Town Hall outdoor staircase reconstruction

The Town Hall’s outdoor staircases will be undergoing reconstruction starting the week of May 11, 2026.

This project will involve removing both staircases and rebuilding the structures with a concrete base and a stone veneer matching the existing stone. The Town will be reusing the stone treads and risers along with the railing cap stones and brass railings on the new stairs. Heat cables will also be installed under the stair treads and in the surrounding sidewalk panels. These heat cables will reduce, if not eliminate the need for salt and sand in the winter months, which will extend the life of the stairs.

The project will be completed in 2 phases beginning with the Church Street staircase. While the Church Street staircase is being reconstructed, the public will not be able to access the Town Hall service desk or use the public washroom located directly outside. A barrier of fencing will be in place for the safety of pedestrians and to clearly mark construction areas. It is anticipated that the work on the Church Street staircase will last approximately six weeks.

Services usually offered at Town Hall will be provided online, by phone or at other municipal facilities during the closure, as noted below.

• General Inquiries: Call 519-284-2340, email clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca, or visit the Municipal Operations Centre (408 James St. S) during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for statutory holidays)
• Stratford Police: Call 519-271-4141 for non-emergencies; call 9-1-1 for emergencies
• Community Outreach Worker: Call 519-284-2340 ext. 631
• Council and Mayor Nominations: Appointment is required to file nomination. Call 519-284-2340 ext. 212 or email clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca
• Tax Payments: visit the Municipal Operations Centre (408 James St. S) during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for statutory holidays)
• Licensing, By-law Enforcement and Council Correspondence: Call 519-284-2340, email clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca, or use the drop box located at the Town Hall Queen St. entrance
• Tourism inquiries: Call 519-284-2340, ext. 272, email events@town.stmarys.on.ca or visit the St. Marys Public Library (15 Church Street North), St. Marys Museum (177 Church Street South) or downtown businesses for tourism materials
• Public Washrooms: Mobile public washrooms are available across the street starting on Friday, May 15. An accessible washroom is available.

Once the Church St. outdoor stair reconstruction is complete, phase two of the project will commence which includes the reconstruction of the Town Hall Queen St. outdoor stairs. Further details regarding the second phase of the project and any impacted services will be communicated at a later date.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we restore these beautiful pieces of Town history.

-30-

Contact
Ray Cousineau | Facilities Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 637 | rcousineau@town.stmarys.on.ca