Steinbach City Council met on April 7, 2026, to discuss the city’s 2026 budget and a range of infrastructure projects aimed at protecting the community from future flooding. The city is prioritizing major drainage and sewer upgrades following significant storm events that caused widespread property damage in September 2024 and September 2025.
The city’s 2026 budget, which totals nearly $44 million, keeps the mill rate steady at 14.4 mills while specifically funding measures to reduce flood risks. Key capital projects for the year include $17.7 million for lift station work and the aquatic centre, $5.1 million to install a second pipe—or force main—from the lift station on Park Road to the wastewater lagoon, and $2.8 million for underground infrastructure renewal along streets like Millwork Drive. Additionally, the city is upgrading Lift Station #1, which will double its pumping capacity.
These infrastructure investments follow the provincial government’s decision to deny disaster financial assistance to approximately 200 Steinbach property owners impacted by the September 2025 storm. During that event, roughly 126mm of rain fell in just four hours, leading to significant basement and property flooding. Steinbach City Council, led by Mayor Earl Funk, is also reviewing future programs that could include a new basement depth policy, water retention plans, and improvements to lot grading regulations.
City Manager Troy Warkentin noted that the city has already conducted a climate risk assessment and continues to maintain and monitor major drains and sewers. As part of a broader effort to prevent system overloading, the city is initiating inspections of private sewer sump pits and septic tanks to ensure they are functioning correctly. Residents are reminded that By-Law 1674 regulates sump pumps, requiring that water be discharged away from property lines and prohibiting drainage onto streets, sidewalks, or into home floor drains.
The next meeting of the city council is set for April 21, 2026.
