Searching for Community / Recreation Centres

Ensures the availability of culture, recreation, and green space programs, services and facilities in an environment that encourages maximum community involvement. Operates and maintains all municipal pools, arenas, community centres and skatepark.

Provides the following:

• leadership training and guidance to community recreation and culture organizations
• limited grants are available to non-profit recreation and culture organizations
• access to recreation resource materials
• arranges community use of facilities including meeting space, municipal arenas, parks, athletic fields and outdoor space.

The Millennium Clock (located at the intersection of Dorchester and Morrison Sts) and the MacBain Community Centre entrance sign has a digital board that community groups can use to advertise special events or promotions. Contact the office for an application form.

The MacBain Community Centre building houses organizations including: Niagara Falls Public Library, Community Centre branch; Older Adults Programs - 60 Plus ; Recreation & Culture office - City of Niagara Falls; Autism Niagara and the Ontario Early Years program.

This facility offers a two pool aquatic centre with a slide, three-sectioned gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, indoor track, library, racquet courts, studio, three locker rooms, physical accessibility features, cafe, clinics, park with splash pad, skatepark and more.

Available (during regular operating hours) as a warming/cooling centre when temperatures are exceptionally cold/hot.

A community centre featuring the following:

• Gymnasium
• Pool offering aquatics programs and swimming lessons
• Walking track
• Squash/raquetball courts
• Outdoor playground, splash pad and skate park
• Facility Rentals
• Special Events

Registered and drop-in programming available to residents and

• Zumba
• Pickleball
• Fitness Classes
• Yoga
• Arts and Culture programs

The MacBain Centre is also the new home of older adults programming. Memberships are available for the 60+ programs.

Drop-in program for youth with activities, programs and events

Youth Unlimited Catering-Food Trailer specializing in Artisan Sandwiches and Homemade Food (Private Events and Festivals)

Concessions Trailer for special events (Offering Popcorn, Snow-Cones and Cotton Candy)

COVID-19: Open with limited activities.

Community recreational drop-in centre for seniors

Activities include:

• billiards
• morning exercise classes
• computer training
• library and computers

Provides human services, social, cultural, recreational and educational programs to all Indigenous people. Provide a variety of services and referrals, in addition to diverse in-house programs.

Provides activities, programs and services which enhance the recreational, educational and leadership growth of individuals and benefit the community. Contributes leadership towards the enjoyment, learning, development and general well-being of the community.

Licensed child care, summer, March break and holiday camps are available.

A chapter member of Youth for Christ Canada, an international, non-denominational Christian ministry. The centre provides faith-centered programs for children and teens.

• Baby Boutique - provides essential items for babies and provides essential items for babies and pregnancy at no cost. Items include: Baby Clothing (newborn-2T), diapers, wipes, maternity clothing, blankets and swaddles *Furniture and other large equipment is available upon request
• Young Mom Support Group Support - group for pregnant and parenting moms up to age 25 focusing on life skills, mentoring workshops, resources and parenting support. Child minding via children's programs available during meetings
• Prenatal Classes - An 8 week program for young moms up to age 25 and their support person to learn about the pregnancy experience, starting from conception to newborn care. Some material that will be covered in this program includes: stages of pregnancy/ labour, parenting, physical and mental health, hazards during pregnancy, feeding, and after care.
• The Deck Drop-in Youth Centre - a youth centre for teens providing peer mentorship by adult volunteers.
• Children's Programs - space for babies and children to learn and explore while their moms are participating in the program.
• Girl's Only (GO) - Social and skill-building support group for girls involving activities and group discussions.
• Summer Camp - children's summer camp programs

The City of Thorold owns and operates several recreational facilities for the enjoyment of its residents. Facilities include the arenas, parks, pool, splash pads, trails and community centres that are available for public use; some municipal facilities may also be reserved for tournaments, special events or private rentals.

Book a Facility

A community centre offering recreational, social, health and community activities for local residents. The centre is also a Seniors Active Living Centre and home to Active Living Lounge for those 55+.

The facility features

• arenas
• gymnasiums
• walking track
• community rooms
• concessions

The community centre is home to a variety of drop-in, registered and virtual programs including fitness classes, 55+ aerobics, Zumba, pickleball, volleyball and yoga.

Offers a variety of recreation services such as creative arts programs, sports and fitness classes and human interest courses. Also responsible for park and cemetery operations and maintenance.

Directly supporting Early Child Development to age 6; Aquatic Programs during summer at 2 outdoor pools: Niagara-On-The-Lake and St David's. Also operates parks and arenas.

Also operates Community Centre.

COVID-19: Drop in hours adjusted to 6 pm-7 pm, where youth can take dinner to go.

