Steinbach City Council has awarded two major tenders for 2026 infrastructure projects, with both contracts coming in well under budget.

At its meeting Tuesday evening, council approved contracts for the annual Capital Works Program and the Millwork Drive wastewater sewer renewal. In both cases, multiple bids were received and the successful tenders were significantly lower than consultant estimates.

Capital Works program under budget

The 2026 Capital Works tender closed Feb. 23, with five bids received.

Corporate Services Manager Adam Thiessen said the lowest bid fell within the consultant’s estimated budget of $1,972,455.

The recommended contract was awarded to Maple Leaf Construction for $1,379,680 plus applicable taxes.

This year’s program includes:

  • 280 metres of asphalt resurfacing on Maplewood Street between Loewen Blvd and Stonebridge Crossing

  • 530 metres of asphalt resurfacing on Stonebridge Crossing between PTH 12 and Albert Street

  • 90 metres of asphalt resurfacing on Cypress Place and another 90 metres on Meadowood Place

  • 320 metres of new sidewalk on Wyndham Estate Drive between Winston Place and Preston Place

  • 65 metres of new sidewalk on a public reserve connecting Winston Place to Deerfield Trail

Thiessen noted the pavement condition index ratings for the roads being resurfaced ranged from 30 to 49 per cent out.

Where does funding come from?

Funding will come from a combination of the general operating fund, the capital development reserve and the federal gas tax reserve.

Mayor Earl Funk said council was encouraged to see the project come in well below the original estimate.

Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra said the city's approach continues to pay off.

“This is our longstanding asphalt overlay program where we invest in making repairs to roads so that way they last on a longer-term basis.”

He added the city benefits by packaging multiple projects into one larger contract and getting to market early in the season.

Millwork Drive sewer renewal

Council also awarded the contract for the Millwork Drive wastewater sewer renewal project.

The tender closed the same day, with three bids received. The successful bidder was Friesen Hauling and Excavating at $1,462,540 plus applicable taxes.

The consultant’s estimate for the project was $2,129,607.

The project involves replacing 800 metres of 450-millimetre concrete wastewater pipe installed in 1965. 

“It will be upgraded to a 525 millimeter diameter PVC pipe, which will provide increased capacity and an expected lifespan of 75 to 100 years,” said Thiessen.

“This is, again, great news,” Funk responded. “We're roughly about $700,000 under budget again.” 

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Councillor Damian Penner said seeing tenders come in below expectations brings added stability to infrastructure planning.

He added that while residents often focus on more visible projects, core infrastructure remains council’s primary responsibility.

“It's nice to see some stability going into that and especially on infrastructure projects.”

Zwaagstra echoed that sentiment, noting that essential infrastructure does not always attract attention but is critical to the city’s operation.

“If the sewer pipe isn't working properly, not much else that we do is going to matter.” 

Early tender strategy

In a follow-up interview, Penner said going to tender early in the season is a long-standing strategy that continues to benefit Steinbach.

“That's a strategy that the city has used before I was even on council and that we have continued.” 

He said this allows contractors to plan their year more efficiently and offer more competitive pricing.

Penner also noted that grouping projects together under the Capital Works program helps contractors maximize efficiency. “So not just tender out each individual project, but do it more on a broader scale.” 

Council members noted that infrastructure renewal remains one of the city’s core values, with additional projects expected later this year, including a lift station on Park Road and ongoing planning for a larger wastewater initiative.

With both 2026 tenders awarded well below estimates, council said the cost savings provide additional flexibility within the city’s overall capital planning while continuing to prioritize essential infrastructure.