Recreation Facility and Programming Master Plan

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 Facility and Programming Plan Draft Plan published (April 2026)
We want to hear from you on our new Recreation Facility and Programming Plan (RFPP) Draft Plan!
The plan will establish priorities for recreation services and spaces over the next 10 years.

Please help us shape the future of recreation in our community by reading our just published RFPP Draft Plan, written by our consulting team, Monteith Brown Planning Consultants, and provide us your feedback and questions.

Visit our RFPP EngageSTC page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and take a few minutes to share your thoughts on our RFPP Draft Plan using the Share Your Thoughts on the RFPP Draft Plan 2026 button
through April 30.

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