St. Catharines finally owns Port Dalhousie water-front land, piers

The Port Dalhousie Piers, harbour lands, even the beloved and song-famous Lakeside Park – how many St. Catharines residents even knew none of these properties were owned by the city?

In fact, not only did St. Catharines not own some of their most famous Lake Ontario waterfront, they actually leased it from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Having done so since 1992, ownerships of the Port Dalhousie Piers and harbour lands (including Lakeside Park) have now been transferred by to the city after Council okayed the shift at Monday’s (July 18) meeting.

“The transfer of the Port Dalhousie Piers and harbour lands to the City will ensure this important historical landmark will continue to make St. Catharines a waterfront destination for residents and visitors alike,” said City CAO David Oakes.

Believe it or not, the transfer is timely. In 2015, both the east and west piers were closed to public access by the DFO due to safety concerns.

Last year, after a $28-million rehabilitation of the waterfront lands, the Port Dalhousie Piers reopened to the public but every cent of those multi-millions came from the DFO.

“The completion of the Port Dalhousie piers and harbour rehabilitation is one of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s largest projects ever,” said St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle.

“It has been wonderful to see members of the community enjoying the piers. Port Dalhousie has always drawn people to Lake Ontario, and our work with the City of St. Catharines ensures generations to come will continue to enjoy it.”

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik thanked Bittle, the DFO and the federal government for their investment, adding, “The City is committed to ensuring these lakeside assets are not only maintained but protected now and into the future.”