The RM of Rocanville No 151, established 1912, (pop 544) surrounds the Town of Rocanville (pop 889), which is located 25 km N of Moosomin and 15 km S of the Qu’Appelle Valley on Hwy 8.

The RM spans from Northward to the Qu'Appelle River, Eastward to the Manitoba Border, Southward to Township Road 160, Westward to Range Road 2010 (First Meridian).

 

South of the Qu’Appelle River, northeast of the town, lies the Fort Esperance National Historic Site, the location of two North West Company fur trading posts dating to the late 18th century.

The name Rocanville honours the first postmaster, A.H. Rocan Bastien; the community dates to 1884, when a post office was established within a few kilometres of the present townsite. The CPR station was built in 1904, and the community developed as a service and supply centre for the surrounding farming district, with grain and cattle production being the primary activities.

 

In 1924 a local entrepreneur, Ernie Symons, began mass production in Rocanville of an oil can that he designed for use on farm and industrial machinery. Symons Oilers proved to be the best of their kind, and a small shop turned into a factory. During World War II, the oil cans were in great demand for the maintenance of aircraft, tanks, and other military equipment; by the end of the war, over one million had been produced at the Rocanville plant. On July 1, 1973, the community honoured Ernie Symons for 50 continuous years in business: the day was proclaimed Symons Day, and a giant-scale model oiler was erected on a base at the east entrance to the town. After Symons’ death, the factory was purchased by another company, which changed the oil can’s design; however, it proved unsuccessful and the plant folded in the late 1980s. Recently, local residents have undertaken the restoration of the oil can factory, which was declared a heritage property in 1996.

 

In the late 1960s, a potash mine was developed 16 km northeast of Rocanville; it was acquired by the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan in 1977. In 2017, Nutrien became owners of the Potash Mine and later developed the Scissors Creek Location, making it one of the worlds biggest mining operations. Nutrien Rocanville continues to employ approximately 900 people.

 

The Rocanville and District Museum site has one of the province’s most impressive assemblies of vintage tractors, as well as a collection of historic buildings.

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In recent years, the area’s agricultural industry has grown to include bison, elk and pig producers, as well as beekeepers, an apiary and a market garden.

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The RM is home to Rocanville Cross Country Trails Inc that features 6.2 km of sheltered, groomed trails; 8.2 km from start to finish. In the summer, the trails are used for Nordic walking. The trails also boast a challenging 18 hole disc golf course in the summer.