New Port Dalhousie staircase honours late councillor Carlos Garcia

Niagara Region is getting a makeover this weekend. The Port Dalhousie carousel officially opens for the season, and Sunset Beach is ready for public walks and enjoyment. And the community is rallying behind a new staircase on Christie Street for a special reason.

The Christie Street staircase was officially celebrated today. Its creation was motivated by the late Port Dalhousie ward councillor Carlos Garcia, who believed in public access to the community shoreline. Those in attendance today thought it was the perfect tribute.

Besides it being a beautiful view, this was also a way to remember a pillar of the community who passed away over a year ago. Port Dalhousie councillor Carlos Garcia served this community from 2014 to 2024. One of his passion projects included access to the shoreline through these stairs.

“This was really a labour of love that our friend Carlos who passed away a year ago in December,” said Bruce William, Port Dalhousie councillor. “He had advocated doggedly for us to have this public access point after the Masefield stairs were closed.”

The Masefield Avenue access closed due to erosion issues. Today’s Christie Street access is its replacement and a welcome addition to the community.

“The sunsets are absolutely gorgeous from here,” said Ann Tassonyi, Port Dalhousie resident. “So every night when we take a walk after dinner we always pause here and look out at the water which is so beautiful.”

“We have wedding proposals happen on the carousel,” said Marty Mako, Port Dalhousie councillor. “We could have wedding proposals happen here on the stairs.”

Members of the community had a chance to use the stairs, check out the view and dip their toes in the water.

There were a number of stairs in the community renovated or relocated. The new Christie Street location was just one of them.

“People in Port Dalhousie really value being close to Lake Ontario and this gives people a means to come down and see the water … Whether it’s for a walk, could be bringing their kayak down as an entry point,” said Mako.

WATCH MORE: Sunset Beach in St. Catharines set to reopen Saturday after renovations