre.The new station offers proper facilities for both

male and female firefighters, which were lacking in the former facility, and is more energy efficient, with LED lighting, heating and cooling systems. The fire hall also features a water recovery system to save water during firefighter training. The brick and stone structure, designed to repli-

cate the historic architecture of the original town hall/fire hall, will open later this year. The communications division, which handles

more than 16,000 calls for service annually for 13 municipalities, 64 stations and 1,340 firefight-ers, is scheduled to start operating from the new facility early in the new year.

The community will get a chance to see the new fire hall during Fire Services’ Fire Prevention Week open house, happening Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See Merritton’s 1926 pumper truck up-

close, which operated from the old station and was one of the first motorized fire trucks in Canada. It was nearly lost in

1929 during a fire that ravaged the old town hall and the adjoining fire station. The open house will also feature modern

equipment and vehicles, and a variety of interactive displays and activities for all ages. Sparky the Fire Dog will be hosting a free hot dog lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

Fire Prevention Week kickoff

Fire departments across the province, including St. Catharines, must now issue or-ders and prosecute residents and business-es who fail to rectify fire code violations by their due dates. It’s the Ontario Fire Marshals’ way for

municipalities to better balance require-ments for fire code compliance and enforcement for non-compliance, all for the sake of keeping the community safe.“Compliance with an inspection order

is not optional,” said Fire Chief Mark Mehlenbacher. “The work required in an inspection order must be fully completed by the date given on the order or else owners will face prosecution for failure to comply, a charge that can carry a hefty penalty upon conviction.”Inspection orders list fire code violations

observed during safety inspections, iden-tifies work that must be completed and, most importantly, specifies a due date for compliance. The City can no longer let fire code viola-

tions linger while an owner takes months

beyond the compliance date to make the necessary improvements, said Chris Leon-ard, chief fire prevention officer. No longer does the City have the ability to grant extra time as was often done in the past. The person or business named in the order is re-sponsible for compliance and must arrange for re-inspection before the due date. They also have 14 days to request more time to achieve compliance or to request a review or appeal of the order to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office. “Although the direction provincially has

changed, we remain committed to working closely with property owners to ensure that compliance with the fire code is achieved and maintained,” said Leonard. “Prosecu-tion is always a last resort, but sometimes a necessary tool to ensure compliance and that our community remains safe from fire.”For more information regarding inspection

orders or to discuss safety violations, please visit the Fire Prevention Division, located at 8 Academy St., or call 905-688-5601 ext. 4224.

Ken Noakes, the Specta-tor Facility’s new general manager.

New rules for fire code compliance

Top: crews work on the future ice surface of the Spectator Facility.Bottom: artist’s rendering of the facility.

Spectator Facility

Performing Arts Centre

Early work on the PAC site has begun. Artists rendering of the PAC from the corner of St. Paul and Carlisle streets

Fire Station No. 4

Start Date: Dec. 2012Completion: Sept. 2014Cost: $50 millionLocation: 55 McGuire St. (formerly known as the lower level parking lot)

Start Date: June 2013Completion: Fall 2015Cost: $60 million Location: corner of St. Paul and Carlisle streets

The City’s new fire hall is set to open this fall.

Start Date: June 2012Completion: Fall 2013Cost: $6 million Location: 427 Merritt St.

Page 4: Discover the Garden City - St. Catharines · 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, visited the Market Square to get the excitement brewing for the events to come. During our official Pan

Here’s your chance to find that certain something to keep you busy this fall and winter.The latest Leisure Guide will

be available online at www.stcatharines.ca and in the St. Catharines Standard Aug. 15, with hundreds of opportunities for you to stay active and connected to your community. Flip through the guide to find programs (registered and drop-in), activities, volunteer opportunities and events for you and your family. It’s also your source to find out what’s happening at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre, the older adult centres, the harbour and the carousel.Want to learn more about the

City’s recreation programs? The City is putting its recreation and leisure programs on display at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre Aug. 24 during

its Recreation and Leisure Showcase.Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,

the showcase features information and demonstrations for a variety of programs offered by the City to help residents of all ages get fit, stay active and have fun. Admission is free and so are

the demonstrations. There’s something for everyone so bring the whole family. And don’t forget your swim suits and towels for the free leisure swim from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.Call 905.688.5601 ext. 1800

for more information.

The City of St. Catharines is looking for volunteers to help make the 25th annual Pumpkinville a smashing success.The City needs about 100 volunteers to pull

off the event and is inviting anyone aged 14 and older to get involved. Pumpkinville provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to fulfill their yearly community service commitments. Volunteers can expect to work up to eight hours during the event plus another two hours at a mandatory training session the week before. Duties can range from setup and tear down to face painting to distributing pumpkins. Anyone interested should be comfortable working outside and with families and children of all ages.Pumpkinville is set for Saturday, Oct. 19. The

mandatory training session is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The City is also looking for sponsors and

vendors for Pumpkinville, a much-loved event that attracts thousands of people to Happy Rolph’s for a day of family fun.Email Lori Mambella at lmambella@

stcatharines.ca for more information about volunteering, sponsorship and vending opportunities.

Think your dog has the waggiest tail? Is he the best treat catcher? Can she do the funniest trick? Your pet will have a chance to

prove it when the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre goes to the dogs later this month.The museum’s Dogs’ Day of

Summer, featuring contests, special guests, silent auction, vendors and other activities for canines and their persons, is set for Aug. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. There will also be a supervised leash-free zone, a wading pool for pooches and the opportunity

for a photo session with you and your dog.Admission is free but there

are fees for some activities. Registration for all six contests is $2 per dog.Contact the museum by phone

905.984.8880 or by email at [email protected] to learn more. The museum is located at 1932

Welland Canals Pkwy.

