News from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario
Posted January 6th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe speaks at launch of city’s 150th year celebrations
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe officially launched the City’s 150th anniversary celebrations with a ceremonial flag raising at City Hall on Monday (January 5th, 2025), 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.”
Niagara area representatives join St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe (just right of flag) at 150th anniversary flag raising.
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<http://www.stcatharines.ca/STC150> for more information about St. Catharines 150 and upcoming programming.
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