The newly-elected Steinbach city council includes a mix of veterans and rookies. Incumbents Michael Zwaagstra, Susan Penner and Jac Siemens were re-elected along with new councillors Jake Hiebert, Damian Penner and Bill Hiebert.

Zwaagstra, who got the most votes of any councillor, says council will now have to tackle the issue of renewing facilities for recreation and culture.

"One thing we heard very clearly, and this was from all the candidates who were running, is that we want to see improvements in the area of recreation. The new council will be meeting soon and we are going to have to discuss our priorities and we are going to have to see which areas we agree upon, in which areas we can find some consensus or where there might be some disagreements, and see if there is a positive path forward. I am optimistic that with our mayor and the other members of council, that we'll be able to move our city forward in a good direction."

Susan Penner, who had the second-most votes, also thinks this council will work well together.

"I am very excited for this term. It looks like it's going to be a good council."

Penner adds she is a little surprised that she is the only woman on city council and hopes that in the future, more women will run because they bring an important perspective to the table.

Jake Hiebert says he would like to do something about public safety in Steinbach.

"People are very concerned about public safety so there are concerns there. And also, securing jobs for our kids who are graduating and newcomers to this community and also longtime residents, we need to secure jobs and I am looking forward to filling that void."

Damian Penner says his priorities align closely with the other councillors.

"Number one is we really need to work on our economic development, that's a focus that hasn't necessarily been the biggest priority from council, so we need to look at that. And, we need to start working on our plan for recreation facilities."

Veteran councillor Jac Siemens likes the blend of experienced and inexperienced members of council.

"I'm very happy that Susan and Michael are back in, the three of us as incumbents and having Earl as mayor, who has also been there eight years, will also make a difference. As we go through the process in the next couple of weeks, as we set the agenda for the next four years, as we set all the different goals and put all that in place, it will be good. It will be interesting. But as much work as we have done to get elected, now the work starts."

Bill Hiebert was not available for comment this morning.

The new city council will hold its inaugural meeting in mid-November.