An outdoor recreation business is in the works for the RM of Rockwood.
A company called Paintball Paradise aims to set up northwest of the intersection of provincial trunk highways 7 and 67, about 3.5 kilometres east of Stonewall, on a 13.5-acre piece of land.
The applicant, Sean Thomson, sought conditional use to set up a facility for paintball, airsoft and gel-blaster games, along with a pro shop. Future activities might also include rock climbing, athletic fields and more.
The company currently has locations set up in Winnipeg and St. Laurent.
“We have been in operation for over 40 years and take great pride in operating a safe and welcoming environment for our guests and neighbours. We provide an exciting venue for kids, teens and adults alike and have been trusted for generations to host countless birthday parties, team windups and team-building events. Over the years we have hosted A-list rockstars, pro athletes and political leaders,” he wrote in his letter of intent.
“Numerous television shows and movies have been filmed on our unique playing areas, but our greatest joy is knowing that no matter who graces us with their patronage, we will show them the time of their life. It is also our great honour to offer employment to local youth and support community events. I’m confident that we can bring a world-class attraction to the community that will enrich the lives of residents, further drive economic growth and do so while respecting the lifestyle residents in the area currently enjoy.”
The plan is to build a 4,000- to 6,000-square-foot steel-framed building for registration services, offices, washrooms and player staging areas. The site would also include areas for parking, a speedball field, an outdoor gaming area and a picnic area.
An existing single-family dwelling on the site would be used for offices and operations until a new building is built. After that, the building will be used for the applicant’s family or for on-site management.
“The property is surrounded on three sides by a quarry, owned by the vendor from which we are purchasing this property and they have consented to this application and proposed use,” states the letter of intent. “The remaining south-facing edge of the property fronts PTH 67 and the nearest neighbours are on the opposite side of this busy highway.”
The environment impact would be minimal, the letter added.
“We have an environmental impact assessment from an accredited microbiologist evaluating the impact of paintballs on the environment,” the letter states. “The paintballs are made from food-grade biodegradable materials and pose no threat to wildlife or human health.”
The proposed business would operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a mix of reserved group bookings and walk-in participants. During the peak summer season, they expect to host about 250 players per week, with the majority on weekends.
The South Interlake Planning District had no significant concerns with proposal, as long as conditions are met. Council conditionally approved the request.
In other council news:
• Rockwood council entered into an animal control services agreement with Mr. Kennel for a $2,000 monthly retainer plus $32 per hour with a minimum two-hour call-out. In addition, the RM will pay mileage at the current Canada Revenue Agency rate. Boarding fees are set at $25 per day for dogs and $15 per day for cats. Services that occur outside the RM will be invoiced to respective municipalities, plus a five per cent administrative processing fee. Residents can reach Mr. Kennel directly at 204-461-2221 or 204-461-0538 and are asked to reference Animal Control Bylaw 31/02.
• All are welcome at a Family Fun Day at the Stony Mountain Community Centre (117 School Rd.) on Monday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event will feature public skating, stick-and-puck, a 50/50 draw and free hot chocolate and popcorn. Attendees will also have the chance to win one hour of ice time and one hour of hall rental.
• Council authorized wage scale adjustments for RM of Rockwood employees in 2026 to reflect the cost of living increase established by Statistics Canada Consumer Price Index published for Manitoba in October 2025.
• Administration will write a letter of support confirming the RM of Rockwood’s $25,000 contribution to the Teulon & District Museum’s Hunter House roof project. The funds will be provided to the museum according to the RM’s regular processes, and the letter of support might help the museum to strengthen its grant submissions.
• With the municipal election coming up, council passed first reading of a bylaw related to campaign expenses and contributions. They also gave first reading to a bylaw to establish rules and procedures for using municipal resources during the 42-day period prior to the municipal election.
• The RM of Rockwood will enter into a mutual aid agreement with the RM of West St. Paul and the Town of Teulon.
• The RM will use provincial grant money from the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) fund towards a roof restoration project for Stony Mountain Community Centre.
• Council gave first reading to a bylaw to establish new water and wastewater rates for the Stony Mountain utility system, as well as to regulate fees and licensing for septic haulers.
• Council approved a request from Quarry View Holdings to vary a front yard setback to 10 feet from the required 25 feet to allow for the proposed installation of a freestanding pylon sign on a property in Stony Mountain.
• Since the RM of Rockwood has withdrawn from the Capital Planning Region, the RM will negotiate with the planning region for a fair division of assets and equitable allocation of rights and property debts, obligations and liabilities of the planning region.
• For those who participated in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge, the collection dates are Feb. 23 to 27 at the RM of Rockwood office (285 Main St. in Stonewall) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• The RM of Rockwood seeks volunteers to help with the 2026 municipal election. Those who are called upon will be compensated for their time. Anyone who is interested can contact Roberta Van Caeyzeele, corporate services director, at roberta.vancaeyzeele@rockwood.ca or 204-467-2272.
• The provincial government is investing $784,875 in Phase 2 or the reconstruction of Propellant Plant Road (Road 75N) and Road 10E.
• Council authorized a quarter-page ad in the Interlake Tourism Association’s 2026 Tourism Guide at a cost of $425.
• Council defeated a request for a donation towards Teulon Collegiate Institute’s 2026 safe grad celebration.
• Council supports an initiative by Sheila Kaltenberger of Interlake Counselling to develop hospice care for terminally ill people in the Interlake and Eastman areas.
• Council approved a bylaw related to the assessment and collection of fees and charges for providing fire emergency services.
• The RM is working with developers to share the cost of constructing two lift stations and a force main in Stony Mountain. The project was not fully complete at the end of 2024, so the unspent amount of $582,729.72 from the developer contributions were allocated to the water and sewer expansion reserve for the 2025 fiscal period.
• The RM entered into an agreement with Interlake Potato Farms Ltd. for a right-of-way over Rockwood land to access the farm.
• The Teulon Rockwood Fire Department fire chief recommended updates to the organizational structure of the fire department, including modifications to the monthly remuneration schedule for the fire chief, deputy fire chief and captains, as well as the establishment of lieutenant positions to support operational effectiveness, succession planning and the efficient delivery of fire-fighting services. Council supported the fire chief’s proposed changes to remuneration effective April 1, 2025, as well as the implementation of an annual cost-of-living increase as part of the revised remuneration schedule. The annual cost of living increase is determined as per the Manitoba Consumer Price Index for October.
• In August 2024, the RM of Rockwood registered as a community development corporation, which is working with developers to build a seniors housing facility in Stony Mountain. The RM is hiring Wendy Wolfe, partner of Municipal Mentors Inc., to provide accounting support for the project.
• The RM will extend the Winfield waste transfer station operator agreement with Jordan Boulet in the amount of $141,519.78 plus the yearly average consumer price index rate for October in Manitoba.
• Council defeated a request for a $500 donation to the Warren Mercs Hockey Club.
• The RM will purchase a $180 bronze dinner package for the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame and Museum induction banquet, which will take place on May 2 in Brandon.
• The RM of Rockwood will enter into mutual aid agreements with the Town of Stonewall as well as the RMs of Woodlands, Rosser and Armstrong.
