A self-guided digital tour could soon guide visitors through St. Paul’s streets, parks and historic landmarks — all through a simple QR code.

At the February 12 Committee as a Whole meeting, St. Paul Historical Museum president Louise Bellow pitched council on joining “BaladoDiscovery,” an international platform that offers bilingual, self-guided tours in more than 90 countries.

“It costs nothing to the town. It doesn’t cost me anything to do it. It just costs me my time,” Bellow told council.

The concept is straightforward: QR code plaques would be placed at historical points of interest. Visitors scan the code and receive a professionally recorded audio clip, archival photos and a short history — available in English and French.

“You have a QR code in French, a QR code in English on your display and people can choose whichever one they want,” she explained.

More Than History — It’s Economic

Bellow was clear: this isn’t just about preserving the past.

“As we ask ourselves, what can we do to improve the economic situation in St. Paul? I can’t bring in business. That’s not my thing. But what we can do is bring in tourists.”

The proposed route would include more than 20 stops, beginning at the Father Lacombe monument and travelling through Main Street, the Elite Theatre, Mission Avenue, Lagasse Park monuments and ending near the Iron Horse Trail gate — telling the story of how the railway shaped St. Paul’s existence.

“It’s pretty comprehensive,” she said.

Mayor Glenn Andersen welcomed the opportunity.

“You know what? It’s nice that they chose us. It’s nice,” Andersen said.

Councillor Maurice Brousseau called it “a great idea,” suggesting the town’s app could eventually link directly to the tour.

Councillor Nathan Rosychuk agreed.

“I think with tourists coming through, it would be a great resource for them to visit the town and see things they didn’t know about.”

Deputy Mayor Brad Eamon, Councillor Norm Noel, Councillor David Fodness and Councillor Roger Routhier also voiced support during the discussion.

What Council Needs to Approve

Bellow is seeking municipal consent to attach small QR plaques to town-owned buildings or infrastructure. Where possible, she hopes to use existing “Champions for Change” posts downtown.

“We’re going to keep working on it. Wherever we don’t get consent, we just won’t put those things up.”

Chief Administrative Officer Steven Jeffery confirmed administration will bring forward a formal Request for Decision at an upcoming regular meeting.

“The consensus is pretty positive,” Jeffery said, noting timelines are tight with funding milestones due by the end of March.

A Big Year for Francophone History

Bellow also shared that the Provincial Museum in Edmonton has selected St. Paul artifacts for a year-long francophone exhibit beginning this spring.

“They took nine photos that they’re going to blow up really big,” she said, referencing the story of pioneering blacksmith Ed Mau.

“My focus is to get tourists to come, to recognize our region and to show off our assets,” Bellow said. “That’s my hope.”