The St. Catharines Business Advantage

From a growing digital media hub to a thriving arts community, investors are jumping at the chance to be involved in the growth and prosperity of St. Catharines.

Advantages Include

Accessibility

St. Catharines is Niagara’s largest city and is home to 30 per cent (136,803) of the region’s population. Just 111 kilometres from Toronto and 19 kilometres from the United States border, the major urban centres located within a 160 kilometre radius of St. Catharines contain approximately 10 million people.

Access to Transit

St. Catharines is easily accessed by GO Transit, daily bus service and seasonal train service between Niagara and the Greater Toronto Area. Provincial plans to expand daily GO Service to Niagara will make St. Catharines an even more desirable location. Niagara Region Transit (NRT), now known as Niagara Transit, is a regional public transit system in Ontario, Canada, that serves the Niagara Region. It was formed in 2011, initially with inter-municipal routes, and later expanded to include local transit services in 2023 by integrating with local systems like Niagara Falls Transit, St. Catharines Transit, Welland Transit, and Fort Erie Transit. NRT provides bus service, Microtransit (a ridesharing service), and specialized transit options. 

Access to Government Funding

There is also a variety of government incentives and financing programs available for businesses at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government in addition to private institutions as well.

Investment in the City

As Niagara’s business hub, St. Catharines has seen an unprecedented level of activity in its downtown, with over $300 million invested in projects that have changed the face of the city for generations to come. This activity has spurred private investment and garnered interest in our downtown’s revitalization at both a local and national level, inspiring creative new entrepreneurs to open new businesses while catching the attention of investors from across the country and beyond.

Economic Incentives

Considering the economy of the location you choose for your business is of upmost importance to your success.

St. Catharines has some of the most affordable property tax rates for businesses and competitive hydro costs that help keep the price of doing business low.

Urban Growth Centre

Downtown St. Catharines has also been identified in the Ontario Government's growth plans as an Urban Growth Centre.

As the only city in Niagara with this designation, it is the focus of investment in regional services including commercial, recreational, cultural, as well as transit infrastructure to accommodate significant population and employment growth.

Expanding Digital Hub

Downtown St. Catharines has earned a reputation as one of Ontario’s key digital media hubs and has attracted an impressive collection of digital and interactive media business.

Learn More About STC Tech

Niagara District Airport

Located just minutes from St. Catharines, the Niagara District Airport offers seamless access to key destinations, including the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, the vibrancy of Toronto, and major league sporting events in Buffalo, NY.  On-site amenities include executive and personal charter services, helicopter and fixed-wing sightseeing tours, expert AMO support, and an active flight training school. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, the airport offers a smooth, efficient gateway to the Niagara region and beyond.

Financing Opportunities

Ranging from start-up and growth financing, research and development, training and employment, and energy efficiency programs, we can help connect you with the right opportunity to access funding for your business.