It was exactly one year ago when COVID-19 sunk its teeth into the city of Steinbach.

Last November saw case counts of the deadly virus skyrocket in Manitoba. And it seemed every day, more and more new cases were being announced for Steinbach. So much so, that some people had dubbed Steinbach as the COVID-19 capital of Canada.

The month saw a protest in Steinbach where hundreds of people voiced their opposition towards mask mandates. That same month saw candles lit in Steinbach as an act of solidarity with health care workers, patients and their families; health care workers referred to as heroes.

he had that better days lay ahead, Funk says it is actually quite easy to remain positive when you have a great community like Steinbach.

"And that is why I've always been very encouraged by our people, I've been encouraged by what I see," he adds.

Funk says his message has always been to care for one's neighbour. And because he has stood by that motto, Funk says there are no announcements or decisions, COVID-19 related that he has made in the last 12 months that today he wishes he could take back.

"My decisions were always to think of my neighbour and think of my residents and just think of my employees and put them first," he says. "And that I would not change, that I would do again. I would always put my neighbourhood first, I would put my family first and that's what we did and that is the decision to put others first, I would stand by that decision again."

At a time when COVID-19 seems to be such a divisive topic, Funk stresses that there is so much more to our city than this virus. He refers to the growth of Steinbach from a construction perspective as something positive to rather focus on. And, Funk says this year's announcement that a new events centre will be built in Steinbach is something to build on.

When comparing November 2021 to November 2020, Funk says he honestly believes that Steinbach is in a better place today and headed in the right direction. That does not mean that Steinbach will not see spikes in the number of residents with COVID-19. But, rather than focus on those numbers, Funk says he is choosing to focus on taking care of his neighbours and having compassion for one another. He reminds us that a year ago, only essential businesses could be open.

"Now, everyone is open," he says. "And that is what is exciting, that we can do business, that a business can actually give the service that they are intended to give in our community. And that's what I'm happy about over this year from last year."