The first settlers to this area were Metis and French colonists from France. The settlement name called Ste. Rose du Lac, is French for ‘by the lake’. The Metis family of Jean Baptiste Spence and his sons, Jean Baptiste Jr., Louis and Johnny moved from the Sandy Bay reserve in 1889 and built their homes here. Later that year, Jean Baptiste Spence Sr. died and was buried here.

In the spring of 1889 a group of Metis from St.Vital, explored the area for hayland and farming potential. Very satisfied with the fertile lands, forests, rivers and lakes, 18 families relocated here and settled the area in the Autumn of this year.

The first Catholic priests to the area were instrumental in organizing colonists to emmigrate from France. Father Eugene Lecoq arriving in 1895, played a key role in establishing a church, rectory, school, and convent in Ste Rose du Lac. The presence of French nobility among the colonists helped to shape the identity of the town. They provided much needed capital for investment and job creation and built grand European style homes. All of this contributed to the early development of the economy and culture.

The parish was officially named Ste. Rose du Lac in 1892 and the town was incorporated as a village in 1920. The Post office opened on February 1, 1894.

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