Steinbach, Manitoba

For other locations with this name, see Steinbach (disambiguation)

Steinbach is a city of approximately 9,227 people (2001), located in the province of Manitoba, Canada. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Manitoba, with a population growth of 8.8% between the last two census periods.

(Source: Statistics Canada)

History

Steinbach (meaning "Stony Creek" in German) was founded in 1874 by Mennonite settlers from Russia. The Mennonite Heritage Village museum, located in the city, provides a glimpse at the life of these settlers through a reconstructed village and interpretive displays. Its Dutch windmill, which was rebuilt (with help from Dutch millwrights) after the 1972 replica was destroyed by arson in 2001, is a recognized symbol of the city. Persons of Mennonite descent continue to form a majority in Steinbach, although immigration to the area (especially from Germany) is rapidly increasing. In 2003 Steinbach residents narrowly voted in a local referendum to end liquor prohibition. Steinbach made the news again in 2004 when it was satirized under an alternate name in Miriam Toews' best-selling novel A Complicated Kindness.

Economy

As the economic centre of Southeastern Manitoba, service/retail industries employ the majority of the working population. Large manufacturing plants, especially those operated by Biovail and Loewen Windows (which is also based in Steinbach) also create a significant number of jobs. Agriculture, the traditional industry in the region, continues to dominate the economy as well.

Sports

Steinbach is home to the Eastman Selects ice hockey team that plays in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League. It is also home to the Eastman Raiders Football Club of the Manitoba Minor Football Association ^*

Notable Steinbachers

Scott Bairstow, actor
Jake Epp, politician
Patrick Friesen, poet
The Pets, rock band
Miriam Toews, novelist
The Undecided, pop-punk band
Erich Vogt, physicist
The Waking Eyes, alternative rock band
Ian White, Professional Hockey Player (AHL, NHL)

External links

Cities in Manitoba