The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics that runs from May through the end of October.
This service is by subscription, with scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville on Tuesdays.
For more information on signing up for the program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall.
Visit Martensville.ca to view the full pick-up schedule.
Council Recap- April 8th Council Meetings
Please Note: This is a brief summary of the most recent meeting. For more detailed information on the agenda and the official minutes, please visit Martensville.ca. Official minutes are posted once approved.
Committee of the Whole Meeting – April 8
Public Hearings were held for two proposed developments:
• A 20-unit dwelling group at 101 Mirond Road.
• A 107-unit apartment building at 50 16th Avenue North. These applications will be considered for approval at the next regularly scheduled Council Meeting.
RCMP Community Report (March)
The RCMP presented their March community report, which included a year-over-year comparison of crime rates. They also updated Council on staffing vacancies expected to be filled in the coming months and the continued rollout of body-worn cameras for officers.
Tax Policy Scenarios
Council reviewed various tax policy scenarios, including adjustments to mill rates, mill rate factors, base taxes, and other mechanisms to achieve the City’s budgeted property tax revenue.
Sask Lotteries Grant Funding
Proposed allocations for Sask Lotteries grant funding were presented to Council for consideration.
Special Council Meeting – April 8
Zoning Bylaw Amendment Passed
Council gave third reading and passed a Zoning Bylaw Amendment to rezone a parcel of land at Main Street East and 16th Avenue North from C2A Commercial to R3 Residential.
Support for Junior B Hockey Team Relocation
With updated information and a letter of support from Martensville Minor Hockey, Council approved a request from a Junior B Hockey Team to relocate its operations to Martensville.
Saskatchewan Sees Continued Housing Starts Growth
Province
Ranks First in Canada for
On April 15th, Statistics Canada released data showing that urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 96.5 per cent in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This places Saskatchewan first among the provinces for growth in this category.
"Saskatchewan is growing at rates not seen for more than a century and these numbers are demonstrating the effectiveness of our economic growth initiatives," Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. "By creating jobs, encouraging investment and expanding opportunities, we are delivering the programs, services and infrastructure needed for a growing province."
Growth
in Urban Housing Starts
In March 2025, urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 160.8 per cent, compared to March 2024. This ranks third among the provinces for year-over-year growth.
In March 2025, housing starts on single family dwellings increased by 90.8 per cent, and multiple units increased by 193.3 per cent, compared to March 2024.
Housing starts are a measure of the number of new housing builds where construction has begun.
Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan's 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.8 billion, or 2.3 per cent. This ties Saskatchewan for second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.
Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces for growth. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.
Last year, the province released Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy, in conjunction with the launch of the investSK.ca website. These initiatives are positioned to amplify growth in Saskatchewan, serving as pivotal instruments in driving further development.
For more information visit: InvestSK.ca.
Roadway Safety Reminders
Pothole Alert: Melting snow and ice is a cause of potholes and rutting on roadways. Please drive carefully and approach standing water with caution, as it could conceal potholes. Report road damage to the city using the ‘Request for Service’ feature on our website.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists: With an increase in people out walking and biking in spring, be sure to reduce your driving speed and be vigilant for pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
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
Federal Election Information
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The upcoming federal election in Canada is scheduled for April 28, 2025. Residents who are Canadian citizens aged 18 or older are eligible to vote. Advance voting takes place on Friday, April 18th, Saturday, April 19th, Sunday, April 20th and Monday, April 21st.
Martensville is part of the Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek federal electoral district, which includes Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville, and other communities.
Kelly Block, who represents the Conservative Party was first elected in 2015, and most recently reelected in 2021.
The candidates for the upcoming federal election in the Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek electoral district are:
• Liberal Party: Katelyn Zimmer
• Conservative Party: Kelly Block (incumbent)
• New Democratic Party (NDP): Cheryl Loadman
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on federal elections, including voter registration, polling locations, and candidate details, visit Elections Canada's official website at www.elections.ca.
Easter Egg Geocache Returns to Martensville: April 18–27
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville’s favourite springtime scavenger hunt is back! The Annual Easter Egg Geocache, proudly presented by North Prairie Developments and CANWEST, kicks off on Friday, April 18 at 10:00 AM with the release of the first clue on the City of Martensville Facebook page.
