April 15, 2021

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Your City; Your Newspaper April 15, 2021

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VOLUME NO. 15 - ISSUE 15

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ABOVE: As of April 9, COVID-19 vaccine booking eligibility changed to 55 years and older, which is being offered at the North Ridge Centennial Community Centre. Other eligible groups include all remaining phase one health care workers, and people with underlying health conditions who are clinically extremely vulnerable through an eligibility letter. People meeting this criteria can book their appointment online 24/7 using their health card at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine; or call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Treatments are offered in your home, her home-based office, or teletherapy. Call 306-612-3344 to book an appointment!

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Page 2 - APRIL 15, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open! - However with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall.

Stay Informed! - The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates, and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca.

Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Residents are required to wear nonmedical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines.

Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of April 9, 2021

Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open but Drop-in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance with Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan City Hall - Open North Ridge Community Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Open Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time.

City of Martensville Public Notice Official Community Plan - Bylaw 2 - 2020 Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to adopt an Official Community Plan (OCP) No. 2-2020.

INTENT The proposed Official Community Plan bylaw will establish municipal goals, objectives and policies relating to land use and development. This bylaw proposes to update the future land use map and current policies affected by the recent annexation, provincial legislative amendments, and City Master Plans. New sections include policies for reconciliation, climate change, financing growth, Sector and Concept Plans, and working within Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G). This amendment will also adopt the West Sector Plan as an appendix to the OCP. AFFECTED LAND: The proposed bylaw will affect all the property within the corporate boundaries of the City of Martensville. City of Martensville City Hall

Hours of Operation:

Reason: The Official Community Plan will guide development decisions by identifying municipal goals and objectives.

Monday to Friday 9:00 AM 5:00 PM PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the to proposed bylaws on the City of Martensville website at www.martensville.ca/ocp2021 or at CityHolidays) Hall, 37 Centennial Drive (Excluding Statutory

South, Martensville, SK, between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available to persons at cost or downloaded for free at www. martensville.ca.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing via Zoom at 5:00 PM on May 18th, 2021, to hear any person or group that wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at City Hall prior to May 12th, 2021.

Dated at Martensville this April 15th 2021 Bonnie Gorelitza, Planning Manager

April Council Meeting Dates

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update

Regular Council April 20th

The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021.

The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM.

City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville. ca during this time.

Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda.

To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available.

Commencing on April 1st the North Ridge Centre opened as an available vaccination centre.

A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine.

Bookings for vaccination can also be accessed by calling 1-833-SASKVAX Please continue to watch for updates for vaccine clinics in the area and for when you may be eligible to sign-up.

martensville messenger - APRIL 15, 2021 - Page 3

WEEKEND WEATHER

High Low

14 -1

High Low

17 1

High Low

4 -5

Council Discusses Landscape Options for Pump Track Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Plans for the Martensville Pump Track are moving along, with the design phase now completed and now moving into the construction phase.

The construction of the pump track was part of the 2020 Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) provided by the Government of Saskatchewan. Martensville received per capita funding and chose to allocate that funding to several projects within the community, with $250,000 planned for the construction of the pump track.

Plans then began to move quickly for the pump track, with a public engagement opportunity taking place earlier this year. From there, Canadian Ramp Company presented a design to the Pump Track Committee which consists of a 149 metre (488 feet) pump track designed for all levels of users. The pump track will be integrated with the Kyle Syrenne Skatepark in Kinsmen Park.

“At the request of the committee, Canadian Ramp Company presented two scenarios, one being the pumptrack with regular landscaping, and one with artificial turf option that will go inside and around the pump track,” Director of Recreation and Community Services, Ted Schaeffer said during the April 13 Committee of the Whole Meeting. It was also noted that the artificial turf would improve drainage and significantly reduce the amount of maintenance required; however, it would add additional cost to the project, which would now cost just short of $299,000, requiring an additional $49,000.

