Town of St. Paul councillors say the community needs a clearer and more unified message if it wants to attract new residents, businesses and investment.

The issue came up during a recent Committee of the Whole meeting while council was discussing regional economic development and tourism initiatives connected to the St. Paul & Elk Point Economic Development Alliance (STEP).

Councillor Maurice Brousseau said the region needs to do a better job explaining why people should choose to live in St. Paul.

“We don’t have a message out there that says come live in St. Paul. Come live in the region,” Brousseau said.

He suggested that while the area has many strengths, the messaging around those advantages is not coordinated across the region.

Region needs to be on the same page

Brousseau said attracting new residents requires municipalities and regional partners to work together and communicate a clear vision.

“How do we get them here if we can’t be on the same page altogether?” he said.
“I’m just saying as politicians and we’re leading and we want people to come here. We can’t keep beating the same drum and talking about, oh, come here to Rodeo Week. We have nice lakes.”

Instead, he suggested the region should focus on identifying its broader strengths and building a stronger narrative around them.

Keeping residents local

Brousseau also raised concerns about the community losing opportunities because residents often leave the region for activities and experiences available elsewhere.

He said developing more local attractions and opportunities could help keep residents spending time and money in the community.

“We’re just not capitalizing on these things because it’s easier for us to pack up and go somewhere else and do those things,” Brousseau said.
“Now, how do we keep the people here here and attract more?”

The comments came as council reviewed tourism and economic development strategies aimed at promoting the region.

While no decisions were made during the meeting, councillors indicated the discussion highlights the importance of developing a clearer and more coordinated message about the region’s strengths moving forward.