The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription.
Pick up of the Green Bins has commenced with regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and running from May until the end of October Pick-up take place on Tuesdays. The pick-up schedule can be viewed at Martensville.ca For information or to sign up for this program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall.
Careful out There! Safety Reminders on our Streets, Parks and Pathways
The recent mild weather and runoff have created slippery and potentially hazardous conditions across the City. Please keep these safety tips in mind:
• Slippery Pathways: Pathways may have accumulating water, ice or frost. Residents are encouraged to use extra caution when walking.
• Unstable Pond Conditions: Warm temperatures and runoff have made pond ice uncertain and inconsistent. Please respect all signs and barricades around neighborhood ponds.
• Icy and Rutted Streets: Melting has led to ice and rutting on streets. Please slow down to stay in control and avoid potential damage to your vehicle.
• Snowmobile Restrictions: Snowmobiles are not allowed in parks, drainage systems, or on streets. Riding in these areas can harm trees, plants, and expose riders to hidden hazards like rocks or equipment.
• Pothole Alert: With the thaw, potholes may begin to form. Approach standing water cautiously as it could conceal potholes. You can report them to the City using the ‘Request for Service’ feature on our website.
Martensville Addresses Key Issues at Special Meeting
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council made modifications to their usual schedule this week, and in addition to the regular Committee of the Whole meeting on April 8th, there was a Special Council meeting held to address two time-sensitive matters that administration was seeking approval on prior to the next scheduled Council meeting in May.
The Special Council Meeting included the final reading of a zoning bylaw to change the land use designation at the corner of Main Street and 16th Avenue from C2A Commercial to R3 Residential. The majority of preparatory work and approvals have already been completed, and the final reading is the last step in formalizing the zoning change, which will enable residential development to move forward on the site.
The second item on the agenda was the approval of a relocation request for a Junior B hockey team to move to Martensville and play out of the Martensville Sports Centre. The request was received in February, with administration noting that they believe the team’s requests can be made with minimal disruption. Requests include a dedicated dressing room, ice rental at local rates and future access to office and storage space. The season would begin with a pre-season camp in September, twenty home games throughout the season, and two-one-hour practices per week, accounting to approximately 100 hours of ice time, plus added ice needed for playoffs in the spring. The team expressed commitment to work with the Martensville Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) and Skate Martensville to accommodate ice rentals. MMHA has met with the ownership group and submitted a formal letter of support. According to the report to Council, the relocation is expected to bring in approximately $25,000 in added revenue for the Sports Centre.
The Committee of the Whole Meeting consisted of two public hearings for discretionary use applications; one for 101 Mirond Road with a proposal from North Ridge Developments to build a 20-unit dwelling group, and the other for a new apartment development at 50 16th Avenue North, from Broadstreet Properties to construct two apartment buildings containing 107 rental units, including 1, 2 and 3-bedroom options and proposed amenities such as EV capable parking, a playground, a dog run and a community garden. A third public hearing was scheduled for an autobody shop at 601 Centennial Drive South; however, this was delayed at the applicant’s request.
The local RCMP presented to Council a comparison report for March 2025 and March 2024, as well as Occurrence Statistics for the 1st quarter of 2025 compared to 2024. The occurrence statistics summary showed a decrease from 501 offences in the first quarter of 2024 to 394 for the same period in 2025. The full report can be viewed on the April 8th Committee of the Whole Agenda at www.martensville.ca.
Council was also provided information regarding the 2025 tax policy. City administration is recommending a uniform mill rate increase to account for the previously approved 3.97% tax increase. Council discussed the recommendation made by administration, and if approved, the City of Martensville would be under the budgeted property tax revenues by approximately 35,500, which administration is confident can be balanced throughout the year in expense savings. This will be brought back to Council in May for formal approval.
To view this agenda, or to learn more about Martensville City Council, visit www.martensville.ca. The next Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 6th.
Spring Thaw and Runoff
Recent heavy snows and milder weather will produce pooling and runoff through the community. Crews will be working to clear pooling areas and open up drainage ways for water to clear off of streets and pathways as efficiently as possible.
Please be aware that there will be icy surfaces, please take caution and care at this time. This includes lowering your speed on icy roads and having proper footwear on the pathways.
Protecting your Property
Provided are some helpful tips and tasks to help prevent water from seeping into your basement or accumulating on your property.
- Extend downspouts at least two metres (six feet) from your basement walls. The further the water is from the foundation, the less chance that it will make its way into your basement.
