The Town of St. Paul is seeking up to .72 million in federal funding to help pay for a major upgrade to its raw water supply system.

During its July 13 regular meeting, council unanimously approved administration’s application to the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) – Direct Delivery Stream, authorizing staff to submit the funding request ahead of the program’s July 15 application deadline.

If successful, the funding would significantly reduce the Town’s share of the $4.3-million infrastructure project.

Building on existing funding

The Raw Water Supply System Upgrade has an estimated cost of $4,302,100.

The project has already secured more than $2.02 million through Alberta’s Water for Life program. If the Town is successful in securing the requested federal funding, the remaining municipal contribution would be approximately $561,119, which administration said would be financed through a municipal debenture.

To strengthen the application, administration is also seeking letters of support from project stakeholders and community partners.

Federal funding supports shovel-ready infrastructure

The Build Communities Strong Fund is a federal infrastructure program administered by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. Established in 2025, the program provides funding for projects that improve community infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience and support long-term economic development.

Eligible projects include drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, recreation and community infrastructure. The program prioritizes projects that are “shovel-ready” and can begin construction within the next 12 months.

Administration identified the Raw Water Supply System Upgrade as a strong candidate for the funding opportunity and recommended council support the application.

Council approved the recommendation unanimously, allowing administration to proceed with the submission before the federal deadline.