Meridian Center, St. Catherine's, Ontario The Meridian Center is an entertainment arena, home to the OHL team the Niagara Ice Dogs, and is located on 1 David S Howes Way, St. Catherine's, Ontario, and was built in 2014 (Rahman, 2014). The arena is located in the heart of downtown St. Catherine's and has an upper-level bridge that connects with the main downtown street St. Paul street, which features numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants all in the same area. The arena's capacity is 4000-6000 seating, it has the ability to host hockey games, basketball, and other events such as concerts which is great because the versatility is able to attract many different people with different interests to St. Catherine's (Rahman, 2014). The history of the location that the arena is quite interesting because it was home to the old Welland canal. Once the canal was no longer being used the city filled it in and it was filled with waste and refuse and essentially became a landfill. Like many cities post-WWII there was a goal to attract people living in suburban areas to the downtown part of the cities which results in policies and principles focused on revitalizing the core of downtown (McCarthy, 2020). The arena was part of the city's Downtown Creative Cluster Master Plan (DCCMP) in 2008 which was a policy that focused on increasing the cities economical value by attracting developer, investors and attracting middle-class consumers with similar interests and taste. That is why the surrounding area of the arena feature many other places for consumers to go before or after games such as restaurants and bars (Wierzba, 2014). The goal of the DCCMP was to create economic development by attracting consumers to spend money that would in turn go back to the city (Wierzba, 2014). The construction of the arena started in 2013 and cost approximately 50 million dollars to construct the arena (Rahman, 2014). Human development obviously played a huge role in the development of this location because of the spot it was in and the amount of land it was a perfect spot for an arena that would attract more consumers.
Municipality: St. Catharines, Regional municipality of Niagara
Local area name: Downtown St. Catherines
Other identifying names or descriptions Meridian Centre
Latitude and longitude: 43 09' 26 N 79 14'39" W
Physical Dimensions
Length: Approximately 85 m
Width: Approximately 200 m
Surface Area: 160000 square feet
Elevation:
117 m/ 96 m
Google Earth will tell you the elevation for any point in your local landscape
The Meridian Centre is located directly in the heart of downtown St. Catherines. The Meridian Centre is on the very edge of the Niagara escarpment near the Dicks Creek, by 12- mile creek and the third Welland Canal. This landscape has featured many changes caused by both natural impacts and human impacts. As it was the Welland Canal in its early stages of development once the canal was no longer in use it was filled in which resulted in the destruction of many ecosystems and habitats. Another feature that caused destruction to the ecosystem was highway expansion and the expansion of commercial buildings in the area to improve the economic value pf the area. The landscape has transitioned to a commercial area in the last decade with the city trying to enhance economic value and bring tourists and residence from other areas in St. Catherines to downtown to spend money and experience a fun and entertaining area. The arena took over the landscape in 2014 but before then it was just an empty filled in parking lot which many residences considered an eye sore on the community. The area has come a long way and the arena brings in a lot of people to the downtown area and really contributes to the plan to increase popularity in downtown St. Catherines.
BACKGROUND: Read Brown, David T., John Middleton and Katelyn S. Vaughan (2010): The Land Between the Lakes – An Overview of the Niagara Region. Pp. 41-55 in Black, J.E. and K.E. Roy. 2010. Niagara Birds. Brock University Printing and Digital Services. ISBN 978-0-9811-489-0-8.
Map 1: base image of Meridian Centre location
Map 2: Satelite image of Meridian Centre
a) Biota
The area in which the arena is located has been heavily developed for both commercial and residential uses, as more buildings were built the flora and fauna were replaced by asphalt and brick. The Niagara region is home to many types of plants and animal species, unfortunately, the wetlands and landscape have been polluted both the great lakes and urbanization has impacted the species flora, fauna, and animal. As the region's population has grown and the need for transportation paths increase, examples like the Glenridge Fill, have happened (Brown et al.48). Examples like these have destroyed whole ecosystems to accommodate population increases, the need for more roads, places for people to live, and other recreational uses like the meridian centre it has come at the cost of many ecosystems in the region. Looking at air photos from 1934-2018 you can see there is a massive transformation from plenty of green space in 1934 to almost none in 2018.