- Consider moving snow away from the foundation of your home, to prevent a large degree of melting immediately adjacent to your foundation.
More tips available at www.martensville.ca/pages/tips_for_spring_thaw
Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates
City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.
May 6th- Regular Council Meeting
May 13th- Committee of the Whole
May 20th- Regular Council Meeting
Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive.
Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm
If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you prefer to join from the comfort of your home, contact the City Clerk or check the online agenda at martensville.ca for the meeting link.
Celebrating our Local Volunteers
Martensville is home to many dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to run our local sports, culture, and recreation programs. Enjoy a free BBQ meal while connecting with local groups and celebrating the hard work of our volunteers.
Community Information & Volunteer Appreciation Night April 16 5:00pm – 7:00pm North Ridge Community Centre
The Annual Regional Race: Run or Ride Returns May 10
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Registration is now open for the annual Regional Race which starts at Oasis Park in Warman and ends at the MAP in Martensville on May 10. The cost to register is $45 and can be done so online at martensville.ca under Program Registration-Community Events.
This scenic 10km route connecting two sister communities offers an excellent opportunity for walking, running, or cycling for individuals of any fitness level.
The registration fee includes a Regional Race bandana, a goodie bag, a finishing medal, an optional shuttle service from the finish line to the start line, and post-race breakfast at the Sports Centre (old Rink).
All proceeds raised will go toward Warman, Martensville & Area KidSport so all kids can get involved in recreation, culture, and sport.
Thank you to our Community Champions: North Prairie Developments and CANWEST; our medal sponsor: Affinity Credit Union; our Refuel Zone Sponsor: Greatway Financial; and our Pancake Breakfast Sponsor: Martensville & District Kinsmen Club. We also appreciate Firstcharter for providing the shuttle service.
Martensville Library Offering Community Seed Library
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger Spring is blooming with new opportunities at the Martensville Library! The annual Community Seed Library is now officially open. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you are invited to explore, borrow, and share seeds with others in the community.
How the Seed Library Works - The seed library is a free program designed to encourage gardening, sustainability, and community sharing. Here's how you can take part:
• Borrow Seeds: Simply drop by the library and browse the selection. Seeds are organized both by type—such as vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers—and alphabetically by common name. Each packet includes planting details when available. Borrowers are welcome to take up to five seed packets at a time.
• Donate Seeds: Got extra seeds? Donate them to the Community Seed Library.
• Unopened or leftover commercial seed packets
• Home-harvested seeds (as long as they’ve been properly cleaned and dried)
Please note - Seeds must be no more than three years old and seeds listed on the Saskatchewan Noxious Weeds list will not be accepted.
To donate:
• Commercially packaged seeds: Drop them off at the circulation desk.
• Harvested or loose seeds: Please complete a Seed Intake Form with basic plant information and growing instructions, then submit the form and seeds at the circulation desk. Staff will then prepare and label the packets for others to borrow.
Easter Colouring Contest 2025
Also returning this spring is the Easter Colouring Contest - back by popular demand! Pick up a colouring page at the library and decorate your Easter egg masterpiece. Once complete, return your finished page by Tuesday, April 15th to be entered into the draw.
Ten lucky participants will win chocolate bunnies, generously donated by the Martensville & District Lions Club (chocolate bunnies may contain nuts).
This contest is open to children 12 years and under, with one entry allowed per child. Winners will be selected by a random draw on Wednesday, April 16th and will be notified by phone.
Stop by the Martensville Library to see what other fun opportunities they have available for local residents, or follow them on social media for regular updates.
www.martensvillemessenger.ca
Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.
To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca
BELOW: The Martensville U18AA Marauders are the provincial champions! The local team traveled to Estevan to go against the Bruins for game 2 of the playoffs this weekend after winning in game 1 with an overtime goal. The final score of game 2 was 4-1, earning the Marauders their first title in the division. Congratulations on a successful season! (Martensville U18AA Marauders)
VSA Kicks Off Spring with Referee Training, New Leagues, and Development Programs
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
This past weekend, Valley Soccer Association (VSA) brought together over 50 new and developing referees for their certification training sessions.
More than 30 young referees participated in the Small Sided Clinic, while 20 aspiring officials completed the Entry Level certification, a significant increase from previous years and well above the usual averages. VSA noted that they hosted participants from Saskatoon and North Battleford.
VSA encourages everyone to respect, support, and protect the new referees, ensuring they feel empowered to grow in the game and remain part of the association for years to come.
