St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada's Niagara Region, with a population of over 136,000 as of 2021.  The city is known as the "Garden City" due to its abundance of parks, gardens, and green spaces, which cover over 4 square kilometres within the city limits. 

 

Located in southern Ontario, St. Catharines sits along the shores of Lake Ontario, about 100 kilometres south of Toronto and 20 kilometres inland from Niagara Falls. The city has a rich history. Named after the church of St. Catharine of Alexandria, it was established initially as a small settlement in 1790. 

 

St. Catharines is an important industrial and economic center with a diverse manufacturing sector that produces automotive parts, electrical appliances, textiles, and canned goods. 

 

The city is also known for its thriving arts and culture scene, which hosts the annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and the St. Catharines Arts Awards and showcases its vibrant live music venues. 

 

In addition to its industrial and cultural offerings, St. Catharines is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

 

The city's extensive network of parks, trails, and gardens and its proximity to Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment make it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. 

 

St. Catharines is a vibrant, diverse, and picturesque city with a unique blend of urban amenities, cultural attractions, and natural wonders, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. 

 

History of Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Loyalists originally settled in St. Catharines in the 1780s after the Mississaugas ceded the land to the British Crown.  The city was named after Catharine Hamilton, the wife of influential local merchant Robert Hamilton. 

 

Before European settlement, the region was home to the Iroquoian-speaking Chonnonton (or "Neutral") people, who the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy later conquered in the 17th century. 

 

St. Catharines grew rapidly in the 19th century, becoming an important industrial and transportation hub. The construction of the Welland Canal in the 1820s-1830s was a major driver of the city's development.  

 

By the late 1800s, St. Catharines was known for its mineral springs and had a diverse manufacturing sector. The city continued to expand in the 20th century, annexing surrounding communities like Merritton and Port Dalhousie in 1961.  

 

Today, St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara Region, with a population of over 136,000 as of 2021.  It is known as the "Garden City" for its many parks, gardens, and green spaces. 

 

Geography of Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Here are the key points about the geography of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada:

 

Location

• St. Catharines is located in southern Ontario, about 100 km south of Toronto and 20 km inland from Niagara Falls and the Canada-U.S. border along the Niagara River.
• The city sits along the shores of Lake Ontario, with the Niagara Escarpment running through the eastern part of the city.
• St. Catharines is between the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and the Canada–U.S. border at Fort Erie.

 

Size and Topography

• St. Catharines covers an area of 96.13 square kilometres (37.12 sq mi).
• The city is situated in a valley, with the Welland Canal running through the center. This has resulted in residential areas expanding north, east, and west.
• St. Catharines is known as the "Garden City" due to its over 1,000 acres (4 km2) of parks, gardens, and trails within the city limits.

 

Transportation

• St. Catharines is an important transportation hub, with access to major highways like the Queen Elizabeth Way and rail and bus services.
• The Welland Canal, part of the St. Lawrence Seaway, runs through the city, providing freight transportation.
• The Niagara District Airport caters to general aviation in the region.

 

St. Catharines' geography is defined by its location along the shores of Lake Ontario, its valley topography, and its role as a transportation and industrial center within the Niagara Region.

 

Demographics of Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Here are the key points about the demographics of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada:

 

Population

• Population (2021): 136,803
• Population change (2016-2021): 2.8%
• Land area: 96.2 km² (37.1 sq mi)
• Population density: 1,422.1/km² (3,683.1/sq mi)

 

Age and Gender

• Median age: 44.4 (2021)
• Male/Female ratio: 1.1:1 (2021)
• Married couples: 66% (2021)
• Families with kids at home: 38% (2021)

 

Language

• English: 132,850 (2021)
• French: 8,905 (2021)
• Non-official languages: 28,695 (2021)

 

Census Profile

• View Statistics Canada's Census Profile for St. Catharines (2021), including population and dwelling statistics, household and dwelling characteristics, marital status, family characteristics, official languages, and more.

 

Economy of Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada's economy is diverse and driven by several key sectors. Here are some key points:

 

Major Industries

• Manufacturing: Historically, manufacturing has been the dominant industry, and it plays a significant role in the city's economy. General Motors of Canada, Ltd. was once the largest employer, but now the District School Board of Niagara holds that distinction.
• Healthcare: Healthcare is another important sector, with Niagara Health being a major employer.
• Tourism: Tourism is also a significant contributor to the local economy, with attractions like the Welland Canal and the Niagara Escarpment drawing visitors.
• Agriculture: Agriculture and food processing are also important sectors. The city's proximity to the Niagara Region's fertile soil and water resources makes it an ideal location for farming and food production.