Schaeffer noted that the additional funding would likely come out of the allocated funding that was planned for the Martensville campground.

M

ABOVE: A conceptual design for the Kinsmen Park Pump Track, which will be integrated with the Kyle Syrenne Skatepark.

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Proposed Pilot For Ambulance in Martensville and Area Still Planned Once Resources Become Available According to Sask Health Authority

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

www.martensvillemessenger.ca Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca 21043BS0

Having an ambulance stationed within Martensville has been a major topic of conversation for many years and near the end of last year, that vision looked like it was closer to becoming a reality after representatives from Saskatchewan Health Authority and Medavie Health Services West, the SHA’s contracted privately-operated EMS provider for Saskatoon and area, met with representatives from both Martensville and Warman.

It was at this time that a pilot project for the two communities was discussed. This pilot-project would see a Medavie ambulance stationed within the two communities on an alternating week-to-week basis, whenever one was available to spare from Saskatoon.

While in the communities, the ambulance would be stationed at either the Warman or Martensville Fire Hall and would respond to calls not only in the two communities, but in the surrounding region, cutting down on ambulance response times for the residents living within the area.

Despite this plan being put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Medavie recruiting and staffing additional ambulance units, according to Lisa Thomson, SHA Media Relations Consultant, the proposed pilot was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “In September, the COVID-19 numbers were relatively controlled in our province, recruitment of additional Paramedic staffing was completed and the additional units were introduced in October and November, which unfortunately coincided with the beginning of a surge in COVID-19 infections provincially. The pilot was tentatively planned to begin in January.

We were unable to initiate a trial of the pilot at that time due to the significant demands on EMS and hospital services due to the pandemic,” Thomson said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected other areas as well, “Saskatoon Emergency Departments continue to review ways to reduce time required for EMS patient transfers. For example, at Royal University Hospital, we have onboarded staff and intend to create an offload area for EMS patients once the space is no longer reserved for our COVID surge plan.”

Currently, when a medical emergency takes place within Martensville, the Martensville Fire Department First Responders attend the call and assess the patient(s), and provide medical care until Medavie arrives, where transfer of care will then take place and the patient will be transported to a health care facility. “If all the ambulances are on other calls the ambulance response may be delayed until an ambulance unit/crew can be cleared from their patient. The Medical First Responders will continue providing care for ill or injured patients until the ambulance unit/crew arrives,” Thomson said. The timeframe for this transfer of care can vary, depending on how quickly an ambulance is available to come to Martensville, with some calls seeing an ambulance on scene within 20-30 minutes, and others taking upwards of an hour or more.

Thomson noted that discussions are being held to discuss options for a longterm solution to improve response times for the community. “With the additional investment in EMS resources in Saskatoon and Regina that was announced as part of the 2021-22 provincial budget, there will be a phased expansion for additional staffed ambulance resources in Saskatoon over the course of 2021-22. The SHA will be consulting with the City of Martensville, the City of Warman and Medavie Health Services to determine how the additional Saskatoon EMS resources will be used to further improve response times.”

“The plan is to initiate the pilot once resources are able to support it,” Thomson added.

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Corman Park Fire Ban Does Not Include Martensville Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On April 7, a fire ban was implemented for the Rural Municipality of Corman Park, which does not allow for any open flame fires to be lit until the ban is lifted. “All fires within the R.M. are banned. This requires all outdoor fires presently burning to be extinguished and the lighting of any outdoor fires is prohibited. This ban includes fire pits, burning barrels, controlled burns, and fireworks, with the only exceptions being internal household fireplaces and gas fueled equipment such as a propane barbeque or propane fire out,” Corman Park Police Service stated via social media.

While the fire ban does cover the area surrounding Martensville, it does not include the City itself, although Martensville Fire Department Deputy Chief Dean Brooman reminds residents to be cautious and utilize common sense this time of year when things are quite dry.

