Adult & Teen Challenge (ATC) of Central Canada, located in Steinbach, is on the move again, and the leadership team is thrilled about it.
“Yeah, this is a big deal for us,” said Daniel Emond, President and CEO of ATC Central Canada. “This will be our third and hopefully permanent location for our vocational training program and community outreach office in Steinbach.”
Last week at a City Council meeting, they officially approved the conditional use permit for their new facility at 16 Pioneer Road, clearing the way for a big step forward for the addiction recovery and vocational training organization.
History of Adult and Teen Challenge in Steinbach
The addictions recovery program was first set up in Steinbach in 2021 at 258 Main Street. Then, in May 2022, their Men's Centre opened for operation. ATC Steinbach soon realized that their well-used Community Outreach programming and Mini-Thrift were outgrowing their space, and the organization looked for another location in Steinbach.
“We’ve very much appreciated our current location at 354 Main Street,” Emond said. “Thing is, when we signed the lease, the owner told us the building was at the end of its life. We were only guaranteed two years, and that lease ran out in March 2025.”
With new developments already rising next door, it became urgent to find a new home, and fast. That’s when ATC was offered a new opportunity: a 20,000 sq ft facility formerly used by enVision/Kindale. The building is well-suited to ATC’s needs, with existing offices, a boardroom, a large garage/workshop, and enough space to house every aspect of their programming in one place.
“It’s almost like God knew exactly what we needed,” Emond said. “The layout is perfect, we need very few renovations, and best of all, it’s right near the men’s campus. The guys can just walk across a field to get to work.”
Moving in by September
The facility will house the Super Thrift store, vocational training programs, the Ready Now Recovery support groups, and clinical counselling services—all under one roof. Emond said the goal is to move in by September, but they’ll need the community’s help to get there.
“So, we are looking at a $2 million purchase,” he said. “But it’s money we don’t currently have. So, yes, we can take on a mortgage, but we’re asking Steinbach residents and supporters to consider donating and make a long-term investment in the community.”
City Council gives thumbs up
Steinbach City Council unanimously approved the conditional use permit at their July 2 public hearing.
City Manager Troy Warkentin explained that because the site is zoned industrial, retail use (such as the Super Thrift store) required special approval. While there were no objections, Council did add some conditions: the water service to the site must be upgraded, and the permit will expire if retail activity ends.
Mayor Earl Funk and Councillor Michael Zwaagstra both pointed out that this proposal was very different from a similar one denied earlier this year. That earlier proposal was to build on a vacant industrial lot. “This is about repurposing an existing building,” said Zwaagstra. “It’s a practical solution that supports community needs.”
Emond couldn’t agree more.
“This location allows us to continue offering immediate crisis support, intervention, counselling, support groups for families and individuals, and trauma-informed care. It’s so exciting to have everything in one place.”
Looking for help with the move
Adult and Teen Challenge is also welcoming volunteers and supporters to step up.
“There’ll be opportunities to help with moving, some renovations, like fixing up the driveway and replacing a few doors. We need hands-on help, and we need prayers,” Emond said.
Anyone wanting to support the move financially or through volunteer work can contact ATC directly.
“This is a long-term home for us, and for the people in Steinbach who need us. We’re just incredibly thankful for the city’s support, and for the way things came together.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit teenchallenge.tc or call the Steinbach office at 204-949-9484.