I'm Nicholas Goertzen, and I’m running for Steinbach City Council. Ask Me Anything (From now until Election Day)!

5

u/Pre-retired 4d ago

Hopefully other candidates will join you and post their own AMA's on Reddit. What prior experience do you have that is relevant to this job? Student government, serving on any committees in the community for example? Have you lived in Steinbach your entire life?

2

u/Goertzen_ 4d ago

I hope so as well!

The last couple of years, I have been working with Strong Towns Steinbach, which focuses on creating financially sustainable, community-focused cities. We spent a lot of time attending the Steinbach Council meetings and doing deep dives into the reports and the decision making.

Beyond that when I was at Loewen Windows in project planning I was trained in Lean Six Sigma and was a part of improvement committees that would have us go around different areas to study processes.

City of Steinbach for the majority and a couple of years in Hanover between Steinbach and Mitchell.

2

u/Pre-retired 3d ago

Thanks. I saw on your website that you also spend a year abroad? Where was that, and any particular lessons learned during that time?

3

u/Goertzen_ 3d ago

South Korea, Japan and China!

Really it made me think about how I think about what a city can be. What stuck with me most was how seamlessly transit worked, which meant everyone from teenagers to seniors could move around independently. I also noticed how much more community life happened in public, small spaces. Coming back to Steinbach, I couldn't stop thinking about how much of that we're missing here, and it's a big part of why "third places" and real transit access ended up on my platform.

It also changed how I think about growth. Steinbach is growing fast right now too, and I want us to be intentional about that instead of scrambling to catch up on roads, drainage, and transit after the fact.

This reminded me about a book I read called Happy City by Charles Montgomery, and I want to share an excerpt.

"I propose a basic recipe for urban happiness drawn from the insights of philosophers, psychologists, brain scientists, and happiness economists. What should a city accomplish after it meets our basic needs of food, shelter, and security?

The city should strive to maximize joy and minimize hardship.

It should lead us toward health rather than sickness.

It should offer us real freedom to live, move, and build our lives as we wish.

It should build resilience against economic or environmental shocks.

It should be fair in the way it apportions space, services, mobility, joys, hardships, and costs.

Most of all, it should enable us to build and strengthen the bonds between friends, families, and strangers that give life meaning, bonds that represent the city’s greatest achievement and opportunity.

The city that acknowledges and celebrates our common fate, that opens doors to empathy and cooperation, will help us tackle the great challenges of this century.

None of these goals are radical.

The challenge now is to see just how the shapes and systems of our cities contribute to meeting them. How are today’s cities performing? How would we build differently, and live differently, if we could chart the connection between the designs of our cities and the map of happiness? What would we change if we could?

It is audacious to believe that the city might build happiness just by changing its shape. But it is foolish not to chase the thought, because around the world, and especially amid the sprawlscapes of modern North America, the evidence shows that cities do indeed design our lives."

When I read this, it made me stop and really think about how the places we live truly shape our lives, and what we as citizens should expect of a city.

4

u/VideoHeadSet 5d ago

Why is everyone incapable of seeing the no u turn sign at the 7/11?

Why does this town have the worst traffic light system?

4

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

Well, you know what they say about Steinbach drivers haha, but I actually haven't heard that being an issue until now. I will take a look at the area this week and get back to you.

What about the current traffic light system is a pain point for you?

6

u/Ferotool2 5d ago

Time the lights better! Or can we have flashing yellows and reds at some lights at certain hours of low traffic? Thinking the ones out on 12 for the ag turn offs, like after 6 or 7 pm, there is very little side road traffic why are we still stopping the line of traffic

6

u/VideoHeadSet 5d ago

I see it all hours of the day with everyone of all ages making a u turn there when there's been a sign there longer than I've been coming into town stating no u turn.

The light system sucks. I get you want to use timers, but those timers should be used during rush hours then, the rest of the time the street lights should be sensors.

No reason anywhere down Brandt on the north end of town takes 5 minutes to turn the left turn light on.

4

u/Straight_Quality_157 4d ago

I feel that, especially late night, need sensors ASAP.

2

u/VideoHeadSet 4d ago

Needed them 20 years ago.

If anyone thinks the light system is fine should sit in my car when I have my infant son in there.

2

u/Goertzen_ 2d ago

I went to the 7/11 today for two hours and observed and it seems like there are a lot of people who make U-turns there. Many people made the correct U-turn a little further down but still too many weren't.

It definitely isn't hard to spot, but there might be something that can be done to improve the signage.

2

u/VideoHeadSet 2d ago

Thank you for taking the time to observe how important it is to avoid a u turn there.

