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 162 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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