Council for the RM of Ritchot is exploring the idea of expanding its medical services to include an MRI unit in the municipality.

Mayor Chris Ewen says they have been approached by a private group that is interested in opening in Ile des Chenes.

"We've had a couple of private investors or people with contracts looking at bringing their services to Ile des Chenes, specifically MRI related but it could grow to any number of medical services," notes Ewen.

(A potential MRI unit could open in the strip mall near the Co-op gas station in Ile des Chenes.)He says they are focusing on Ile des Chenes because of the proximity to Winnipeg and the opportunity to attract residents of the capital region.

At Tuesday's council meeting, councillors voted on whether or not to even entertain the offer.

"We've just given the green light to investigate," says Ewen. "To open it up and to allow investors or people that have opportunities that they might like to see come to a municipality."

Ewen says Ritchot is open, available and ready to look at any contract that comes their way.

"It just allows the residents to feel more comfortable and know that we are looking at making sure that we can do whatever we can to keep them in Ritchot," he says. "If that means having our own medical services, that's great."

Ewen says if this deal works out, it will not be funded by the municipality.

"If we are going to bring medical services it's got to be from an outside party coming in to be part of the municipality," he says. "And it's at zero cost to the residents."

Ewen notes there is definitely room for this service in Ile des Chenes. The Mayor says that community already has a doctor's office, physiotherapy and pharmacy. He adds if approved, it would likely take up space inside the strip mall south of the Co-op gas station.