Council candidate brings fresh voice

Nicholas Goertzen wants to bring new ideas and a new generation to the Steinbach city council table.

The 30-year-old Steinbach resident announced his candidacy, in part because of inspiration offered by retiring councillor Jac Siemens.

“What he said stuck with me,” he said, referencing a quote Siemens made in connection with his retirement about having younger generations come on to council and help decide the future. “I really want to help build Steinbach in a way that younger people are proud to live here.”

Goertzen was born and raised in Steinbach where he worked for Loewen Windows and in marketing for Barkman Concrete.

He said his experience volunteering with Strong Towns Steinbach has also given him an understanding of how city policy shapes a community.

“I really wanted to step up to the plate and be a voice for the younger families and people of Steinbach, so we can build a city they are proud to grow old in while remembering our heritage,” he said in his candidacy announcement.

Four priorities come together to form his platform.

He said smart growth and infrastructure is key to keeping pace with Steinbach’s rapid growth without letting roads, drainage and services fall behind.

He said the wastewater treatment facility estimated at $132 million will be a challenge.

“The current hopes are that a majority of the funding will come from federal and provincial programs,” he wrote in his announcement. “Seemingly the new council will have to navigate how to move forward on this project, especially if we aren’t able to secure all the funds needed from those outside programs.”

Health-care recruitment is also a priority and Goertzen said he would support efforts to attract and retain doctors and health professionals.

“I think we need to provide hard incentives,” he said.

Community connection is also important to Goertzen who said the city needs to invest in community spaces and supports.

“The younger generation is going through a loneliness epidemic,” he said. “We need to be providing spaces beyond home and work for families to have fun and opportunities for people to build relationships with each other.”

Goertzen said that also includes sustainable public transit, though he’s not excited about an on-demand model.

“It’s not my favourite option,” he said, adding if it was deemed most feasible, he would support it. “It would be nice to have an actual bus loop I think, but again it depends on what the numbers are.”

Long-term solutions to homelessness are also needed in Steinbach.

Goertzen said the letter signed by 14 churches that was submitted to city council asking for action is something he agrees with.

“We need to be more proactive instead of reactive to it,” he said, adding he would meet with stakeholders and organizations in Steinbach to come up with ideas.

Goertzen is hoping voters will also be inspired by the words of Jac Siemens and give him a chance on city council.

“Let’s make room for a new generation with new ideas,” he said.