A Steinbach city council candidate says if elected, he would like to make sure the youth voice is heard on city council.

Alan Wiebe was the last candidate to announce his intentions prior to this week's deadline. The 34-year-old is a longtime resident of Steinbach. He is currently employed by Seine Rat River Conservation District and says one of his favourite parts of the job is collaborating on community-driven initiatives in the southeast. Wiebe says he enjoys contributing to the health of watersheds and the sustainability of our livelihoods.

Wiebe's background is also in geography and international development studies at the University of Winnipeg. He says his background in geography has stirred his curiosity of the world. Working at the University of Winnipeg's Institute of Urban Studies, Wiebe's research focused on handivan services in Manitoba, transportation options for older adults and winter pedestrianism.

According to Wiebe, local government is more than just a service provider. He calls it a reflection of who we are and what we can do together.

"I believe that inter-generational representation really positions Steinbach to take action on the most relative issues for today," says Wiebe.

According to Wiebe, today's youth are transforming power relations all around the world, by leading movements, advocating for safer schools, protecting the environment and breaking the stigma around mental health. If elected, he would support the appointment of a non-voting youth member on Steinbach city council.

Wiebe says another priority as a city councillor would be to keep downtown Steinbach vibrant. He says the Community Plaza in front of the T.G. Smith Centre establishes Elmdale Street as the city's premier recreational district. Wiebe says arts, cultural and recreational facilities should be developed in downtown Steinbach.

 "It's necessary for bolstering the local economy and for incentivizing people to come downtown," he says. "It's about bringing people downtown and bringing people downtown will create new opportunities for business and for pleasure."

Other priorities include supporting Sunday shopping and something he is calling The newMillennial Movement. Wiebe says their movement engages the local, builds partnerships, and inspires communities of action. He says they are a diverse group and are mobilizing their talents to gain momentum on progressive policies at the nexus of local, regional and global development action.