SteinbachOnline

After years of planning and construction, the Southeast Event Centre (SEC) in Steinbach is preparing to welcome the community for its much-anticipated grand opening on Thursday, August 21. 

"This has been decades in the making," says Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk. "Back in the late '80s, City Council began purchasing land downtown knowing that one day, we would need more space for recreation and community events. That vision is finally coming to life." 

For Funk’s Autobody in Steinbach, the upcoming “Fix a Dent, Fund a Cure” event is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a heartfelt initiative rooted in personal experiences. Owner Myles Chaput shares, “Cancer has touched all of our lives, including within our own business circles. Cystic fibrosis hits even closer to home for me personally; both of my cousins were born with it. I’ve watched them battle it their entire lives.”

When Chef Sachin Fernandopulle accepted the role of executive chef at Grandpa’s Café in December 2024, he saw it as more than just a career move – it was a personal challenge. Having honed his culinary skills in Winnipeg’s five-star hotels and institutions, Fernandopulle was eager to bring his expertise to a smaller community.

“It was my first time working in a small community,” he says. “I took it as a challenge, and I’m loving it so far.”

Danny Berg’s journey with D&A Sales and Service began in the most modest of settings: his garage in Kleefeld. What started in July 2023 as a one- or two-day-a-week side hustle has now grown into a thriving business with a 2,500-square-foot facility – and big dreams for the future. 

“I started with a hope, a prayer, and a couple bucks,” Berg says with a chuckle. “We were repairing motors and pressure washers out of a 400-square-foot garage. It was very small at first, but we’ve come a long way.” 

Chris Funk, known on stage as The Wonderist, is bringing his signature mix of magic and music to the Southeast Event Centre this Friday, and for the Manitoba-born performer, it feels like a heartfelt return.

"I spent most of my life in Winnipeg with roots near Steinbach – my parents are from the Grunthal area and the Arnaud area – and I went to school in Gretna," Funk says. "So this really is a homecoming."

When you talk to Gilles Perron, owner of Premium Plumbing, one thing becomes clear right away – this is someone who truly loves what he does.

“Every day is not a chore to get up and go to work. I love my job. I love the guys I work with,” says Perron. “We’ve got such a great team and every day is a blessing.”

Founded out of a lifelong fascination with water, steam, gas, and fire, Premium Plumbing has quickly become one of the most trusted names in plumbing and gas fitting throughout the Southeast.

The annual Canada Day celebration in Vita is shaping up to be one for the books, with organizers promising a dynamic blend of long-standing favourites and exciting new attractions. Ang Boychuk, one of the lead organizers, says the two-day festival offers something for everyone.

"We have a lot of recurring things happening that we've had in past years like our strong man competition, baseball tournament, some rodeo ring activities, and lots of kids activities," Boychuk says.

Whether it's a day-trip or for a longer stay, Buffalo Point Resort will leave their guests both speechless while also having them unable to stop talking about all the amazing amenities found in this one, majestic location.

Midcan Powersports is carving out a fresh path for motorsport lovers in the Southeast. Officially opening its doors on March 1, the new dealership has taken over BRP sales and service from Enns Brothers, setting up shop at 260 Park Road West in Steinbach. Focused exclusively on BRP products – including ATVs, Ski-Doos, and side-by-sides – Midcan is a one-stop destination for outdoor adventure gear.

As downtown Steinbach prepares to welcome thousands for the annual Summer in the City festival, the people behind the scenes are putting final touches on the plans for food trucks, stages, and activities that bring the event to life.

Festival organizers share their top picks, personal favourites, and special moments that make Summer in the City one of Manitoba’s most anticipated weekends.