The RM of Ritchot and the Town of Niverville both had record-breaking construction years in 2021.
Ritchot saw an estimated $74.5 million in building permits issued compared to $41.3 million in 2020—an increase of 55 percent—bringing the region’s construction activity to its highest level in more than 10 years.
In total, 270 building permits were issued for various projects including swimming pools, renovations, commercial builds, and accessory buildings.
New housing increased as well, though not at the same rate as other projects, with 84 permits granted compared to the previous year’s 68.
Niverville’s construction remains strong with 2021’s building permits showing a value of $56 million, a $30 million increase from 2020. According to the town, 2021 had 80 single-family home starts, 77 multifamily units, and 12 commercial and industrial starts.
Myron Dyck, mayor of Niverville, says the town’s considerable residential growth shows once again that the area appeals to many young families who are attracted to the idea of living in a community where they can know their neighbour.
“The area around Winnipeg continues to see growth because of the value buyers see,” says Mayor Dyck. “Many do not know their neighbour in Winnipeg or other places they move from. They feel they can in places like Niverville.”
The town has also grown to the point where there are more jobs in the community and activities to enjoy without having to leave.
“As the community grows, more people can live and work in town,” Mayor Dyck adds. “There are good schools, parks, the Community Resource and Recreation Centre, and places to spend time with family and friends. It’s the proximity to still have connection to a big city without being in a big city.”
Doug Dyck, owner of Heritage Lane Builders, has extensive experience building in both Niverville and Ritchot. The building company is the single largest builder outside the City of Winnipeg. With approximately 110 permits pulled in 2021, 63 were in Niverville alone.
Currently, Heritage has approximately 30 builds on the go locally, with approximately 12 in Niverville.
Doug Dyck is pleased that the largest concentration of homes they build is in Niverville. Their typical builds range in size from a townhouse rental or duplex to single-family houses with no garage, as well as medium homes and even large homes with walkout basements. He says there is no sign of demand slowing down.
“There are several reasons as to why people are gravitating to rural communities such as Niverville,” says Doug Dyck. “Some of these reasons are that, because of COVID, people have been restricted to stay close to home. This has caused people to re-evaluate what is a priority in their lives. If travel is limited, then our homes and yards are where we will spend more of our time.”
He points out that homebuyers are asking themselves many questions, like, “How do we want to live in our home? What is important to us? What do we need to feel the need for space indoors and out?”
Forecasting the needs of potential homebuyers in Niverville can be challenging, but Doug Dyck says there are skilled individuals working in the community who are doing a good job of planning for expansion. He credits the town’s leadership for making things happen with a mindset toward growth.
“Our land developers, along with the Town of Niverville, have done an excellent job of forecasting growth and the needs of those that call Niverville home and those coming to be part of this wonderful forward-thinking town,” says Doug Dyck.
When asked why Niverville continues to enjoy such considerable growth in southeast Manitoba, Doug notes many similar attributes to what the mayor sees. He says Niverville has something to offer every demographic, and businesses are also able to move into the readily available spaces on Main Street and in the industrial park.
“As time goes on, there is less and less need to travel to Winnipeg for your needs,” he says. “And if it is Winnipeg you need, it is just a short commute away. From cradle to twilight years, there is something for everyone and a place to reside.”
He also points out that, according to a recent study across Canada, Manitoba’s housing prices are affordable.
“That sets us apart from other provinces. There is room for growth here. Manitoba has, for the most part, been in steady growth through the years. Rural Manitoba offers so much. More than any other time in history, this is an exciting time of growth, for sure.”
But it’s the community, with its amenities such as great schools, fitness centres, and restaurants, that will continue to foster consumer confidence, which is key to successful growth according to Doug Dyck’s experience.
“This is a community one can be proud of. I like to say that we are a little community doing great things.”
