Steinbach and Winkler may be hockey rivals, but off the ice, their councils are proving they’re stronger together.
On Monday, June 23, Steinbach City Council welcomed members of Winkler’s council and administration for a full day of touring, discussion and collaboration. The visit included a close look at new developments, community facilities, and future opportunities for joint advocacy.
Learning from each other’s successes
The visit was sparked by conversations that took place earlier this year in Ottawa, when both councils attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference. Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk said that’s when he and Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens agreed it was time for a more intentional exchange.
“We sent them an invite, and they picked Monday as the day to come out,” said Funk. “They brought their city planner, their engineer, and their finance manager, and we showed them around our community.”
One of the key stops was Lexington Village, where Winkler’s delegation met directly with the developer to ask questions about how Steinbach is supporting affordable homeownership.
“They really liked the whole culture of that community and what it does, how it just fosters a great neighbourhood,” said Funk. “I think they’re going to go back and try to get some traction for something like that in their community.”
The group also toured the Steinbach Community Event Centre, a facility Funk described as a “jewel of the southeast.” The Winkler officials were impressed by its design, versatility, and community potential.
United voice in advocacy
Beyond infrastructure, both councils spent time over lunch discussing shared challenges and how to advocate more effectively with the provincial government.
“One of the things Henry and I talked about was that we should start advocating together,” said Funk. “That we should go into Winnipeg and meet with ministers together, so they see a united front between two of the larger communities in our province.”
Funk said both cities are experiencing growth well above the national average, and there is strength in speaking with one voice when it comes to key issues like wastewater infrastructure, development approvals, and housing.
An ongoing partnership
Funk emphasized that while the cities continue to compete in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, the relationship between their councils is focused on collaboration.
“We are always working together. The rivalry on the ice is merely for fun,” he said. “We love our teams, we love our cities, but we also want to grow our province.”
In return for the visit, Steinbach officials plan to tour Winkler’s facilities in 2026, once renovations to their hockey arena are complete.
“They’ve told me we can be on the first guest list,” Funk said with a smile.
He added that both cities share a vision not just for their own communities, but for the broader success of Manitoba.
“They’re a great bunch of people. Their vision for their community and for the province is so in sync with ours, and that’s why it works so positively together. I’m really looking forward to what we can collaborate on and what we can bring back to our communities.”