A significant new chapter is unfolding in west St. Catharines as city council unanimously approves a transformative seniors retirement complex at 1298 Fourth Avenue. With 430 units planned across two phases, the project will bring much‑needed housing and care options to a region where the senior population continues to grow faster than provincial and national averages.
For True North Positioning, this development represents not only a milestone for the community, but also an opportunity to contribute our technical expertise to one of Niagara’s most meaningful new builds.
🌱 Revitalizing a Long‑Vacant Site
The 1.42‑hectare parcel, empty for nearly two decades and historically agricultural, will soon be home to a full continuum‑of‑care seniors campus developed by Shannex Inc. The site sits adjacent to Pathstone Mental Health’s Branscombe Centre and benefits from proximity to the St. Catharines hospital, making it ideally positioned for health‑adjacent residential uses.
To enable the project, council approved amendments to rezone the land from business commercial employment to medium‑density mixed use, aligning with the city’s 2020 Official Plan update that supports institutional residential development.
🏗️ A Two‑Phase Seniors Living Campus
Shannex’s plan includes:
Phase 1 — 255 Units
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105 lifestyle suites for independent living
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72 all‑inclusive suites for residents needing light to moderate support
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78 supportive suites offering assisted living, memory care, and enriched care
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Two towers: 8 storeys and 10 storeys
Phase 2 — 175 Units
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A future 8‑storey tower expanding the campus
Residents will enjoy a thoughtfully designed communal courtyard and a suite of indoor amenities such as a swimming pool, bowling alley, golf simulators, and shared social spaces.
Construction is anticipated to begin next year following site plan approvals.
🧭 True North Positioning’s Role in Bringing the Project to Life
True North Positioning has been engaged on the project since February of 2026, supporting the general contractor and key trades with a suite of precision services essential to the successful execution of a development of this scale.
Our contributions include:
📐 Layout Services
Accurate layout is the backbone of any multi‑storey concrete structure. True North is providing:
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Building grid layout
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Structural element positioning
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Elevation control
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Verification for formwork, rebar, and concrete placement
This ensures every trade begins with a reliable, precise foundation.
📄 As‑Built Documentation
Throughout construction, we are delivering detailed as‑builts that:
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Capture real‑world conditions
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Document deviations or field adjustments
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Support quality assurance and compliance
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Provide essential records for future maintenance and facility management
These records become a critical asset for both the contractor and the building operator.
🧊 3D Scanning & Reality Capture
Using advanced 3D scanning technology, True North is supplying:
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High‑resolution point clouds
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Digital twins of key construction stages
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Clash detection support
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Verification of structural and architectural elements
This level of precision reduces rework, enhances coordination between trades, and ensures the project progresses with confidence and clarity.
By supporting the general contractor, concrete teams, and rebar trades, True North is helping streamline workflows, reduce risk, and maintain accuracy across every phase of construction.
👵👴 A Project That Meets a Growing Community Need
As Councillor Caleb Ratzlaff noted, families across Niagara are increasingly struggling to secure long‑term care placements for aging parents. This development won’t solve the entire challenge, but it meaningfully expands the supply of supportive housing options at a time when demand is accelerating.
With Shannex bringing its proven Parkland Lifestyle Residences model to Niagara for the first time, the region gains a trusted operator with decades of experience in seniors care.
🔭 Building the Future of Niagara — One Project at a Time
For True North Positioning, this project reflects the kind of work we are proud to support: developments that strengthen communities, revitalize underused land, and create long‑term value for residents.
As construction moves forward, our team will continue providing the precision, reliability, and technical expertise that contractors and trades depend on — ensuring this landmark seniors living campus is built on a foundation of accuracy from day one.