The Town of St. Paul is looking to stretch municipal dollars further while supporting new opportunities for tourism, business attraction and regional economic development.

During its November 9 regular council meeting, council approved a grant application that could cover half the cost of planning future development along the Alberta Iron Horse Trail. Council also supported a regional business gap analysis and several other economic development initiatives involving neighbouring municipalities and tourism organizations.

The projects are being pursued through Alberta’s Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program, which provides funding to support economic growth in northern and regional communities.

Iron Horse Trail planning could receive $22,600 in grant funding

One of the most significant decisions involved a proposed $45,200 concept plan for Town-owned lands adjacent to the Alberta Iron Horse Trail.

The study would examine development opportunities between 50th Street and 46th Street, in the area between 53rd Avenue and the trail.

The work would explore potential land uses, infrastructure requirements, preliminary costs and how future development could be completed in phases.

Council previously discussed including the full $45,200 cost in its proposed 2027 budget.

However, the Town is now seeking $22,600 through the NRED program, which would cover half the project’s cost if approved.

Council voted to proceed with the application and authorized a municipal matching contribution of up to $22,600 from the 2027 budget, conditional on receiving the grant.

The concept plan would complement ongoing regional work to improve Iron Horse Trail staging areas while focusing specifically on the development potential of Town-owned lands.

The goal is to help guide future investment, recreation and tourism opportunities along the trail corridor.

The funding decision does not authorize construction. The proposed project is for planning and identifying what could eventually be developed.

Regional study aims to identify missing businesses and investment opportunities

Council also supported a proposed $120,000 regional retail, commercial and industrial gap analysis.

The study would examine what businesses and services are missing in the region, where residents are travelling to spend their money and what opportunities exist to attract new investment.

The County of St. Paul would lead the grant application, with STEP Economic Development Alliance managing the project.

The proposed funding arrangement includes $60,000 through NRED and $60,000 in matching funds from STEP’s existing budget.

During the meeting, STEP representatives explained that similar studies have already been completed in communities including Cold Lake, Bonnyville and Vermilion.

The proposed analysis would help identify the St. Paul region’s trade area, consumer spending patterns and opportunities to attract new businesses while supporting existing ones.

The region previously submitted an application through Alberta’s Alberta Community Partnership program in October for a more comprehensive $175,000 study.

The NRED proposal would be a scaled-down alternative, while maintaining a detailed market analysis component.

Council carried a motion supporting the NRED application, with the County serving as applicant and STEP managing the work.

Elk Point developing a $60,000 marketing strategy

The Town of Elk Point is also pursuing NRED funding for a community positioning and marketing strategy.

The $60,000 project would bring together existing economic development, community engagement and business attraction initiatives into a more coordinated approach.

The work would build on efforts already underway through STEP, the Elk Point Economic Development Committee, Hello Elk Point and other community partners.

The proposed funding arrangement includes $30,000 through NRED and a $30,000 contribution from the Town of Elk Point.

There is no financial commitment required from the Town of St. Paul.

Council voted to accept the proposed application as information.

Tourism organization receives regional support

Council also approved support for a grant application from Go East Regional Tourism Organization.

The organization is seeking NRED funding for a regional tourism corridor development and industry support initiative intended to assist tourism businesses with retention and expansion efforts through 2027 and 2028.

Council authorized STEP to provide a letter of support on behalf of its Destination Marketing Committee and member municipalities.

A second motion allows STEP and the committee to provide future letters of support for Go East initiatives that align with regional priorities, provided they do not require additional funding.

The change is intended to streamline the process rather than requiring each qualifying request to return to council.

Funding applications are the next step

While the initiatives cover different areas, they share a common goal: identifying opportunities to attract investment, strengthen local businesses and develop the region’s tourism potential.

For St. Paul, the Iron Horse Trail concept plan represents a direct municipal funding commitment, conditional on grant approval.

The other initiatives involve regional partnerships, existing STEP funding or letters of support.

None of the grant funding discussed at the November 9 meeting was confirmed as awarded. The projects will depend on the outcome of their respective applications and any additional approvals required before work can proceed.