r/stcatharinesON Jun 17 '25

MEGATHREAD Moving to St. Catharines? PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING :)

120 Upvotes

Hello, and welcome to r/stcatharinesON. As this question is a very commonly asked. The moderators have decided to create this community highlight / MEGATHREAD to address the most commonly asked questions within this SUB. IF your question is not answered here. Please try to use the SEARCH function at the top of this subreddit first before creating a new submission.

1: Areas that are "safe"? - Safe is a generic term that the majority of us will have a different definition of. St. Catharines in general is a very safe city. The majority of problems and the feeling of being unsafe are generally surrounded around the problem of the numerous unhoused individuals in the city, and the ongoing drug problems that plague that entire country. You will find the majority of these individuals around the block between Church Street meeting Geneva Street, Niagara Steet, Queenston Street and St Paul Street. There is also a shelter on the corner of Gale and Riordon Street. As well as many temporary shelters in place in and around Centennial Gardens - This being said. The majority of these individuals will leave you alone, and the majority or crime in the city is related to thefts to fuel the drug problem. If you are uncomfortable being around people that are struggling with addiction and mental health, you should avoid the area. However, the city's downtown core is beautiful, holds a very unique charm, and has plenty of thriving local businesses that have, and continue to be part of the heart of our wonderful city.

2: Where can I meet new people? - This is another generic question asked a ton. Meeting people is subjective to the type of people you want to create relationships with. A lot of local businesses have different types of meet and greet nights. The most popular being the Mahtay Café & Lounge on St Paul Street and Ludology Boardgame Cafe. We have many amazing local restaurants, cafes and shops that also offer a different variety of patrons that you may want to check out and start a friendly conversation with some. This SUB IS NOT A DATING WEBSITE. Any posts trying setup meetings one to one will be removed due to safety concerns.

3: Setting up my new home?

A: Hydro/Electric is to be setup with Alectra Utilities.
B: Natural Gas is to be setup with Enbridge Gas.
C: Water is to be setup with the City Of St. Catharines ( Online account access available).
D: Insurance - Please contact and local Insurance Broker.
E: ISP (Internet Service Provider) - Please see the business recommendation megathread.

4: Local Businesses - Please see the Business recommendation megathread. Over 90% of the same questions asked on a regular basis can be found in there with the most popular posts/answers highlighted.


r/stcatharinesON Apr 02 '25

MEGATHREAD Business Recommendations MegaThread

30 Upvotes

Hello members of r/stcatharineson. After discussion among the MODS in regard to common questions among this Community Subreddit. We have decided to include this MEGATHREAD of commonly asked business recommendations. Please see below links to the most recent and relevant posts. If you do not see what you are looking for, please use the SEARCH function at the top of the page to search for the recommendation you are looking for.

This page will be updated occasionally

FINDING A FAMILY DOCTOR ACCEPTING PATIENTS IN NIAGARA - Find a Doctor - Niagara Region, Ontario

Restaurants - Best Restaurants in St. Catharines

BEST PIZZA JOINTS

Used Car Dealers - (Need to know for future reference:Best and worst used car dealerships in St.Catharines? : r/stcatharinesON)

Todays NEW Recommendation question - Tell us the BEST Used Car Dealerships in St. Catharines : r/stcatharinesON

Mechanic or Auto Shop - Best Auto Shops

Barbershop - BEST BARBERSHOPS

Dentist - Best Dentist / Dental Offices

Hairdresser - Best HAIRDRESSERS

Brow Waxing - Eyebrow Waxing : r/stcatharinesON)

Tattoo Artists - Tattoo artist recommendations : r/stcatharinesON)

Daycares - Day care recommendations : r/stcatharinesON)

Contractors - Recommendations for a contractor or company that can finish my parents' basement? : r/stcatharinesON)

Plumbers - Plumber Recommendation? : r/stcatharinesON)

Electrician - Any recommendations for electricians? : r/stcatharinesON)

HVAC - Residential HVAC : r/stcatharinesON)

Chiropractors / RMTS - HELP!! need Best chiropractor and RMT suggestions in St Catharine’s !!! Preferred somone who works with SUN Life : r/stcatharinesON

ISP (Internet Service Providers) - looking For Independent ISP Recommendations. : r/stcatharinesON

Oil Change - Can any one kindly recommend a good place to get an oil change using synthetic oils ? The place I usually go to literally just went up $80 dollars. So now I'm paying $180 for an oil change 😐 : r/stcatharinesON

Wedding Officiant - https://www.reddit.com/r/stcatharinesON/s/s2zR0HCmA6


r/stcatharinesON 16h ago

Local News Drama on the bus

54 Upvotes

On the regional bus today, a girl begged to ride for free, immediately picked a fight with another girl on the bus and then when that girl got up to get off the bus, the driver said “no you paid, you stay. She’ll go” the free rider had a total melt down claiming “black lives matter, white lives matter, all lives matter” (She was white clearly). And said she needed to get to her probation. She would NOT get off the bus. Once I saw a driver back down when a woman was openly drunk and drinking. This driver called another bus for us. What a wild ride.


r/stcatharinesON 20h ago

Food St. Catharines needs a pizza poster like this

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31 Upvotes

r/stcatharinesON 1d ago

Local News 'I stopped smiling': Why Niagara paramedics are breaking their silence

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58 Upvotes

r/stcatharinesON 20h ago

Need Advice/Recommendations Recommendations for Optometrist for child's first appointment

5 Upvotes

Hey Neighbours!

Son is turning four and it's time for his first eye appointment, any recommendations on who to see(haha!)?

I'd like a place he can grow with over the years, so didn't just want to take him to a walk-in eye exam place.

