St. Catharines

Located in an oasis of lush farmlands, and urban sophistication, it's no surprise many refer to St. Catharines as 'The Garden City'. There is both an urban and rural influence to the population; it is a sophisticated community that will turn out in droves for the downtown outdoor farmer?s market.

St. Catharines embodies the advantages of big-city life and small-town friendliness. With the Niagara Escarpment as its backdrop, this valley town enjoys a more moderate climate than most in Canada. The summers aren't quite as hot, the winters are less severe, and the snow accumulation is significantly less than areas just minutes away.

Parts of the famous Welland Canal are located in St. Catharines. The canal's ability to move ships full of cargo up and down the Niagara Escarpment, and thereby contribute to the economic growth and development of Canada and the United States is remarkable. Ships literally climb the Niagara Escarpment through a series of locks. The locks are a popular tourist attraction and visitors flock here to see them in action. Fine dining, shopping, as well as local theatre and a symphony are all added bonuses for tourist and residents.

At just an hour's commute to Toronto along the QEW, St. Catharines is a commuter's haven and a natural place to call home. Housing prices are lower than Toronto and surrounding areas. A wide array of schools, churches, and cultural groups participate in the annual Folk Arts Festival. The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival is a large event held every September that culminates in a grand festival parade throughout the downtown core.

Brock University is a city unto itself in St. Catharines. Located atop the Niagara Escarpment in the south end of the city, Brock has become a popular choice for students from diverse backgrounds.

At the extreme north end of St. Catharines is Lake Ontario and the charming town of Port Dalhousie. The port's beaches, boutiques, and bars are magnets for young people during the summer months.

St. Catharines

Population: 135,000

Age: Incorporated as a town in 1782

Location: 100 km southwest of Toronto

Highways: QEW, 403

Airports: John C. Munroe Airport, Hamilton, Ontario; Niagara Falls, NY; Buffalo, NY;

Public Transit: St. Catharines Transit Commission operates local and regional service

Education: The District School Board of Niagara operates 29 elementary schools and eight secondary schools; The Niagara District Catholic School Board operates 13 elementary and three secondary schools; post secondary schools include Brock University and Niagara College; there are private schools also, including the prestigious Ridley College

Emergency Services: Local policing, as well as Niagara Regional Policing and 911 emergency coverage

Tourist/Cultural and Recreation Facilities: Numerous art galleries, historical museums, theatres, symphony, annual Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, annual Folk Arts Festival, and the Welland Canal