Steinbach has completed the purchase of a group of five houses along Hanover street as part of a 25-year process of acquiring land there. Council this week approved spending $280,000 to purchase a home at 380 Hanover Street, effective next June. The city already owns the two lots on either side of the property.

Councillor Cari Penner moved approval of the acquisition, noting this gives the next city council some tremendous options.

"There is a large block of available land that can be used for any purpose such as residential high density or commercial entities, hotels, whatever needs may come into the downtown area. This is part of a long-term vision. I believe this (property) is a good

City council this week agreed to purchase 380 Hanover Street.piece since we do own the two lots directly to the north and to the south."

Mayor Chris Goertzen agrees the city will now have some very good options for that site.

"This is really one of those major pieces that will allow us to move forward with some plans here, whether it's recreation, whether it's other plans, whether it's mixed-use or some other sort of development. I think the next council will have a great opportunity."

City council voted 6-1 to approve the land purchase. Councillor John Fehr was opposed saying he doesn't agree with land acquisition there ever since the city abandoned plans for a multiplex downtown.