Ward 5 Senior Support Network
23.3% seniors · above national avg 19% · Statistics Canada 2021
Ward 5 has one of the highest concentrations of seniors in St. Catharines,
yet dedicated support programming and accessible infrastructure remain limited.
As Ward 5 ages, the gap between what seniors need and what City services
deliver continues to grow.
- Host quarterly Senior Connection Day events in Ward 5
- Partner with VON Canada for in-home support referrals
- Establish a Friendly Visitor volunteer program
- Advocate for accessible trail and sidewalk infrastructure upgrades
Why this matters for Ward 5
23.3% of Ward 5 residents are seniors — above the national average.
Every infrastructure and programming decision needs to account for
the people who built this community.
Grantham Clean & Beautiful
Walkability score 3/5 · Wahi 2025
Walkability in Ward 5 scores only 3 out of 5, signalling that our streets,
parks, and public spaces need more consistent attention and investment.
Litter, overgrown areas, and deferred park maintenance make Ward 5
feel less welcoming than it deserves to be.
- Organize quarterly community clean-up days across Ward 5
- Formalize partnership with Friends of Walker's Creek
- Advocate for a dedicated parks maintenance budget line for Ward 5
- Coordinate with City to address persistent dumping hotspots
Why this matters for Ward 5
A clean and attractive neighbourhood isn't just about appearances —
it reflects how much a community is valued by the people who govern it.
Ward 5 deserves to look and feel like a priority.
Community Centre Revamp
City Recreation Plan update underway · Feb 2025
Port Weller Community Centre serves as the heart of north Ward 5's
recreational life, but programming and facilities haven't kept pace
with the community's growing needs. The City's Recreation Plan update
is a once-in-a-generation opportunity — Ward 5 must have a strong
voice at that table.
- Actively shape the City Recreation Facility Plan for Ward 5
- Expand programming at Port Weller Community Centre
- Advocate for an outdoor sports pad
- Ensure Ward 5 priorities are captured in the final Recreation Plan
- Establish a regular programming feedback mechanism with residents
Why this matters for Ward 5
The City's Recreation Plan update is underway right now. Without
a councillor actively at that table, Ward 5's needs won't make it
into the final plan.
Grantham Tech Hub
No tech skills program in Ward 5 north end
There is currently no dedicated technology skills program in the Ward 5
north end, leaving residents without access to digital literacy training
that is increasingly essential for employment and civic life. This gap
particularly affects seniors and newcomers.
- Partner with St. Catharines Public Library for programming space
- Recruit mentors from Brock University and Niagara College
- Launch introductory coding and digital literacy workshops
- Apply for digital equity grants to fund equipment and instructors
- Build a sustainable model to run programming year-round
Why this matters for Ward 5
Digital literacy is no longer optional. Ward 5 residents deserve
access to the skills that open doors — right in their own neighbourhood,
not across town.
Sports & Recreation Expansion
Drop-in programs at Port Weller CC — expansion needed
Drop-in sports programs at Port Weller Community Centre are in demand
but under-resourced, with limited hours and equipment that can't meet
current participation levels. Many Ward 5 youth and families have no
affordable local sports options within walking distance.
- Expand drop-in sports hours and program variety at Port Weller
- Increase awareness and accessibility of the City's FAIR program
- Advocate for a multi-sport outdoor court in Ward 5
- Push to expand swim lesson hours at the community centre
Why this matters for Ward 5
Access to affordable sports and recreation should not depend on
which part of the city you live in. Ward 5 families deserve the same
options available elsewhere in St. Catharines.
Strategic Winter Snow Clearing
Transit score 2/5 · Wahi 2025
Ward 5's transit score of 2 out of 5 reflects a broader mobility
challenge — sidewalks near bus stops and schools are routinely
uncleared after snowfall, creating hazardous conditions for seniors,
children, and transit-dependent residents. This is a safety issue,
not a convenience issue.
- Develop and table a Ward 5 Priority Snow Clearing Map
- Advocate for a 24-hour clearing standard near schools and bus stops
- Push for real-time snow clearing tracker via City app
- Expand the senior snow removal program to more Ward 5 households
Why this matters for Ward 5
When seniors can't safely reach a bus stop after a snowstorm,
that's an isolation risk. With 23.3% of Ward 5 being seniors,
snow clearing must match that reality.
Small Business Support
Median household income $72,500 · Statistics Canada
Ward 5 small businesses face permit delays, limited networking
opportunities, and a lack of connection to the City's business
improvement infrastructure. A thriving local business corridor
strengthens the entire ward's economic resilience and quality of life.
- Create and maintain a public Ward 5 Business Directory
- Connect Ward 5 businesses with Business Improvement Area opportunities
- Advocate for faster permit processing at City level
- Host a quarterly Ward 5 Business Networking Night
Why this matters for Ward 5
Small businesses in Ward 5 are the economic backbone of our community.
A councillor who shows up for them creates the conditions for the
entire ward to grow.
Walker's Creek Trail Safety
5.8km trail · Active extension project 2025
Walker's Creek Trail is one of Ward 5's most valuable community assets,
but key crossings lack adequate lighting and a formal safety audit has
never been conducted. With the trail extension project active in 2025,
there is no better time to act.
- Champion the Walker's Creek Trail extension project
- Advocate for LED lighting at all trail crossings
- Commission a formal Trail Safety Audit
- Strengthen the City's partnership with Friends of Walker's Creek
Why this matters for Ward 5
Walker's Creek Trail is 5.8km of green space that belongs to
Ward 5 residents. Keeping it safe, lit, and extended is a
commitment to the people who use it every day.
Renter Advocacy & Housing Voice
25.7% new tenant premium · 95% occupancy · CMHC 2024
New tenants in St. Catharines pay 25.7% more than long-term tenants
for equivalent units, and with rental occupancy at 95%, Ward 5 renters
have almost no negotiating power. Without an explicit renter advocate
at council, these residents go unrepresented on every housing vote.
- Be the explicit renter advocate at council on every housing vote
- Push for faster City response to property standards complaints
- Host an annual Ward 5 Renter Town Hall
- Advocate for zoning policies that support rental housing supply
Why this matters for Ward 5
A 25.7% rent premium and 95% occupancy leave Ward 5 renters with
almost no leverage. They need someone at the council table who is
explicitly on their side.
Cultural Programming & Community Celebration
$400,000 SCCIP grants · Culture Plan 2025–2030 adopted
Ward 5 is one of the most culturally diverse communities in
St. Catharines, yet it is underrepresented in the City's cultural
programming and grant spending. With $400,000 in SCCIP grants
available and the Culture Plan adopted, the resources exist —
Ward 5 needs a councillor to direct them here.
- Establish an annual Ward 5 Festival through the Dudu Vibes network
- Actively navigate SCCIP grant access for Ward 5 cultural groups
- Build and publish a Ward 5 Cultural Calendar
- Advocate for multilingual community communications on Ward 5 matters
Why this matters for Ward 5
Ward 5's cultural diversity is its greatest asset. With $400,000 in
City cultural grants available annually, Ward 5 groups deserve a
councillor who knows how to access them.
