Steinbach is getting national attention for all the right reasons. WorldAtlas has named the southeastern Manitoba city one of the nine most neighbourly towns in the Canadian Prairies.
The article highlights Steinbach’s rapid growth while maintaining its small-town warmth, a strong sense of community, and a culture of hospitality. It also praised the city’s rich Mennonite heritage, events like Pioneer Days and Summer in the City, and the friendliness found in family-run shops and local markets.
Mayor Earl Funk says the recognition is well-earned.
"I'm very happy to hear that and I'm very proud to be part of a community that is one of the top 9 most neighbourly communities, but in many ways, it doesn't really surprise me," says Funk. "Because when you look at Steinbach, being neighbourly, looking after your neighbour, doing good things is a way of life."
Volunteerism and generosity at the heart of Steinbach
One event Funk says best represents Steinbach’s neighbourly spirit is the city-wide cleanup known as Pickup and Walk, held the first Saturday in May.
“Every year, 2,000 people meet at the arena and go out for three hours and pick up all the winter garbage,” says Funk. “It’s such a blessing because that is well over 6,000 person-hours — the equivalent of three full-time employees working all year. It gets done in three hours, and then we have a hot dog or a burger and some chips and we just have a great time connecting after a long cold winter.”
People doing the right thing
Funk believes the city’s strong sense of volunteerism stems from local churches and a shared desire among residents to “do the right thing.”
“There’s just an inherent desire in our people to do good for their neighbours. And it shows. And it’s coming out and it’s getting national attention.”
Funk says it’s not just long-time residents who are helping shape Steinbach’s reputation.
“We have so many people who have moved to Steinbach, who aren’t Mennonite, who didn’t grow up here, and yet that neighbourliness continues. That’s the kind of people who are attracted to Steinbach,” he says. “We are the most generous area, like the city our size — 15,000 or more — across Canada. Our non-profits do well, they thrive, because people take the time to volunteer and donate.”
Mayor shares recent neighbourly experience
Funk says there is kindness all around, adding that he and his wife recently experienced the small-town warmth that Steinbach is recognized for.
“We just went through something. Three weeks ago, Lori had a knee operation and the amount of meals that came to the door was overwhelming. We still have meals in our freezer. I can cook too, and I was prepared to, but people brought desserts, they brought meals. They stayed for 1/2 an hour to visit. It was so much fun. So, I felt firsthand cared for and loved.”
Community values that span generations and backgrounds
Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra echoes the praise for Steinbach’s sense of community.
Zwaagstra, who moved to Steinbach at age 11, shared a personal story that demonstrated the city’s generosity. After both of his family’s vehicles were stolen, he posted about it on Facebook. Within minutes, three people — including two council colleagues — offered him a vehicle to borrow.
“People were just so kind and so generous,” he said. “That was just one example of how neighbourly Steinbach is.”
Zwaagstra says Steinbach’s welcoming attitude is something newcomers quickly notice, no matter their background or political beliefs.
“We have people in Steinbach that have different opinions on things, but we get along on a personal level,” he says. “That’s one of the things I like most about our community.”