City of St. Catharines Holding Public Meeting to Discuss Former GM Site

Open house will take place on Tuesday, February 7th

An open house is being held next week to discuss the future of the former GM site, as well as sprucing up Ontario Street from the QEW to Welland. 

The City of St. Catharines is looking to create a land-use study to help guide the future of the site, which is located at 282-285 Ontario Street. 

A public open house will take place on Tuesday, February 7th at the Holiday Inn & Suites located at 327 Ontario Street. 

The meeting will occur in the Merlot Room at 6:30 p.m.

Members of the community will get to see a series of display boards and materials, as well as a presentation. 

This will be followed by a question and answer period. 

The study will examine land use, as well as other components of land development, including transit, the environment, urban design, heritage and more. 

The process is expected to continue through next winter. 

"The historical use of the lands in the study area has helped to shape the economic, social, cultural and environmental fabric of the city, and the future use of the lands will also do so for generations to come," said Bruce Bellows, senior project manager. "The public’s input will be a critical part of establishing the vision that will shape and guide the future development of the neighbourhood."

City councillor Caleb Ratzlaff tells us the plan is expected to take about 20 years.

He adds the owners of the plant have successfully applied for demolition permits.  "One for the building on the east side, one for the building on the west side, and another demo permit for the gantry that crosses the street.  We're going to see those buildings come down once the ice starts melting."

The councillor says he hears a lot about the plant, but Ontario Street itself can be dangerous.

"Cars drive fast there, it's a place you don't want to spend any time.  And it's a main corridor into the city, so it's kind of embarrassing that it is in the state of repair it's currently in.  We want to see it at least be a corridor to our downtown that's welcoming," he says.

More information is available here.