With the RCMP shortages across Manitoba, our community is taking a new approach when it comes to safety.
The City of Steinbach hired Steinbach Security Services on July 2, 2025, to protect and serve residents — particularly in construction zones, residential neighborhoods, and public parks.
“It’s been very successful... I applaud our council. This is a very proactive approach and is one of the big reasons why our city is so successful,” Brian Brunelle, owner of Steinbach Security, says.
“Our council is doing what they need to do in order to make this a safer place for all of us.”
Recruitment challenges
Brunelle explains that police departments — and the RCMP — across the country are facing recruitment challenges.
“Every police force right now is having hiring issues... That may be that a lot of people aren’t interested in pursuing that type of career right now, especially with the way the world has changed,” he says.
“Either way, whether that have the full complement or not, the RCMP will rebound, just like every police force will rebound. It just takes some time and patience.”
Surveying for safety
Since the beginning of their contract with the city, Steinbach Security Services have been hard at work — preventing four construction thefts thus far.
“We do have surveillance cameras in all of our (vehicle) units... You may not be arrested that night, but based on our video footage, you may get a visit from the RCMP the next day,” Brunelle says.
He says the presence of more security and police vehicles deters folks from committing crimes.
“The more you see, whether if it’s police, security, whatever, it just gives your brain (a message), oh, I better not do anything (illegal).”
Brunelle says his team is experienced with members of former RCMP, conservation officers, and retired sherifs.
“We bring years of experience to the table,” Brunelle explains.
Next steps
The city plans to review the program’s effectiveness later this fall.
“I'm hoping with the results that we’re providing already (shows) that this is turning out to be successful and was a great idea by the city.”
Brunelle encourages residents to let city council and administration know about the beneficial impacts they’ve seen so far.
Written with files from Corny Rempel