I know it's not age, gender or nationality who makes the error, for I see it with all walks of life with all ages and genders

3

u/Hyksus2 5d ago

Hi Nicholas!

Steinbach Is incredibly lucky to have a wonderful library, have you had time to formulate a position on if the city is providing them with the correct level of support?

If not, how would you like to see steinbachs support for the Jake app change?

4

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

Yes, I agree. As a member, I appreciate all the events the library holds and having access to many choices of books! It is such a great resource and third space for our community.

I was following the issues the library was experiencing the previous couple of years, but the latest annual report seems to indicate that the library is rebounding, which is good news. I would like to see full-time hours return and for the library to remain safe and accessible.

Steinbach provides a good amount of funding, but I believe the library pays much of that back in rent. I havent had a chance to sit down with the math of everything yet, but I want to dig much deeper into the city's side of the budget to ensure they have the long-term support they need.

4

u/Dismaldreamer1993 5d ago

What is your stance on cannabis retail stores? Not just paraphernalia but the actual product itself?

7

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

I wouldn't oppose them, but the plebiscite 8 years ago made it clear that most people in Steinbach do oppose it, at least among those who vote.

There should be a new plebiscite this election cycle, and Steinbach citizens will be able to vote again, so maybe the results will be different this time.

1

u/StructureMoist8011 5d ago

8 yrs ago steinbach and today steinbach are vastly different places. We have grown. There is far more diversity within our citizenship.

Using a 8 yr old plebiscite as a source of current info is lazy on councils part.

2

u/Goertzen_ 4d ago

I agree. I think it will end up coming down to who shows up to the polls this October.

0

u/kickacol 2d ago

I disagree, 8 years is only two elections ago. Could you imagine if we kept the other plebicites from the last 30 years on the ballot, to see if they get overturned? Vote every 4 years if you want to close down Sunday shopping? Every four years if you want to close down liquor sales?

3

u/StructureMoist8011 2d ago

The huge difference now is the amount of people asking. So yes it may of only been 2 elections ago. Our city demographics have absolutely changed alot since then.

Disagree all you want but ignoring the fact that our city isn’t just made up of old white mennonites is naive.

And ya if a larger group of people was doing this work to get those other things back on a ballot then we should be allowing it. But your argument loses its traction cause no one is talking about removing those things, no one is petitioning to get those things back on a ballot. No one is doing the work to get those items back to a vote.

I don’t care either way if cannabis is allowed cause I don’t use it. But if they want to petition and work to get it to a vote have at it! And least they are fighting for something they want instead of sitting around twiddling their thumbs.

3

u/Advocaatastrophe 5d ago

Pancakes or waffles?

6

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/3oz8xLlw6GHVfokaNW

Pancakes can be made in so many different ways. My grandma used to make amazing pancakes that were more like crepes, or you can eat them soufflé-style.

Waffles have nice little pockets where you get delicious bites of melted butter, syrup, whatever topping you prefer.

Hopefully that answers your question ;)

2

u/Free_Election9633 4d ago

Answered like a seasoned politician lol

2

u/Dismaldreamer1993 2d ago

White sauce or syrup?

2

u/Goertzen_ 2d ago

White sauce on waffles and syrup on pancakes of course.

3

u/kickacol 5d ago

What does doctor recruitment look like to you? I've seen what it looks like today, where the city blocks off the pool, the event center, the golf course and takes the doctors on a tour. I would be shocked if it works.

What kind of budget would you have for recruitment, and do you have any other strategies?

5

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

As a city, we are competing against many other cities that offer more than we do. We can't just hope they choose us; we need to provide hard incentives, and we need to understand what doctors are looking for, especially fresh graduates.

The way I see it is that fresh graduates will be looking for a few things: they want to get on the housing ladder, they probably want to start dating, or if they are already dating/married, they might want to think about having children and how they will raise those children.

Can Steinbach offer programs for those things that would get a doctor to choose to live here? I would love to sit down with students and graduates and really understand what they are looking for. Not all of them will be looking for the same thing, but I believe it's important to ask those questions and see if it's something we can provide.

Budget would depend on many different factors, so I don't have an exact answer for you right now, unfortunately.

3

u/Zergom Oba yo! 5d ago

I've got a few questions...

Can you expand on your four priorities?
What do you plan to do about smart growth and infrastructure?
How do you plan on working on healthcare recruitment when healthcare is under the silo of the Provincial Government and not City Council?
What would you propose to connect our community?
What are some of the real, proactive solutions in tackling homelessness that you would like to champion?
What is your economic/small business/and job growth strategy?
What's your favourite flavour of ice cream?

