The advancement of LGBTQ rights in Canada has been a steady, if slow, progression. Once same-sex relationships were legalized in 1969—with Trudeau Sr. acknowledging that the state had “no place in the bedrooms of the nation”—the expansion towards equal rights was inevitable.

The pandemic and economic hardships of the last couple of years have been challenging for everyone, leading many people to rethink key aspects of their lives—including how they earn a living. In this ongoing series, The Citizen is telling the stories of courageous locals who have rolled with punches, making significant career changes for the sake of themselves and their families. (Read the second article in this series.)

On May 19, Ritchot council held their monthly evening meeting, addressing a variety of items on the agenda including a number of variation and conditional use applications.

The Niverville branch of HUB International will soon be moving its insurance office to a larger location.

Earlier this year, on January 22, the federal government announced their intent to put a cap on the number of national study permits issued to students seeking to gain a postsecondary education in Canada.

In 2018, a dog breeder’s request to open a business in the RM of Ritchot became a source of public outcry, but only after council had approved the operation. The concern revolved around the philosophy that, as long as animal shelters are overrun with unwanted dogs, it may not be wise for breeders to be given free license to bring more into the system.

Residents of Niverville are about to notice a lot more green over the coming weeks. On Saturday, May 28, 60 new trees will be planted along four streets: St. Georges, Kipling, Kirkland, and Hawthorne.

On Friday, May 6, Niverville High School (NHS) held a charity basketball game to raise money to cover sports fees for local students. The event was organized by Grade 12 student Ethan Tomlinson.

The Town of Niverville’s 2022 budget is replete with details about how this year’s tax dollars will be put to use. In order to make the numbers work, homeowners should expect to see a nominal increase on their municipal tax bill in the fall.

For the past 18 years, Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck has occupied a seat in council chambers. The first 10 years were served as a councillor, and the final eight he has fulfilled as head of council.