A new gathering place in downtown Steinbach is nearing completion. Elmdale Plaza, in front of the T.G. Smith Centre and the Steinbach Curling Club, has been under construction since last year. Phil Kalyta, the city's head engineer, says it will soon be ready for use.

Reimer Avenue has new pavement from Main to Elmdale.

"It's probably 99% done. We're just waiting for the final pieces of landscape furniture and the actual fire pit to be installed. But, otherwise, everything else is in place. It looks quite impressive at night with the coloured lights that they have."

Kalyta says the gas fire pit will be used for special occasions like Pistons' games. He adds there will also be some special outdoor tables for people who want to play games like chess and there'll be a basketball half court.

Meanwhile, Kalyta says the Public Works Department has been busy on Main Street and Reimer Avenue this week. Reimer got new asphalt from Main to Elmdale. Crews are also repairing curbs on Main Street that have been

Catch basins being repaired on Highpoint Lane.damaged through wear and tear. And repairs are underway on Highpoint Lane in the Deerfield area, to fix storm water catch basins that were damaged by frost.

As for the reconstruction of Barkman Avenue, between Reimer and Henry Streets, Kalyta says the project is moving along well.

"The gravel is in so it looks like they'll start to put some concrete down this week, starting with the sidewalks. Once the sidewalks are all complete, then they'll start working on the curbing and then, after the curbing and other concrete work is done, they'll proceed with the asphalt work. I think we're still on track for completion by the end of August."