The Mayor for the Rural Municipality of Ritchot says the word 'experience' best sums up 2017.

Council for the RM of Ritchot has a much different look today than it did when the year started. That is because, in late April, former Mayor Jackie Hunt and two councillors resigned due to name-calling and belligerent behaviour at the council table. In July a new council was elected, with Chris Ewen replacing Jackie Hunt and Shane Pelletier and Janine Boulanger joining Ron Mamchuk and Jeannot Robert as Councillors.

"The learning curve should have been astronomical but I think we all developed skills over our lives that have put us into a position where each one of us can help each other with our weaknesses," notes Ewen. "We have a very strong council and there are a lot of things getting done in Ritchot."

Ewen says early on in his tenure as Mayor, the upper levels of government announced millions of dollars in funding towards water projects in Ritchot. He was also thankful to see two resolutions passed at the annual convention for Association of Manitoba Municipalities. Each had to do with anti-harassment and bullying in the workplace.

Shane Pelletier is the Ward One Councillor in Ritchot, which covers Ile des Chenes and part of Grande Pointe. He says it has been a busy few months but credits councillors for all getting along and says so far everything is going great. Pelletier says they were able to pave Notre Dame Bay West this year, as well as Meadowlark Boulevard and Quest Boulevard before freeze up.

In Ward Two or the St. Adolphe area, Councillor Ron Mamchuk says the Tourond Creek development is now flood proof and has a bright future.

Over in Ward Three, which is the Ste. Agathe area, Councillor Jeannot Robert calls it a very good, progressive year. He is excited with the announcement of Flying J and Delmar Commodities planning to open in the Riel Industrial Park. Robert says he has heard Delmar Commodities alone will create up to 22 jobs. He notes all of the activity inside that industrial park benefits not only Ste. Agathe but all of Ritchot.

And in Ward Four, Councillor Janine Boulanger says one of the highlights has been the opening of a warmup shack for the skating rink in Grande Pointe. Over In Howden, she says the hall is undergoing a roof upgrade.

Read More:

Ewen Says Councillors Should Feel Safe In The Workplace

Phase Three Of Riel Industrial Park Unveiled

Truck Stop Flying To Ste. Agathe

Slow Start In St. Adolphe Development

Paving Projects Approved In Ile des Chenes

Lagasse Delivers Funding Announcement For Water Upgrades

Ritchot Mayor Says New Council Will "Get Along Great"

Former Mayor Releases Public Statement