Recognition signs at the east and west entrances to St. Paul welcoming people to the community and celebrating the accomplishments of four people with ties to St. Paul are to be repurposed into more all-encompassing community ‘Welcome’ signs.
The St. Paul and District Chamber of Commerce has requested its name be removed from the signs “because they feel it has nothing to do with the businesses in town,” council was informed by administration during the Oct. 10 Committee of the Whole meeting.
The chamber was originally involved as a partner in erecting the signs and its name is featured across the base of each sign.
In addition to a bilingual welcome to the community, the signs promote the accomplishments of World Curling Champion – Marcel Rocque, World Golf Long Drive Champion - Jamie Sadlowski, World Renowned Country Artist – Brett Kissel and World Renowned Fiddler – Calvin Vollrath. These recognitions would be removed.
Over the years, questions as to who should be featured on the sign have arisen.
“We have revamped the policies for choosing who goes on the sign, how long they stay and who does not go on the signs. However, no matter how we tweak the policy we are always in trouble with someone over who is on the sign and who is not,” reads background information provided to council by administration.
Coun. Brad Eamon said he would support repurposing the signs as it provides a good opportunity to rebrand and feature the Town’s new logo.
“It’s always a problem with who is not up there.”
Council gave the nod to administration for its proposal to repurpose the signs including possibly extending a welcome in several different languages reflecting the diversity of local citizens.
