Seven years ago, the future of St. Paul showed promise, but its streets did not reflect that promise, with empty lots and run-down buildings on its main street and elsewhere.
At that time, urban planner Avi Friedman visited St. Paul, giving an energetic and dynamic presentation on building healthy communities – which, no, did not include plans for welcoming Wal-Marts. Instead, his talk focused on revitalization, supporting small businesses, the arts, providing housing and shaping rich and healthy communities.
From that presentation, there sprang a few seeds that have borne fruit, including the initiative to build a space for doctors, which local groups first strove to provide, and which the Town of St. Paul ended up quarterbacking and implementing with the Wellness Centre. The Champions for Change group was also formed, and the volunteers of the group ended up spearheading a number of projects, such as graffiti cleanup, Canada Day celebrations, downtown music concerts and more.
If Friedman could see St. Paul now, he couldn’t fail to be impressed by the changes in those past seven years. The promise of St. Paul is being realized, with once empty lots or vacant building sporting brand-new, attractive development.
Business owners are investing back in the community, with the demand for services high and growth fueled by the oilfield industry.
Moves that town council have made over time have definitely played a part in improvements as well - including the downtown revitalization tax incentive program; main street flowers, trees and sidewalks; removing signs on vacant businesses; and moving forward on demolishing vacant eyesores.
Small businesses, mayor and council and all the volunteers who contribute to make this place better deserve credit.
The best may indeed be yet to come for St. Paul, and steady, rather than explosive, growth, should provide the time to consider proper planning for infrastructure and housing, so economic activity doesn’t create its own headaches and a host of urban pressures.
