St. Catharines, ON – May 19, 2025

As cannabis retail continues to expand across St. Catharines, residents are speaking up — and the reviews are mixed.

At a recent town hall held at the Russell Avenue Community Centre, locals gathered to discuss the growing number of cannabis stores in the city. While some welcomed the convenience and economic benefits, others voiced concerns about oversaturation and neighborhood character.

“We don’t need another one on every corner,” said North End resident Kelly Desmond. “It feels like they’re popping up faster than coffee shops.”

Others, however, were quick to defend the industry. “Cannabis is legal. It’s heavily regulated. I’d rather have licensed stores than shady dealers,” said local university student Jake Morrison.

Retailers like UpHi Cannabis Emporium argue that they follow strict guidelines to prevent underage access and operate responsibly within the community. “We’re small business owners, many of us born and raised here. We care about the neighbourhoods we serve,” said store manager Lena Fraser.

The city confirmed it has received a record number of license applications in 2025, prompting council to review zoning and community feedback. A public survey is currently open on the city’s website, asking residents to weigh in on whether they support expanding, limiting, or maintaining the current number of cannabis stores.

One thing’s certain — the conversation is just heating up. Whether St. Catharines becomes Ontario’s cannabis capital or faces pushback remains to be seen.

For now, residents have the floor — and City Hall is listening.