Downtown in St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
City Hall
Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 5, 2025
1. City Hall - Marker
Welcome to the City of St. Catharines, the largest municipality in the Niagara Region. From authentic wine and culinary experiences to unique festivals and cultural events including live music, theatre and sporting events, St. Catharines is at the heart of it all.
Built on the site of the previous City Hall, this building was officially opened in August 1937 and was a hallmark of what was hailed as the dawn of a new era. The previous building known as Benson House, was a former home that had been used as a temporary City Hall. The Old Courthouse was originally built to house only the municipal offices for St. Catharines, however, in 1862 the regional offices also took up residence. The building was then far too full to house both the regional and municipal offices; so St. Catharines purchased the Benson House for use as the town hall. The home underwent significant renovations and the horse stables located on the grounds were converted into the police station. Sold to St. Catharines in 1876 by James Benson, a Senator in the first parliament of Canada, Benson House was originally intended to be used for a short time. In fact, Benson House was used for over thirty years until the new City Hall was constructed. This building originally accommodated all city departments, including a police station and a jail in
this page online
Today, St. Catharines City Hall is the administrative hub for the city. With its artistic faηade and bowling green lawn, City Hall is a striking architectural focal point of the city's core.
Erected by City of St. Catharines.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1937.
Location. 43° 9.574′ N, 79° 14.835′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Downtown. It is on Church Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Church St, St Catharines ON L2R 7C2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Founding of St. Catharines (here, next to this marker); War Memorial, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 (a few steps from this marker); St. Catharines Honour Roll - Korea (a few steps from this marker); St. Catharines Honour Roll - Boer War (a few steps from this marker); St. Catharines Honour Roll - 1939 - 1945 (a few steps from this marker); St. Catharines Honour Roll - 1914 - 1918 (a few steps from this marker); St. Catharines Recipients Of The Victoria Cross (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 5, 2025
2. City Hall - Marker in context
Photo faces south-east from Church St. The marker is north-east (left) of the walkway to the city hall main entrance.
Another marker is no longer nearby. City Hall 1937 (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
