St. Catharines (2001 population 129,170; metropolitan population 377,009) is the largest city in the Regional Municipality of Niagara in southern Ontario, Canada.

The city was first settled by Loyalists in 1790. Originally known as Shipman's Corners for an important tavern in the community, it gained its present name sometime in the early 19th century.

Manufacturing is the city's dominant industry. General Motors operates two plants in the city and up until recently was the city's largest employer.

St. Catharines is also home to Brock University, and is the northern entrance of the Welland Canal.

The downtown area of St. Catharines is composed of the area between St. Pauls Street to the South and Church Street to the North. The main access routes into and out of St. Catharines are the QEW running from East to West and the Provincial Highway 406 running North to South.

Areas to the south of St. Catharines have recently seen the development of many new fully detached homes. Both the Vansickle and Martindale areas are home to many new housing developments.

Communities

• Port Dalhousie
• Port Weller
• Power Glen
• Merriton
• St. Catharines

Sister Cities

St. Catharines is a Sister City with some of the following cities:

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

External link

City of St. Catharines' Official Website  (http://www.city.stcatharines.on.ca/index.asp)