Steinbach City Council is taking a new approach to community safety by approving the hiring of a private security company to supplement existing policing services.
Council responds to ongoing RCMP staffing shortages
The decision came during this week's council meeting, following ongoing concerns about RCMP staffing shortages. Council unanimously approved a motion put forward by Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra, authorizing city staff to begin the process of contracting a private firm to provide security services within the city. "If we don't have an officer, we don't have to pay for that officer, so we've authorized our staff to use money already set aside within our regular policing budget."
Zwaagstra noted that while the RCMP continues to work hard, the shortage of officers has strained resources. "The number of actual officers that we're getting is below the number that we are requesting. This has been the case for the last two years," he said. "For example, this last year, we've authorized 18 RCMP members. The actual that we're getting is roughly 14 and a half. The previous year, it was just under 14. The year before that was around 15."
He added that while unfilled RCMP positions result in some budget savings, it compromises the level of coverage that Council intends for the community. "The solution is not simply adding RCMP officers, because we're not getting the number that we're (requesting) now."
Mayor, councillors emphasize need for supplemental coverage
Mayor Earl Funk echoed those concerns. "We talked with the (acting) staff sergeant frequently, and she often talks about the challenge of not having boots on the ground," Funk said. "This is a good way to put those boots on the ground. It will extend the arm of the RCMP and act as a deterrent to petty crimes, property crimes, and small thefts."
Council members emphasized that the move is meant to be a proactive step in addressing safety. Councillor Susan Penner said, "We're not getting the complement of RCMP we need. This is a relatively easy way to get security into our community because it's private, so there's a lot of flexibility in that and also it's going to be effective in terms of having visibility around the community."
Steinbach has already seen success using private security in targeted areas. Councillor Jac Siemens noted that the city hired a private company to patrol community parks at night, which has significantly reduced vandalism and theft. "I think this is important. It will help our community. And it will give the Council the opportunity to discuss long-term options of where we need to go."
Councillor Damian Penner added that the province is aware of the staffing challenges. "In a meeting with Manitoba Justice, they made it pretty clear that our RCMP shortages are a habitual challenge across the nation, not just in Manitoba and in Steinbach specifically. There was an urge to look at potential alternatives."
Funding to come from existing policing budget
The private security initiative will be funded using leftover dollars from the city's RCMP policing budget, as positions authorized by the city have remained vacant. According to financial records from the City of Steinbach, the city budgeted $3,296,314 for police services in 2022 but spent $2,924,599. In 2023, $3,394,785 was the budgeted amount while the actual amount spent by the city reached $4,243,935. The City’s Senior Manager of Finance explained that the majority of the difference was back pay. In 2024, Steinbach budgeted $3,845,859 and spent $3,822,898. For 2025, the city has budgeted $4,260,635 for police services.
Following the meeting, Funk explained that staff have begun collecting quotes from potential security providers, but no firm has been selected yet. "They're going to be meeting with them and they're going to be going with the best deal," he said.
Zwaagstra clarified that the private security will focus on patrols, especially to deter property crimes. "Being visible is a key thing because when you have security that is visible it makes it far less likely that a crime is going to take place. They will not have full policing powers like an RCMP officer, but private companies do enhance safety."
Zwaagstra also noted that the private security initiative is similar to previous measures approved by council, including working with Ste. Anne Police using MPI funding for additional traffic enforcement. "This Council has shown that we are flexible and that we do want to make sure that we keep our city safe."
Long-term policing plans under consideration
"We can hope to get a few officers in the next couple of years, but right now we're just going to have to work with the deficiencies we have," said Funk. "That is why Council has initiated talks on getting an outside security service to augment the RCMP service that we have."
Steinbach originally requested 18 officers about three years ago, he noted. "With the growth we've had—roughly 700 to 800 people per year—we probably need another two officers just because of growth. Even though we're doing better than the national average of about 30% short, we're still short between 15 and 20%. With safety being one of our priorities, we feel this is the next step to provide another safety net for our community."
Looking ahead, Zwaagstra acknowledged that long-term decisions may be needed. "The RCMP contract expires in 2032. Before that, we will have to start discussions about whether we continue with RCMP or potentially go with a municipal police force. We are certainly aware of the issues and want to plan for our long-term interests as a city."
Funk added, "We have been talking with (RCMP) D Division, Manitoba Justice, and Manitoba Policing. We will be making long-term decisions in the future and will do what's best for Steinbach."
Council praises efforts of local RCMP detachment
Both leaders emphasized their appreciation for local RCMP efforts. Zwaagstra said, "There are many positive things we can say about what the RCMP do in Steinbach. When we added the dedicated traffic officer, it made a significant difference to racing on Main Street. Even though that officer isn't always available due to shortages, the RCMP are making every effort to deal with these issues."
Funk added, "When serious crimes happen, like just this last weekend at Summer in the City, RCMP are there immediately. They do come, but they have to prioritize when there are more calls than they have resources to handle at once."
RCMP Advisory Board provides regular oversight
The city continues to work closely with the RCMP through its Advisory Board, which includes Mayor Funk, Deputy Mayor Zwaagstra, the detachment commander, and two community representatives, Trevor Arsenault and Ruben Singh. "It's an opportunity to raise priority areas, discuss issues, and get updates directly from the RCMP leadership," said Zwaagstra.
Funk noted that residents are encouraged to bring concerns to council members, who can then bring them forward to the Advisory Board. "One time, a resident gave me two pages of license plates of cars that had done infractions in front of their place. I brought them forward and the (acting) staff sergeant worked on them when they had time. That is one way residents can be heard."