Museum going to the dogs again this summer

There’s no question athletes competing at the top of their game have made it to the “big leagues” because of talent, commitment and determination.But science and technology also play a

role in helping athletes to push themselves further than ever before. Come to the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre and see how science continues to improve performance in sport when Perfect Match: Sport vs. Science opens next month.This hands-on exhibit, created by the

Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and

Science, looks at how athletes and coaches use data from video and other measuring devices to strengthen and improve their training programs. Visitors can throw a pitch or perform a cheer and then analyze the video replay. They can also measure their strength, speed and heart rate and compare their results with some of Canada’s top athletes.Visitors can compare sports equipment

from over the years and learn about the research and development that goes into improving the gear.

The exhibit also reveals the team of professionals behind athletes, including coaches, nutritionists, kinesiologists and psychologists.The exhibit runs from Sept. 14 until Jan.

15. An opening day event takes place Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Summer Band Concert SeriesTuesdays and sundays MonTebello Park, 7 P.M. To 9 P.M.Enjoy the sounds of local musicians. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and don’t forget your dancing shoes. A variety of genres will be showcased for all ages. Free admission. Call 905.688.5601 ext. 1927 or visit www.stcatharines.ca/summerband

City Core: 40 Years of the St. Catharines Downtown Associationaug. 16 To nov. 29 aT CiTy Hall

Weekdays, 8:30 a.M. To 4:30 P.M.This exhibit celebrates memories of St. Catharines’ Downtown from the past 40 years. Presented in partnership with the City of St. Catharines and the St. Catharines Downtown Association. Call 905.688.5601 ext. 5244 or visit www.stcatharines.ca/cityhallexhibits

Merritton: Unearthing a Community’s Rootsaug. 16 To nov. 29CenTennial gardens, daWn To duskInstalled in Centennial Gardens at the site of the Doug Cranmer totem pole, this exhibit commemorates the town of Merritton and its vibrant community, both past and present.Call 905.688.5601 ext. 5244.

Campfire Sing-a-longaug. 20, 6 P.M. To 8 P.M.burgoyne Woods ParkEnjoy a campfire on a nice summer night. We provide the drinks, marshmallows, roasting sticks, games, crafts and face paint. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, hot dogs and other snacks. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/campfire

aMUSE: Making Music aug. 24, 7 P.M.MaTHay CafeJoin the St. Catharines Museum for the second installment of its aMUSE event series at Mahtay Café. Check out a “pop-up” exhibit about music featuring artifacts from the museum’s collection, while enjoying live musical performances. Pay-what-you-can admission. Call 905.984.8880 or visit www.stcatharines.ca/amuse

Night Market Tuesday, aug. 6 To sePT. 103 P.M. To 7 P.M.The St. Catharines Farmers’ Market is refreshing a local tradition with a special Tuesday night pilot program. Night Market features the regular market vendors, plus live entertainment, wineries, micro-breweries and more. Note: there will not be a daytime Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays during the pilot project. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/farmersmarket for more information.

Star GazingsePT. 12, sunseTThe WCNA hosts the Niagara Chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society and a variety of telescopes at Cindy Drive Park for you to discover what’s happening in the night’s sky. Weather permitting. Bring your own lawn chair. For more information visit www.wcna.ca

Storm sewer work started in July and lasting for 10 weeks:

•Highland Avenue between Rockcliffe and Scarth roads•Hillcrest Avenue from Rockcliffe Road and Dittrick Street

Road resurfacing and spot curb repairs beginning and ending this summer:

•Linwell Road from Geneva Street to McDermid Road•Caroline Street from Marlene Drive to Glendale Avenue•Caroline Street from Marlene Drive to its north limit •Clayburn Avenue from Queenston Street to Westchester

Crescent•Clark Street from Welland Avenue to Church Street

New sidewalk construction beginning and ending this summer:

•Vansickle Road from Rykert Street to Pelham RoadWatermain, sanitary sewer and storm sewer construction and road and sidewalk work started in January and ending in August:

•Lake Street from Welland Avenue to Beech Street•Lake Street from Russell Avenue to Beech Street

Storm sewer construction beginning in the Spring and lasting eight weeks:

•Harcove Street from Scott Street to Rabuka Avenue•Rabuka Avenue between Harcove and White

streets•Thompson Avenue between Harcove and

White streets•Youngblut Avenue between Harcove

and White streetsWatermain and sanitary sewer replacement work starting in the summer and lasting eight weeks:

•Plymouth Avenue between Grantham and Elmwood avenues

Semi urban road resurfacing starting and ending this summer:

•Dieppe Road from about 100 meters east of Neil-son Avenue to Cushman Road

•Cushman Road from Queenston Street to Dieppe Road•Emmett Road from Queenston Street to its south limit

City-wide asphalt roadway crack sealing, concrete roadway repairs and sidewalk repairs will start and end this summer.

City facilities• Victoria Lawn Cemetery: driveway rehabilitation and

expansion, new sewer installation and road resurfacing will start this summer and ending in the fall.

Help our crews work safelySlow down in construction zones and obey posted speed limits. Follow the instructions of road atten-dants and treat temporary stop lights the same way

you would a regular stop light.

Happening in St. Catharines

Construction coming to a street near you

Page 4 The Garden City Current August 2013

Dates and schedules subject to change. Durations listed are for each project and not the individual road sections.

Justine will be among about 100 teens volunteering at Pumpkinville.

Find out how science can help you play harder

New Leisure Guide Aug. 15Recreation and Leisure Showcase Aug. 24

Need community service hours? Volunteer at Pumpkinville