Steinbach Chief Administrative Officer Troy Warkentin says staff worked hard last year to successfully carry out city council's plans. He presented his annual report to city council this week. Warkentin notes it is a constant challenge to stay ahead of the curve because Steinbach has experienced growth like no other city in the province.

Steinbach CAO and City Manager Troy Warkentin"The average growth rate over the past 20 years in Steinbach has been just under four per cent (per year). That is astounding when you consider what the average is for Manitoba which is just over one per cent in that same period. It certainly is a testament to what is happening in Steinbach and also the region. We are anticipating that the growth rate will remain similar. We certainly are taking steps and measures to ensure that the city is well positioned to be able to facilitate that growth."

Mayor Chris Goertzen says a big piece of that puzzle will be completed this year as the city's second water source and water treatment plant is built. But that's not all.

"We're certainly going to be looking at recreation and that will always be a challenge for us as a city. But when it comes to basic infrastructure, certainly wastewater management continues to be something we have our eyes on. Our lagoon underwent a large expansion in 2009. We want to make sure that we continue to have capacity and that we don't run out."

Goertzen adds city council is very pleased with the way the city is being managed.

"The City Manager and our staff have worked very hard to make sure that our city runs well. We have a good staff, we have a good manager who has been managing a city that has been growing at four per cent per year for over a decade - plus. It's really encouraging to see how they've managed it and how they've managed this growth."