 

Economic Development

• Investment and Growth: The city has seen significant investment in recent years, with projects like the $1.7 billion expansion of General Motors' operations and the development of the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex.
• Low Property Taxes: St. Catharines offers competitive property tax rates, making it an attractive location for businesses.
• Electricity Connection Rates: The city's electricity distribution rates are among the lowest in Niagara, making it a cost-effective location for businesses.

 

Workforce

• Labour Force: The city has a diverse workforce, with a total labour force population of over 130,000. Key occupations include sales, service, trades, business, finance, and healthcare.
• Major Employers: Niagara Health, the District School Board of Niagara, Brock University, and General Motors are major employers in St. Catharines.

 

GDP

• Real GDP: The real GDP of St. Catharines-Niagara is projected to be $15.7 billion in 2021.

 

A mix of traditional industries like manufacturing and healthcare and newer sectors like tourism and agriculture drives St. Catharines' economy. The city's strategic location, competitive costs, and diverse workforce make it attractive for businesses and a strong contributor to the regional economy.

 

Education in Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Education in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, is a well-established and diverse sector with various institutions offering different levels of education. Here are some key points:

 

Public and Private Schools

• Public Schools: The District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board operate public schools in St. Catharines, offering kindergarten to grade 12 education.
• Private Schools: There are several private schools in St. Catharines, including Ridley College, Robert Land Academy, Agate Private School, and Wheatley School.

 

Higher Education

• Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology: This college offers a range of programs in fields such as business, healthcare, and technology.
• Brock University: Located in nearby Thorold, Brock University is a public research university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

 

Education in St. Catharines

• Schools in St. Catharines: There are several schools in St. Catharines, including Eden High School, Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, Laura Secord Secondary School, and St. Francis Catholic Secondary School.

 

St. Catharines offers a range of educational institutions, from public and private schools to higher education institutions, providing students with diverse options for their educational needs.

 

Transport System of Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Here is a summary of the key points about the transportation system in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada:

 

Public Transit

• St. Catharines Transit (SCT) was the main public transit provider in the city until 2023, operating 29 bus routes.
• In January 2023, SCT's services and fleet were transferred to the newly formed Niagara Region Transit, which now provides unified regional transit across the Niagara area.
• Niagara Region Transit operates several routes in St. Catharines, with a downtown terminal and other major hubs throughout the city.
• The system includes both regular bus routes and paratransit services for those with reduced mobility.

 

Other Transit Services

• Niagara Falls Transit, Welland Transit, and GO Transit also provide services that connect to St. Catharines.
• VIA Rail operates an intercity rail service with a station in downtown St. Catharines.

 

Road Network

• St. Catharines has a network of arterial, collector, and local roads, including connections to provincial highways like the Queen Elizabeth Way and Highway 406.
• The road network accommodates passenger and commercial vehicle traffic, though there are no designated truck routes or time-of-day restrictions.

 

Active Transportation

• St. Catharines has an extensive system of sidewalks and trails for pedestrians, though some barriers limit access to key destinations.
• On-road cycling infrastructure is well-established, though some critical connections still need to be included.

 

Transportation Planning

• The city's Transportation Master Plan outlines strategies to improve the multi-modal transportation network and promote sustainable modes like transit, walking, and cycling.
• Key initiatives include enhancing transit service, improving active transportation infrastructure, and managing traffic congestion.

 

St. Catharines has a diverse transportation system centred around its public transit network, which has recently been integrated into a regional service. The city continues to work on improving connectivity and sustainability across all modes of transportation.

 

Living in Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Living in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, offers a unique blend of urban and natural experiences. Here are some key points about living in St. Catharines:

 

Economy

• Manufacturing: The city's dominant industry, with General Motors of Canada, Ltd. being the largest employer.
• Tourism: The Welland Canal and Niagara Escarpment make the region an important area for tourism and agriculture.
• Call Centers: St. Catharines is a hub for telecommunications between Canada and the United States.

 

Education

• Brock University: A public research university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology offers a range of programs in business, healthcare, and technology.

 

Housing

• Cost of Living: The cost of buying or renting a home in St. Catharines is on the rise but still slightly lower than the national average.
• Renting: The average cost to rent an apartment in St. Catharines is $1,425 for a Bachelor, $1,828 for a 1 Bedroom, and $1,903 for a 2 Bedroom.

