With 2016 census statistics coming in, the RM of Cartier saw a 215 person increase since the last census taken five years ago, and it stands at a population of 3,368. Reeve Dale Fossay says that's great news for the RM.

"Certainly any population growth in any rural area is always a positive spin-off," remarks Fossay. "More people are there to patronize the businesses and more kids in the school systems. It's always a positive to have more people."

Fossay attributes that growth to a number of new houses in St. Eustache, Elie and Lido Plage. He adds it's not dramatic growth, and rather slow but steady, and that's a good thing. When numbers rise, the main impact is a growth in the total assessment of the municipality. More people sees an increase in assessments that contributes to the services the municipality provides. As expenses in the RM rise, it's always helpful to see more people share the load.