The RM of Rockwood shared a statement on social media to provide additional context for council’s recent decision to approve conditional use applications for two quarry companies.
In late 2025, Heidelberg Materials and Amrize Canada both submitted conditional use requests to mine land outside aggregate extractive holding area.
In March 2026, council hosted public hearings that drew large crowds and extensive community input.
“Council does not take decisions of this magnitude lightly and has carefully considered the full scope of planning history, applicable regulations and community input in reaching its decision,” notes the statement, which was released on May 7.
The statement notes that council recognizes both the importance of the quarry industry to the region’s economy and infrastructure, as well as the concerns expressed by neighbouring property owners and residents.
“Rockwood council has heard these perspectives and is committed to strengthening oversight and enforcement of quarry operations moving forward,” it says. “Council welcomes continued dialogue, including the opportunity to meet with resident delegations, and encourages residents to contact the RM if they observe potential infractions, as timely and detailed reports assist council and staff in responding effectively and supporting enforcement efforts.”
On April 8, council approved both applications, keeping in mind a recent Municipal Board decision related to a previous conditional use application from Maple Leaf Construction followed by a lengthy appeal process. Council initially denied a rezoning request in March 2022, which led to an appeal that the Municipal Board rejected. The developer then initiated a judicial review, which sent the matter back to the Municipal Board. In March 2026, the Municipal Board confirmed that the rezoning is to proceed.
The statement notes that legal fees cost the municipality more than $120,000, while lost quarry hauling and transportation revenue cost an estimated $500,000 per year.
The statement notes that denying the conditional use applications for Heidelberg Materials and Amrize Canada could result in another five-year-long process similar to the Maple Leaf Construction situation. Other considerations include “potential revenue loss of approximately $40 million over 20 years” and “reduced funding and ripple effects on municipal and shared regional services with the Town of Stonewall” such as fire protection, handi-van service, library services and recreation services.
The statement also indicates that the RM of Rockwood could face “potential increases to the municipal portion of property taxes (estimated at up to 20 per cent per year) to offset reduced quarry revenue” and “reduced contributions to and growth of municipal reserve funds.”
“Council remains committed to balancing responsible economic development with the protection of community well-being and quality of life. The RM of Rockwood will continue to monitor quarry operations closely, uphold regulatory standards and engage openly with residents as this work progresses,” the statement notes.
“Through ongoing oversight, transparent communication and a willingness to listen, council aims to ensure that decisions made today continue to serve the best interests of the broader community over the long term.”
In other council news:
• Rockwood’s chief administrative officer Chris Luellman is preparing to retire, and the municipality is accepting applications from candidates to fill the position. He will remain on contract part-time for a year to work in a different capacity and to mentor the incoming CAO.
• Some rumours have been circulating that the land developer involved with the Stony Mountain seniors housing project has withdrawn from the project. Luellman has confirmed that this is false information and the project is going forward as planned.
• The RM of Rockwood has applied to the Public Utilities Board for revised water and wastewater rates for the Stony Mountain utility. If approved, the current minimum quarterly service charge of $92.11 would increase to $118.32 in Year 1, $119.09 in Year 2 and $120.03 in Year 3. Comments and concerns can be submitted to the Public Utilities Board at pubmanitoba.ca until June 1. More information is posted on the RM of Rockwood’s website at rockwood.ca.
