Mayor Glenn Anderson outlines aging assets, snow removal realities, and essential upgrades

Infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges facing the Town of St. Paul, with roads, utilities, and water systems putting steady pressure on council decisions and long-term budgets. Following the January 12 regular council meeting, Mayor Glenn Anderson spoke candidly about what it takes to keep critical systems running in a northern Alberta community.

Roads and Snow Removal: A Constant Balancing Act

Winter maintenance continues to be one of the most visible infrastructure challenges for residents. Anderson acknowledged the frustration many feel when snow removal feels never-ending.

“By the time you clean your main focus areas — arterial roads, hospital, schools — it snowed again,” he said.

He explained that road crews must prioritize safety and access first, even when conditions make it difficult to keep up.

“They’ll look at that a little further down the road,” Anderson said, noting that some work simply has to wait for weather and timing to cooperate.

Aging Infrastructure Can’t Be Ignored

Beyond what residents see on the surface, much of St. Paul’s infrastructure is aging and requires major investment.

“These things have to be upgraded,” Anderson said. “You can’t just leave it and hope it fixes itself.”

He noted that infrastructure planning is a long-term process, not something council can solve in a single budget year.

“There’s a lot of water to flow under the bridge before we get to the final budget,” Anderson said.

Utilities and Water Infrastructure Are Critical

Water systems were identified as one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure council must plan for.

“That pumps our water from the system to the water treatment plant,” Anderson said, explaining how interconnected the town’s utilities are.

When one piece fails or becomes outdated, the entire system is at risk.

“It has to be upgraded,” he said. “That’s not optional.”

The Cost of Essential Services

Anderson stressed that infrastructure and utility upgrades are often expensive but unavoidable.

“Those aren’t small numbers for a community our size,” he said, referencing large capital projects tied to utilities and facilities.

Council’s responsibility, he added, is to plan carefully, phase projects where possible, and be transparent with residents about why investments are necessary.

“When you’re dealing with core services like water and roads, you don’t get to cut corners,” Anderson said.

Looking Ahead

As council works toward finalizing the 2026 budget, infrastructure will remain a central focus. Anderson said residents should expect continued discussion around priorities, costs, and timelines.

“These are the systems that keep the town running,” he said. “They’re not flashy, but they’re essential.”

Council will continue reviewing road maintenance plans and utility upgrades as part of broader budget deliberations in the months ahead.