Discover

:''For other locations with this name, see Steinbach (disambiguation)''
'Steinbach' is a city of approximately 12,000 people (2007 est.) (11,066 - 2006 census) in the province of Manitoba, Canada, a short distance from the capital Winnipeg. It is the fastest-growing city in Manitoba, with a population growth of 19.9% between the last two census periods, which places it as the fifth largest community in Manitoba. [1]

Contents

History

Early history

The city today

Economy

Transportation

Access

Airports

Education

Media

Sports

Notable Steinbachers

External links

History

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.

The city today

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''.

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. Steinbach is also known as "The Automobile City" for its many car dealerships. Agriculture, the traditional industry in the region, continues to dominate the economy as well.

Transportation

Access

Steinbach is located 61 kilometres from Winnipeg. This distance is covered by a 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 James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is less than a one hour drive from Steinbach.

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.

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 and junior high school, Steinbach Christian High School. Steinbach has a campus of Red River College and a Christian college, Steinbach Bible College.

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.

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]
Soccer is becoming increasingly popular in the area, and currently has more kids in the soccer program than any other sport.

Notable Steinbachers

★ Scott Bairstow, actor

★ Jake Epp, politician

★ Patrick Friesen, poet

★ Allison Hossack, actress

★ The Pets, rock band

★ Miriam Toews, novelist

★ Vic Toews, Federal Treasury Board President

★ Kelvin Goertzen, MLA

★ Chris Goertzen, Mayor

★ The Undecided, pop-punk band

★ Erich Vogt, physicist

★ The Waking Eyes, alternative rock band

★ Ian White, Professional Hockey Player for the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL)

External links

★ City of Steinbach Website

★ Mennonite Heritage Village

★ Statistics Canada 2001 Community Profile - Steinbach, Manitoba

★ Steinbach Bible College

★ Steinbach on Google Maps