Veteran city councillor to seek new term

A City of Steinbach councillor will seek another term in the fall municipal election.

Susan Penner announced her intention to seek re-election with a news release last week.

First elected in 2010, Penner said she has been committed to a common-sense approach to decision-making for the last 16 years.

“Steinbach is an incredible community, and I believe we have an exciting future ahead of us,” she said. “I am seeking reelection because I want to continue advocating for practical solutions that strengthen our community, support responsible growth, and improve the quality of life for all residents.”

Infrastructure, health-care advocacy and community safety are priorities for Penner as she prepares for what would be her fifth term.

On infrastructure, Penner said investments like the planned wastewater treatment expansion are important.

“Our community continues to experience tremendous growth, and that growth depends on investing in the infrastructure that supports it,” she said. “The wastewater project is not simply a utility upgrade; it’s an investment in Steinbach’s future.”

As a city councillor Penner has been a strong advocate for flood mitigation projects. Her home was flooded in fall of 2024 and 2025 due to rainfalls that impacted residents throughout the city.

“The city has already begun making significant investments in flood mitigation with projects that will increase the drainage capacity of Steinbach overall, such as the expansion of Lift Station 1, as well as increasing capacity in our neighbourhoods that have been prone to flooding,” she said. “This is critical given the extreme rain events we are seeing.”

Penner also described the Southeast Event Centre as transformational infrastructure, saying it has shown what’s possible when the community works together. She added that the city should explore the possibility of the next large recreation development as a regional partnership.

While health care is a provincial responsibility, Penner sees a place for municipalities to be involved.

In the past she’s worked closely with Mayor Earl Funk and other community partners on physician recruitment initiatives, advocating for increased medical training, and strengthening relationships with medical residents.

“While health-care delivery is not a municipal responsibility, advocating for our residents is,” she said.

Her advocacy will also include a call for more transitional care beds in Steinbach, an issue that became personal after her father suffered a stroke and was transferred to the Morris hospital this spring.

“Steinbach residents should not be moved out of Steinbach while waiting for a care home placement,” she said. “We have a responsibility to care for those who have cared for us and built the community we enjoy today.”

Penner said community safety is also key, explaining that a safe, family-oriented community is what attracts many people when they choose to move.

That’s why she’s supported initiatives like hiring private security services to enhance RCMP resources and adding community safety officers.

“We must continue taking a practical and proactive approach to public safety,” she said. “Most people simply want to raise their families, operate their businesses, and enjoy their community knowing they are safe.”

Penner said she remains committed to thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring Steinbach continues to grow in a way that reflects the values of its residents.

“I believe in common sense, collaboration, and putting people ahead of politics,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the work of building a strong, safe, and thriving Steinbach.”

Susan Penner is the second sitting councillor to announce her candidacy. Damian Penner has also announced he will seek re-election as did Mayor Earl Funk.

Coun. Michael Zwaagstra will not seek another seat on council, after he won the PC nomination for the Steinbach constituency.

So far two new candidates have announced their candidacy.

Greg Carlos and Mitesh Kumar will join the race.

The municipal election will take place on Oct. 28.