Recently, the Martensville Fire Department (MFD) have responded to two calls to help with fires – one near Langham and one in the Dalmeny area on April 7. “It is quite dry this time of year, so even though the fire ban is not in place in Martensville, it is still dry here too, so we just ask that the community be mindful and keep themselves and each other safe,” Brooman said.

Some tips to note are that firepits are required to be contained within a nonABOVE: On April 7, Dalmeny Fire and Rescue, along with Martensville Fire combustible receptacle made of cement, brick or sheet metal and must be covered with Department responded to a large fire north of Dalmeny. (Facebook) a screen cover, with openings no larger than 13mm. “This helps prevent sparks from flying out and getting into areas they shouldn’t be,” Brooman noted. Also, residents are prohibited from burning rubbish, leaves, or any other material that can produce black smoke or odor. “We ask that outdoor fires be supervised at all times, and that if it is a windy day or night, that you avoid having a fire.”

With fireworks, Brooman reminds residents to abide by the law and ensure that only those 18+ are using them, and to be respectful of your surroundings and avoid being a nuisance to others. “Fireworks are permitted; however, not in public spaces, unless you get a permit from the City. Ensure you follow the directions properly and again, use Members of common sense when the conditions are dry. You would be surprised at how a spark from a fireworks display might the Saskatoon Police cause some further damage,” Brooman said.

Economic

Brooman also recommends taking some time to ensure your barbeque is in proper working order and that Service there are no loose connections or leaks. Also, ensure that your propane tank is in proper condition and when you are Crime Section are finished cooking, turn off the tank. “It is a good practice to make sure that your tank is turned off and that way if there warning the public of are any leaks or anything happens, a bad situation can be avoided. We have had the occasional fire through our spring a common rental scam recently reoccurring in and summer season because of that.”

Cigarette disposal this time of year is also a concern, and Brooman noted that there are several calls every the city. year due to incorrect disposal of cigarette butts. “Ensure you have a proper device to extinguish your cigarettes. Don’t Complainants put them near your house, don’t put them in flowerpots, coffee cans or anything like that because when the wind picks reported that they had up, it can rekindle the cigarette which can start a fire and advance onto your deck or home.” Brooman also added to made inquiries about a rental property that turned out to be illegitimate. In most cases, the victim reaches out to avoid throwing cigarettes out of your window when driving to help prevent grass fires.

Proper storage of wood is also key to ensure safety, which means avoiding piling wood against your home or the renter who asks for a prompt deposit. After the money has been sent, communication between the renter and garage and keeping it in a secured area. No more than one cord shall be stored on residential property.

Although there is currently no bylaw for fire lanterns, Brooman stated that the MFD would like to see people victims ends, leaving the victim scammed out of money avoid utilizing them during dry season. “Those lanterns ascend into the sky and have 4 to 5 minutes of flight time with no rental property obtained.

If you are looking to rent property, beware before they descend and land, which could be onto a grassy area, or someone’s backyard and cause a fire. We just ask of deals that are notably below market value. Do not that everyone be mindful of the conditions.”

As a reminder to the public, Brooman advised that while spring cleaning this year, ensure your house numbers send money as a deposit until you verify the property are in good shape and easily visible from the road. “This is what we rely on during emergency calls to locate your is legitimately for rent. Fraudsters will request money urgently, and often have victims send them smaller, house and ensure we are going to the right address, particularly during medical calls.”

The City of Martensville does have a fire bylaw in place, which includes all information that residents need multiple transfers. In these types of scams, fraudsters are to know when it comes to backyard firepits, wood piles, barbeques, fireworks and more. This can be found at www. often operating outside of Canada and use spoofed emails and phone numbers to communicate with their victims to martensville.ca – City Hall – City Bylaws – Fire Prevention Bylaw. appear local and legitimate.

