St. Paul town council has approved funding for the design phase of a proposed multi-season outdoor recreation facility, estimated at $800,000.
The design phase alone will cost $142,000, for which the town has applied for a provincial grant to cover half the expense. If successful, the grant will contribute $70,000, leaving the town responsible for the remaining amount.
Council deliberated the decision, with councillor Nathan Taylor voicing concerns about committing $70,000 upfront without clear community support or financial commitments from potential user groups. Taylor highlighted previous instances where verbal support from community groups failed to translate into funding, emphasizing the need for more concrete backing before proceeding.
On the other hand, councillor Brad Eamon argued that municipal surveys have consistently shown strong community interest in an outdoor facility. He acknowledged the challenge of securing firm commitments without a detailed plan but stressed the importance of moving forward to present a concrete vision to the public. Eamon expressed confidence that having a design in place would make it easier to rally financial support from user groups and stakeholders.
Ultimately, councillor Gary Ward proposed a motion to allocate $142,000 in the town’s 2025 Capital Budget for the project’s planning and design, which was approved by council.
Should the provincial grant be secured, the $70,000 saved will be redirected to other capital projects.
Regardless of the grant outcome, the town of St. Paul is committed to advancing the design phase.