The main species in the local landscape are invasive to the ecosystem because there are more built for the altered climate caused by urbanization. The native species are more likely to be found near Dick's Creek (Hough 91). Even with the alien species, there is pretty much no green space in the downtown area for any species to live. The remaining fauna and flora are on the local residence's small front lawns and backyards and near the banks of the 12-mile creek and the polluted Dicks creek. There are many ways to enable urban forestry to create ecological, economic, and social benefits but it is still unknown whether the downtown sector will be putting these into action (Hough 96-97)
The main animals in the downtown area are humans and their pets such as dogs and cats. Due to urbanization most animals but certain bird species, squirrels and raccoons are the only ones left. Near 12-Mile Creek there are bird sites but because of the decrease in the wetlands, the species have few left. Many animals are facing extinction because of the decreasing wetlands, examples are the wildlife near Dicks Creek (Brown et al. 48). Looking at aquatic species many of the local species have been impacted by the introduction of invasive species from the Welland Canal. Also, the Glenridge fill has impacted the remaining species because their regular transport routes have changed drastically.
In the downtown area, the decline of flora and fauna has caused less impact on the habitats of birds and squirrels (Brown 51). If animals' food sources continue to get paved over, so do their shelter and breeding spots, which forces them to relocate from their native habitat (Hough 134). Since the Glenridge Fill very little wildlife remains in the area except for a handful of bird, mammal, and fish species. Due to the pollution and urbanization of the area, there will continue to be a loss of wildlife in the future.
b) Geomorphology:
The area in which the Meridian centre is located on the Niagara escarpment which began forming 300 million years ago due to erosion of the sea creating soft shale, sandstone, and harder dolomite limestone. During the Pleistocene era glaciers craved out North America and 23 thousand years ago the escarpment was created (Brown er al. 45). The meridian centre is approximately 96 m to 117 m above sea level. Surrounding the arena, you can see the area has been heavily urbanized from downtown housing to bars and restaurants and other commercial buildings. Between 1881 to 1955 the welland canal 3 was where the arena is currently before the water use to flow all the way thtough into Dicks Creek. As society became more dependent on cars for transportation and the need for roads increased and the Canal started to dry up. The city decided to fill in the canal which they called the Glenridge Fill in 1955 to still have use of the area for highway 406. The dicks creek still flows beneath the Highway (Brown, "Dick's Creek)
c) Hydrology / Hydrogeology
The main hydrological flow in the area is 12 Mile Creek which is west of the landscape, and Dick's creek which is northeast of the arena and flows underneath the parking lot across the street in the Marilyn I school. The two sources of water flow natural but have been greatly impacted by humans. The first and second Welland Canals ran by 12-mile Creek to Dick's creek carrying water, and ships between the two great lakes Erie and Ontario. I 1824 Dicks Creek was set up to be a part of the Welland canal (Brown, "Dick's Creek). The water that would flow between 12-mile and Dick's Creek is now under the ground near the arena. The water flow in the Canals had begun to decline and the dick's creek part of the canal had lost its purpose. The use of the watermill was no longer there and the increase of cars and need of roads, to still use the area they built Highway 406. To still allow water flow the water runs under what is currently highway 406.
d) Climate / microclimate
The Niagara region experiences mild winters and temperate summers, this is because of its location in the great lakes and the geology of the landscape. The weather conditions are perfect for grapevines and fruit trees to grow in Niagara (Brown 45). The nice climate has promoted the development of agricultural, tourism, and residential purposes that have an impact on the natural climate (Brown 49-52). The weather has shaped all of Niagara in many different ways based on what places are built where and what kind of recreational activities are participated in.
