Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
RM of Ritchot’s Newly Renovated Office Open House Event a Success
With the completion of these upgrades, the RM of Ritchot boasts a space designed to serve both administrative functions and the wider community in new and dynamic ways. Photo by Karen Jorgenson
By Angelique Forest The RM of Ritchot celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated municipal office with a highly successful open house event that drew in more than 200 residents and community members. The evening was marked by guided tours of the revamped office, live music on a newly installed stage, an outdoor market, face painting for children, and a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. The renovated office, which underwent a significant transformation, has seen an expansion that more than doubled its size. The new office space now features a 4,200-square-foot addition and a comprehensive upgrade of the existing 3,750-square-foot building. Among the notable improvements are a modern boardroom and new council chambers. Complementing these changes, the area adjacent to the St. Adolphe Daycare has been transformed into a versatile outdoor community space that includes green areas, a multi-purpose activity zone, and a stage for events. Built in 1982, the original municipal
office had not undergone significant renovations until this project. Now, with the completion of these upgrades, the RM of Ritchot boasts a space designed to serve both administrative functions and the wider community in new and dynamic ways. “We had an overwhelmingly great turnout to our grand opening event, with over 200 people in attendance,” said Mitch Duval, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the RM of Ritchot. “Seeing our new spaces buzzing with activity and filled with such amazing energy from our community was truly heartwarming.” he said. Duval emphasized the importance of the new facility, not only for its operational benefits but also for its potential as a hub for community engagement. “We are beyond grateful to everyone who joined us for our Open House. We are so excited for all the opportunities these new spaces will bring for everyone,” he added. The event highlighted the RM of Ritchot’s commitment to fostering community connection and improving infrastructure, setting a positive tone for future activities and gatherings in the newly upgraded spaces.
November 2024
Manitobans Encouraged to Vaccinate as Respiratory Virus Season Arrives Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is encouraging all Manitobans six months and older to protect themselves this respiratory virus season by getting their influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines, now available at no cost across the province. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are especially recommended for individuals at a higher risk of infection or severe illness, along with their caregivers and close contacts. Those at increased risk include individuals 65 years and older, residents in personal care or long-term care facilities, pregnant people, young children under five, Indigenous peoples, and individuals with chronic health conditions. The influenza and COVID-19 viruses, both highly transmissible, can infect the nose, throat, airways, and lungs, spreading through the air via coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. To help minimize the spread of these viruses, Manitoba public health officials are recommending several personal health measures, including: - staying home when sick until symptoms improve and fever subsides, - washing hands regularly or using hand sanitizer, - covering coughs and sneezes, - considering wearing a mask in indoor spaces for added protection, and - frequently cleaning surfaces and objects touched by multiple people. For information about vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses and resources for prevention and treatment, Manitobans can visit manitoba.ca/vaccine, which includes a map of vaccine providers. Manitobans can also book appointments for public health-run clinics online at patient. petal-health.com or by calling 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844626-8222) Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. By getting vaccinated and following public health recommendations, Manitobans can help protect themselves and their communities against respiratory viruses during the fall and winter months.