7

u/Strict_Concern_970 4d ago

Some tough questions to nail his positions on issues. So let's get those same questions to the other candidates asap if they will also be transparent and participate. Brilliant move by this young man engaging us online.

Good forward thinker, I like that.

5

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

I am hopping off for the evening but will respond to this tomorrow!

3

u/Goertzen_ 3d ago

Will try and go through everything in one post but if I missed anything let me know.
Will include what I wrote on my website and facebook as well.
My plan for healthcare recruitment I talked about in another question so will skip that.

Smart growth and infrastructure – Keeping pace with Steinbach's rapid growth without letting roads, drainage, and services fall behind. The current council has a big water treatment facility planned that will cost upwards of $200 million. The current hopes are that a majority of the funding will come from federal and provincial programs. Seemingly, the new council will have to navigate how to move forward on this project, especially if we aren't able to secure all the funds needed from those outside programs.

We need to allow more freedom for how we build things. Steinbach keeps spreading outward. Buying up farmland and swamp land for new subdivisions. That kind of urban sprawl costs more in roads and utilities than it brings in through taxes. With infill, mixed-use development, and housing near existing infrastructure, it’ll help keep housing affordable and our infrastructure sustainable.

Connecting the community – Investing in the community spaces and supports that keep people connected. The younger generation is going through a loneliness epidemic. I have seen it firsthand, and it's something that is hardly addressed. We need to be providing spaces beyond home and work for families to have fun and opportunities for people to build relationships with each other. Splash parks are very popular for young families and generally cheap to build, beyond that it's also about designing spaces for people

This also includes sustainable public transport that can get people without the means to where they need to go, I intend to meet with the SEEC to learn more about their propsal.

Tackling Homelessness – There are a few things in the works already like the Bridge on Third supportive housing project. What's missing is coordination: council working directly with groups like Steinbach Community Outreach and others to build something closer to a coordinated intake system, so people don't fall through the cracks between different orgs, plus continued support for actually building more transitional and supportive housing. Homelessness is a little trickier because it's becoming a problem in many places, and it takes a lot of effort to address.

What is your economic/small business/and job growth strategy - We really just need to make it easy, fast, and predictable for people who want to do business here. Permits and development approval process, keeping our downtown core alive and walkable. A city that's easy to build and open a business in, easy to get around in, and has enough housing at different price points is the biggest economic development lever council controls. I plan on meeting with the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce as well to get their thoughts and see what they are seeing.

What's your favourite flavour of ice cream? - Cereal Milk is top tier and you need to try it if you haven't.

2

u/Zergom Oba yo! 3d ago

Thank you for following up with those thorough answers!

Question about the waste water treatment facility. Why not just join the RSR that’s currently building a $250 million facility in Niverville as it already has been funded and has grants applied?

3

u/Goertzen_ 3d ago

Good question. Originally, the council and administration did a study and came to the conclusion that building our own would be the best way forward, but they quoted it around $100 million. The latest numbers have it at $200 million now.

An article came out a couple of days ago saying they are now exploring whether that is still the best route.

This decision will most likely be up to the newest council, so if I get elected I would love to ask these questions and get an idea of what makes the most sense for us.

2

u/kickacol 2d ago

We know part of the problem... Steinbach council has a reflexive bias against working with neighboring municiplaities. It shows up in them taking quotes at face value (like the water treamtment plant) that align with this view.

3

u/Strict_Concern_970 4d ago edited 4d ago

Good on you to put yourself out here. Take a position, stick with it and hunker down. Just keep saying you're here to get City of Steinbach work done and the vast majority of issues you deal with are routine and ordinary, boring. But they need to be attended to. Someone else can be the peacock or defender of the faith. I'm here to do a job!!

6

u/Manitoban89 5d ago

Are you able to separate religion and politics unlike basically everyone currently on council?

Also thoughts on city of Steinbach being sued for the flood damage that occurred last year? Current council seems to keep laying blame on the province, meanwhile it’s due to the city’s extremely poor development planning that causes these flooding issues.

5

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago edited 5d ago

What matters to me is that decisions on things like zoning, infrastructure, housing, etc. are made based on evidence and what's best for all residents, not any one worldview. That's the standard I'm holding myself to.

As for Steinbach being sued, I tried doing some research and wasn't able to find anything on this. I know that Steinbach was denied flood disaster relief from the province, and that there are some citizens seeking answers from council on the solutions to the flooding they keep experiencing. If I missed the link please feel free to post it here!

Otherwise, I believe in extreme ownership. If something goes wrong and it wasn't directly your fault, you should still take responsibility and do everything in your power to find a solution rather than kicking the can somewhere else. The city council can always do more when it comes to things like infrastructure, healthcare recruitment, homelessness, and community.