Offer support services, programs and resources to at risk youth. Services include:

Emergency Shelter: Youth are given access to a bed, showers and meals and also programming including the Steps to Independent Living program, recreation and social activities and cooking programs. Also, offers emergency shelter to victims of human trafficking as well as crisis support and referrals.

Drop-in Centre: A place for youth to connect with peers and receive mentoring and support. Youth will have access to meals, phones and Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facilities, crisis counselling and the clothing closet and food cupboard. Youth will also have access to the Steps to Independent Living program and recreational programs.

Youth Reconnect: Connects individuals in unstable living conditions with the services they need without them having to leave their home community. Referrals can be made by anyone and a Youth Worker will contact you within 24 hours.

After School Programs: In partnership with over 15 different service providers, the RAFT operates six After School Programs for youth. Programs offer free and accessible recreation, leisure and educational opportunities.

Youth in Transition: Supports youth, ages 16-24, in their successful transition out of the child welfare system into adulthood. Workers assist help youth to develop and pursue their goals, and will support them to identify access and navigate adult service systems relevant to their specific needs.

Eternal Routes: Connects homeless youth unable to live with their parents and Crown wards aging out of foster care with relatives who would be willing to provide the youth with the support they need to transition into adulthood and avoid homelessness.

Niagara Assertive Street Outreach: Actively engages individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness to promote, connect, and coordinate access to the range of supports available across Niagara's Homeless-Serving System, including emergency shelter, housing and support services.

Responsible for city parks designs, horticulture displays, community centres, older adult centres, pools, arenas, historical and cultural services, and a variety of recreation services such as creative arts programs, sport and fitness classes, human interest courses and swimming programs. This includes classes for parents and children to interact together and with others.

Also included is Lakeside Beach/Park, Carousel, and Harbour as well as Sunset and Jones Beaches.

Requests for new trees planted on the boulevard can be made to this office. New sub-divisions currently under construction, are automatically included in this service by the contractor.

Report all graffiti found on City-owned facilities by calling the CitizensFirst.

Offering a Flower Pot Program to make businesses more attractive. Professionally designed and planted, flower pots are available for rent by contacting Ilyse Norton at 905-688-5601 ext 3140.

The FAIR (Fee Assistance in Recreation) program offers eligible, low-income families reduced rates at City run recreation programs, such as swimming, golf lessons, senior centres and other classes. Apply at 905-688-5601 ext 1800 or online.

Community Gardens provide gardening space, and all necessary items, while sharing knowledge and expertise, to ensure that participants learn about gardening in order to grow and harvest their own produce. Targeted to residents of Niagara Housing and those without gardening space. Plots are located at Torosian Park on Ventura Drive. For more information call Niagara Regional Housing 905-682-9201 ext 3935.

Community social and recreational drop-in centre for older adults.

Activities include:

• Cards Euchre, Bridge, 500, Cribbage, Bid Euchre
• Quilting
• Badminton
• Pickleball
• Shuffleboard
• Bingo
• Bunka
• Darts, Billiards, Snooker
• Painting
• Art Class
• Chair Yoga
• Line Dancing
• Strength and Tone
• Fit for Function
• Essentrics
• Zumba Gold
• Walk Aerobics
• Carpet Bowling
• Table Tennis
• Tai Chi

Available (during regular operating hours) as a warming centre when temperatures are exceptionally cold.

Community recreational drop-in centre for older adults * activities include:

• Fit for Function (Fitness Class)
• Chair Yoga
• Bingo
• Rug Hooking
• Painting
• Zumba Gold
• Euchre (6 hand bid Euchre)

Available (during regular operating hours) as a warming centre when temperatures are exceptionally cold.

COVID-19: See website for program availability.

Programs are offered throughout the Niagara region, and consist of two components: School Programs and Friday Night Programs. Youth Action offers youth a safe and positive environment in which they can learn new skills, participate in a wide variety of activities and socialize with friends in a safe environment, while meeting positive role models.

School Programs
These free recreational drop in programs are offered throughout the week from 6 pm-8 pm at local school gymnasiums throughout the Niagara region. Gives youth the opportunity to participate in active games, play sports, special events and more.

Friday Night Drop-Ins
Give youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including: swimming, gym games, video games, tournaments, special events, fitness, creative activities, and more. Offered at specific Health, Fitness and Aquatic Centres.

