Merritton in St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Merritton Bill Wiley Memorial Parkette
Photographed by Kevin Westell, March 9, 2026
1. Merritton Bill Wiley Memorial Parkette - Marker
Bill Wiley's ancestors have a long history of community involvement and service. Bill's great-uncle, James Alexander Wiley, was mayor of St. Catharines during the First World War, and his grandfather, Thomas Hastings, was elected Reeve and then mayor of Merritton. Hastings Street was named after him.
Bill was a secondary school geography teacher and later became principal of Grantham High School and then Merritton High School - a position he held until his retirement in 1989.
He also represented Merritton on St. Catharines City Council from 1986 - 1997, serving four consecutive terms as councillor, including one term as deputy mayor.
Community service was Bill's passion. He was a member of the Lions Club of Merritton, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 138 - Merritton, the Royal Niagara Military Institute, and was a found member of the Merritton Community Group. He served on the St. Catharines Heritage Committee and had a leadership role in the development
this page online
As a founding member of the St. Catharines Heritage Committee, Bill worked to preserve green space within St. Catharines. This parkette is a result of the committee's effort to beautify Merritton. In 2016, St. Catharines City Council voted unanimously to name the park Merritton Bill Wiley Memorial Parkette in appreciation of Bill's dedication to the community.
Erected by St. Catharines.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1989.
Location. 43° 8.175′ N, 79° 12.991′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Merritton. It is at the intersection of Glendale Ave (Route 89) and Mountain St, on the right when traveling west on Glendale Ave. Touch for map.
Photographed by Kevin Westell, March 9, 2026
2. Merritton Bill Wiley Memorial Parkette - Marker in context
Photo faces north-west from near Glendale Ave. The marker (centre right) is at the back wheel of that bike.
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, 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 Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The 2nd Welland Canal Locks 14 and 15 (here, next to this marker); Johansson's Bar (a few steps from this marker); The Mountain Locks (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Jacob Ball U.E.L. circa 1824 (approx. half a kilometer away); Merritton Town Hall 1879 (approx. half a kilometer away); Merritton Volunteer Fire Department (approx. half a kilometer away); Merritt Street at CNR Crossing (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Lock 24 - First Welland Canal (approx. 0.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Catharines.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2026, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 9, 2026, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario.