Running from April 18 to 27, this fun and familyfriendly event invites residents to explore the city using GPS coordinates to locate hidden Easter eggs scattered throughout Martensville. It's the perfect way to spend the Easter break while enjoying the outdoors and solving a good mystery.
To participate, simply follow the clues as they are released and track down all the hidden eggs. Once you've found them all, submit your findings to jmcculloch@ martensville.ca to be entered into a draw for the grand prize! The lucky winner will be announced on Monday, April 28.
Whether you're a seasoned geocacher or trying it for the first time, this annual event is a great opportunity to get outside, explore the community, and enjoy some festive fun. Mark your calendars and get ready — the hunt begins April 18!
Riders Visit Martensville School
Members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders visited Valley Manor Elementary School last Thursday thanks to the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. Mitch Picton (#81) and Kian Schaffer-Baker (#89) read stories to the Kindergarten to Grade 4 classes and talked about mental wellness with the Grade 5-8 classes. Everyone enjoyed hearing their stories and learning more about the players. “The Rider Reading and Win with Wellness programs are spectacular. Special thanks to Ms. Bardal for setting it up,” VMS stated via social media.
www.martensvillemessenger.ca
Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.
Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca
Annual MCRP Hockey Draft Fundraiser Cancelled Due to Low Attendance
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Each year, the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) hosts their annual NHL Hockey Draft fundraiser, as the NHL heads into the Stanley Cup playoffs. This fundraiser has become a significant event for the community, and in past years, the event has seen participation from up to 40 teams.
Teams of up to eight can register to participate for $620/team, with first place receiving $5000, second place getting $2500, third place with $1000 and last place typically gets their registration back.
The Hockey Draft was scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 19th; however, unfortunately, due to low team registrations, the event was cancelled this year.
The MCRP shared the update on social media and noted that they apologize for the change in plans, and will be reaching out to teams that had already registered to arrange refunds.
SPORTS
City
of Martensville Welcomes New Junior Hockey Team
The City of Martensville is pleased to announce the arrival of the Martensville Chiefs of the Prairie Junior Hockey League (PJHL), who will be relocating to the city for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The Chiefs will play home games at the Martensville Sports Centre when the season begins in September.
With the support of Martensville Minor Hockey Association, the development marks a major step in the growth of hockey in the region and a commitment to offering new opportunities and experiences for both players and fans.
“We’re excited to welcome the Chiefs to Martensville,” said Mayor Kent Muench. “This move gives local players the chance to continue playing close to home and brings Junior B hockey right to our doorstep. It’s a great opportunity for our community, bringing new energy and visitors to our city.”
The PJHL was founded in 2007-08 with the merger of the South Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SSJHL) and the North Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (NSJHL) and consists of eleven teams with many local players from across Saskatchewan.
The Chiefs are focused on building a bright future in the city by honouring the team’s history and starting new collaborative initiatives.
“The Chiefs are extremely excited to be a part of the City of Martensville, and we can’t thank the City and Martensville Minor Hockey Association enough for welcoming us with open arms,” said Brennan Hall, General Manager of the Martensville Chiefs. “We are extremely excited to get started – stay tuned to our social media for more updates as we start to engage the community and prepare for the upcoming season.”
Residents can learn more information and updates on the Martensville Chiefs, by visiting pjhl.ca.
just THINK...
Had this been your ad, people would have noticed
Martensville Slo-Pitch League Hosts Plastic Bat & Ball Weekend
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Slow Pitch league hosted the popular 24 team Plastic Bat & Ball tournament from April 10 - 12 at the Martensville Curling Rink.
This fun tournament played with plastic bats, is run by the Martensville Slo-Pitch Committee and over the years have raised outstanding amounts of money to contribute back to the city.
This fun tourney is a great fundraiser for the league that hosts 40 teams who play Sunday to Thursday evenings. Funds raised over the years have gone and continue to go to all the upgrades at the slo-pitch diamonds by Kinsmen Park such as the main building, bar building and everything inside (walk in cooler, ice machine etc.), covered dugouts, deck, playground, and facility maintenance.
Thanks to everyone who once again came out to support this event.
