About Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park
In 1992 the Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park were endorsed by the City of St. Catharines as the official stewards of the park. The Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park are a non-profit group of volunteers that have dedicated themselves to preserving and enhancing the park resources. Natural areas in the Niagara Region have decreased significantly over the last few decades and areas such as Malcolmson Eco-Park have been invaluable for migrating bird species and home to many rare Carolinian species. This park also provides local residents a chance to connect with nature as they walk and cycle on the trails within the park.
The Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park are very active throughout the year in the park (not all heroes wear capes). The planning of activities in Malcolmson Eco-Park are led by the The Friends Advisory Committee. This committee plans and implements projects in the park. Over the last 30+ years, the Friends have removed tons of garbage, planted thousands of native wildflowers and trees, designed a trail network, enhanced park wetland areas, and provided environmental educational opportunities to local schools.
Many faces have come and gone over the years but their hard work and dedication still remains in all the habitat and beauty left behind.
The Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park would like you invite you to visit the park and enjoy the natural environment it offers. Please be respectful and pick up after yourself/animals and report any damage or destruction to the city. We can all be stewards in our own way to make sure the park can be enjoyed by all. If you would like to participate in park projects, join the Advisory Committee, or if you have any questions please contact us at friendsofmalcolmsonecopark@gmail.com
FRIENDS OF MALCOLMSON ECO-PARK 2025 ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mike Kraft – CITY OF ST. CATHARINES
Doug Walls – CHAIR
Doug Woodard – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Della Trojan – COMMITTEE MEMBER & WCNA REPRESENTATIVE
Veronica Clarke-Hanik – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Mike Higgs – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Erin Press – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Allen Press – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Ron Matsushita – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Mike Burton – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Sheila Bristo – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Erika Llamazares – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Robert Teodorini – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Greg Eckhardt – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Lora Rode – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Trish Labonte – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Brittany Schryer – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Maggie Skov – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Stephanie Hounsell – COMMITTEE MEMBER
Learn about Mary Malcolmson‘s pivotal role in founding Canada’s first Girl Guide Company and her lasting legacy in St. Catharines through Malcolmson Eco-Park.
History of Malcolmson Eco-Park
The land where Malcolmson Eco-Park sits was part of an early grant to the loyalist Andrew Jones. It was mainly used for agricultural purposes but a small portion of what is now Malcolmson Eco-Park was once named McCalla Park.
About 1875, St. Catharines businessmen, the McCallas, purchased land in the area which is now the entrance to the Port Weller Harbour. The McCallas removed many undesirable trees, but they left several large chestnut and maple trees. It became known as “Chestnut Beach” to local residents. The ground in the area was leveled and a park was established, the perimeter of which was lined with a white picket fence and flower beds. The park was also used for camping as city dwellers migrated to the park with their tents. According to Fred Parnell, McCalla park was very popular in the 1890s and early 1900s where many wedding parties would go to have photographs taken.
However, everything changed in 1919 when the Dominion Government decided to build the 4th Welland Canal. The land containing McCalla Park was expropriated with most of the park giving way to canal construction.
In the mid-1930’s a book about the new Welland Ship Canal stated the builders of the Canal took the public’s fascination with the waterway into account and planned to have parks and gardens along its length. It was the intention to make something of a park with woods and tended gardens at the locks. All along the Canal, plantings would be carried out.
In the spring of 1927, six nurseries, one seed bed and one nursery arboretum were established. Unfortunately, the Depression and World War II eventually reined in the Welland Ship Canal Company’s grand plans for beautifying the Canal.
In 1970, The City of St. Catharines began to look after the property and in 1976 was formally presented with a lease from the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority. Then in 1989, the City bought it, renaming the property Malcolmson Park.
