With more and more Manitobans opting to explore the terrain close to home rather than travel abroad, a cool dip in a big limestone pit might just be the ticket to a new summertime adventure.
Steep Rock town and Lake Manitoba are shown to the left, with the quarry to the right
The RM of Grahamdale’s council is embarking on a pilot project to enhance the visitor experience at Steep Rock Quarry, which features chiselled limestone cliffs, a towering rocky island, a long narrow jetty and stunning turquoise-coloured water.
Council wants to create seasonal business opportunities at the quarry and is inviting entrepreneurs to send in their ideas for a temporary operation, which can be run from June to the end of September.
The RM is offering four rent-free sites.
The RM’s administrative assistant Sandahl Bauch, who recently returned to working with the RM, is overseeing the quarry enhancement project and a request for proposals (RFPs) on behalf of council.
She said the idea is to try to bring more foot traffic to the quarry and provide locals and visitors alike with conveniences.
“This year, we’re operating the initiative as a pilot project to gauge business interest and to see if there’s anybody out there who would like to set up a small vendor-type business at the quarry,” said Bauch. “Although this year is only a pilot project, that may change depending on how it progresses.”
Potential businesses can entail food and beverage (non-alcoholic), retail and artisan shops, outdoor recreational services and wellness and leisure services.
The Steep Rock Quarry is located east of Steep Rock Beach on Lake Manitoba. The former limestone quarry operated from 1913 to 1992. Its turquoise-coloured water is created from sunlight hitting green and blue mineral particles in the calcium carbonate, of which limestone is primarily composed.
Bauch said people come to the quarry to sunbathe, swim, drift around on pool floats and kayak to explore different areas of the large quarry. The quarry is not spring-fed or connected to Lake Manitoba; its water comes from snowmelt and rain, and levels can vary from year to year.
To enhance the quarry experience, the RM will be installing a floating dock with a slide attached to it, she said.
People who want a bird’s-eye view of the quarry can hit the hiking trails surrounding it, she added. The Steep Rock Cottage Owners Association had created the trails.
There are four prime business locations (named Lot 1, 2, 3, 4) up for grabs at the quarry, and there are no lease fees. Each site measures 20 feet by 20 feet. The operating season will run from June 1 to Sept. 30, and businesses can set their own hours of operation to meet the needs of peak visitor hours.
Successful business proponents won’t be able establish a permanent structure at the quarry as this year is only a pilot project.
Businesses must be self-sustainable as no water or electricity is provided and owners must have liability insurance. Waste pick-up, portable washrooms and wash stations will be provided by the municipality.
“We just thought that maybe this is a good time to see what the next step could be because the quarry really is a unique place,” said Bauch. “Everyone goes to the Steep Rock wharf, they go down to the water (lake) and that’s where they typically swim. But there’s also this cool quarry just off the lake with these cool features.”
Businesses must submit their proposal to the RM of Grahamdale administration office in person or by email by Tuesday, April 7 by noon. Proposals must be marked “Steep Rock Quarry RFP.”
Council will review the proposals at its regular meeting on April 9, and send out notices to the successful applicants from April 10 to 15.
