Steinbach is getting a used construction materials store called MennoMart. Spokesperson Bob Schinkel appeared before city council Tuesday night to explain they will be opening the business in the former Bucyrus Blades/Esco building at 62 Life Sciences Parkway.

"We are a non-profit organization. We want to make money to distribute to local charities. We plan to sell donated items from the building community that are gently used, reclaimed and able to be re-used in a purposeful way."

He says they will accept donations of gently used construction and hardware items like windows, doors, lumber, furniture and appliances and re-sell them at prices 50-80% below retail. Schinkel told councillors the store will have a number of benefits to the community.

"We're going to have less garbage in the dump, we're going to have a building that's empty being partially occupied, we're going to employ between two and four new people and, most importantly, we're going to benefit the local charities in the community."

To accommodate the plan, city council approved a Variation to allow a retail operation to open in an area zoned for light industrial use. Councillor Jac Siemens moved approval.

"I think the location is good in an industrial park with the traffic getting to there being half-tons and maybe one tons. The other thing is it's employable. They're going to be employing a manager and three to six staff as it grows. I love the concept. It continues to promote our community that's so giving already."

Schinkel says they will open their doors in spring.