St. Catharines expands parking for Canada Day weekend but expect to pay more in some lots

More special event parking has opened up in anticipation of tens of thousands of visitors to St. Catharines in the coming days.

Major events this Canada Day weekend include Cirque du Soleil at the Meridian Centre and the “Born & Raised” music series playing in St. Catharines’ Montebello Park.

There will be more places to park from June 30 to July 3. But St. Catharines has increased parking rates for larger-scale events.

Previously special event parking was $5 but now it will be $10 in some lots.

The fee hike will support the increased parking management needed at city-managed surface lots.

The $10 fee will be in place this weekend at parking lots near the major events at Montebello Park and Meridian Centre.

From June 30 to July 3, the following lots will have special-event parking in place for $10, cash only:

• Ontario Street parking garage (Cirque du Soleil ticket holders only),
• Garden Park / Carlisle Street parking garage,
• Garden Park lot,
• Race Street lot,
• Head Street lot,
• David S. Howes Way lot,
• Market Square lot at City Hall,
• St. Paul Street / Westchester lot,
• William Street lot,
• Raymond Street lot,
• St. Catharines Public Library Central Branch lot

The city has also secured use of the lot at 68 Church St. – the former Niagara Regional Police District 1 site – from June 30 to July 3, and will charge special event parking for $10 at that site.

The Riordon Street lot and the Garden City Arena Complex lot will also have special event parking, but the fee will be $5 (cash only) given the proximity of these lots to the events.

There are a number of private lots throughout the downtown core that set their own fees.

Those looking to save a bit of cash can access a free shuttle bus from June 30 to July 3. The shuttle leaves from the east side of the SmartCentres complex at 399 Louth St., dropping off riders at the corner of Ontario and Lake streets, at Montebello Park.

For more information on parking visit www.stcatharines.ca/parking.