 

Transportation

• Public Transit: St. Catharines Transit (SCT) operates 29 bus routes, and in 2023, services were transferred to Niagara Region Transit.
• Driving: St. Catharines has direct highway access to Niagara Falls, Welland, and Toronto.

 

Community

• Garden City: Known for its extensive gardens, parks, and trail network.
• Cultural Activities: The city has a strong history of welcoming and integrating newcomers, with many community and cultural organizations supporting this.

 

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Great inter-city transportation, variety of shopping, restaurants, parks, trails, and beaches.
• Cons: Some residents find the city too small or lacking in certain amenities compared to larger cities like Toronto.

 

Living in St. Catharines

• Experience Niagara: The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and community life.
• On-Campus Accommodation: Students at Brock University can live on-campus in traditional or suite-style residences.

 

St. Catharines offers a mix of urban and natural experiences, with a strong economy, diverse education options, and a welcoming community.

 

Healthcare in Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

St. Catharines is home to a large network of healthcare services as part of Niagara Health and other community and private practices. The city's main hospital is Niagara Health's St. Catharines Site, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2013.

 

Some key highlights about healthcare in St. Catharines:

• The St. Catharines Hospital has nearly 1 million square feet and serves as a regional hub for cancer, heart, and mental health care. It has 80% single-patient rooms and advanced features like CBRN containment capability.
• The hospital is part of the Niagara Health system, which provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services across the Niagara region.
• Niagara Health also operates an Urgent Care Ontario service, allowing residents to book virtual appointments for non-emergency issues.
• The Niagara North Family Health Team is a teaching facility that offers a team-based approach to primary care, including a diabetes education program.
• The city has several family doctors, walk-in clinics, and other community healthcare providers accepting new patients.
• Home healthcare services are provided by companies like ParaMed, offering personal care, respite care, and other support services.

 

St. Catharines has a robust and diverse healthcare system centered around the Niagara Health network, providing residents with access to various medical services and facilities.

 

Tourist Places in Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Here are some of the top tourist places and attractions to visit in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada:

 

Lakeside Park Carousel

• This historic carousel has been operating since 1910 and is a popular attraction in the city's Lakeside Park.
• It features hand-carved wooden horses and other animals. 

 

St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

• This museum showcases the history of the Welland Canal, a major shipping route that runs through the city.
• Visitors can learn about the canal's construction and its importance to the region. 

 

Decew Falls

• These scenic waterfalls are located just outside the city and popular for hiking and nature appreciation. 

 

Montebello Park

• This large urban park in downtown St. Catharines features gardens and walking trails, and it hosts many community events. 

 

Jaycee Gardens Park

• Another beautiful green space in the city is known for its floral displays and walking paths. 

 

Morningstar Mill

• This historic grist mill dates back to the 1800s and offers tours and demonstrations of its machinery. 

 

Niagara Grape and Wine Festival

• An annual festival celebrating the region's thriving wine industry with tastings, concerts, and other events. 

 

13th Street Winery

• One of the many wineries in the Niagara region that offers tastings, tours, and dining experiences. 

 

St. Catharines' mix of natural attractions, historic sites, and community spaces make it a popular destination for tourists visiting the Niagara region. Its proximity to Niagara Falls makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider area.

 

Local Food of Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Here are the key points about the local food and cuisine in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada:

 

Local Produce and Ingredients

• St. Catharines is situated in the heart of the Niagara region and is known for its fertile farmland and abundance of fresh, local produce.
• Restaurants in the city often highlight ingredients from nearby farms and producers, such as Grumpy's Greens, an organic urban farm.
• The region is renowned for its vineyards and wineries, providing a wealth of local wines featured on restaurant menus.

 

Signature Dishes

• Authentic Italian cuisine is a specialty in St. Catharines, with restaurants like Coppola's Ristorante serving traditional Italian dishes.
• Turkish-inspired dishes are also becoming more popular, with restaurants like Dispatch featuring Turkish-influenced menu items.
• The city's proximity to Lake Ontario means fresh seafood is also a highlight, with restaurants like The Blue Mermaid Seafood and Steakhouse showcasing local catches.

 

Culinary Trends

• There is a growing focus on sustainability and minimizing food waste, with chefs like those at Dispatch repurposing ingredients and using whole-plant cooking techniques.
• The farm-to-table movement is strong, with restaurants sourcing ingredients from local producers and highlighting the region's agricultural bounty.
• Niagara's wine industry also influences the local cuisine, with many restaurants pairing their dishes with local vintages.

 

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