If you have become a victim of fraud, please file a police report online at https://saskatoonpolice. ca/onlinereporting/. If you are aware of a scam but have not been defrauded, please report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: https://antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

Police Warn of Rental Scam

Supporting the success of our young generations.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Learn more. uregina.ca/cce

Chase the Ace Helps Fundraise for the Martensville & District Kinsmen and Kinettes Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

On April 1, Saskatchewan Kin Club began hosting a Chase the Ace fundraiser which is very much like a 50/50 raffle. It pays out 50% of what it brings in and the charity keeps 50% of the proceeds, only every week it's possible the jackpot can grow where there may or may not be a winner.

The rules are explained on the Saskatchewan Kin Club website where 52 cards are numbered and hidden in envelopes so no one knows which cards are in what numbered envelopes.

Purchased tickets are valid only for the current week's draw.

• 20% of those ticket purchases go into a weekly prize • 30% of those ticket purchases go into the progressive jackpot • 50% of those ticket purchases go to the charity

Each Wednesday at 8pm one ticket is drawn to determine the weekly prize winner. In addition to the weekly prize, the winner also gets to select a numbered envelope from 1 – 52. If the envelope contains the Ace of Spades, the weekly winner also wins the progressive jackpot. If the envelope doesn't contain the Ace of Spades, the raffle continues for another week. The envelope chosen and the card revealed in the envelope are eliminated from the raffle.

Tickets are $10 and the deadline is every Wednesday with cutoff at 7:45 pm. Each week the winning ticket number will be posted to www.kinchasetheace.com along with what the weekly winning ticket and prize amount was. Winning information is then announced and streamed live on Facebook.

In order to not miss out on the draw and a chance to take home a weekly prize and/or the jackpot, when you've entered the necessary information for your initial purchase, you will be given a prompt to choose the option of weekly subscriptions.

Purchase your tickets for this Wednesday’s, April 14th draw at www.kinchasetheace. com. Remember to choose Martensville & District Kinsmen and Kinettes as the club you are supporting!

martensville messenger - APRIL 15, 2021 - Page 5

POLICE

BEAT

Youth Stopped For Impaired Driving on Highway 11

On April 8, Corman Park Police and RCMP were alerted to this vehicle by EMS on Highway 11 by Warman. The vehicle was swerving all over the road and had hit both sides of the ditch. EMS activated their lights and the vehicle pulled over. Police arrived a short time later and arrested the driver for impaired driving after displaying numerous signs of impairment. The driver was taken for breath samples that resulted in readings of 260mg% twice. Police transported a young youth to the city where mobile crisis unit was called and took custody of the youth. The youth was unharmed. Thanks to Rosthern EMS for going above and beyond their duty and helping stop the impaired driver.

Traffic Stop Leads to Weapons Charges

On April 9, at approximately 9:25pm, CPPS members conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle travelling on Floral Rd, east of Highway 11. Members spoke to the vehicle occupants and obtained identification. Background checks revealed the occupants had ties to a well-known street gang in Saskatoon.

One of the occupants was found to be wanted out of SPS for an outstanding warrant and was arrested. During his search incident to arrest, a ABOVE: Corman Park Police found drugs and small amount of methamphetamine prohibited weapons in a vehicle after a traffic stop was located. Members then found on Floral Road, east of Highway 11. (Facebook) contraband tobacco in the vehicle which was also seized. During a further search of the vehicle a Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser), along with a butterfly knife were located in the vehicle. All occupants were then arrested for possession of the prohibited weapons and transported to the Saskatoon RCMP Detachment for processing. All were fingerprinted and have been held in custody.

Impaired Driver With Six-Year-Old Passenger Stopped on Highway 7

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On April 10th at approximately 11:30pm RCMP dispatched a 911 Report Impaired Driver call on Highway 7. Corman Park Police Service intercepted the vehicle and arrested a 35-year-old man for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. The subject was transported to Saskatoon Detachment where he provided samples of breath resulting in two readings of 160 mgs%, double the legal limit. The subject was also on conditions not to consume alcohol and had a 6-year-old child with him in the vehicle. The subject was released with a court date in Saskatoon on charges of Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle Exceeding 80 mgs%, and breach conditions. The driver was also handed tickets for driving an unregistered vehicle and failing to have a child under 7 years old not seated in a booster seat.

