Jeff Mackie - Port Dalhousie

06/15/2026

Today I sent the attached letter to Mayor Siscoe and all members of St. Catharines City Council regarding growing concerns around public safety and enforcement in Lakeside Park.

Before anyone asks, this is not the start of another campaign. As I announced earlier this year, I will not be running for City Council this term. I am writing this as the operator of the Dalhousie Beach Club Snack Bar and Lakeside Park Marina, and as someone who cares deeply about our community and one of St. Catharines' most important public spaces.

So far this season there have been two serious incidents in the park that have left many staff members, parents, residents, and visitors concerned about safety. Many of our employees are teenagers working one of their first jobs, and while we have implemented extensive safety procedures and emergency protocols, no young person should feel unsafe coming to work.

In addition to safety concerns, I recently had to report a large camper trailer parked in the Lakeside Park parking lot that blocked traffic flow and occupied approximately 8-10 parking spaces for more than 24 hours before action was taken. This prevented visitors from accessing the park and was unfair to those who pay for parking, purchase seasonal parking passes, or receive tickets for parking violations.

The reality is that Lakeside Park is not just a Ward 6 issue. It is one of St. Catharines' premier waterfront destinations and is enjoyed by residents from every ward across the city. Whether the issue is public safety, parking enforcement, or overall park management, these concerns impact everyone who uses and enjoys Lakeside Park.

In my letter, I am asking Council to consider:

✔ Additional Niagara Regional Police presence on Friday and Saturday evenings

✔ Dedicated private security during peak periods

✔ Improved parking and by-law enforcement

✔ A coordinated approach between the City, NRP, businesses, and community stakeholders

I believe Lakeside Park should remain a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly destination for everyone.

If you agree, I encourage you to respectfully contact Mayor Siscoe and City Council and ask them to make public safety and enforcement in Lakeside Park a priority this summer.

📧 [email protected]

Please feel free to share this post so that residents across the city are aware of these concerns and can make their voices heard.

Together, we can help ensure Lakeside Park remains one of the best places in St. Catharines to work, and visit.

05/06/2026

Statement Regarding the Port Dalhousie Ward 6 Election

After much reflection and many conversations with my family, I have decided not to seek election in Port Dalhousie Ward 6.

I will, however, continue to be a passionate advocate for our community and will keep working to help bring Port Dalhousie and St. Catharines to the forefront in a positive way.

As the operator of both the Dalhousie Beach Club Snack Bar and Lakeside Park Marina in Lakeside Park, I’ve decided to focus my efforts on these ventures and make them the very best they can be for residents and visitors alike.

I truly appreciate everyone who encouraged me to run again, as well as the incredible team of supporters who stood beside me last spring. Your support meant a great deal to me and my family.

Port Dalhousie deserves thoughtful, engaged leadership, and I promise to stay involved in the process. I will continue to use this platform to respectfully raise issues that I believe incumbent councillors and new candidates alike should pay attention to and be prepared to address.

I will also insist that public discourse — whether compliment or criticism — remains focused on issues, decisions, and actions, not personal attacks against candidates or members of the community.

There are many voices in this community, and sadly, in my opinion, only a few loud and entitled groups seem to receive the majority of the attention.

Throughout this election campaign, I will continue working to help bring broader community concerns and perspectives to light.

Cheers for now,

Jeff Mackie

09/26/2025

I didn’t know Jim Bradley personally, but I am eternally grateful for the calming effect he brought to our Region as Chair. Grateful that he chose to dedicate 55 years to public service and to always lead with respect for his constituents—whether at the municipal, regional, or provincial level.

No matter your politics, Jim Bradley’s influence on our community has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you, Jim, for your years of incredible service to our community.

07/27/2025