32 city planners from across Canada toured Steinbach last Thursday to get a first-hand look at how our city is laid out. The tour was part of the Canadian Institute of Planners national conference in Winnipeg. During a stop at the Community Plaza along Elmdale Street, Mayor Chris Goertzen and former City Manager Jack Kehler explained the 30 to 40-year process of acquiring land and then developing the various facilities in and around the plaza.

Khalid Mohammed, Manager of Planning and Development for High River, Alberta says he likes Steinbach's focus on developing according to the needs and wants of people.

"I'm a strong believer in people first. When I hear the mayor talk about the design of this plaza, that it's all about connecting people, that's one of the most critical aspects of planning. And, when I see it happening not only in theory but in practice, that it is in place and you can see people connecting and moving around, it's a great achievement. That should be a selling feature for the community to attract more people."

Mohammed says he also appreciates that Steinbach was able to maintain its focus and commitment to developing the plaza area over a long span that featured five different mayors and many different city councillors.

"When they know where they want to get to, it doesn't matter how often they change the mayor and councillors, that commitment pays off. That's why this is absolutely a great image for me to take back to my community, that the commitment we have from all councillors today, we would like to see it continue so that we can have a great community."

He adds many communities can learn from that commitment to a vision. Mohammed says Steinbach is the envy of many communities and that is a tribute to city council and the planning team in Steinbach.