The Municipality of Ritchot is celebrating their communities through their second annual Neighbour Day on Saturday, September 29.

Communities around the municipality have been encouraged to plan block parties and community events to get to know their neighbours during this all-day event. Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewan says that the day not only allows citizens to get to know each other, but also for them to spend time with community leaders.

“I’ve lived in communities with populations of 15 to 1,500, and what I love the most is that everyone is your neighbour,” Ewen says. “[Neighbour Day] is an opportunity to get people together. My big push is to connect our residents not only to each other, but also connect residents with the council.”

While the block parties aren’t set up by council, the municipality does offer grants for parties that are hosted on municipal properties like parks or recreation facilities.

“I have lived in a small town for most of my life,” says Ritchot resident Michelle McEwan. “I lived in Winnipeg for about four of my 49 years of life. There is nothing like small-town community living—people who care and know you, banks that really look out for your finances personally, community stores with employees that are your friends and neighbours, community libraries that serve us and care for our needs. It is a sense of belonging to a large extended family.”

From historical sites and community events, Ritchot has a lot of offer. Whether residents want to get involved through volunteering or just participate in events, there are always ways to connect with one’s neighbours. 

“With our municipality growing so quickly, we see a lot of new faces and get to be a part of new adventures, projects, and great causes,” Mayor Ewen recently wrote on his blog. “We also have the privilege of having some history in our communities and celebrate it, too.”