A friendly, inviting community in the heart of the thriving Niagara region. With charm and beauty. St. Catharines reflects the diversity of a rich rural and urban mix, and combines all the advantages of living and working in a prosperous urban area with the traditional touches and atmosphere of a small town. Known across Ontario as the Garden City, St. Catharines prides itself on excellent community services, top notch educational opportunities, and a strong health care system. Families enjoy a high quality of life, a safe environment, and access to recreational and leisure activities for all ages.

The Regional Municipality of Niagara includes three medium density cities: St. Catharines/Thorold, Niagara Falls, and Welland. It includes four medium density towns: Grimsby, Fort Erie, Port Colborne and Niagara on the Lake. The Region includes world renowned tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls, the Welland Canal, and the Shaw Festival, to name a few. Niagara is also one of Canada's richest agricultural areas, with the nation's major soft-fruit growing area located within the Region.

The St. Catharines Public Library Board is committed to providing all the citizens of St. Catharines with the highest level of library services, materials and facilities within the resources available to meet their informational, educational and recreational needs.

Today the St. Catharines Fire Service is a modern department, providing fire and emergency services, as well as public fire and life safety education to the residents and visitor of the city. Operating from six fire stations, as well as a fire prevention office, with a full time staff of over 160, St.Catharines Fire Services now responds to over 6000 calls each year. In addition to fighting fires we also respond to water and ice rescues, high angle rescues, motor vehicle extrications, medical emergencies, industrial accidents, and much more.