Steinbach’s Housing Revolution Is Changing Everything

Published: May 26th, 2025

Housing affordability isn’t just a big-city problem. In Steinbach, Manitoba, local leaders are rewriting the rules with a straightforward approach: build more homes, especially multifamily ones.

The strategy is working.

In 2024, Steinbach set a new residential growth record, issuing permits for 344 new dwelling units. The breakdown reveals a significant shift: 255 multi-family units compared to just 89 single-family and two-family homes. Total residential permit value? An impressive $77 million.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. Behind this boom is a deliberate strategy that’s reshaping how this growing Manitoba city approaches housing affordability.

The Economics of Housing Affordability

When housing prices climb beyond reach, the solution might be simpler than you think.

Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra frames Steinbach’s approach through basic economics: “If you have a limited supply of something, in this case housing, and you have a lot of demand, then prices are going to go up. And so one of the best ways to address housing affordability is to have more housing available, both single family and multifamily.”

This isn’t revolutionary economic theory. It’s common sense applied to urban planning.

What makes Steinbach’s approach noteworthy is how systematically they’re implementing this principle. The city council has approved multiple rezoning applications that transform lots originally zoned for low-density housing into medium-density residential properties.

The result? More duplexes, triplexes, and apartment buildings in areas previously limited to single-family homes.

Beyond Housing: Economic Ripple Effects

The benefits of Steinbach’s housing strategy extend beyond just putting roofs over heads.

Councillor Susan Penner points out the broader economic implications: “Often businesses look at whether there’s enough labour available when deciding to invest in a community. This year’s incredible housing numbers show that Steinbach is a healthy, vibrant community.”

Think about it: businesses need workers, workers need housing, and communities need both to thrive.

By addressing housing supply constraints, Steinbach is positioning itself as an attractive destination for both residents and businesses. The housing boom creates construction jobs in the short term while laying groundwork for long-term economic growth.

Councillor Damian Penner reinforces this connection: “The best way to counter inflation and cost of living is to balance supply and demand, and there’s plenty of demand, and this is helping to increase the supply, so I hope they keep on going so that we can help our residents on the cost as much as possible.”

Lessons for Other Communities

What can other municipalities learn from Steinbach’s approach?

Start with economics. Understanding the fundamental relationship between supply, demand, and price provides clarity when making policy decisions.

Use rezoning strategically. Converting low-density areas to medium-density zones creates more housing options without requiring entirely new infrastructure.

Balance growth directions. Combining vertical development (taller buildings) with horizontal expansion prevents the drawbacks of exclusively pursuing either approach.

Maintain community input. Public hearings and case-by-case reviews ensure development aligns with neighborhood character and resident needs.

Connect housing to economic development. Recognize that housing availability directly impacts business investment and workforce attraction.

The Road Ahead

Steinbach residents can expect more public hearings related to rezoning in the coming months. The city shows no signs of slowing its push for expanded multifamily housing opportunities.

The strategy appears to be working. More supply is entering the market, creating options across different housing types and price points.

For communities facing similar housing challenges, Steinbach offers a practical blueprint: apply sound economic principles, make strategic zoning changes, and balance different types of growth.

No revolutionary technology or complex financial instruments required. Just straightforward policy changes based on supply and demand.

Sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest.