A proposal to build an 18-storey mixed-use tower with 492 residential units at 159 Ontario Street will go before St. Catharines' Committee of Adjustment next month, and residents have until early November to weigh in.

According to a City of St. Catharines notice, application A-58/26 was filed by The Collective Housing Co-Operative Incorporated, which is seeking relief from Zoning By-law 2013-283 to allow the project to proceed.

The hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall at 50 Church Street. Attendees should use the James Street entrance. The session will also be live-streamed on the City of St. Catharines' YouTube account.

Residents who want to comment in writing must submit their remarks to the Secretary-Treasurer by 12 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026. People can also appear in person and speak to the committee at the hearing itself.

What you need to know before submitting comments

The City cautions that any submissions become part of the public record and will be made available to the public, including through posting on the City's website. However, personal contact information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, house numbers and signatures will be redacted before online posting.

Anyone hoping to preserve the right to appeal should take note: the notice states that an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal may be dismissed if no written or verbal submissions were made at the hearing before the committee approves or refuses the application.

The notice also points out that, under the More Homes Built Faster Act, appeals may be submitted only by the applicant, the Minister, or a specified person or public body with an interest in the matter.

Where to learn more

The City has posted a site plan and elevation drawings for the proposed development, which residents can review ahead of the hearing.

Questions, comments and requests for a copy of the Notice of Decision can be directed to Elaine Munro, Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, by email at CitizensFirst@stcatharines.ca or by phone at 905-688-5600. Written submissions can be sent to City Hall, P.O. Box 3012, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7C2.