Numerous programs are now available for registration through VSA, including the Adult Spring/ Summer Leagues, which take place Saturday nights from May through mid-August. You can sign up as an individual or register a team in the division that suits you – Recreation 7v7- quarter field or semi-competitive 9v9 – half field.
There is also a JR Prospects Program, designed to help build a love for the game in the youngest players and providing them with the building blocks to grow within the sport. This program is primarily created for individual development, with a heavy emphasis on 1v1s, using fun games and activities to achieve this. It is an 8-week program that will feature hour-long sessions from 5pm-6pm in Warman from late April to July. Register online today.
Those looking for some extra competition can join in the Valley Prospects Program for U11 and U13 age groups. This is a joint initiative with VSA and Valley United Soccer Club. It is an 8-week program with 90-minute sessions focused on individual development, team play, with an emphasis on how to apply the lessons regarding the overall Football Principles of Play. Players will be selected from the application list based on general criteria such as age, level of play and level of commitment.
ABOVE: The Martensville U16AA Marauders earned back-to-back Provincial Championships after beating the Weyburn Red Wings 6-3 on March 29th at the Martensville Recreation Centre. They were the first team to play at the new Martensville Recreation Centre when it opened in October of 2024. (Submitted)
Goalkeeper training is back, with two onehour sessions on April 22nd and 24th, that will be focused on covering ball collection, distribution and ingame scenarios. These sessions will be led by certified, professional and experienced coaches.
Visit VSA online to learn more about the spring/ summer opportunities that are available now.
RIGHT: Valley Soccer Association hosted referee training this past weekend, bringing together over 50 new and developing referees for their certification training sessions. (VSA)
Saskatchewan to Discontinue Grade 12 Provincial Examinations
The Government of Saskatchewan will be winding down the Grade 12 provincial examination program at the end of August 2025 as work continues to develop a provincewide student assessment program.
Discontinuing provincial exams creates a more equitable system for Grade 12 students in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is currently the only province where some students are required to write provincial examinations in certain Grade 12 subjects while others are not. In the 2023-24 school year, only 25 per cent of students needed to complete a provincial exam.
"The discontinuation of Provincial Exams, starting in September 2025, aligns with feedback that I have received directly from school board trustees, teachers and families all across this province," Education Minister Everett Hindley said. "We are pleased that work continues on developing a Saskatchewan Student Assessment program that will help our schools and government in improving student success."
Adults and home-based learners will be able to enroll in Grade 12 courses through the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre or applicable post-secondary institutions to earn Grade 12 credits.
"School boards welcome this announcement and appreciate that the government has listened to feedback on this matter," Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) President Dr. Shawn Davidson said. "Our membership passed resolutions in 2011 and again in 2021 that called for the elimination of provincial examinations for Grade 12 students. This is an important shift toward more meaningful assessment practices that take the needs of individual students into account while maintaining curricular integrity."
The Ministry of Education continues to collaborate with education partners on the Saskatchewan Student Assessment program (SSA) announced in November 2024. When implemented, SSA will provide parents, students and teachers a snapshot of student performance in Grades 5 and 9 mathematics and Grades 4, 7 and 10 English language arts as well as a common understanding of what it means to be at grade level. The SSA program is being developed as part of the Provincial Education Plan.
The goals of the SSA program are to provide a fair and objective measure of how students are doing, help guide instruction and assist schools, school systems and government in improving student achievement.
Further information about the SSA program is available at saskatchewan. ca/assessment.
Valley Manor School Launches Annual Chocolate Sale to Support Playground Improvements
The Valley Manor School Community Council is kicking off their annual chocolate sale, with proceeds from the sale going towards their ongoing efforts to improve and enhance the playground, ensuring it is inclusive and accessible for all students.
Students are asked to notify the school office by April 9th if they are unable to participate in the chocolate sale, and donations in lieu of selling chocolates are always welcome and appreciated.
On Monday, April 14th, cases will be sent home with the youngest child in each family from Kindergarten to Grade 7.
The first-round due date is Monday, April 28th, and students are asked to return any unsold chocolate to the school, along with funds raised from sold items. The second-round due date is Monday, May 5th, which is for students that have chosen to sell additional cases.
For those wishing to receive additional cases, email the school office, and additional cases will be distributed after the first cases are fully sold, based on availability and on a first-come-first-serve basis.
To show appreciation for the students’ efforts, there will be a prize draw for every full case of chocolates sold. A variety of fun prizes will be showcased in the main display case throughout the duration of the sale.
