The tourist information centre, located next to the UFO Landing Pad in St. Paul has undergone a face-lift inside the UFO shaped building, along with a slight change in focus on what is being offered at the centre.
While tourist information is still available, along with Town of St. Paul and alien-themed merchandise, the space is now home to the handmade work of about 30 different local artists, ready to be purchased by visitors and locals.
The space also includes some new chairs and bistro tables, along with a coffee maker, pop, juice and ice cream. And with windows offering bright, natural light throughout the upstairs portion of the facility, those involved are hoping it can serve as a casual place for people to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Missy Finlay is one of three seasonal staff at the tourist information centre this year. When interviews were being done for the position, Robert Simons, Aquatic and Recreation Services Coordinator, says Finlay came with plenty of ideas and a fresh vision for the centre.
An artist herself, Finlay's own painted work is for sale at the tourist information centre, alongside pottery, children's clothing, handmade bags, and much more. The space is fresh, with a new paint job recently done, and feels much more open.
"Fresh paint can make a huge difference," says Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller. She says the town was looking for a way to bring more people into the centre, but there wasn't much funds available to remodel the centre.
"But out new staff member suggested showcasing our local artists. It was an administrative decision to try this for a season. If we see increased traffic and public interest in the local art displayed, council may decide to put some money into actually remodelling the facility," explains Miller. "We are hoping the community will enjoy supporting our local artists."
The tourist information centre was built in 1993, and hasn't had much done in the way of renovations since. While the centre was once run by the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce, it has since been taken over by the Town of St. Paul.
The centre came under Simons responsibility, who also had visions of what changes could take place. While some funds went into the renovations, staff members used what they already had available for the most part.
Finlay reached out to her own contacts, along with posting on social media, and has created a market place in the tourist information centre. Prior to moving to St. Paul a few years ago, Finlay worked at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie. Items at the tourist centre are curated and an artist agreement is signed between the parties.
"There's just such strength in our community," says Finlay, when speaking about the talented artisans that exist in St. Paul and the surrounding area.
Simons admits that in the past, locals didn't have much of a reason to visit the centre, which is something he hopes will change. He doesn't want the centre to be forgotten among town residents, but rather, he wants it to be a "destination" they choose to visit.
"Art really brings people together," says Finlay. She adds the founding ideas behind the landing pad itself is that of inclusion. The plaque located in front of the landing pad states, "All visitors from Earth and otherwise are welcome to this territory and to the Town of St. Paul," which is what the centre hopes to continue to promote.
And so far, it appears the changes are being well received. Over the May long weekend, which was the centre's first weekend open for the season, about 200 visitors stopped by.
"It was so encouraging and so fun to experience that," says Finlay.
Keeping with a focus on art and creating things, for the first time ever the tourist information centre will also host weekly craft events, every Monday afternoon starting on July 8. The activity will be open to people of all ages, and Finlay says projects will be tailored to meet the needs of those who take part. The program will be free of charge.
Finaly also hopes to attract some musical talents to the information centre with some small house concerts possibly being put on in the future.
In the end, the focus is to create a space that "all people feel welcome," she says.
Plans to continue updating the centre are still being tossed around, but for those involved, the next step is likely updating the basement exhibits at the centre to showcase and focus on the heritage and culture that exists in St. Paul.
Anyone interested in having their handmade products available for sale at the tourist information centre can contact Finlay at (780) 645-6800 or stop by the centre for more information. The centre also offers information for travellers who are interested in visiting other parts of the province.
