Development approved despite massive opposition

A petition with 47 signatures representing 35 homes objecting to a proposed 48-unit development did not stop Steinbach city council from approving the plan. Neither did the nearly 10 people in attendance who spoke against the project during Tuesday’s public hearing, required to change the zoning from residential low density to residential medium density.

Instead, council thanked those in attendance but agreed the project was beneficial to the community.

Randy Reimer made the application to re-zone 492, 498 and 506 McKenzie Avenue to allow the construction of a trio of three-storey units that combined would offer 48 dwelling units including one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments.

The three properties are on the south side of McKenzie Avenue, near Main Street and include 78 bedrooms, with each building filling a footprint of 5,961 sq. ft.

Reimer told council that he plans to develop the space in two phases, building the first unit on the lot that is currently empty and adding two more to the additional lots that currently have single family dwellings.

He pointed out that he is not requesting any variances, and told council the design of the buildings deliberately considers the needs of the neighbourhood with balconies placed on the back facing the Steinbach Sommerfeld Mennonite Church and the front street instead of the sides of the buildings which would be next to neighbour’s yards.

A larger contingent of neighbours disagreed however.

Harold Kihn, lives close to the proposed development and has for 57 years.

He went over the petition with council which expressed concerns including that the multi-unit dwelling was inconsistent with the neighbourhood, that sewer and drainage issues would be exacerbated, that it is inconsistent with orderly growth, it would cause traffic congestion, and that there is currently a lack of infrastructure to handle foot traffic or kids at play.

Others agreed. Andrew Rempel also expressed his concern, suggesting the sewer was undersized and that snow clearing is already a problem.

City manager Troy Warkentin challenged the alleged sewer issue saying the last backup during the rain event of 2025 was caused by a blockage. The city engineer also expressed no concerns on this topic.

Rempel said it’s just the wrong type of development for the area.

“I just believe in this instance this is neither the time nor the place,” he said.

Some were in favour of the plan.

Four letters of support were submitted, though the author of one changed his mind at the hearing.

Gary Snider, a Wilson Street resident also expressed his support for the project, saying he lives near a three-storey building as well.

He sympathized with those dealing with the change.

“Is it a necessary change for the city?” he asked. “I think so.”

Coun. Damian Penner made the motion to approve the rezoning.

He agreed that the three-storey buildings would be a change but said there are large churches and tall two storey houses in the neighbourhood already.

He also noted that this development is on a four-lane collector street and is located close to Main Street.

“It is good to get higher density in the area that is close to Main Street that is transitioning as well,” he said.

Coun. Michael Zwaagstra, the motion’s seconder acknowledged the difficulty of making a decision but expressed his support.

“I think that the applicant has done a good job at trying to put forward a reasonable plan,” he said. “He’s made an effort to make this fit within the neighbourhood.”

Coun. Jac Siemens asked for a friendly amendment to include the requirement to build a sidewalk in the development plan or as a condition of approval, but Penner disagreed.

“I share that concern as well,” he said. “I also am not an engineer and to put that into the development plan might not be feasible or appropriate.

Council was unanimous in their approval of the rezoning.