Steinbach is on track to break another building record, with more than $95 million in construction permits issued in the first three quarters of 2025. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, members reviewed September’s numbers, which show continued strength in both residential and commercial development. A strong third quarter finish In September alone, the city issued permits for 21 single and two-family homes, 32 multi-family homes, and 33,081 square feet of commercial space. The total permit value for the month reached $17,646,992. That brings the year-to-date total to $95,415,329 in construction value, including 68 single and two-family homes, 245 multi-family homes, and 185,296 square feet of new commercial space. Mayor Earl Funk said the pace of development is remarkable. “September 2025, we've had an amazing month,” said Funk. “Just over $17.5 million in permits. Lots of single-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, and also some significant commercial and industrial. Just a fantastic month to finish off the third quarter.” “Try and stop us” Councillor Susan Penner said Steinbach’s rapid growth is drawing attention from potential investors. “The mayor and I were in a meeting today with a potential business that is coming to Steinbach, and he asked, ‘Are you still planning to grow Steinbach?’ And I just said, try and stop us. It is just booming, said Penner.” She added that Steinbach’s growth creates a cycle of opportunity, attracting both residents and new business development. Welcoming new families Councillor Damian Penner noted that the housing numbers represent dozens of families choosing to make Steinbach their home. “It’s 53 new families that will be moving into Steinbach,” he said. “It’s great to see our developers really push forward, not only in residential but commercial. Kudos to them for continuing to invest and double down into the community.” Another record year likely Mayor Funk said Steinbach’s 2024 numbers were already historic, with a record 344 new housing units and $105 million in building value. With three months left in 2025, this year’s totals are already approaching those figures. “We are now presently at 313 housing units, only 31 away from last year’s record,” Funk said. “It’s possible that this could be another record year after a record year, and that is what’s exciting.” He added that council’s focus on fostering a welcoming business environment is helping the city sustain long-term growth. “It’s our job as council to create an environment where people want to develop, where people want to be,” Funk said. “If we make it desirable and easy to be here, people will be here.” Steady, organic growth After the meeting, Funk emphasized that the city’s current growth is driven by steady, community-based development. “This year, it’s all organic residential and commercial,” he said. “There are no $20 million office buildings like we’ve had in the past. It’s just real, steady, solid growth that’s organically generated within the community.” Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra said that growth is also a sign of Steinbach’s livability. “People like living in Steinbach,” he said. “There are new businesses, new restaurants, and it’s a great place to raise a family. Kids grow up here and choose to stay here, and of course, then they need their place to live.” Zwaagstra added that continued population growth makes Steinbach an attractive location for new businesses. “When a city is growing and the population is going up, that makes us very appealing,” he said. “Whether you’re a manufacturer or a restaurant, it’s always appealing to be in a growing city like ours.” Year-over-year comparison shows Steinbach nearing another record Steinbach’s building permit activity in 2025 is closely tracking last year’s record-setting pace, with both residential and commercial construction continuing to drive strong growth. In 2024, the city set a new benchmark by issuing permits for 344 new dwellings, including 89 single and two-family homes and 255 multi-family units. The total residential permit value reached $77,046,419, and when combined with $27,850,889 in commercial projects, Steinbach’s overall permit value climbed to $104,897,308. So far in 2025, after only three quarters, the city has issued permits for 313 new dwellings — 68 single-family and 245 multi-family units — and 185,296 square feet of commercial space. Residential construction has accounted for $62,054,653 in permit value, while commercial development totals $33,360,676, bringing the overall value to $95,415,329. With three months remaining in the year, Steinbach has already reached 91 per cent of last year’s record permit total and is within 9 per cent of surpassing its all-time high.