Rockyford looks ahead to 2026

By Fernando Moreno-Prado Times Contributor

The Village of Rockyford enters 2026 with hope despite the budget challenges of the last year. The village is undergoing some land developments while looking towards annual events later in the year.

The municipality is working on preliminary budgets while also anticipating continued growth albeit with potential tax increases. Mayor Darcy Burke assures that the council is focused on balancing budgets and finding ways to compensate for rising costs through growth and increased revenues.

The development of six acres of raw land into residential lots is in progress. The goal will be to move forward with a developer. The biggest accomplishment of 2025 was the sale of residential lots on the south side of the former school property, which Burke indicates growth and interest in the community. Construction is expected to take place over the next few months.

In addition, the Rockyford Friendship Club leased a large portion of property intended to become the Prairie Ridge Historical Park, featuring turn-of-the-century farming equipment showcases.

In 2021, Rockyford had a population of 395 which was a 25 per cent increase from 316 in the 2016 census according to Statistics Canada. Burke states that the village currently holds a population of 425 despite no new homes being built in the last three years. He suspects that it may be due to single homes being sold to families.

“The cost of construction is certainly a determinant for new home buyers,” said the mayor who believes that everyone has the right to own a home. “When you buy a lot in Rockyford, you’re paying quite a bit less money than you would in larger centres.”

The council has put in a tax incentive program for the lots. People will be on a four-year graduated program of 25 per cent per year unless they fail to complete the properties within the two-year time frame. Then the property reverts to a regular rate.

After some successful events last year, Rockyford can look forward to some returning attractions such as the Rockyford Rodeo & Bull-a-rama in the summer. There will also be the annual Maritime Madness hosted by the local Lions Club. Burke recounts how this event drew 200 people last year with the auction raising over $100,000. Last year the village was chosen to host Cuborama by Scouts Canada, which saw 700 attendees according to the event’s website.

“It doubles the size of our community,” said Burke. “A real hub of activity.”

The proceeds were used to assist the Rockyford Curling Club and local ag society to finance the replacement of the curling rink last year, costing $250,000. Burke considers this to be one of last year’s major accomplishments.

However, this year as well as the last has not come without challenges to overcome.

Burke explains about the “downloading of provincial government (responsibilities) onto the municipalities.” 

There is an increase in the local government taking questions regarding increased taxes despite not being at the hands of the municipal government. The increases include education and police funding.