As we know urbanization of cities has had a major impact on the environment and weather because of climate change, global warming, the development of macro-climates, and air pollution. Agricultural areas in the Niagara region are filled with vegetation and are not as hot as the downtown region. The downtown area where the arena is located is filled with stone, asphalt, sidewalks, and commercial and residential buildings which trap and conduct heat creating a micro-climate (Hough 190). This creates cooler areas where there is vegetation and warmer temperatures in the downtown sector. The differences in temperature are only a few degrees but it can have other impacts on the environment, mainly in participation.
Usually, when an area is near a large body of water the effects of micro-climates are reduced but, because the water in the two creeks near the arena has decreased and Lake Ontario is about 10 km away not many counters the micro-climate in the area. Also, the agricultural lands in the east and west of St. Catherines are impacted by the micro-climate because of the Coriolis Effect. The air from the countryside and the air from the downtown cycle between each other which results in an urban heat island in the downtown sector by the Meridian Centre. This creates a temperature difference of up to 5 degrees between the two locations because the lack of participation results in longer periods of increased heat.
Before European settlers came in the 18th century the land of present-day St. Catherines was occupied by the Chonnonton an Iroquoian-speaking tribe. They used the land for hunting, fishing, and growing crops (Gayler, "St. Catherines). In the 1790s the European settlers began an agricultural settlement in what is present-day St. Catherines. Clearly, the impact of the settlers has come a long way since the start of an agricultural settlement at the end of the 17th century. For over two centuries now there have been many huge changes that shaped the land in which the arena is located but the whole Niagara region. The settlers needed to establish a trade route between Canada and the U.S, this was why they constructed the Erie Canal. The plan was to be able to transport from the canal between Lake Erie to Lake Ontario this idea was brought in by Merritt and construction began in 1824 and ended in 1829 ("History of the city"). During, 1845-1854 railways were constructed to get from what is now St. Catherines, Hamilton, and Port Colborne. In the 1850s the abolishment of slaves came, and St. Catherines was recognized as a health spa by wealthy Canadians. Harriet Tubman used St. Catherines as the base of her Underground Railroad plan and many who were helped by Tubman stayed in St. Catherines working with Merritt and Tubman ("History of the city").
In 1871 the population began to grow, and this was also the start of the construction of the Third Welland Canal. The larger population resulted in St. Catherines receiving a city title in 1876. In the 1900s a push for manufacturing happened because of the city's location with prime land and waterways it was ideal for hydro-electric power. Urbanization and industrialization continued throughout the 20th century and resulted in another population increase. The increase in population along with the invention of the car impacted the area greatly. The need for roads and the no longer use Canals resulted in the Glenridge Fill in 1955 which is right where the arena is located. Closer to the present time in the early 2010s and late 2000s, the city began wanting to turn downtown into a hotspot for consumers to go and spend money. This resulted in downtown being filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs where consumers can go and enjoy themselves. The arena built-in 2014 was going to be the focal point of downtown because of where it was located and the value it would bring to the city. The arena is surrounded by many other recreational activities that will attract many people to the downtown area. The city has a vast history of the downtown area and the construction of the arena had many impacts.
The Meridian Centre has a large culturally impact on the city even though it is pretty new, being created in 2014. The land has a cultural significance because before the Glenridge Fill it was the third Welland Canal providing boats with the ability to transport goods to and from the lakes. Once it was filled it sat as an empty parking lot and was an eye sore on the downtown until the city began the downtown creative cluster master plan in 2008. The goal was to bring all of St. Catherines together downtown and make a downtown that was fun and exciting for everyone. The arena was part of that plan and was built by Ball-Rankin construction, Rankin has a huge cultural impact on the Niagara region being from Niagara himself he always gave back to the community and is responsible for so many of the upgrades and construction the cities overgone during its transformation.