A youth recreation drop in centre offering a variety of free and fun services. Services include:

• Art Centre: Youth can draw, paint, and create masterpieces at their leisure
• Pool Table: Youth can drop in for pool or sign up for a tournament
• Lounge Areas: Multiple tables to do homework, play games or socialize
• Computer Cenre: two PCs and a MAC with programs and internet
• Media Centre: A flat screen TV, Netflix, and video games (Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Wii)
• Ping pong table, 2 air hockey tables, retro table top game console

The centre does not provide babysitting services to parents shopping in the mall.

A sports complex offering four NHL size ice pads and a mini rink, a concession area, a lounge, a sports store and a sports clinic. All facilities are available for rental to the public. Also offers public skating.

Available (during regular operating hours) as a warming centre when temperatures are exceptionally cold.

A variety of recreational and older adult programs are available. Please see full listing in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Services Department Leisure Guide or visit the City of St Catharines website.

A splash pad is located on-site.

Available, during regular operating hours, as a warming/cooling centre when temperatures are exceptionally cold/hot.

A diversity of community recreation programs available from preschool to older adults. Programs vary, examples include bridge, music lessons, crafting, dance, and sports. Visit the Play In section at www.stcatharines.ca for a full listing of available programs.

COVID-19: See website for updates.

Local government office responsible for: administration

• support to the Mayor and Council
• elections
• vital statistics
• lottery licences
• Commissioner for Taking Affidavits and Certification of Documents
• processing requests and coordinating procedures under legislation such as the Local Improvement Act and the Drainage Act
• community recreation facilities and park
• infrastructure services such as water and sewers
• fire protection and prevention
• building permits and inspections and development charges

COVID-19: No in-person services offered until further notice. Youth are able to connect with a Youth Navigator via phone, text, email or social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter), Mon-Thu 12 noon-8 pm. The following services are currently being offered: clinical services (Mental Health Counsellor, Substance Use Counsellor and Nurse Practitioner); non-clinical services (Mental Health Caseworker, Employment and Education Support (including assistance applying for CERB, EI, etc.); Wellness Activities. Connect with a Youth Navigator to register.

A one-stop-shop for youth seeking services related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing and other community and social services.

Services include:

Mental Health Counselling: Speak with a certified mental health counsellor about any mental health concerns.

Substance Use Counselling: A certified counsellor can help youth with reducing or eliminating substance use, setting, and achieving goals, improving relationships and learning life skills. Can also help with mental health concerns.

Peer Counselling and Support: Speak with a peer about any issues one might be experiencing related to mental health, substance use, employment, housing, or other areas of one's life.

Nurse Practitioner: Receive free health care services, referrals and/or discuss current health issues including sexual health, birth control, vaccinations, mental health etc.

Employment Help: Assistance from an employment counsellor with searching for jobs, preparing for work and/or building a resumé.

Mental Health Caseworker: Receive help with finding housing, preparing for employment/volunteering/education opportunities, filling out forms, managing money, setting, and achieving goals, developing a safety plan, accessing services in the community, etc.

Youth Navigator: Offers peer support and help with connecting to appropriate services in the hub or the community.

Wellness Activities: Presentations and/or discussion groups on various health and wellness topics. Examples of topics include harm reduction, safer sex and STI prevention, mindfulness, goal setting, etc. Indigenous cultural activities open to all youth, such as drumming, beading, ribbon skirt making, etc. Wellness drop-in activities such as fitness classes, arts and craft workshops, ping pong club, movie nights, video game nights etc.

COVID-19: Some restrictions in place, visit website for details.

Provides a broad range of member-based health, fitness and recreational programs and services for all ages. Programs include swimming lessons, preschool/children and youth programs, fitness classes, aquatics centre and fitness centre.

A community centre with amenities including:

• indoor walking/jogging track
• fitness area
• multipurpose auditorium/banquet hall
• raised stage
• youth room
• café
• outdoor walking trail
• outdoor courtyard
• artificial bowling green

Offers a variety of programs, drop in activities, wellness seminars, volunteer opportunities, free parking, access to food services and special events for persons of all ages.

Facilitates the Welland Farmer's Market, Welland Arenas and the Welland Community Centre. Coordinates recreation and leisure needs of Welland residents in partnership with sports/recreation/culture groups.

Provides:

• general interest courses and workshops for residents from preschool age to seniors - includes classes and workshops for parents and children to interact together and with others
• volunteer training and educational opportunities and community special events
• information on city-wide events and activities on website and Facebook page

Available (during regular operating hours) as a warming centre when temperatures drop below -15ºC and a cooling centre when a heat warning is issued.

A variety of recreational and older adult programs are available. Please see full listing in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Services Department Leisure Guide or visit the City of St Catharines website.

A splash pad is located on-site.

Available, during regular operating hours, as a warming/cooling centre when temperatures are exceptionally cold/hot.