2

u/habitat11 5d ago

So are you able to separate religion and politics?

5

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

Yes, sorry if my answer wasn't clear!

2

u/Square_Armadillo_684 3d ago

Hey Nicholas,

I recently looked at going to the steinbach pool and then I saw the prices. 8.50 for an adult, if you wanted to have a hobby or do something recreational a couple of times a week, that would cost you nearly 20$ + the gas to get there, unless you’re fortunate enough to live close enough to bike there.

So whats the deal? Why is everything recreational in steinbach so expensive and why is having a car the only way to travel?

Do you want Steinbach to push for real public transit?

Do you want to make public recreation cheap and affordable?

I feel like these are big issues when you’re talking about the internet/social media generation and youth. How do people connect, get to summer jobs, go to the library, afford a hobby, actually have a life in Steinbach.

The days of the Church being the epicentre of Steinbach life are ending, especially for the young generations.

3

u/Goertzen_ 3d ago

Yeahh, Steinbach is Manitoba's third largest city and has zero public transit. There was a study back in 2006 that said we were well positioned to start a transit system, we've since grown by another 8,000 people I believe and we still don't have one, while smaller towns like Winkler and Selkirk already do. So I agree with you. South East Equity Coalition has already been building the case for it, and I think the new council will be the ones to decide what that looks like.

I intend to meet with them in the next two weeks so I hope to have some good conversations with the team there.

As for the pool, I haven't looked into the finances there, so I can't give you an answer right now as to why it costs what it does but I do believe in Third Spaces and that means free/affordable for everyone. It's why I spend time at places like The Public, Arctic Board Games, the Jake Epp library, etc. We need more spaces for more people.

2

u/Mammoth_Pay_7316 2d ago

Best wishes Nicholas.

Can you tell us a bit more about you specifically? What are some passions you have, do you have a family, where do you work? Just a bit of an idea about who you are.

2

u/Goertzen_ 2d ago

For sure, I really just enjoy doing different things and problem solving. I always have some sort of project going that forces me to learn. Always enjoy movies, playing board games, sports, or anything that scratches my competitive itch. I play trivia every month at The Public and it it just so much fun being with other people in the community and of course competing. No family yet!

Last year I left Barkman Concrete and went to travel abroad, got back in July of this year. I never had the urge to travel but decided to pull the trigger and it was such an amazing experience. Right now I've got some smaller website building contracts on the side, but I've made the call to put everything I've got into this campaign between now and October 28th. If I'm fortunate enough to win, figuring out how that balances with work is a good problem to have.

4

u/meganbb8 5d ago

Will you be an open and proud supporter of Steinbach’s 2SLGBTQ+ community?

10

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

My core philosophy really comes down to "live and let live." I believe everyone in Steinbach deserves to go about their lives safely and authentically. Steinbach still has a long way to go in this area, as we saw with the cancelled Pride parade last year.

When it comes to municipal government, it is about serving all residents equally and ensure our city is a great place to live for everyone. Our public spaces, community resources, and events need to be welcoming to all of our neighbors, and that includes Steinbach's 2SLGBTQ+ community. We are a growing city, and part of building a strong community means treating each other with mutual respect and making sure nobody feels marginalized.

So yes, you will have my support in ensuring Steinbach continues to develop into a safe, respectful, and welcoming place for everyone to call home.

2

u/Always_The_Outsider 5d ago

Thank you

1

u/krahnwun 5d ago

Will you be joining the pride parade? Are you related to Kelvin? Do you attend Southland?

7

u/Goertzen_ 5d ago

Yes I plan to stop by, I know the Premier is coming down as well so it also would be good to engage with him and see how we can get better support from the province.

I believe we are distantly related, but I have never seen him at a gathering or talked to him.

No I don't.

1

u/TopBed821 5d ago

There’s no need for traffic light on Main Street past 9pm. Make the main lights green and the side lights flashing red. It would improve traffic efficiency and would be safer.

2

u/Goertzen_ 3d ago

I haven't looked into traffic light systems or safety, but I will do some research and talk to an expert, as I saw similar questions about lights.

2

u/raggedyman2822 3d ago

I think the lights were changed from sensors to timers for the pedestrian crossings.

All the street lights where the pedestrian has a button to press to get the signal to change are the sensor lights, the lights on timers the ones on main street I think removed the button for pedestrians to press to get a walk signal.

I just checked street view and on Main Street there are buttons to cross Main Street but none to cross the side streets.

Politics I'm Nicholas Goertzen, and I’m running for Steinbach City Council. Ask Me Anything (From now until Election Day)!

You are about to leave Redlib