The Meridian centre is used for hockey, basketball and other specials shows such as concerts, comedy and cirque du soleil. The arena is home to the Niagara Ice Dogs which is the Niagara regions only OHL team having them play out of the rink brings a culturally impact because the community comes together to support them. People from all over St. Catherines get great use out of the arena and it has brought a new element to downtown St. Catherines. The arena also features the city of St. Catherines sports Hall of Fame where great local athletes are inducted into. As the city and its downtown continue to expand and grow the arena will become even more popular and something people will think of when they talk about St. Catherines.
Ownership, jurisdiction, access, and management
The city of St. Catherines is the owner of the Meridian Centre and it is operated and managed by SMG Canada to ensure everything in the arena is kept clean and working properly. The city is in charge of delegating what happens with the arena and who can perform/play there and choosing who gets to take care of the building. The arena was part of municipals government Downtown Creative Cluster plan in 2008, the goal was to expand downtown and turn it into a place consumer wanted to be. The public has access to the arena during events like hockey games if they buy a ticket, they may go in to watch. The Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) and Niagara River Lions (CEBL) have access to the arena as well because the stadium is shared between the two as their home arena.
The location of the Meridian Centre and the city are greats examples of how a landscape is impacted by roads and waterways. Due to St. Catherines location along 12- Mile Creek and Dicks Creek it made it an ideal spot for settlers to come and set up trade routes. This shows that the landscape and what surrounds the area made it a spot where people wanted to be and develop. highway. Ships could no longer pass through the first and second canal due to them being dry, human desire and ecological changes correlated to the change in landscape (Alberti, 99). Once the population increased and waterways were less in use, they began to fill in the area where the third canal was to create a highway. The highway created was the 406 which connects Niagara all over their own region but as well as to other cities and towns. The site of the arena connects to what surrounds it because downtown was built around the arena even though the arena came later on everything around it complements the arena. From restaurants to go to before the games to bars and clubs to go to after the game or show. The arena itself even has a bridge at the second level that connects to St. Paul street where many restaurants and other nightlife activities are. The arena itself is special but when it is surrounding by so many other things it really brings all of downtown together inviting people from different age groups to have a good time downtown. Whether you are a parent taking your family to go see a game and have dinner before the game at a restaurant or a young university student wanting to enjoy a game and then spend the night out on the town. The arena symbolizes all the effort that the city has put in to bring life to the downtown and make people have a good time down there.
1 David S Howes Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 0B3
General Manager: Jeff Dixon
Director of Operations: Ian Zancola
Brown, David. "Dick's Creek." Dick's Creek. http://www.niagaragreenbelt.com/listings/17-canals... N.p., n.d. Web.
Brown, David T., et al. The Land Between the Lakes: An Overview of the Niagara Region. Invited introductory chapter in Black, John and Kayo J. Roy (eds.): Niagara Birds. 2010
Hough, Michael. Cities And Natural Process. [Electronic Resource] : A Basis For Sustainability. n.p.: London ; New York : Routledge, 2004., 2004. Brock University Library Catalogue. Web.Rahman, H. (2014, March 15). Habibur Rahman. GTA Construction Report. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.gtaconstructionreport.com/the-meridian....
Wierzba, T. (2014). Transforming downtown St. Catharines into a creative cluster."History of the City." St. Catharines. N.p., n.d. Web.
Map References
"1 David S Howes Way, 1934 [Air Photo]." Niagara Navigator. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2021
"1 David S Howes Way, 2000 [Air Photo]." Niagara Navigator. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2021.
"1 David S Howes Way, 2018 [Air Photo]." Niagara Navigator. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2021.
Meridian Centre, 2021. [Map View]. (2021). Retrieved from Google Maps November 14, 2021.
Meridian Centre, 2021. [Earth View]. (2021). Retrieved from Google Maps November 14, 2021.
This Local Landscape Report was prepared by Nathan Mastroianni for the Brock University course TMGT 2P94: Human Dominated Ecosystems on November 15, 2021
All copyrights for cited material rest with the original copyright owners.
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