LEFT: A side
ABOVE: Martensville Slo-Pitch Executive Committee
ABOVE: B side winners - Titsburgh Feelers BELOW: D side winners - Da Beers
Saskatchewan Launches American Physician Recruitment Campaign
Advertising Campaign Targets Medical Professionals from the United States
The Government of Saskatchewan is kicking off a digital recruitment campaign today in partnership with the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA) encouraging physicians from the United States to consider practising in Saskatchewan.
"We want to showcase to Americans why Saskatchewan offers them a new direction by being an excellent choice for physicians who want to practice in a secure, stable and supportive environment," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "We are committed to ensuring that physicians in Saskatchewan are well-compensated for their hard work, enjoy career fulfillment and have a positive work-life balance with a lower cost of living."
The campaign highlights current career opportunities, upcoming physicianfocused information webinars, and will promote the many benefits such as competitive compensation, lower cost of living, work/life balance and stability offered in Saskatchewan. Acknowledging the uncertain political climate in the United States, the advertisements note the stability and security doctors, and their families can experience here.
Collage of ads showing various Saskatchewan physicians with text enticing new doctors to Saskatchewan.
"Saskatchewan offers one of the quickest pathways to medical licensure for physicians who have American Board certification and have, or are eligible to obtain, a full license in the United States," SHRA CEO Terri Strunk said. "We regularly showcase our opportunities in the United States, but this campaign is a bit different, designed to capture the attention of physicians who may be looking north for a new opportunity."
The digital campaign will be directed to physicians currently practising in several states. Emergency medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, and family physicians are part of the focus of these recruitment efforts.
Saskatchewan is currently developing a more in-depth physician recruitment campaign that features practising physicians based in Swift Current, Saskatoon, and North Battleford. The profiled physicians explain in their own words why Saskatchewan is a great choice to build your practice and your life exploring advantages such as teambased care; a strong, supportive physician network, opportunities for career growth, and many other benefits including their connection to helping Saskatchewan patients.
The "Saskatchewan is Calling" campaign will be launched in early spring and placed in provincial, national, and international markets, including the United States.
Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive Eligibility Expands to More Communities
An additional 16 locations will benefit from Saskatchewan's Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) program to now extend eligibility to a total of 70 communities.
This incentive of up to $50,000 for a three-year return-in-service is offered to new, permanent full-time employees in nine high-priority health occupations in rural and remote communities experiencing or at risk of service disruptions due to staffing challenges.
"This incentive program has proven to be a great success in attracting highly sought after health care workers such as nurses, medical technicians and continuing care assistants, where they are most needed in our rural communities," Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. "We continue to deliver on growing our health care workforce to provide improved access and quality of care to patients across the province."
More than 420 hard-to-recruit positions have been filled as a direct result of the RRRI program, which is key to stabilizing and strengthening health care services in rural and northern communities.
The 16 new communities where the incentive is now offered are: Arborfield, Balcarres, Beechy, Candle Lake, Carrot River, Central Butte, Cut Knife, Elrose, Foam Lake, Grenfell, Kerrobert, Maryfield, Pinehouse Lake, Raymore, Spiritwood and Wakaw.
"Through these robust recruitment and retention initiatives, we are continuing to stabilize local health care services in rural communities," Saskatchewan Health Authority's Vice President Integrated Rural Health Brenda Schwan said. "The expansion of this incentive will help us provide long-term solutions and ensure support is available to provide appropriate and equitable care as close to home as possible."
A complete listing of the 70 communities and the nine occupations, as well as details on eligibility and how to apply are available at Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive.
Funding of $8.7 million is provided in 2025-26 for the RRRI program. This includes a $1.8 million investment for an additional intake round of up to 180 new applicants, and continued funding of $6.9 million for existing recipients completing their second and third year in the workplace.
The RRRI program has been an important component of the province's Health Human Resources Action Plan (HHR) to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health professionals, which has now entered its third year.
The 2025-26 Health budget provides a total of $13 million for health care incentive programs, including the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive, Rural Physician Incentive Program and incentives for specialists.
Details on health care opportunities, how to access them and information on the province's HHR Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health professionals are available at saskatchewan.ca/HHR.
CANCELLED
Prince Albert RCMP Officer Dragged While Assisting Warman RCMP
On April 9, 2025 at approximately 2:40 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP were assisting Warman RCMP officers with a stolen truck and break and enter investigation reported in Corman Park area. The truck was located a short time later at a residence on the Sturgeon Lake First Nation. When the officer approached the truck, the driver began to back out of the driveaway, dragging the officer with the vehicle. The driver then drove forward, striking an occupied RCMP police vehicle that blocked the driveway.
