Steinbach is a city of approximately 9,227 people (2001) 10,500 people (2004 est), located in the province of Manitoba, Canada. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Manitoba, with a population growth of 8.8% between the last two census periods. [1]

1 History
- 1.1 Early history
- 1.2 The city today
2 Economy
3 Transportation
- 3.1 Access
- 3.2 Airports
4 Education
5 Media
6 Sports
7 Notable Steinbachers
8 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Early history

Steinbach (meaning "Stony Brook" in German) was founded in 1874 by German-speaking Mennonite settlers from Russia. The Mennonite Heritage Village museum, located in the city, provides a glimpse at the life of these settlers through a reconstructed village and interpretive displays. Its Dutch windmill, which was rebuilt (with help from Dutch millwrights) after the 1972 replica was destroyed by arson in 2001, is a recognized symbol of the city.

[edit] The city today

Persons of Mennonite descent continue to form a majority in Steinbach, although immigration to the area (especially from Germany) is rapidly increasing. In 2003 Steinbach residents narrowly voted in a local referendum to end liquor prohibition. Steinbach made the news again in 2004 when it was satirized under an alternate name in Miriam Toews' best-selling novel A Complicated Kindness.

[edit] Economy

As the economic centre of Southeastern Manitoba, service/retail industries employ the majority of the working population. Large manufacturing plants, especially those operated by Biovail and Loewen Windows (which is also based in Steinbach) also create a significant number of jobs. Also Penner International, Big Freight, Mid Canada Millwork, Barkmen Concrete, Monarch Industrial Coatings, and Canada Rail Guide are all other large manufactures in Steinbach. Steinbach is also well-known for its many car dealerships. Agriculture, the traditional industry in the region, continues to dominate the economy as well. Steinbach has a retail trading area of about 50,000 and recently Superstore opened a 110,000 plus square foot store. In addition to this store, Canadian Tire, Sobeys (Largest in Western Canada), Safeway, Extra Foods, E.G. Penner Building Center, are current large size retail stores. As well Wal-mart is considering Steinbach as a future location for a new store.

[edit] Transportation

[edit] Access

Steinbach is located 61 kilometres from Winnipeg. This distance is comprised of four-lane divided highway. Highway 12 connects Steinbach with the United States border, as well as the Trans-Canada Highway. Steinbach is also served by Grey Goose Bus Lines. Winnipeg International Airport is less than a one hour drive from Steinbach.

[edit] Airports

The City Of Steinbach owns and maintains a federally licensed airport (Steinbach Airport). The main runway is 914 m in length by 23 m in width (3000 ft x 75 ft) and has an asphalt surface. The runway is serviced with lighting and a beacon for night-time use. 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.

Additionally, Harv's Air Service operates a private airfield to the south of the city (Steinbach (South) Airport). The main runway is 945 m in length by 30 m in width (3100 ft x 100 ft) and has an asphalt and turf surface. An additional runway measuring 559 m in length by 30 m in width (1835 ft x 100 ft) intersects the main runway to the north.

[edit] Education

Steinbach is part of the Hanover School Division. Three elementary schools provide education from kindergarten through Grade 6. Grades 7 through 9 are currently provided solely by Steinbach Junior High School. Hanover School District plans to construct an additional middle school by 2010 and run both schools from grade 5 through 9 [2]. Steinbach Regional Secondary School provides grades 10 through 12 for Steinbach and the surrounding region. In addition, Steinbach has a private high school, Steinbach Christian High School. Steinbach has a campus of Red River College and a Christian college, Steinbach Bible College.

[edit] Media

Steinbach oldest media outlet is the Carillon News, an award-winning weekly newspaper that covers the news of Southeastern Manitoba. Steinbach is also home to two radio stations run by Golden West Broadcasting. AM 1250 is an easy listening station, while Mix 96.7 FM plays current and classic hits.

[edit] Sports

Steinbach is home to the Eastman Selects ice hockey team that plays in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League. It is also home to the Eastman Raiders Football Club of the Manitoba Minor Football Association [3]

[edit] Notable Steinbachers

Scott Bairstow, actor
Jake Epp, politician
Patrick Friesen, poet
Allison Hossack, actress
The Pets, rock band
Miriam Toews, novelist
Vic Toews, Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada
Kelvin Goertzen, MLA
The Undecided, pop-punk band
Erich Vogt, physicist
The Waking Eyes, alternative rock band
Ian White, Professional Hockey Player (AHL, NHL)

[edit] External links

Image:Flag of Manitoba.svg	Manitoba
Regions	Winnipeg Capital Region - Central Plains - Eastman - Interlake - Northern - Parkland - Pembina Valley - Westman
Census divisions	1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23
Cities	Brandon - Dauphin - Flin Flon - Portage la Prairie - Selkirk - Steinbach - Thompson - Winkler - Winnipeg
	List of communities in Manitoba - List of rural municipalities in Manitoba