Council candidates agree on priorities

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This article was published 18/10/2022 (992 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Arguments were absent and disagreement was in short supply on Tuesday as the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce partnered with Golden West Broadcasting to deliver a live streamed all candidates forum.

First time candidate Shawn Liska and veteran council candidates Bill Hiebert, Jake Hiebert, Damian Penner, Susan Penner, Jac Siemens and Michael Zwaagstra largely agreed with each other’s answers provided for a series of questions submitted by the public and selected by the Chamber of Commerce.

Given the opportunity to follow their 60-second answer with a 30-second follow-up, candidates often used that time to echo other candidates’ responses.

Many of the candidates read from prepared notes for their opening and closing statements with Michael Zwaagstra and Damian Penner being the lone outliers.

All expressed their desire to make the community a better place.

“I want anyone who wants to live in Steinbach to be able to live here,” Michael Zwaagstra said.

Jac Siemens shared the previous council’s accomplishments and said partnerships are key. He added that one must be a team player on council.

Susan Penner said the Southeast Event Centre is a great example of a public/private partnership, adding the city must maintain five-year borrowing and be alert for ways to boost the downtown. “We don’t want to forget our downtown as we grow,” she said.

Damian Penner stated that it’s important to remember the city is not a revenue generator, that all money spent comes from taxpayers. “We are stewards of the funds,” he said.

Shawn Liska, shared advice he gleaned from his grandfather, a former pastor and carpenter in Steinbach. “It’s better to measure twice and cut once,” he said adding this careful approach is one he’d take to council.

Jake Hiebert shared his history, stating he had been in policing for more than 38 years, allowing him to live across Canada, gaining experience with all demographics and cultures.

Bill Hiebert, said the need for the Southeast Event Centre was why he ran for council four years ago, adding he wants to ensure seniors have the resources they need to thrive.

Most important issue

Candidates were asked to name their most important issue going forward. While the Southeast Event Centre was initially highlighted by Bill Hiebert and affordable and seniors housing by Jake Hiebert, all agreed infrastructure was key. “The mandate of the council is manage the infrastructure,” Jac Siemens said.

Solving transportation needs

Asked how they would address transportation in the city, most candidates highlighted the record of council on improving traffic flows with work on Highway 12 as an example. However, all agreed there would be a need for some sort of public transportation in the future, just not right now.

“Obviously at some point in the future a transportation system will have to be considered,” Michael Zwaagstra said.

Susan Penner agreed but said while the physical size of Steinbach may not require it, weather conditions often do. “We’re not at a population level yet where that would be an affordable option,” she said.

Damian Penner said reinvesting in downtown is also important, so that people who live in what should be the highest populated area have all the services and amenities they need close by.

Shawn Liska said while the city isn’t large enough to have a public transportation system currently council should be planning for that day.

Jake Hiebert said investment into sidewalks, the downtown and bicycle paths also helps get people around. But as far as public transport, the time has yet to come. “We don’t have enough people in Steinbach right now,” he said.

Bill Hiebert agreed, trumpeting the work council has done to improve things such as deregulating taxis, synchronizing lights on Highway 12, adding Acres Drive and working on Park Road West. “Traffic is a real issue,” he said before adding that in the future they must address public transportation.

Jac Siemens said the issue must be looked at but doesn’t want a knee-jerk approach.

“There has to be a better option than a bus riding around in circles,” he said.

Taking on red tape

Candidates were asked what they’d do to take on red tape, barriers that make it difficult to establish businesses or develop in Steinbach.

Councillors quickly agreed on two things, that some red tape is necessary as it offers checks and balances, establishing things like drainage requirements, and that unnecessary red tape should be removed.

Steinbach in 20 years

Candidates were asked to share their vision of Steinbach in 20 years, and all wanted to see continued success and growth without sacrificing affordability or services.

“I want our city to be as affordable as possible,” Michael Zwaagstra said. “I want to see our city retain our community feel.”

Jac Siemens said he’d like to see traffic that will flow, and trails for cyclists and pedestrians to connect micro-communities within the city.

Susan Penner said she envisions a city where kids and teenagers will want to stay because of the community culture, availability of jobs and quality of public spaces.

Damian Penner said he’d like to see his kids be able to afford a house and hopes to see the city work with regional partners such as the RM of La Broquerie and RM of Hanover.

Shawn Liska hopes to see the Southeast Event Centre thriving as an economic generator. He also wants to see a safe community where people feel comfortable around the downtown. Work towards a regional lagoon is also on the horizon for Liska.

Jake Hiebert predicted a bypass around the city, and said he hopes to see growth for a beautiful city with many cultures, a strong work force and great amenities.

Bill Hiebert said he wants Steinbach to retain its culture. “My hope is that Steinbach will still have the same reputation,” he said.

Inclusivity for Steinbach

Councillors were asked how they’d make Steinbach inclusive and most answered in two ways. All candidates pledged to be approachable, open and inclusive in their personal dealings with the public and to provide community spaces where groups of all kinds can meet.

“We need to make sure we’re providing these spaces,” Damian Penner said.

“It’s important that everybody’s voice is heard,” Shawn Liska added.

“We need to respect one another, hear one another out,” Bill Hiebert said.

The forum can viewed by going to steinbachchamber.com and following the links.