Other responding RCMP officers were able remove the female driver from the truck and arrested her. Four additional occupants of the truck fled on foot to the nearby bush where they were located and arrested approximately an hour later with the help of Prince Albert RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS).
As a result of investigation, the driver of the truck, a 17-year-old female, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with:
• Two counts, assault of a peace officer with a weapon, Section 270.01(2), Criminal Code;
• One count possession of stolen property of a value over five thousand dollars, Section 354(1), Criminal Code;
• One count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code;
• One count, resisting arrest, Section 129(a), Criminal Code
• One count, mischief damage to property over five thousand dollars, Section 430(3), Criminal Code;
• One count, fail to comply with conditions of release order, relating to earlier charges of fleeing from police in a motor vehicle, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
The driver appeared in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Thursday April 10, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. She is scheduled to appear next via CCTV Monday April 14, 2025 at 10 a.m. (Information # Y403096).
The vehicle passengers who fled into the bush were released without charge. Thankfully, no injuries were reported by officers involved.
Multiple Bear Spray Incidents Occur in Saskatoon
On April 8th, Saskatoon Police responded to several incidents of bear spray, including a female reported having been bear sprayed while in the 3100 block of Laurier Drive shortly after 5:00pm.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., police responded to a restaurant in the 700 block of 22nd Street West after it was reported two men had been bear sprayed.
Then, at approximately 11:45 p.m., it was reported that several people in a residence in the 10 block of Leif Erickson Place were suffering from the effects of bear spray.
In all incidents, the suspects fled prior to police arrival.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The day prior, police were called to a mall on 8th Street East for a report of bear spray being discharged in the food court area at approximately 4:00pm. Several youths were reported to have fled in various directions. Further investigation determined that two groups of youth believed to be known to one another had been walking in the mall when a youth male from one group discharged bear spray towards a youth male from the other group. Through investigation, officers successfully identified the suspect and effected his arrest in the 400 block of Kingsmere Boulevard a short time later
As a result, the 13-year-old male suspect has been charged with assault with a weapon and mischief under $5,000.
POLICE BEAT Warman RCMP Investigating Serious Collision on Highway #14
On April 10, 2025 at approximately 9:35 p.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway #14, east of the turnoff to Grandora, SK. Officers responded along with local EMS, fire, and STARS. Investigation determined a car and SUV collided. The lone occupant of the car, an adult female, was transported to hospital by STARS with injuries described as serious in nature. The adult female driver of the SUV was transported to hospital by EMS with injuries described as serious in nature.
Highway #14 was temporarily closed but has since been re-opened. Warman RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
On Tuesday, April 8 at approximately 11:02 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the Saskatchewan RCMP regarding a serious incident involving police.
SIRT's Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT's mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.
On that day at approximately 10:02 p.m., Punnichy RCMP received the first of a series of calls for service reporting a disturbance involving firearms at a residence on the Kawacatoose First Nation. Two members of the RCMP responded to this call, each operating a fully marked RCMP vehicle. Several additional calls regarding the same incident were received as members responded to the initial call. At approximately 10:12 p.m., while travelling through the Kawacatoose First Nation with the emergency equipment activated on both vehicles, the lead RCMP vehicle was signaled to stop by a 16-year-old male standing at roadside. The male was struck by the second RCMP vehicle in the southbound lane of travel.
Immediately after the collision, RCMP members requested EMS assistance and provided first aid until the arrival of EMS. EMS provided care to the male until the arrival of STARS Air Ambulance, who airlifted the male to hospital in Regina where he was determined to have sustained serious injuries within the meaning of The Police Act, 1990.
Immediately following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the Civilian Executive Director and six SIRT Investigators was deployed to Punnichy and the Kawacatoose First Nation to begin their investigation. SIRT's investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident. A community liaison will also be appointed pursuant to S.91.12 (1) (a) of The Police Act, 1990. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for any investigation into the original call for service. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.
SIRT's mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.
For updates on SIRT investigations, follow SIRT on Twitter at https://x.com/ SIRT_SK.
