They have been a team since July 19, 2017. But by the end of the day on October 24, 2018, this team that represents ratepayers in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot will have a new look.

That is because one of them has opted not to run for re-election. And, with two others fighting to keep their council seats, there is potential for significant change.

Last July, voters in Ritchot elected a new council through a by-election. The new council consists of Mayor Chris Ewen and councillors Shane Pelletier, Ron Mamchuk, Jeannot Robert and Janine Boulanger.

The deadline to file nomination papers has passed and a few things are now certain. After an abbreviated term as Mayor, Chris Ewen will get the opportunity to serve a full four-year term after being acclaimed Mayor.

"It's an exciting thing absolutely," says Ewen. "I didn't really expect to be acclaimed."

Ewen admits he likes to hit the pavement and go door knocking, but adds it certainly saves him from paying for a campaign when you have no challengers.

Ewen says his priorities for the next four years have not changed. He notes connecting with the community is key for him. This means making sure residents know they can reach out to council whenever they have questions or concerns.

Two other candidates have been acclaimed; Curtis Claydon in Ward Three and Janine Boulanger in Ward Four. Ewen says he has worked with Claydon on a couple of projects in Ste. Agathe.

"Very passionate about his community," says Ewen. "He puts his efforts in as much as he can with volunteer programs."

As for Boulanger, she too joined council for the first time on July 19, 2017. Ewen says Boulanger is dedicated and passionate about her work.

"She puts her feet on the ground and she doesn't stop running," he says. "I'm excited to work with her for another four years."

The other two wards will have elections. In Ward One, incumbent Shane Pelletier takes on Yves Berard and in Ward Two, incumbent Ron Mamchuk faces Keith Pearce.

Ewen says the fact there are so few candidates this election compared to the by-election could mean one of two things. It might mean residents are wishing to give council a full four-year term, rather than seeking change after only 15 months. Or, Ewen says it could also mean that last year's by-election is still fresh in their memory and residents want a break from going to the polls again so soon.

Meanwhile, Ewen admits he is a little heartbroken that Ward Three Councillor Jeannot Robert is not seeking re-election. Ewen says Robert has been a mentor and almost a best friend to him during his time as Mayor.

"He's just there when I have tough questions to try and find the answers for," says Ewen. "Without Jeannot, it's going to be a struggle for the first while but I know I can always call him as a friend and as an ex-councillor with some wise answers for me."