$649,900 - 230 Ontario Street, St. Catharines
Commercial for Sale in St. Catharines
54 days on marketNeighbourhood: 451 - Downtown
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- MLS Number
- X13678884
- Property Type
- Commercial
- Status
- active
- Days on Site
- 54
- Bedrooms
- 0
- Bathrooms
- 0
- Square Feet
- 1,358 sqft
- Neighbourhood
- St. Catharines
- Lot Size
- 4,445 sqft
- Taxes (2026)
- $8,736
- Listing Brokerage
- SAM MCDADI REAL ESTATE INC.
Exceptional mixed-use investment/owner-occupier opportunity in downtown St. Catharines! This fully fenced, M1-zoned property offers main-floor commercial retail space plus a spacious 3-bedroom apartment above-ideal to live, work, and invest in one centrally located property.The highly visible retail space is owner-occupied as an established cannabis dispensary since October 2022, with a loyal customer base, consistent sales, and growth potential. It was previously ran as a cigar and convenience store for ~20 years, reflecting a long history of retail use. The sale includes the real estate along with existing business assets and goodwill (inventory will be extra cost), subject to T&C. Note: the Cannabis Retail Operator Licence is non-transferable-purchasers must obtain their own licence/approvals to operate the cannabis business. The Retail Store Authorization may be transferable, subject to regulatory approval.The second-floor unit offers 3 bedrooms, two 3-piece bathrooms, and a kitchen with 3 appliances-great for an owner-operator, extended family, or rental income. The partially finished basement adds storage, a small office, a 2-piece bathroom, and laundry facilities.Situated on busy Ontario Street, the property enjoys excellent exposure and multiple signage opportunities, with potential advertising revenue (subject to approvals). Transit is at doorstep , Montebello Park is a 5-minute walk, and the QEW/406 interchange is just 2 minutes away by car. The proposed 492-unit affordable housing development is planned within a 5-minute walk, potentially boosting neighbourhood density, foot traffic, and customer flow. A rare chance for investors, entrepreneurs, or owner-occupiers to secure a strategically located mixed-use property with an established retail presence and flexible living/income potential upstairs. .
Estimate your monthly payments for this property
Estimated Payment
$3,334.32/mo
Includes CMHC insurance ($18,132)
5-yr fixed avg.
Rates shown are estimates based on typical Ontario 5-year fixed rates. Canadian mortgages use semi-annual compounding as required by law. CMHC insurance applies to purchases under $1.5M with less than 20% down. Estimated property tax uses an approximate 0.85% rate. Contact us for current rate options and pre-approval.
Discover 451 - Downtown
451 - Downtown is a vibrant community in the Greater Toronto Area, offering excellent amenities, schools, and transportation options. This area is popular with families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle with access to urban conveniences and natural spaces.
Why Live in 451 - Downtown
- •Convenient location in St. Catharines
- •Access to local shops and dining
- •Good public transit connections
- •Community parks and green spaces
- •Well-maintained neighbourhoods
Nearby Schools
Transit & Commuting
- •MiWay bus routes throughout the area
- •GO Transit stations within driving distance
- •Easy highway access to 401/403/QEW
- •Walking distance to local amenities
Parks & Amenities
- •Local parks and recreational facilities
- •Community centres
- •Shopping plazas nearby
- •Restaurants and cafes
Lifestyle & Community
451 - Downtown offers a wonderful quality of life with a mix of residential charm and urban convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to schools, parks, and shopping, making it an ideal location for families and professionals alike.
230 Ontario Street, St. Catharines
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Key factors for evaluating this commercial property
Commercial Due Diligence Checklist
· Verify zoning and all permitted uses
· Review all existing leases (terms, renewals, net vs. gross)
· Request estoppel certificates from all tenants
· Order a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
· Commission a property condition assessment
· Review operating costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance)
Commercial Financing Note
Commercial mortgages require 20–35% down, shorter amortization, and lenders underwrite based on the property's income. CMHC insurance is not available for commercial. Connect with a commercial mortgage broker early.
Commercial and land transactions are significantly more complex than residential. Joe recommends assembling a team — commercial real estate lawyer, accountant, and (for land) a land use planner — before making an offer.
Joe's Thoughts
Honest perspective from 30+ years of GTA real estate experience
Commercial Pricing Context
At $479/sqft, this is priced in the upper range for GTA commercial — typical for prime locations or newer buildings. Commercial values are highly location- and zoning-dependent, so comparable sales analysis is essential. I'll pull recent commercial comps for you.
Extended Exposure — Negotiating Room
At 54 days on market, this commercial property has had significant exposure. Commercial listings typically take longer to sell than residential, but this timeline may indicate pricing or tenancy issues worth exploring. A motivated seller often means better terms for a prepared buyer.
Zoning & Permitted Use — Verify First
I always confirm the zoning and permitted uses before a client gets too far into a commercial transaction. What a property is currently used for and what it's legally permitted for are sometimes different. If you plan to change the use, a zoning amendment or minor variance may be required — that's additional cost, time, and risk.
Tenancy & Income Review
If this property has existing tenants, I'd want to review all leases carefully: term lengths, renewal options, rent amounts, escalation clauses, and who's responsible for operating costs (gross lease vs. net lease). A strong long-term tenant is an asset; a lease expiring at closing is a different story. We'll request estoppel certificates from all tenants.
Environmental & Due Diligence
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is standard practice for commercial purchases in Ontario. If historical industrial use is flagged, you'll need a Phase 2. I also recommend a property condition assessment covering structure, roof, HVAC, and electrical — commercial systems are expensive to replace and often not disclosed in detail on the listing.
Commercial Financing Realities
Commercial mortgages work differently than residential. Expect 20–35% down, shorter amortization (15–25 years), and lenders who underwrite based on the property's income, not just your personal financials. CMHC insurance is generally not available for commercial, and rates are typically higher. I can connect you with commercial mortgage brokers who specialize in St. Catharines transactions.