In this series, The Citizen profiles locals who strive to make our little corner of Manitoba a better place. Each month, we feature a person, family, or organization that helps brighten the world in some way. If you have someone in mind for a future month, please nominate them: jlavin@nivervillecitizen.com.

Niverville Bigway has been a cornerstone of the town’s business community for more than 20 years—and after a period of renovation and expansion, they are getting bigger and better than ever.

It’s been exactly two years since Niverville learned the news that a hotel chain is planning to set down roots, helping to fill a major gap in the town’s services. And for the last 24 months, residents and visitors alike have waited with bated breath for construction to start on the plot of land which has been earmarked for the upscale Blue Crescent Hotel and waterpark.

Residents of Île-des-Chênes were invited to an open house on March 20 at the TC Energy Centre, hosted by Ritchot’s council and Scatliff, Miller and Murray (SMM), engineers in urban and landscape design.

As is the case with most budgets, things don’t always go according to plan. And that will be the case this year in terms of council’s plan for a major infrastructure overhaul along Fourth Avenue South.

Approximately $5.1 million in provincial funding is headed to the municipalities of Ritchot and Springfield, aimed at advancing arts, culture, and sports within their communities.