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The Rural Municipality of Rockwood is advancing a decade-long development project to add 1,700 residential units and 290 acres of industrial/commercial space near Stony Mountain. Infrastructure like lift stations is already in place, but Reeve Wes Taplin says provincial and federal funding delays have slowed progress.
Infrastructure ready, funding lags
Reeve Wes Taplin notes the project’s phased approach.
"We’ve put in infrastructure already for it -- two big lift stations and stuff like that. It’s on the way, but there’s a few hold-ups with provincial funding and federal funding. With this new election going on, it’s slowing the pace."
The development, located between roads 74N and 75N near the historic Stony Mountain Penitentiary, will include single-family homes, multifamily units, and mixed-use zones. Tariffs on U.S.-sourced materials remain a minor concern but haven’t stalled planning.
Growth without government backing
Taplin adds the RM has self-funded the project so far.
"We’ve had virtually no provincial or federal funding. We’ve been doing this on our own. We’d love it if the government would become a part of it."
Council views the development as critical to addressing regional housing shortages. While no timeline is confirmed, Taplin says construction could begin within 18 months if funding partnerships materialize. The RM continues lobbying candidates ahead of federal elections to prioritize infrastructure investments.