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martensville messenger - APRIL 15, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Budget May Be Less Liked

By Future Generations

There’s very little in the Saskatchewan Party government’s 2021-22 budget for you not to like. Your kids, however, may grow to hate it. That’s the big problem — what’s popular today may be far less popular in hindsight.

A big part of Finance Minister Donna Harpauer’s 2021-22 budget theme of "Protect Build Grow” theme is kick-starting a Saskatchewan economy clobbered by COVID-19. There was $3.1 billion doled out for capital spending— tax dollars to be happily spent on highways and new schools and hospitals in places like Weyburn.

The budget will continue to bolster success in agriculture with $387 million more, including extra cash to get the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project going. Meanwhile, farmers will maintain their sales tax exemptions on seed, fertilizer and chemicals and while restructuring of municipal grants means urban homeowners across the province will be hit with an average $18 a year property tax hike, it won’t apply to agricultural land.

Similarly, those in oil — rural Saskatchewan’s other big industry that obviously had a much tougher year — will continue to benefit from what remains a favorable royalty structure and will now support for cleaning up abandoned wells. The Sask. Party government’s budget placed the well clean up policy in its $4.8 million “COVID-19 support” package that also somehow includes it’s SGI auto refund rebate program.

One of the emerging themes in this “Protect Build Grow” budget was ensuring Saskatchewan maintained the lowest bundle of utility costs in the country. Again, this is something that will be very popular among voters, but it’s also something former Sask. Party leader Brad Wall, in opposition, said was visionless and did little to grow the province when the former Lorne Calvert NDP government promoted this notion.

Admittedly, one of the budget themes that will likely be successful for Harpauer and the Sask. Party government is the notion of “protecting” and preserving what we have in Saskatchewan. It’s the long-held notion of the Sask. Party that the key to this province’s success is preserving the fundamentals, which would obviously include farming, oil and mining. It is also these core components of our economy in which Premier Scott Moe offered much of his post-budget optimism.

Yes, these things are key to Saskatchewan’s future, but so will adapting to change. So will preparing our future so we aren’t leaving a burden with our kids. It’s here where the budget was less successful.

On adapting, it was hard not to notice that there wasn’t enough dedicated to current problems. For example, while the budget should get credit for smaller things like harm reduction response teams in Estevan, $750,000 for buses in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert and $440,000 to naloxone harm-reduction kits, it seems to have missed the bigger picture of the massive overdose crisis we are seeing in all parts of the province and the value in things like safe injection sites when it comes to saving lives.

Budgets are always about adopting to a changing world. Whether we like the carbon tax or not, we do need to better adjust to new sources of energy that aren’t fossil fuels. Handing back people rebates on consumption of electricity largely produced by coal seems unhelpful. So is pinching new electric cars for $150 a year for highway upkeep when we all know the damage to highways is caused by large trucks.

But mostly, the problem is that $2.6-billion deficit and record $17 billion in spending that will pump debt to $27.8 billion this year and $31 billion next year.

In the meantime, we will have to shell out $755 million just to serve past deficits that have become borrowing debt. That’s less money in the here and now. But what is more worrisome is this budget may spell a problem for our kids’ futures.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a global health crisis, it is the biggest shock to the Saskatchewan, Canadian and world economies since the Second World War. This is a significant challenge that requires a significant response. Saskatchewan’s response can best be summarized in three words: Protect. Build. Grow.

The 2021-22 provincial budget protects the health and safety of our people and our economy, builds our province through investments in infrastructure to stimulate economic activity, grows Saskatchewan through various incentives and key investments, and delivers on 14 specific campaign commitments to make life more affordable.

