It is said that change is the only constant in life. But, as with the seasons, there are some things we can count on with regularity. For example, elections.

Every four years in Manitoba, we take part in municipal elections. The next one is scheduled for October 2026. For many people, the municipal ballot box represents the best opportunity to effect change at the local level. Whether you live in Ritchot or Niverville, openings for four councillors and one mayor will be up for grabs in one year’s time.

Elections also provide the perfect opportunity for candidates to invest in their communities at the most seminal and decisive level. Now is a good time to consider letting one’s name stand. Or perhaps you’d like to tap someone’s shoulder and plant a seed if you feel they’d make a great candidate.

Ritchot’s mayor, Chris Ewen, has already announced his intention to retire from the position, meaning that interested residents should start thinking about what it takes to secure a nomination.

There are only a few legislative qualifications. A person must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and a Manitoba resident. They must also be a community member or property owner for at least six months in the region where they plan to run.

What You Need to Know

First and foremost, says Mayor Myron Dyck of Niverville, it’s important to recognize the time commitment that’s required before a person decides to run. Whether in Niverville or Ritchot, attending council meetings takes up most of the time involved.

A member of council attends a minimum of four meetings per month. Public meetings are held twice a month, once in the morning and once in the evening. During the alternating weeks, council meets for private sessions.

Each meeting can consume anywhere from one to four hours, unless it’s budget planning season, in which case the annual process can last for two days.

“We’re briefed from various departments during [private] meetings,” says Dyck. “Or, if there’s anything we’re working through—let’s say a developer comes and says, ‘I want to bring a hotel but I’m not really sure yet’—we would talk about that.”

Beyond regular meetings, council members are also expected to represent the community on various regional boards. For instance, the RSR Wastewater Cooperative.

Prior to meetings, Dyck says a council member may be required to read quite a few documents in order to come prepared.

All of these meetings, of course, require flexibility.

“There is daytime obligation,” Dyck says. “I know of councillors who have worked Saturdays because they’re taking Tuesday as their day off so they can [attend council meetings].”

A council member’s responsibility doesn’t end with meetings, though. Events frequently take place around the municipality that call for the attendance of at least one member of council.

All in all, Dyck estimates that five to ten hours per week should cover the time commitment in Niverville.

“If members of council have certain passions that they want to see go forward, that would be extra time over and above,” says Dyck. “They might say, ‘I want to bring a certain service to the community, so I’m going to do the research on that.’”

As important as flexibility, Dyck says, is having a sense of purpose. It’s not uncommon for people to run with a specific end goal in mind.

In the last election, Niverville councillor Meghan Beasant ran on behalf of young families on a platform to research the feasibility of opening a community library.

These are honourable reasons to run, says Dyck, but they shouldn’t be a person’s primary motivator.

“We welcome people that have an interest in wanting to serve the community,” says Dyck. “When you’re in municipal government, it’s not about money and it’s definitely not about power. It is truly about giving back.”

Of course, it goes without saying that a council member needs to be flexible in terms of doing what’s best for the whole, not just a select group.

“We don’t always agree or expect to agree,” says Dyck. “Be prepared to have debate. There are times when we can beat each other up pretty good, but then we’ll go for coffee after.”

Before deciding to run, one also needs to realize that being able to demonstrate a certain degree of magnanimity and resilience in the face of public confrontation is imperative.

“You have to be prepared to understand why something is being said and how it’s being said without having your feelings hurt,” says Dyck. “Having said that, we are a team. And when one gets a little more bloodied and has some stripes on the back, we do rally around and support [one another]. Council is a safe place to express yourself.”

In the end, he adds that a position on council provides an excellent opportunity for growth and gaining a solid understanding of how communities and government systems work. For that reason, he encourages everyone to consider running.

“We need quality people. We need people of all walks of life and ages.”

Remuneration

The remuneration, or income, received by a local council member is determined by the council of the day.

Currently, the mayor of Niverville receives an annual income of $28,807. The deputy mayor takes home $20,862 annually and the final three councillors each receive $18,877.

Some stipends are available for travel to out-of-town meetings and matters of that nature.

The mayor of Ritchot has an annual income of $47,778 while the councillors take home $27,432. Beyond this, members of council receive a $30 remuneration for every hour spent carrying out municipal business, which includes driving time.

The Process

The operation of municipal elections is regulated by the provincial government, including the scheduled day on which it will take place. Every council throughout Manitoba is elected on the same day, with few exceptions.

The window to secure nominations opens six weeks prior to the election and runs for approximately one week. At this time, potential candidates need to collect signatures from at least one percent of their region’s eligible voters. These supporters aren’t necessarily promising to vote for the individual come election day. Their signature simply acknowledges their support of the candidate’s decision to run.

In Niverville, 25 advance signatures are currently needed. In Ritchot, the number is similar.

Once these signatures are received, the candidate must register with their municipality’s designated Senior Election Official. This is usually someone who already holds a position at the town or RM office. There may be a cost to register, depending on the municipality.

Provincial rules also govern the cost of running an individual campaign, including a candidate’s advertising expenses. Every candidate is responsible for their own expenses and specific rules apply when accepting donations and holding fundraisers.

Concise record-keeping is required when it comes to financial contributions and expenditures related to a campaign.