“Thank you for supporting your School Community Council’s ongoing work to improving VMS playgrounds!”
Saskatchewan Leads Canada in Organ And Tissue Donation
Awareness is Growing in the Province
Saskatchewan will promote and celebrate National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month (NOTDAM) this April with a variety of activities, as well as commemorating Green Shirt Day (GSD) on April 7 to honor Logan Boulet, who died in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash and whose legacy inspired nearly 150,000 Canadians to register as organ donors.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority's Organ Donation Program has seen a remarkable 75 per cent increase in deceased organ donors in the 2023 calendar year compared to the previous year. According to the latest report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, for the first time ever, Saskatchewan has achieved the highest rate of deceased organ donors in the entire country, with 28.9 donors per million population.
"This is a remarkable milestone, considering that in 2014, the rate was just 7.2 donors per million," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "It is a testament to the growing awareness Saskatchewan residents have of organ and tissue donation and their commitment to saving lives. Increased participation in events like Green Shirt Day and the illumination of landmarks in green reflect the province's dedication to this vital cause."
The Government of Saskatchewan has committed increased funding to enhance kidney health across the province. The 2025-26 Budget has allocated an additional $319,000 to the Saskatchewan Heath Authority (SHA) Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant program in ongoing support for staff who are essential to the program's continued success. This budget also includes a significant investment of nearly $4.3 million to strengthen kidney health programs, with a focus on expanding and stabilizing dialysis services across the province. This funding will support the addition of nearly 30 full-time staff in Regina, Saskatoon and five rural locations. The allocation of these positions will help expand services at the Meadow Lake, North Battleford, and Fort Qu'Appelle dialysis units, while also elevating existing operations in Saskatoon, Tisdale, Moose Jaw and Regina. These enhancements help to ensure kidney patients receive timely, high-quality care, improving access to essential services throughout the province.
Living organ donors, recipients and SHA physicians standing side-byside in a group to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation.
"We honour the incredible work of our organ transplant and donation physicians, along with our dedicated health care teams, through efforts that raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation," Cockrill said. "Choosing to register as an organ and tissue donor, or as a living donor, is an act of great generosity. We urge everyone to have a conversation with their loved ones about their decision to become a donor and join our provincial registry."
On Monday, April 7, Members of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly will wear green in support of organ and tissue donors (OTD) and share photos using the #GreenShirtDay #LoganBouletEffect hashtags to spread the word on social media.
The T.C. Douglas Building in Regina will be illuminated with green lighting from April 7-11, joining other landmarks across Canada in showing support for this important cause and inspiring new organ and tissue donors.
This year, Saskatchewan is once again participating in the national 'Great Actions Leave a Mark' campaign which showcases living organ donors, recipients and physicians from Saskatchewan who will be featured on givelifesask.ca.
View the personal stories of living organ donors and recipients as well as physicians from Saskatchewan at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/ health/accessing-health-care-services/organ-and-tissue-donor-registry/personalstories/great-actions-leave-a-mark.
With a clear understanding of a loved one's wishes, it is easier for families facing tragedy to make the decision to donate if approached by a Donor Coordinator. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and one tissue donor can help 75 people.
Anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to register their decision to be an organ and tissue donor and request information about the process of becoming a living organ donor through the Saskatchewan Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, available at saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/ organ-and-tissue-donor-registry.
Community Wellness Bus Project Launching in Saskatoon
The province’s third mobile wellness bus will open its doors April 9 in Saskatoon, offering residents a new way to access primary health care services.
Saskatoon is the most recent community to benefit from a mobile Community Wellness Bus. The launch is part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s $2.4 million investment for the purchase and retrofitting of three wellness buses, located in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.
“It is wonderful to see the progress being made with primary care in our province,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Wellness buses provide another avenue for residents to receive the care they need closer to home.”
Community Wellness Buses will provide basic primary care and mental health and addictions services. Services will vary based on population and the needs of the community; not all locations will have the same services, as supports will be customized based on patient needs.
“It’s encouraging to see the positive impact of community health initiatives in our province,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “Mobile clinics are making health care more accessible to vulnerable individuals by bringing essential services directly to residents and contributing to better health care outcomes.”
The Saskatoon bus will be located primarily at 2023 Morse Road (near the old Farmer’s Market) from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Clients are encouraged to call 306-380-1000 for up-to-date location and schedule information.