The budget provides direct funding to fight COVID-19, record levels of investment in health, education, social services and assistance, while supporting the protection of persons and property.

Protecting Saskatchewan People • $1.5 billion to help fight against COVID-19, this follows a $2.0 billion investment last year. A further $1.3 billion of support is in place for the next two years, for a multi-year commitment of $4.8 billion; • $6.5 billion record level of health care funding; • $90 million for specific COVID-19 health response, including mass vaccination rollout, PPE, lab capacity and physician costs;

• $23.4 million increase to the $458 million budget for mental health and addictions services and programs, including specialized youth services, 12 new treatment beds in Estevan; and • $6 million to hire 100 continuing care aides, the start of hiring 300, for long-term care and expanded home care services.

This budget will build Saskatchewan through capital investment, helping our economy, creating jobs and meeting people’s needs.

Building Saskatchewan Communities • $3.1 billion in capital investment for hospitals, schools, highways, and many needed projects; • $162 million in health care capital, including funding for new longterm care facilities in La Ronge, Grenfell and planning for Watson and Estevan; • $5.7 million for urgent care centres in Saskatoon and Regina; • $553.2 million in transportation capital, part of the $10.6 billion since 2008 to improve 17,100 km of highways and build bypasses and interchanges; • Includes twinning on Highway 3 west of Prince Albert, as well as multiple passing lane projects on Highways 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 16, and 39; and • $189.9 million for education capital, including $101.9 million to support 21 ongoing capital projects

which will build 16 new schools and renovate five for a total of 57 new schools and 28 major reno vation projects since 2008.

This budget will grow Saskatchewan through key investments and incentives, and it will keep life affordable for families.

Growing Saskatchewan’s Economy • $174.8 million for the Saskatchewan Economic Recovery Rebate reducing electricity bills by 10 per cent for all customers, and $285 million for the Auto Fund Recovery Rebate; • $9.3 million, an increase of $5 million, to establish four new international trade and export offices, and support offices in China, India, Japan, and Singapore; • $3.8 million in royalty relief to help oil and gas producers invest in methane emission reduction projects; and • Modernization and expansion of the High Water-Cut Program to make wells more viable for producers.

While our economy has fared better than most through the global health crisis, with continuing high levels of employment, the pandemic has still had a significant impact on the province's economy and finances.

As a result, this year's deficit will be larger – $2.6 billion – and it will take longer to return to balance than we had anticipated.

Our government is committed to making the investments needed now to protect Saskatch ewan people and drive a strong economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic. We will manage carefully without reckless cuts or large tax increases that would threaten both our pandemic response and a strong recovery.

Throughout this pandemic, we have witnessed Saskatchewan's resolve, as our people made the sacrifices required to protect not only themselves, but also their families, friends, neighbours and co-workers. When this pandemic is over, we will witness Saskatchewan's resilience, as our economy recovers and grows, as businesses reopen and more people return to work, and as Saskatchewan recovers to be even stronger than before.

This year’s budget protects, builds, and grows Saskatchewan. It charts a clear course for our province through the pandemic and into the strong recovery that will follow.

You can learn more at saskatchewan.ca/ budget.

Letter to the Editor The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 - Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

Page 8 - APRIL 15, 2021 - martensville messenger

ATV Safety in Saskatchewan

ATVs are an important part of outdoor life for many Saskatchewan residents. They are fun to ride, have practical uses, and can get you places that you otherwise might not be able to access. ATVs are powerful machines that deserve an operator's complete attention. When you are driving an ATV, you are driving a motor vehicle that you need to operate safely. For ATV-related injuries in Canada, residential areas and private homes are most often indicated as the location at the time of injury, followed by roads and highways, and recreational areas. An ATV-related injury can occur in any one of these settings and appropriate safety behaviours must always be followed.

