Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of St. Catharines has launched CIVIC Maps, an interactive tool aimed at providing real-time geographic information for residents, businesses and developers.
Powered by ArcGIS, the Community Interactive Visualization and Information Centre (CIVIC) Maps offers access to zoning details, property lines, building permits, conservation areas and other city data. Users can explore maps to find ward boundaries, planning information and infrastructure details.
Planning and land use layers offer information on:
- District Land Use: Zoning at a district level
- General Land Use: Overall zoning and planning maps
- City Zoning: Specific zoning layers
“CIVIC Maps is a game-changer for how we provide information to the public,” said Margaret Josipovic, senior manager of the City’s Housing Accelerator Program. “This tool allows anyone to access detailed, interactive maps and find key information about our city in just a few clicks.”
The tool was funded through the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund as part of the city’s Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan. It aims to streamline development processes and improve access to housing-related data. By making zoning and land-use information readily available, the platform is designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in the planning and development process.
CIVIC Maps features layers displaying roads, parks, schools, hydrants and conservation areas. Users can access building permits dating back to 2010 and regional planning data such as employment zones and designated Greenfield areas.
The mapping system includes tools for measuring distances and areas, marking locations, and comparing map layers. A “Near Me” function allows users to find local permits, parks and ward details. Other features include a zoning lookup tool and an elevation profile function.
“This is just the beginning,” said Josipovic. “We are already looking at future enhancements, including 3D building visualizations and active planning applications to provide even more value to users.”
Upcoming features may include:
- Active planning applications directly integrated into the system.
- Video tutorials and guides to help users navigate the tool effectively.
CIVIC Maps is now available online at stcatharines.ca/CIVICMaps. The city is encouraging feedback from users to guide future improvements.