Services offered by wellness buses may include:
• basic health assessments (physicals);
• health education;
• chronic disease monitoring;
• ·vaccinations;
• take home naloxone (THN) kits and training;
• sexually transmitted and blood borne infection (STBBI) point of care testing;
• ·opioid agonist therapy/withdrawal management;
• reproductive health services/supplies;
• mental health and addiction assessments and counselling/referrals;
• wound care, stitches, routine health care;
• referral to housing, social services;
• referral to addictions and mental health treatment and services;
• connection to culturally relevant Indigenous services (traditional medicine, connection to spiritual services and Elders); and
• ·other primary health care services.
"Through the Community Wellness Buses, we are fostering respect and compassion by meeting individuals where they are,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Physician Executive for Integrated Saskatoon Health Dr. Mark Fenton said. “By eliminating barriers to care, we ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to compassionate, culturally responsive, and stigma-free support.”
Health care staff on the bus will include a nurse practitioner, a licensed practical nurse, and assessor coordinators who offer referrals to community supports.
Investigators with the SPS Economic Crime Section arrested and charged two individuals with fraud.
From March 17 to March 20, 2025, three Saskatoon residents fell victim to the Emergency/Grandparent Scam. This scam involves fraudsters contacting victims with a fabricated story of a family member in trouble. Whatever the scenario is, the fraudsters will always ask for money to resolve the issue. The victim is typically pressured and rushed into the transaction, with the false threat of a family member in danger.
In all three cases, a woman attended to the victim’s homes and collected the money.
On March 27, 2025, SPS was contacted about similar reports and an arrest that occurred in Moose Jaw, Sk.
As a result of the investigation, a 44-year-old woman from Montreal, QC has been charged with Fraud Over $5000 (x3).
Members of the Economic Crime Section began investigating a scam in the fall of 2024, involving professional sporting events. Three Saskatoon victims reported purchasing tickets for sporting events and travel that never materialized from the seller. Investigators identified the fraudster and found that, despite accepting the victim’s money, nothing was ever booked or arranged for them. The total financial loss for the victims was $30,000.
On April 1, 2025, a 54-year-old Saskatoon man was arrested and charged with Fraud Over $5000 (x2) and Fraud Under $5000.
You can protect yourself and others from becoming a victim of fraud by learning about the latest scams and how to report them at https://saskatoonpolice.ca/ economic/ or https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Arrests Made in Fraud Case Investigations Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit Investigation Leads to Arrests
Last week, Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged two Saskatoon men with child exploitation offences. The investigations are not related to each other.
In the first case, the Saskatchewan ICE Unit commenced an investigation relating to child pornography in January, 2025. On February 25th 2025, the ICE Unit executed a Search Warrant at a home in Saskatoon. Electronic devices were seized and examined by investigators.
As a result of the investigation, 75-year-old John Tamosiunis of Saskatoon was charged on April 2nd, 2025 with two counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
Tamosiunis appeared in court on April 2, 2025 and was remanded for his next court appearance on April 4th at 10:00 am in Saskatoon Provincial Court.
In the second case, the Saskatchewan ICE Unit commenced a child exploitation investigation relating to child pornography in October of 2024. On April 3, 2025 the ICE Unit executed a search warrant at a home in Saskatoon. Electronic devices were examined at the scene.
A result of the investigation, 25-year-old William Phillip Mcleod of Saskatoon was charged on April 3, 2025 with the following; 2 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography, 1 Count of Make Available Child Pornography, and 1 Count of Making Child Pornography.
Mcleod appeared in court on April 3, 2025 and was remanded for his next court appearance on April 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Saskatoon Provincial Court.
The Saskatchewan ICE Unit is comprised of investigators from the Saskatchewan RCMP, Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service and Prince Albert Police Service. Their mandate is to investigate crimes involving the abuse and/or exploitation of children on the internet.
Warman RCMP Investigating Armed Robbery
On April 2, 2025 at approximately 4:00 p.m., Warman RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at a business in Martensville, SK.
Investigation determined a lone individual entered the business and drew a firearm before fleeing with several stolen items on a red and white motorized dirt bike. The firearm was not discharged and no injuries were reported to police. The suspect is believed to be a male and was last seen wearing a red hoodie, black pants, a dirt bike helmet, black goggles, and black boots.
Officers made patrols in the City of Martensville and the surrounding area but were unsuccessful in locating the suspect. Officers are now asking members of the public for assistance in identifying him.
If you recognize the individual in the photos, or have information about this investigation, please call Warman RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com. Warman RCMP continue to investigate.