ATVs are most often intended by the manufacturer for use by a single operator and no passenger. Some ATVs are equipped with a designated seating position behind the operator and others with the passenger position beside the operator (i.e., side-by-sides). Know if your ATV is meant to carry a passenger. Never carry a passenger on an ATV that was designed for one person as carrying passengers affects the balance and control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a rollover or fall from an ATV.

ATV use has resulted in devastating injuries and death to Saskatchewan residents. These injuries span across 21042AL0 all geographic locations and age groups, including seniors and toddlers. In Saskatchewan in 2015, there were 9 ATVrelated deaths. There were 5 ATV-related deaths in 2016, 5 in 2017, and 2 in 2018. For Saskatchewan children and youth, ATV-related injuries were the 9th leading cause of injury resulting in hospitalization between 2004 and 2013, with an average of 48 hospitalizations per year.

A person who is involved in an ATV crash can suffer life-long disabling or fatal injuries. People hospitalized with ATV-related injuries often suffer from multiple injuries most often fractures. Other ATV-related injuries include head and neck injuries, and injuries to the internal organs. ATV-related injuries can result in extended recovery times and hospital stays, increased rehabilitation requirements and at-home services, life-long disability, and death.

ATVs are heavy vehicles that are capable of great speeds and there are limited safety measures on an ATV to prevent injury and death. Contributing factors to injuries include: • vehicle factors (mechanical failure, seat belts) • environmental factors (terrain, livestock unpredictability, and obstacles) • driver factors (speed, multi-tasking, reacting automatically to situations, helmet use)

ATVs require considerable strength, balance, coordination, and cognitive ability to safely drive. ATVs are not toys. Children do not possess the physical development to safely drive an ATV or the cognitive ability to react to potentially dangerous situations. Considering the high risk of injuries to children and youth when operating ATVs, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that children and youth younger than 16 years of age should not operate an ATV. The Canadian ATV industry recommends that ATVs designed for children and youth come with factory-set maximum speeds and carry warning labels explicitly indicating the age limit for use, the need for mandatory adult supervision, and a warning that operation of ATVs by children under the designated age limit increases their risk of severe injury or death. There is a lack of evidence in the research that youth sized ATVs reduce the risk of injury.

Youth-sized ATVs are smaller in size and reach slower speeds than a regular ATV, but this does not mean that they are without risk. ‘Age-appropriate’ ATVs may weigh up to 90 kg (200 lb) and reach speeds of 50 km/hr (30 mph).

‘Age-appropriate’ ATVs still reach speeds that a youth cannot be expected to understand or react to and weigh CALL 306-668-1093 or email more than a youth can physically control, particularly at these speeds. Youth do not possess the abilities to safely advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca control an ATV of any size. This is why the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends no ATV use for children and youth under the age of 16.

Whether using an ATV for work or recreational purposes, the first thing that needs to be top of mind is safety. Keep the following in mind: • Rider training - An ATV training course is recommended for operators of all ages.

• Keeping ATVs in safe operating condition.

• Follow the rules of the road, drive with care, remain in control, and pay attention to the elements, pedestrians and other drivers.

• Wear protective gear - Safety gear includes an approved helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. A fullFREE courtesy cars available faced DOT approved off-road helmet is preferred. A 306.975.2140 helmet and eye protection are required by Saskatchewan Message us on FB law.

7:30-5:30 • Make the proper preparations - Ensure everything on Monday - Friday your ATV (e.g., brakes) are working properly, look at the • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre weather forecast and trail conditions before you leave, 109 Centennial Dr. No • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians tell someone when and where you are going and when Martensville • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available you are expected to return, know your route, and carry your cell phone or a GPS with you.

- Automotive • Operate the ATV safely (e.g., not attempting tricky manoeuvres; ride at a safe speed, avoid roads and streets Repair when driving, except to cross the road or go around Specialists obstacles).

- Advanced D • Do not drive an ATV with a passenger, unless your Technology & ATV is designed for more than one rider.

