RM of Rockwood, MB

Building for Tomorrow:

How This Series of Hamlets are Turning Vision into Housing, Infrastructure, and Long-Term Economic Opportunity

Momentum continues to build across the Rural Municipality of Rockwood, where a carefully structured growth strategy is transitioning from long-range planning to visible, on-the-ground results. Since the last Business View feature, the municipality has completed major subdivision work, brought critical underground infrastructure online, and advanced a range of residential, commercial, and industrial developments—positioning Rockwood, and particularly the community of Stony Mountain, for a sustained and diversified next chapter.

According to Reeve Wes Taplin and Chief Administrative Officer Chris Luellman, Rockwood’s approach has remained consistent: be ready for opportunity while maintaining fiscal discipline and long-term sustainability. Rather than creating unnecessary barriers, municipal leadership has focused on being collaborative, responsive, and prepared to support projects that align with the community’s broader vision.

Forward-Thinking Housing Option

Since the previous article, Rockwood has made notable progress across multiple fronts. Subdivision and road openings associated with the newest subdivision application are now complete, clearing the way for construction to proceed. The municipality is preparing to break ground on a 50-unit, age-55-plus seniors housing complex, with interest already accounting for roughly three-quarters of the available units. Utilities are fully installed and ready to serve an expanding mix of residential, commercial, and industrial lands, allowing development to move forward without delay.

Infrastructure has been a central priority in making this growth possible. Two major lift stations have been completed, along with the installation of a force main, providing the servicing capacity required to support higher-density development. With this foundation in place, housing construction has already begun on several fronts. One development is advancing with a dozen residential lots, while a larger project includes a blend of single-family homes, duplexes, multi-family units, and mixed-use components. At the same time, a five-unit strip mall is under construction and expected to open in early 2026, adding neighborhood-scale commercial services to the area.

Looking ahead, Rockwood’s development pipeline remains robust. The seniors housing complex is expected to reach completion within the next 24 months, while more than 100 acres of serviced industrial land are scheduled to be completed and market-ready by 2027. An additional 120 acres of residential and mixed-use land are set to begin development within the next year. In total, more than 2,000 residential doors are currently planned or approved, placing Rockwood among the most significant development initiatives underway in Manitoba.

Infrastructure Set to Grow

To support this growth responsibly, the municipality is now focused on a major long-term infrastructure priority: the construction of a new water reservoir to improve fire flow protection and servicing capacity. Rockwood has submitted a grant application under the federal infrastructure funding stream now known as the Canada Strong fund. The proposed reservoir represents a $16 million investment in the Stony Mountain area and is seen as a critical step in enabling future density and commercial activity.

While access to external funding remains a challenge faced by municipalities nationwide, Rockwood has not waited on senior levels of government to act. The municipality has already invested approximately $12 million of its own capital into infrastructure and seniors housing projects. In a further demonstration of commitment, Rockwood has entered into a development partnership with one of the seniors housing proponents, forming a community development corporation that allows the municipality to participate directly rather than remaining on the sidelines.

Economic development activity continues to advance alongside residential growth. Negotiations are underway for a 20-acre development application, though details remain confidential at this stage. Outside of Stony Mountain, one of the most significant industrial investments in the region remains Sapphire Springs, a large-scale Arctic char aquaculture operation currently under construction. The facility represents a $145 million investment, includes more than 325,000 square feet of production space, and is expected to begin shipping products in 2027.

Embracing Commercial Opportunities

Additional commercial opportunities are also emerging. Plans are in place for a full-service gas station and truck stop on a 10-acre site, targeted for development in 2027. This project is designed to serve the transportation and trucking industry by addressing a shortage of overnight parking options in the Winnipeg area, while also adding a valuable service hub within Rockwood.

Sustainability remains a guiding principle throughout the municipality’s planning efforts. Located just minutes from Winnipeg’s perimeter and in close proximity to CentrePort, Rockwood is strategically positioned to provide housing for a growing regional workforce while also supporting local employment. Municipal leadership is exploring options such as electric transit buses along Highway 7 to reduce carbon impact and provide greener commuting alternatives as population and employment increase.

While new recreation facilities have not yet been introduced, Rockwood continues to support recreation regionally through partnerships and funding for neighboring communities. Childcare, however, has seen recent progress. A new daycare expansion completed earlier this year added 74 additional spaces, bringing the total number of licensed spaces in Stony Mountain to more than 200. Demand continues to outpace supply, underscoring the need for continued investment as the community grows.

Geared for the Community

Community life remains an important part of Rockwood’s identity. An amphitheater and bandstand completed in partnership with the Stony Mountain Community Association has gained traction as an outdoor concert venue, while an 18-hole disc golf course developed with the Manitoba Disc Golf League now hosts provincial tournaments and is positioned to attract national events in the future.

Economically, Rockwood’s foundation remains anchored in quarrying and limestone production, making it the largest quarry producer in Manitoba. That sector continues to drive employment directly and indirectly through transportation and logistics. At the same time, municipal leadership is intentionally diversifying the local economy by building out residential neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and serviced industrial lands that will sustain the community long after quarry resources eventually decline.

The Civic Path Ahead

For residents, the appeal of Rockwood lies in choice. With six distinct hamlets spread across a large geographic area, the municipality offers everything from rural residential living to more urban-style neighborhoods, all within close proximity to Winnipeg. For investors and developers, the message is equally clear: Rockwood is open for conversation, open to new ideas, and committed to working collaboratively to shape projects that align with community goals.

As Rockwood continues to refine its community profile and promote opportunities nationally and internationally, municipal leaders are confident in the path forward. With infrastructure in place, capital invested, and a clear vision guiding decision-making, the RM of Rockwood is positioning itself not just for growth—but for long-term resilience and opportunity.

AT A GLANCE

Who: RM of Rockwood, MB

What: A fast-growing and investor-ready municipality that is embracing growth for its residents

Where: South Manitoba, Canada

Website: www.rockwood.ca