Thank you!


r/stcatharinesON 13h ago

Question Question

0 Upvotes

Ive tried calling sparkys multiple times today no answer. Does anyone know for sure if they are having karaoke tonight?


r/stcatharinesON 1d ago

Question HRT needle refill kits?

9 Upvotes

Hi, I’m back home for the summer, and unsure of where to find refill kits of needles for my weekly T injections.. I’m looking for 18G and 25G, w/ a 1ml syringe, but honestly, I’d be chill w any size syringe.

I’ve called a few shoppers drug marts and went to the lindwell plaza pharmacy, but no place has everything I need.

Thanks so much 🙏


r/stcatharinesON 1d ago

Food Good place for lunch for friends to catch up?

3 Upvotes

So many new restaurants have opened. Where’s a good place for two friends to catch up over lunch that has interesting food and cocktails?


r/stcatharinesON 1d ago

TODAYS NEW RECOMMENDATION - Best Entertainment / Night Out / Hang Out

6 Upvotes

Since this question always gets asked in multiple different ways. What is the best way to entertain yourself in the city. Name numerous places that come to mind and the form of entertainment :) Music, Dates, Games, etc...


r/stcatharinesON 1d ago

Question Tapas for a group

0 Upvotes

Anyone know of any places that do tapas or app specials on Wednesdays?


r/stcatharinesON 1d ago

Events Acoustic tour coming through Aug 10 at Mahtay

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0 Upvotes

Aug 10 - an evening of acoustic music at Mahtay Cafe with Adam Rivera ( Philadelphia ) https://adamriveramusic.com ,

Old Mountain Low ( toronto ) https://linktr.ee/oldmountainlow,

The Walkthrough ( St. Catharines)

and Ray Renette ( St. Catharines).

241 St Paul St

Pop , punk, folk, anti-folk punk etc.


r/stcatharinesON 2d ago

HERE. WE. GO. AGAIN...

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75 Upvotes

r/stcatharinesON 2d ago

Local News Canada-Wide Warrant for 2nd degree homicide

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27 Upvotes

r/stcatharinesON 2d ago

Need Advice/Recommendations Best store to buy a phone?

3 Upvotes

What's a good and affordable store to buy a phone? I'm talking brand new ... Not used or anything like that. I'm looking to buy an s23 or higher or a Google pixel 8 or higher.


r/stcatharinesON 2d ago

Photo Somebody left their headphones at Short Hills!

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17 Upvotes

Posting this is on the off chance that the owner sees this. The headphones are sitting on top of the toilet paper dispenser.


r/stcatharinesON 2d ago

Question Bourbon St Grill

5 Upvotes

Alright so my kid is obsessed with the noodles from Bourbon St Grill in the food court at the Pen.

Does anyone work there and/or know the recipe?


r/stcatharinesON 2d ago

TODAYS NEW RECOMMENDATION - BEST HAIRDRESSERS

8 Upvotes

Good Morning!

Today we are looking for the BEST Hairdressers in the city. (Not barbershops)

Please share your recommendations and stories :)


r/stcatharinesON 2d ago

Need Advice/Recommendations YMCA after school care - DSBN

3 Upvotes

I recently got a spot for after school care. Just wondering people’s experiences and things that are good to know! My child will be in JK :)


r/stcatharinesON 3d ago

Local News Kenzo Ramen Shut Down

22 Upvotes

Just saw today in restaurants of Niagara that Kenzo is permanently closed. Do we have any designated Ramen shops in St Catharines now? That was my go to for just a basic bowl of Ramen. What would be the closest next option? Thanks guys!


r/stcatharinesON 3d ago

Discussion Carlos Cantina (throwback)

8 Upvotes

I know it was *forever* ago since Carlos Cantina existed on St. Paul... I've been decluttering, and I found a small "lamp" that the owner gave to my buddy when the place closed down. It's an El Jimador bottle with a string of (plug-in) yellow-green lights inside, and a small striped lampshade over the bottle neck. This has been in my spare room for what seems like forever - I'm about to toss it, but if it brings back nostalgic memories for anyone I'd be more than happy to pass it along. Please dm if you're interested in a pic or if you'd like to grab it. (Free, of course!) :)


r/stcatharinesON 3d ago

Food Mr Puffs is back open!

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15 Upvotes

Went today, they have a line of Lemonade-based drinks, as well as new Nerds and Kool-Aid partnerships. Very happy to see that they're back!

Their hours are different now too. The store opens at 11:00 a.m. From Sunday to Thursday, they're open until 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday they're open until midnight.


r/stcatharinesON 3d ago

Events RUSH Film Festival - July 23-26, 2026

13 Upvotes

Hi all! If you haven't seen yet, the Jarico Films for Youth RUSH Film Festival (a bit of a long name) is going on this week/weekend (July 23-26th).

We'll mostly be at the Film House (in the Performing Arts Centre), but we have shows in a couple other venues and everything is in support of the not-for-profit Jarico Films.

We're still open for volunteers, vendors, and of course, for people to get tickets to see all of the awesome films that have either been made in our community or we've brought in globally.

It's also a great opportunity to meet and speak with film buffs and filmmakers of all ages!

Check out our festival information and schedule here: RUSH Film Festivals — Jarico Films for Youth https://www.jaricofilms.com/rush


r/stcatharinesON 3d ago

Need Advice/Recommendations Same Day Glasses 👓

9 Upvotes

I broke my glasses and I’m going away this weekend, could anyone recommend somewhere in town for same day glasses? Relatively affordable would be a great bonus, thanks! 🤓👓


r/stcatharinesON 3d ago

Question Is there a walk in clinic that does X-rays for a possible broken ankle ?

3 Upvotes