Looking to the future, the RM of Rockwood is working on a plan to guide the municipality over the next decade.
The RM is working with Cheryl Christian of GovFox Municipal Consulting on the municipality’s strategic plan process for the next 10 years. She brings more than 30 years of community leadership experience, including experience in municipal government, strategic planning, facilitation, governance and community engagement.
Working with an external consultant on strategic planning can provide expertise as well a neutral and unbiased third-party to facilitate the process. Over the past four years, GovFox Municipal Consulting Inc. has worked with 12 local governments and non-profit organizations to build community-based strategic plans.
Rockwood Reeve Wes Taplin outlined the importance of creating a strategic plan to guide the future of the municipality.
“With changes that are going to happen in the future — like the upcoming election and with the retirement of Chris Luellman, our CAO — this will help new members of council,” he said. “Our future CAO will also have an idea the direction that the municipality wants to pursue.”
Christian explained that a strategic plan is essentially a roadmap for the future of the municipality.
“It helps council and administration identify priorities, goals and areas of focus over the next several years while ensuring decisions are proactive and guided by a shared long-term vision,” Christian said.
“Strategic planning provides municipalities with an opportunity to reflect on where they are today, where they want to go in the future, and plan for the decisions and resources needed to achieve those goals and priorities.”
Christian said strategic plans are important because municipalities today are balancing significant pressures, including infrastructure demands and costs, financial sustainability, regional growth, economic development, recreation, community well-being and changing resident expectations.
“A strong strategic plan helps create alignment between council, administration and the community while also helping guide budgeting, decision-making and future investments over the next 10 years,” Christian said.
Community engagement plays an important role in effective strategic planning, and the RM of Rockwood is currently in the public consultation stage.
“Public participation helps strengthen transparency, accountability, trust and long-term community support for municipal priorities and future decision-making,” Christian said.
“Residents, businesses, community organizations and stakeholders all experience the municipality differently and bring valuable perspectives. Strategic plans are strongest when they reflect both council’s vision and the lived experiences and priorities of the community itself.”
Rockwood residents can share their feedback in several ways throughout the engagement process, including a community survey and three upcoming community focus groups. A link to the survey is posted on the RM of Rockwood’s website at rockwood.ca. When the details for the focus groups are finalized, that information will also be shared on the RM’s website as well as on social media and on bulletin boards throughout the municipality.
“The goal is to create multiple opportunities for residents to participate and help shape the future direction of the municipality,” Christian said.
The consultation stage also includes interviews with council, administration and staff. After this stage wraps up, the project team will review and analyze feedback alongside municipal data, existing plans and council priorities.
“From there, draft strategic priorities, goals and actions will be developed with council and administration before a final strategic plan is adopted and shared with the community,” she said.
“Strategic planning is not just about creating a document — it is really about creating alignment, clarity and a shared vision for the future. It also provides an opportunity for municipalities to proactively plan for growth and challenges rather than simply reacting to them over time.”
Visit rockwood.ca to learn more and take the survey, which closes June 25.
