Municipalities in Manitoba host elections every four years, and the next one is scheduled for October 2026. With one year to go, Mayor Chris Ewen of Ritchot has announced his intention to make this term his last.

“Since the age of 29, I have had the honour of serving as your mayor,” Ewen says on social media. “I was elected at a time when strong leadership and unity were needed most. My goal was simple: to bring council together and help move Ritchot forward on a path of continued success.”

Ewen points to the growth that’s taken place across the entire municipality during his years in office. So much so, he says, that higher levels of government have taken notice.

That growth has extended beyond residential and commercial development, he adds, to include many new recreational options and a host of new infrastructure projects.

“Our success in securing grants and funding is unmatched,” he adds, “and the relationships we’ve built with leaders across Manitoba and Canada have made Ritchot a place others look to as a model.”

With a legacy like this one, Ewen concludes that he’s ready to move on and won’t pursue re-election next fall. This comes with an assurance, though, that he will continue to serve with the same level of passion and advocacy until his time is done.

The decision to advertise his intention early, he says, was made so others can begin to consider the part they might play in finding a new mayor for Ritchot.

Ewen’s Time in Office

Ewen first assumed the mayoral role in July 2017. He won in a byelection called as a result of a dysfunctional council led by then-mayor Jackie Hunt. Ewen surpassed Hunt by more than 100 votes. 

Only two of the four existing councillors, Jeannot Robert and Ron Mamchuk, were re-elected to join Ewen on council that summer. 

Fast-forward to October 2018 and Ewen won again, this time by acclamation as a result of no other challengers throwing their hat in the ring

Prior to the election, Ewen reflected on his first year in office with optimism and honesty.

“I believe that building a strong council that listens to one another and can be respectful during difficult decision-making sessions is our biggest accomplishment,” he said. “My big push was to bring better communication to residents and the RM. This is a difficult topic for every municipality, and unfortunately I haven’t tapped into the golden ticket of communication yet. I am continuously looking at how to make this more fluid and efficient.”

Four years later, and many projects seen through to completion, Mayor Ewen was once again elected by acclamation in October 2022. 

“I’m honoured that the residents of Ritchot have faith in me to continue for another four [years],” Ewen said of that election. “I’m a huge proponent of an election and how the process works. Sometimes acclamation isn’t always the best thing. It can be [seen as] a form of apathy. But because of feedback I’ve heard from residents in the past few days, I believe it was because of the faith they have in me.”

By October 2026, Ewen will have served his municipality in the capacity of mayor for a little better than nine years.