The Recreation Facility and Programming Master Plan guides the development of recreation facilities and programming for the City of St. Catharines. The plan provides direction on recreation facility needs and effective ways to deliver our services.
Recreation Facilities and Programming Plan
St. Catharines City Council approved the Recreation Facilities and Programming Plan at its May 25, 2026 Council meeting.
Read the Recreation Facilities and Programming Plan, which establishes priorities for recreation services and spaces over the next 10 years.
Plan by section
You can read the master plan by section to help you navigate the document. Check out each section:
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
- Key Inputs
- Indoor Recreation Facility Assessments
- Outdoor Recreation Facility Assessments
- Programming and Service Reviews
- Implementation Strategy
The Plan includes the following appendices:
- Appendix A: Community Consultations
- Appendix B: Detailed Analysis of Ice Pad Requirements
- Appendix C: Listing of Key Non-Municipal Recreation Facilities
Guiding principles
The following 10 guiding principles were used to direct the recommendations within the Recreation Master Plan:
- Building a healthy community
- Making recreation accessible for all
- Investing in opportunities for youth
- Enhancing opportunities for older adults
- Embracing the natural environment
- Providing necessary infrastructure
- Supporting volunteers
- Encouraging positive partnerships and alliances
- Efficient and effective service delivery
- Sustainable investments in recreation infrastructure
What is recreation?
Recreation is the experience that results from participating in physical, social, intellectual, creative and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community well-being. Broadly speaking, recreation includes the following:
- Parks and green space
- Pools and splash pads
- Lessons and programs
- Leisure activities
- Outdoor art
- Cultural services
- Community centres
- Older adult centres
- Arenas
- Playgrounds
- Trails