Steinbach is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and, with a city that has so much to offer its residents, it makes perfect sense as to why.
Steinbach (which is German for “Stony Brook”) was first settled by a group of 18 families from the Russian Empire in 1874 who chose this spot to build a replica of the village they had left behind. As the village grew and developed, Main Street and later Hanover Street, both parallel to the brook and running through all the villager’s lots, took shape. Who knew that from these humble rural beginnings would grow the prosperous city it is today.
Steinbach — nicknamed the Automobile City — is now the third largest city in Manitoba with a population of 15,829 (according to the Canada 2016 Census).
Steinbach’s economy has traditionally been focused around agriculture, however, as the regional economic hub of southeastern Manitoba, Steinbach now has a trading area population of about 50,000 people and significant employment in the financial services industry, automobile sales, tourism, retail, and manufacturing. Business owners in Steinbach enjoy the benefits of both a large consumer base and a strong and diverse local economy.
“Steinbach is fueled by a community whose dedication and passion embody the spirit of The Prairies. We’re Manitoba’s fastest growing city, and with our affordable housing and low tax rates, we’re the perfect place for your family or business to call home,” says Earl Funk, Mayor of Steinbach
Steinbach offers many of the amenities of a big city while preserving its small town feel which is why it appeals to both growing families and retirees alike. Not only does the city offer a number of luxurious condominiums and affordable apartments along with single-family homes, but there are also a wide variety of ways to spend your days and get involved in the community. From visiting a market garden to skateboarding, it’s all here!
A wide range of health services are available including Bethesda Hospital, a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art hospital with over 80 beds. Steinbach also offers many other health and wellness facilities.
Steinbach is an inclusive community and many services are available to help newcomers get orientated in the community. Whether you are looking for language services, employment or education opportunities, or just opportunities to meet people, Eastman Immigrant Services can help. Visit www.steinbachchamberofcommerce.com or www.eastmanimmigrantservices.com for more information.
Steinbach offers a great selection of educational opportunities. Located entirely within the Hanover School Division (HSD), there is a good mix of public or private schools, Red River College at the Eastman Education Centre plus the Academy of Learning.
The Steinbach Arts Council helps to enrich the lives of the community through development of local artists and musicians and exposure to professional art forms. These groups with over 60 programs work together under one roof, sharing their resources and talents with each other and the entire arts community.
There is no limit to the leisure activities that Steinbach has to offer. Steinbach Aquatic Centre offers over 24,000 square feet of fun which includes a junior Olympic pool (6 lanes), 2 water slides, a 1-meter diving board, leisure pool, lazy river, feature sprays, children’s water play area, sauna, hot tub and multi-purpose room. The outdoor part of the facility includes a pool, deck area and splash park.
The T.G. Smith Centre is an ice hockey complex featuring two indoor ice surfaces and one outdoor ice surface as well as a multi-purpose room, a pro shop and a food concession that operates during the arena (winter) season.
The Steinbach Curling Club is located adjacent to the T.G. Smith Centre. It has five sheets and caters to curlers of all ages and abilities in a welcoming environment.
Attached to the curling club is the Keystone Cinema. This theatre boasts a 40’x17’ screen, 175 seats including 60 luxury Lazy Boys salvaged from the old theatre, as well as 21 leather recliners that occupy the front two rows. There are 14 love seats scattered throughout.
Steinbach even owns and maintains its own airport. Fuel and servicing are available on site and are provided through the Steinbach Flying Club. The airport also features aircraft tie-downs, a heated lounge building and restroom facilities.
Adjacent to the airport is the Steinbach Fly-in Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course founded in 1954 by the pilots of the Steinbach Flying Club. This is a community-owned golf course that offers great benefits to members and the public alike. It offers a pro shop and restaurant facilities.
Steinbach has also developed pathways for residents to enjoy whether walking, running, rollerblading or biking. Maps outlining the various paths are displayed at numerous locations throughout the city. A larger map is located at the timber arbour next to the Steinbach Family Medical Centre at 333 Loewen Boulevard.
The Johann G. Barkman Heritage Walkway, stretching along Elmdale Drive, is named after an early long-time mayor, and features plaques and other historic markers documenting the life of early Steinbach along the, now dry, Steinbach Creek.
If you want to learn more about Steinbach’s history, their self-guided Heritage Walking Tour will provide you with hundreds of interesting historical facts about the pioneers who started this community and introduce you to some of the notable landmarks.
The Mennonite Heritage Village is Steinbach’s foremost cultural facility and tourist attraction. It provides a glimpse at the life of Mennonite settlers through a reconstructed street village and interpretive displays. Its Dutch windmill, which was rebuilt (with help from Dutch millwrights) after the 1972 replica was destroyed by arson in 2000, is the most recognized symbol of the city. The Mennonite Heritage Village’s Pioneer Days Parade and festival has been held every August since the 1970s.
Steinbach’s ‘Summer in the City’ festival is held on Main Street each June. It was cancelled last year due to the pandemic but every effort is being made to bring something back this year on its 13th anniversary. Visit summerinthecity.ca for details.
For more information about Steinbach and everything the city has to offer, visit www.steinbach.ca