City of St. Catharines Accepts Port Dalhousie Development Deal

Council approves new multi-use development for downtown Port Dalhousie.

An agreement has been reached on a  development proposal in Port Dalhousie. 

After years of ongoing Ontario Land Tribunal appeals, the City of St. Catharines, Port Dalhousie Conservancy and Rankin Construction have agreed on a development strategy for the construction of a mixed-use development in the downtown area. 

The development, which will be on the lands at 12 Lock Street, 16 Lock Street and 12 Lakeport Road, including Hogan's Alley, will include 180 residential units. 

It will also include at least 19,000 square feet of commercial space and a 4,400 square foot community space that will be owned by the City. 

The Locks development proposal will conserve three heritage buildings located on the site, and the Austin House and Stanton Grocery buildings will be retained. 

The City says the former Port Dalhousie Jail will be relocated to Lakeside Park, with the City taking ownership following relocation and restoration. 

As well, the agreement includes a new building fronting Lakeside Park that will feature 4,400 square feet of commercial space that will be transferred to the City. 

The proposal features two publicly accessible courtyards and Hogan's Alley will be maintained as a pedestrian space, flanked by storefronts. 

A three-level parking structure has also been proposed, with two levels being below-grade level to Lakeside Park. 

There will be 259 parking spaces featured. 

"The best developments are created when the City, community, and developer work together to reach common goals. Reaching an agreement outside of the appeals process means the future of Port Dalhousie’s commercial district can move forward without a lengthy and expensive hearing." said Director of Planning and Building Services Tami Kitay, "Under this settlement, Port Dalhousie’s unique heritage will be preserved while ensuring existing and new commercial uses are supported and the area remains publicly accessible."

The agreement is subject to approval of the Ontario Land Tribunal. 

Development will also be subject to further approvals and studies including a traffic impact study, a site plan agreement and heritage permits.