The upcoming Victoria Day holiday weekend marks the opening of some of the community’s favourite summer activities.
Parks and trails
Regular maintenance of City parks and trails began earlier this month and will continue until Thanksgiving weekend. Residents are encouraged to explore and enjoy City parks and trails from dawn until dusk and are reminded to do so carefully by following posted rules and being mindful of others. While using trails, residents should be aware of their surroundings at all times, stick to established paths, remain alert and watch their footing.
Happy Rolph's Animal Farm
Goats, bunnies and all the other lovable farm animals are back at their summer home. Happy Rolph's is open from dawn to dusk and also features a large playground, picnic area and stunning views of Lake Ontario from the 9/11 Memorial Walkway. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/HappyRolphs for more information.
Splash Pads
City splash pads at Lester B. Pearson Park and Catherine Street Park are set to open for the season Friday, May 19, weather permitting. Splash pads are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/SplashPads for more information.
Lakeside Park Carousel
Due to the unseasonably high water levels in Lake Ontario and the saturated condition of Lakeside Park the opening of the carousel has been moved to Saturday, June 3. However, if conditions improve the carousel may open at an earlier date.
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend, including Monday, May 22. Visitors can enjoy exploring the museum galleries and experiencing exhibits. Check out the newly opened exhibit Heroes in Peace: Building the Welland Canal, the soon-to-be-closing Down to Earth (closes June 15) and Doing our Bit: World War One from St. Catharines to the Western Front. Admission is by donation. Visit www.stcatharinesmuseum.ca for more information.
Morningstar Mill
The picturesque Morningstar Mill heritage site at Decew Falls opens for the season Saturday, May 20. Tour the grist mill Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/MorningstarMill for more information. Morningstar Mill will also be open Monday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Garden City Golf Club
Go for the green at the Garden City Golf Club on Victoria Day Monday, May 22. The City-run golf course will be open from 7 a.m. to dusk, weather permitting. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/Golf for more information and to book your tee time.
The Film House at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Looking to enjoy some indoor activities this weekend? The Film House will have screenings all weekend long, including a special screening of the film Mrs. Brown in celebration of Victoria Day at 8pm on Monday, May 22. General admission is $9. Visit www.firstontariopac.ca for listings, shows times and other information.
Closures
The following City facilities will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 22:
- City Hall
- Enterprise Centre
- Parks, Recreation and Culture Services administration office
- St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
- Seymour Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, Bill Burgoyne Arena and Garden City Arena Complex
- Russell Avenue and Port Weller community centres
- Dunlop Drive, Port Dalhousie and West St. Catharines older adult centres
- Victoria Lawn Cemetery administration office (visitation is always available from dawn to dusk)
To report fallen trees, road and sidewalk maintenance issues, blocked catch basins or sewer back-ups, call the City at 905.688.5600. To report power outages, call Horizon Utilities at 905.684.8111. Information about what’s open and what’s not is also available at www.stcatharines.ca/holiday .
