FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got answers.

How will participants be selected for the photo and video shoot?

We’re aiming to feature a mix of employees from different departments, roles, and work environments. We’ll be selecting from those who express interest based on availability for the shoot dates (September 24 and 25), representation across the organization, and scheduling needs. Participants will be contacted directly with more details.

Learn more and sign up to participate here

Where will the photo and video shoot take place?

The shoot will happen at one location within the City of St. Catharines. We’ll confirm the exact location and provide instructions when we follow up with selected participants.

Learn more and sign up to participate here

Where will the photos and videos be used?

They’ll be featured primarily on the STC careers site and may also appear in materials that promote the City as a great place to work – including social media posts and digital ads. All participants will be asked to sign a release form that outlines how their image and/or testimonial may be used.

Learn more and sign up to participate here

What if I’m only interested in one part of the shoot – photo or video?

That’s totally fine! You can indicate your preference on the form – photo shoot, video shoot, or both – and we’ll take that into account when selecting participants.

Learn more and sign up to participate here

Do I need to prepare anything for the photo or video shoot?

Not at all – we’ve got you covered. If you’re selected for the video shoot, we’ll provide a short script and there will be time for multiple takes. Everyone will also receive instructions ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect on the day of the shoot.

Learn more and sign up to participate here

What is an Employee Value Proposition (EVP)?

An Employee Value Proposition, or EVP, is what makes the City of St. Catharines a great place to work. It’s the unique mix of benefits, values, and experiences we offer to our employees.

This can include things like pay, benefits, opportunities to grow your career, work-life balance, feeling included, and being recognized for your work. The EVP helps us attract great people, keep them here, and show why STC is a workplace to be proud of.

What’s the difference between an EVP and an employer brand?

The EVP is the foundation—it defines what makes STC unique. The employer brand is how we bring that story to life through visuals, messaging, and programs.

What are Corporate Values?

Corporate values are the guiding principles that shape how we work and serve our community. They define what we stand for and what we expect from each other. It is the foundation of our culture –how we work together, make decisions, and deliver services to our community.

Why are we developing an EVP and corporate values?

This project is part of our People Strategy to support employee engagement and retention. By understanding what matters most to our employees, we can align on shared values and celebrate what makes us great.

How will the EVP and corporate values benefit employees?

The EVP and values will:

Reflect what’s important to you.
Create tools and programs that align with your needs.
Build pride and connection across all teams.

What are the phases of this project?

Phase 1 (Jan–May 2025): Research, surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
Phase 2 (Jun–Sep 2025): Creative development and program design.
Phase 3 (Oct–Dec 2025): Launch and implementation of the EVP and values.

How can employees participate?

You can take the survey, join focus groups, and (soon) sign up for video and photo shoots. Visit the Get Involved page to learn more.

How will the results be shared with all employees who participated in the survey?

The feedback from the Share What Makes Us Shine survey is being used to define the City of St. Catharines’ Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and corporate values. These will reflect the key themes identified in the survey and input from senior leaders.

Employees who sign up for focus groups will have the opportunity to provide additional context around the EVP and values identified in the survey, helping to bring them to life in a meaningful way.

Once finalized, the EVP and corporate values will be shared with all employees through:

STCshines.ca: Updates on the final EVP and values will be posted here so employees can see how their feedback has helped shape them.
Internal Communications: The final EVP and corporate values will be shared through newsletters, emails, and other internal channels.

How will the new corporate values be implemented?

Once finalized, the corporate values will be introduced through training, tools, and programs to ensure they’re woven into everything we do.

How will updates be shared?

We’ll post regular updates here on the microsite. For those without email access, updates will also be shared through department communications and bulletin boards.

Who can I contact for more information?

Email [email protected] for any questions or additional information.