The St. Catharines Downtown Association is governed by a Board of Management approved by St. Catharines City Council for a four-year term, concurrent with the City of St. Catharines Councillors’ term of office. The Board of Management controls the Association’s activities and approves all policies.
For the 2026-2030 term, the SCDA is recruiting 12 new board members.
How to Apply
To apply, download the following application and submit digitally to info@mydowntown.ca or in person after printing and filling it out manually before November 2, 2026.
- Corporation Appointment (for applicants who are an outside affiliate and applying on behalf of an SCDA member)
Applications can be dropped off in person at our office located at 80 King St, Unit 14, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
If you have questions, please reach out to the SCDA Executive Director, Kat Dodge, at 905-685-8424 or kat@mydowntown.ca or in person.
New for 2026
Application Period
This year, applications for the Board of Directors open on Monday, July 13, 2026. The application period closes on Monday, November 2, 2026.
This earlier application period will enable the SCDA to facilitate the introduction of advance voting.
Advance Voting
This year, BIA Members have the opportunity to vote in advance of the AGM. Advance voting opens on Monday, November 16, 2026 and will be held at the SCDA office during posted office hours.
Election Day: Monday, December 7, 2026 (SCDA Annual General Meeting)
Why Join the Board?
Benefits of Board Membership
- Have a Say in How Your Levy is Used
As a contributing member through your levy, you will help guide decisions on how those funds are invested in Downtown projects and programs. - Be Part of a Committed Team
Join a dedicated group of individuals who care deeply about the Downtown’s success and long-term vitality. Together, you will help shape its future.
Board Member Responsibilities
As a board member, you are expected to:
- Attend monthly Board of Management meetings (typically two hours in duration)
- Participate in at least one advisory committee or working group, such as:
Beautification & Placemaking, Events, Advocacy, Governance, Marketing & Communications, etc. - Respond to email communications and provide timely feedback
- Contribute your ideas and actively participate in discussions
- Ensure that any committee you are a member of operates within its approved mandate
- Adhere to the City’s and SCDA’s Codes of Conduct and all applicable bylaws
- Report to the Board on the activities of any committee you chair
- If a working group chair is not a director and chooses not to present their report, a director representing the group will act as spokesperson at the Board meeting
FAQ: Early & AGM Voting
Elections Timeline
- Applications Open: July 13, 2026
- Applications Close: November 2, 2026
- Applications Confirmed and Reviewed: By November 9, 2026
- First Day of Advance Voting: November 16, 2026
- Last Day of Advance Voting: December 4, 2026
- AGM and Election Day: December 7, 2026
2026-2030 Board of Directors Candidates
Nominations open from July 13-November 2, 2026. Candidates will be posted as nominations are cast.