306-244-4950 Martensville, SK Diagnostics • Do not use alcohol or drugs before or while riding – Facility 801 Centennial Dr. North Operating an ATV while impaired is illegal.

Saskatchewan laws regulate who ATVs can be operated 601 Centennial Dr. S. 601 Centennial Dr. Martensville, SK S. 601 Centennial Dr. S. by and where ATVs can be operated. The All Terrain Martensville, SK Martensville, Phone: 306-934-6610 601 Centennial Dr. S. 601 Centennial Dr.SK S. Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SK Vehicles Act states that no person under the age of 16 Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 Fax: 306-934-6602 SK 601 Centennial Dr. S. Phone: 306-934-6610 601 Centennial Dr.Martensville, S. E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Martensville, SK Fax: 306-934-6602 306-934-6602 E-Mail: Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SKFax:mbhs@sasktel.net years shall operate an all-terrain vehicle. This means you Phone: E-Mail: 306-934-6610 mbhs@sasktel.net Custom Window Packages available, E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 Fax:Window 306-934-6602 Labour Included!

N S E V Custom Packages available, T I E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net L R must be 16 years of age and hold a valid driver's licence Fax: 306-934-6602 L A R TE Labour Included!

E E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Come see us for your hardware, Nmbhs@sasktel.net SCustom V Packages available.

IWindow Store Hours: M L E-Mail: Custom Window Packages available, L building, and paint supply needs.

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Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Store Hours: MATR V TSE Ibuilding, and&paint needs.

L Garage, Deck Fencesupply packages also EN VN BLDG I& LS L L Come see us your hardware, building E AR Come see-for us for your hardware, E Saturday 9:00 am am - 5:00 pm pmFree Local Delivery!

Monday Friday 8:00 - 6:00 available Store Hours: Store Hours: MM Garage, Deck & Fence packages also and paint supply needs.

However, youth between the ages of 12 and 15 can building, and paint supply needs.

BLDG BLDG & Closed Sundays 9:00 am 5:00 pm Monday - FridayMonday 8:00 amSaturday - 6:00 pm available - Friday 8:00 am- also - 6:00 pm Free Local Delivery!

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Garage, Deck &&Fence packages & Saturday 9:00Garage, am - 5:00Deck pm Closed Sundays Free Local & operate an ATV on public and private land if all three of Saturdayavailable 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Free Local Delivery! available HOME SUPPLY Closed Sundays HOME SUPPLY Closed Sundays Phone 306-934-6610 HOME SUPPLY the following conditions are in place.

FREE Local Local Delivery Hardware Free Delivery!

FREE Local Delivery FREE Local Delivery Hardware Phone 934-6610 Hardware Free Local Delivery!

Free Local Delivery!

They are accompanied by a supervising rider. The 934-6610 Phone 934-6610 601 Phone CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH FREE Local Delivery Hardware Free Local Delivery!

601601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH supervising rider can be on the same ATV (if it is designed Phone 934-6610 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH for the transportation of a passenger) or riding a different ATV. They are supervised by someone who has held a driver's licence continuously for the last 365 days.

Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies Only 9 Units Left Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies They have passed an approved ATV training course.

Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies Open House Sunday 1:30-3pm Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies The ATV Act can be found at http://www.publications.

135 Beaudry 131 Beaudry Crescent Crescent Martensville Martensville DR. BRIAN MEYER DR. DACRE HAMILTON gov.sk.ca/details.cfm?p=369&cl=5.

306-934-4446 For more information, see the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute’s ATV Safety in Saskatchewan #12 - 2nd St S. Martensville Martensville PowerPoint Presentation at https://skprevention.ca/allwww.martensvilledental.ca terrain-vehicle-atv-and-off-highway-vehicle-ohv-safety/.

CREATING SMILES IN MARTENSVILLE & AREA SINCE 2001 Rob Friesen 306-221-9350

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