Downtown in St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Montebello Park 1887-1987
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 11, 2025
1. Montebello Park 1887-1987 Marker
In the summer of 1887, the land for Montebello Park was purchased by the City of St. Catharines from the heirs of William Hamilton Merritt, Jr. for $9,900. It became St. Catharines first park.
William Hamilton Merritt, Jr. so loved this parcel of land (which was the highest and its trees and flowers the most lush), that he called it Montebello or beautiful mountain. After a little Italian village near Lake Como he once visited.
His intention was to build his family home here, but just after the foundation was laid, he died quite suddenly. When the city bought the property, the foundation was still intact. It became the foundation for the pavillion which was constructed in 1888.
Ever since that time, the pavillion has provided shelter for its users as they have sang, danced, ate, prayed, performed and played together. It was the first of many additions which made the park distinctive.
The present band stand, 1904, (a plainer one preceded it) was modelled after the band stand
this page online
In 1913, Mr. W.B. Burgoyne, the founder of the Standard, paid to have the rose garden added to the park. The rocks for the rock garden, by the pavillion, were given to the city by Mr. Ball, who hauled them by horse and rig to the park. (His property is now known as the Ball's Falls Conservation Area.)
Montebello Park has become our "Garden City's" park garden where we have enjoyed its greenery, space and traditions. We are mindful of our continuing obligation to those who follow us to maintain it, enhance it and respect it significance for the City of St. Catharines. Join us and enjoy.
Erected 1987 by (St. Catharines) Downtown Residents Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 43° 9.445′ N, 79° 15.04′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Downtown. It can be reached from Lake Street, on the left when traveling
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 11, 2025
2. Montebello Park 1887-1987 - Marker in context
Photo was from near Lake Street and Ontario Street.
Regionally, this marker is on the Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tree to Commemorate International Literacy Year (here, next to this marker); William Greenwood, Carriagemaker circa 1875 (within shouting distance of this marker); Murray Ross Morton 1905-1965 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Walter Ostanek Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); Ribfest and D-Day and Vimy Ridge Memorial Plaque (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Thomas' Anglican Church (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Hannelore Headley Chess Park (about 120 meters away); Montebello Park (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Catharines.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
