The Mayor for Steinbach says it's a great relief to the business community as well as residents with provincial restrictions set to loosen Saturday.

"I'm always happy when I hear that restrictions are lightening," Funk said after he heard the announcement earlier in the week. "I think the entire province and of course the residents of Steinbach are excited, too. Business can open further, there are fewer restrictions on retail and restaurants. It's a good thing. It will get more business happening in our community again and it allows business owners to do what they do and that's do business."

Funk says the business community has been struggling but so have a number of places and people. "I think when you're under restrictions for so long, everyone gets restriction weary. It's happened across our whole province and Steinbach is no exception. It's a step in the right direction. I'm looking forward to a life of post-COVID and I'm very excited for the restrictions that are lifting on Saturday."

When it comes to the people of Steinbach, Mayor Funk sends this message. "I want to thank you for doing your part. We're just about out of this, we just need to keep going. Use common sense wherever you can. Let's move forward and thanks to everyone for doing your part."

"One thing we've missed the most has been gathering at worship centers," Funk said. "It's something we've really missed. Getting together in church is very important for us. Having them open up more is also amazing. We've waited for this for so long. We've been praying and hoping for this and it's finally starting to happen."