St. Paul town council approved a new round of community grant funding Monday night, supporting everything from major facility upgrades at the St. Paul & District Arts Foundation building to UFO Days festivities and a provincial youth soccer tournament expected to bring more than 1,000 athletes to the community.
The approvals came during council’s May 11 meeting under the Town’s Community Grant Funding Policy, which provides financial and in-kind support to local non-profit organizations and community groups.
One of the largest requests approved was a $2,500 capital grant for the St. Paul & District Arts Foundation to assist with roof replacement and heating system upgrades at the organization’s downtown facility.
According to the Foundation’s application, the project has an estimated value of $104,000 and is intended to improve the building’s long-term reliability and energy efficiency while supporting continued year-round programming and events.
The Foundation noted that the building’s aging infrastructure has been monitored for years, with inspections identifying ongoing concerns with both the roof and the heating systems. Replacement parts for the current boiler system are also becoming increasingly difficult to source.
Council also approved support for several major community events planned throughout the year.
The St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce received discounted Recreation Centre rental support for the 2026 UFO Days celebration taking place July 10 to 12.
Application documents described UFO Days as a collaborative community celebration involving the Chamber, St. Paul Agricultural Society, Community Futures, Champions for Change, the Lions Club and the Town of St. Paul. Organizers said the weekend is intended to bring residents and visitors together through entertainment, markets, midway attractions, stargazing and family activities while continuing to promote St. Paul’s unique tourism identity.
Council also approved support for the Chamber’s Aug. 26 Rodeo Kick Off Party, including discounted facility use and an in-kind golf package donation to assist with fundraising efforts.
The St. Paul Visual Arts Foundation was approved for discounted Recreation Centre rental fees for its annual Big Christmas Craft Sale scheduled for Dec. 6, 2026.
Meanwhile, the St. Paul Soccer Association received a $1,000 sporting grant to help host the 2026 Youth U13 to U19 Tier 4 Provincials from July 3 to 5.
Tournament organizers estimate the event could bring approximately 70 teams and more than 1,000 youth athletes and their families to the community over the weekend.
According to the Town’s report to council, a total of $6,575 in community grant funding has now been approved so far in 2026, leaving $8,425 remaining in the Town’s annual grant allocation budget.
