2021 has seen a considerable increase in building activity in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot.

From January 1st to June 30th, 2021, there were 148 total permits taken out, worth nearly $34.4 million. Compare that, to 97 permits, totalling $19.7 million a year earlier.

"We are seeing a huge economic boom in terms of the development and permits being pulled," reports Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewen. "It's phenomenal to see all aspects of growth in Ritchot right now."

New housing starts make up the largest single category for construction in Ritchot and there is a sizeable increase year-over-year. So far this year, there have been 45 permits pulled, compared to 29 a year ago. Of those this year, 29 are in Grande Pointe, 13 in St. Adolphe, there were two in the rural area and one in Ile des Chenes.

Another notable difference has been in the number of pool permits. Last year there were seven in the first half of the year, while this year there were 18.

"The hot weather definitely will have a lot to play with that," suggests Ewen. "People are having to stay home a lot more, they can't get to the lake, they might be busy with work or they just can't get out there because of the smoke hazard. Whatever the case may be, people are staying home and they are doing a lot more projects in their home and a lot of those are pool permits."

All in all, Ewen says he is ecstatic with the amount of construction going on this year in Ritchot.

"It blows my mind that we are seeing this growth in Ritchot," he says.

He notes clearly people are still working and spending their dollars, which is providing opportunities not only for themselves but for the community.

"I'm comfortable, I'm happy to see it," he says. "And I look forward to seeing what the next six months of the year has to offer in Ritchot because right now it's so far so good."