Several bronze plaques have disappeared from Steinbach parks and public spaces, and the City of Steinbach is encouraging the public to be vigilant by reaching out to the City or Steinbach RCMP with any information they may have regarding the thefts.
City of Steinbach employees noticed the six plaques were missing while completing routine work this summer at E.A. Friesen Park, K.R. Barkman Park, Helena Loewen Garden, Rieger Pocket Park, and the flagpole beside City Hall. For decades, the missing plaques commemorated these sites as significant landmarks and honoured our community’s rich history, past leaders, and important milestones.
“The stolen plaques honoured people and highlighted stories that were key to our community’s founding,” said Mayor Funk. “These thefts are in incredibly bad taste and are bothersome as it seems as though there is a lack of respect for the recognition of that shared history.”
While the City is committed to replacing the plaques to ensure that these relics of our shared history can continue to be appreciated by residents and Steinbach visitors for years to come, the City acknowledges that the cultural value of these plaques is truly irreplaceable.
Local RCMP, Steinbach Community Safety Officers, and local security are aware of and will continue to monitor the situation. The City also urges anybody who may have seen suspicious activity near any commemorative plaque or who has information about the whereabouts of the missing plaques to contact the City or Steinbach at 204-326-9877 or the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452.
At this time, and together with our community, the City remains hopeful that these distinctive historical artifacts can be returned intact to their rightful places.
