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On again, off again. It’s the ongoing saga of a potential multiplex, new arena or performing arts centre in Steinbach. We have followed all city council resolutions, motions and voting as well as budgets, planning and construction. Here’s a chronological look at the last many years of this hot button issue in our city.

The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce has announced that this year’s Taste of Steinbach event will take place at the newly opened Southeast Event Centre. The annual event, which celebrates local food and community, is scheduled for May 27.

Taste of Steinbach expands to new venue

Tessa Masi, executive director of the chamber, shared the update during a recent presentation to Steinbach city council.

“Last year we were at the airport, we had 500 guests there,” said Masi. “This year, because the Southeast Event Centre is so brand new, we are going to be hosted in there. We’ve upped our number of tickets to be just over 600, so more people are able to attend. Tickets are going to go on sale shortly.”

Tickets for the event will be available through the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce website. Masi said the chamber is focused on continuing to elevate the event each year.

An “ice-ential” part of the Southeast Event Centre is ready to go, bringing it one step closer to opening.

Mike Pries, the senior arena and parks maintenance manager with the City of Steinbach, says ice making in the building is complete — thanks to the help of some new equipment, including a new ice plant.

“We’re running at 325 horsepower instead of the old one which was 155 (horsepower). So, our cooling capacity is really good right now,” he says.

Despite the newness of the facility and some equipment, he says the process stays the same.

Well, except for the fact that this year, they had to prep the concrete for the ice.

After a decade of dreaming, years of planning, countless months fundraising, and day after day of hard work, the Steinbach Pistons proudly opened their space in the Southeast Event Centre.

Head Coach and GM Paul Dyck has been right there every step of the way, alongside his brother Russ, and he had to pause when asked to talk about the space that to him, is more than just an area for hockey players.

“Took me a moment there, that’s a big question, there’s a lot,” he said with a laugh. “I needed a second to get my thoughts together. Depending where you start, you just walk into the locker room, there’s a lot of nice touches. We wanted to create something that would be around for a long, long time.

You may assume, and rightly so, that the Southeast Event Centre will have concessions selling arena favourites such as hot dogs and popcorn. However, culinary offerings, even in the concessions area, will go well beyond – with an onsite restaurant for those seeking a more elevated dining experience.

Led by Hylife Corporate Chef JP Charpentier, Forum & Bistro will be a casual French bistro, where people can come to enjoy a good meal and have a good time.

The Steinbach Pistons are counting down the days until they can finally call the Southeast Event Centre home. 

With lines and logos getting painted on the ice and the video boards nearly completely installed, excitement is building. A booth promoting season tickets and multi-game packs was a popular destination during Steinbach’s 5-4 win over Dauphin inside their temporary La Broquerie home Feb. 21. 

Steinbach residents have been waiting for almost two decades for this moment: the Southeast Event Centre is finally going to open its doors this spring.
The $75-million, multi-purpose downtown hub was slated to open in fall 2024, and then in December — but this time, it’s for sure, organizers say.
“If it doesn’t open in March, it will open in April, but it’s opening,” said Grant Lazaruk, president of Southeast Events Group, the volunteer organization that will run the facility on behalf of owner City of Steinbach.

Steinbach’s Southeast Event Centre is on track for completion, with ice making to start in a couple of weeks and occupancy expected by March. That is according to City Manager Troy Warkentin. He provided a detailed construction update to city council during a public meeting on Tuesday evening, highlighting progress on both the exterior and interior of the facility.

For Ken Dyck, hockey has always been more than just a game – it’s a tradition, a way to bring family together, and a cherished part of the Steinbach community. What started as a love for the sport has blossomed into a family tradition that has…

The Southeast Event Group is a volunteer group, non-profit organization whose sole focus is to enrich the lives of those in the southeast through community events, sports, recreation, social and cultural activities.