The Mayor for Steinbach says the city is slowly bouncing back after a sluggish start to the year for building activity.

Earl Funk notes 2020 started slow, and then cooled off even more once COVID-19 hit. But he says June saw things turn around and it seems a lot of people are starting to spend money on their backyards.

"We've had a lot of pool permits come up, lot of deck permits and also basement development," says Funk. "So people are spending their money in their homes, they are upgrading their houses which is always a good thing."

"The citizens of Steinbach have been busy enjoying their backyards with all these decks and pools," adds Councillor Damian Penner. "It's good to see that they are getting outside and enjoying that."

From January 1st to June 30th of 2020, there were 37 total dwelling units added in Steinbach, worth $8.6 million. The total value of all permits issued was $13.1 million.

Even though it has been a slower start, Funk says he still believes 2020 has the potential to be a good year for construction activity.

"We are working on a lot of projects that are coming up, development agreements and that," says Funk. "They will come to Council soon, but at this point they are still in the working stage."

Funk notes some of this work is happening a little later than normal, but says a lot of that has to do with COVID-19.