The RM of Rosser can celebrate many achievements and advancements that took place in 2024 to bring pride to the community, with plenty more coming up in the new year.
For Rosser Reeve Ken Mulligan, 2024 passed by quickly. The RM has been extremely busy over the past year with the construction of a new building that opened in CentrePort in mid-December for the public works department and the fire department, as well as a new staff space in CentrePort.
In another new addition, an A&W will soon open in Rosser, located on Highway 7 with new potable water brought to the area by Abas Esso.
In addition, the RM finalized four-year funding agreements with Grosse Isle Recreation Centre, Rosser Community Club, Meadows Community Club, Marquette Curling Club and the Grosse Isle Heritage Site.
Mulligan outlined several other initiatives that took place in the municipality in 2024.
“The RM is helping with a project going on in Grosse Isle that includes reboarding the skating rink and replacing the skate change room this spring and summer,” he said.
“After a wet spring, our public works crew worked hard to keep our roads in good condition. We are proud to have such well-maintained roads. In addition, public works staff were busy last summer planting 1,000 trees around the entire RM.”
The municipality also recently opened the Rosser Cemetery after it had been closed for many years.
“We have continued to have professionals study our watershed areas and provide council recommendations with the goal of creating long-term solutions to mitigate overland flooding,” he added.
“With this, we are constantly working on issues that affect the city protection drain as well as other areas within the RM of Rosser.”
As well, the Rosser area of CentrePort was recently featured at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon celebrating the 15th anniversary of CentrePort.
“The presentation focused on how well we are doing with the success and buildout of CentrePort Rosser while also exploring the exciting times that lies ahead,” Mulligan said.
“FastFrate, the first building in the new rail park, recently opened its 114,000-square-foot facility. Also, a new development called Keystone is working on infrastructure and I look forward to seeing buildings progress there.”
And another project is underway that is close to Mulligan’s heart.
“It has been my passion for many years to be involved with trying to find facilities within our area for the aging,” he said.
“I am very pleased to say that five information sessions have recently been held to discuss the construction of a new personal care home in Stonewall. We have been part of the committee made up of surrounding RMs and are excited to see this project moving forward.”
When it comes to the challenges that Rosser is facing, Mulligan points to the ongoing issue of crime.
“Rural crime continues to be at an all-time high, and our area is no different. Thanks to the citizens participating in crime watches and using an app to communicate, we have good reporting of suspicious activity,” he said.
“We ask people to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to the RCMP. Remember, don’t take things into your own hands — report it and let the police handle it.”
Looking ahead, the RM is considering the possibility of having a daycare in the municipality. At the same time, Mulligan said they’re currently looking at the best way to include more housing in the Rosser area.
“I believe that regional planning is very important for the future. Without planning, things go off the rails very quickly,” he added.
“I look forward to working with the Winnipeg Metro Region on how best we work with the province to move forward on the legislation.”
The municipality is also working with South Interlake Planning District to enhance the development plan for the area.
For the year ahead, Mulligan shared some plans and goals for the community.
“We are going through the community consultation process and conditional use hearing for the expansion of the successful Lilyfield Quarry. The RM is looking at how we might be able to help expand the walking trails in Grosse Isle, working with the Grosse Isle Recreation Centre board,” he said.
“We will continue to help develop CentrePort to support good services for the businesses and developers. We will help grow public safety systems in the entire rural municipality including fire and bylaw services, which are of the utmost importance.”
And the Rosser reeve offered his well wishes for the community now that the new year is here.
“Hoping everyone had a safe and happy holiday season,” he said. “Wishing you all the best in 2025.”
