Pending final approval, the City of Steinbach is preparing to provide funding to help install floodlights at the football field in A.D. Penner Park, giving the Eastman Raiders Football Club a strong step forward in their long-awaited project. City poised to contribute toward project City Councillor Damian Penner says the proposal is already included in Steinbach’s 2026 budget projections, pending confirmation during council’s final budget discussions in November. “The Eastman Raiders organization came to Steinbach Council earlier in the year, in spring, with a request and a budget for the project, for floodlights” says Penner. “It was between $200,000 and $250,000, where there was going to be a multi-funding component, and the request from council was for a third of it, so for $70,000.” He adds, “I’m very happy that pending any of our finalized discussions in November, that we have it in our projections for our budget for 2026 to help the Eastman Raiders.” Floodlights to improve safety and extend playtime The project, originally presented to council in the spring, calls for 56 floodlights to be installed at the football field to allow for longer practice hours and evening games. Currently, players and parents say practices are often cut short due to early sunsets in the fall, with some families resorting to parking their vehicles near the field and using headlights to help illuminate the area. Related Stories: Eastman Raiders Football Club pushes for floodlights Eastman Raiders pitch $212,000 floodlight project to Steinbach city council Penner says the project addresses both safety and accessibility for one of the city’s key sports organizations. “It’s a large organization, and recreation in Steinbach is multifaceted,” he says. “It’s not just necessarily hockey or baseball. There are lots of different organizations that are operating within Steinbach, and the Eastman Raiders Club is another one that hasn’t had a lot of requests into the city for a long time, and it’s their day in the sun to get some funding as well.” Insurance and scheduling challenges Penner adds that the need for lighting is about more than convenience. The club’s insurance policies prevent activities after dark, limiting both practice and playoff schedules as daylight fades earlier in the season. “They can’t go after dark, and as successful as the Eastman Raiders are, they often go late into the season in playoffs,” he says. “Playoffs are still occurring now, and it’s getting dark by 6:30 or 7 o’clock. So, they’re needing that to be able to optimize their function and their ability to perform.” Looking ahead The total project cost is estimated at $212,000, with the Raiders contributing the majority through fundraising and external grants. The city’s proposed contribution would cover roughly one-third of the total. Final budget approval is expected later this fall, which would confirm Steinbach’s financial support and allow the Raiders to move ahead with installation plans in time for the 2026 season.