226 Lockhart Drive is set to become the site of a four‑storey, 22‑unit residential building at the intersection of Lockhart Drive and Glenridge Avenue. The project highlights how St. Catharines can expand housing supply while safeguarding the Niagara Escarpment’s natural environment.
The 0.67 hectare (1.66 acre) property is jointly regulated by the City and the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC), with 0.33 hectare (0.82 acre) designated Escarpment Natural Area. This designation ensures preservation of the woodland portion of the site. To navigate the dual regulatory framework and secure the required NEC Development Permit, Sapphire Construction retained LANDx Developments Ltd.
A pre‑consultation with the City and NEC identified the need for an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Site Plan Agreement. The OPA permitted residential use at the proposed density and adjusted the natural/urban boundary to reflect the actual wooded limits.
Applications were submitted in January 2023 and deemed complete in February. LANDx then coordinated refinements to avoid encroachment into natural areas and align the building’s design with its woodland setting. On January 13, 2025, City Council approved the OPA, marking a key milestone.
The Site Plan Agreement and securing the NEC Development Permit, have now been completed with construction scheduled for spring 2026.
