April 18, 2024 Digital Issue

A Reminder about Spring Conditions in our Parks and on Pathways

Mild weather conditions, in combination with snow and runoff, have created potentially treacherous conditions within the City.

-We encourage residents to use extra caution when utilizing the pathway systems due to ice and water.

-Please stay off neighbourhood ponds. Pond conditions remain very uncertain due to warm temperatures and run off. Please watch for signs and barricades around neighborhood ponds.

- Snowmobiles and ATVs are prohibited from being driven through our parks as well as drainage systems and streets. Riding can cause damage to trees and plantings as well as parks containing hazards such as rocks or equipment.

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

May Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in person, guests may wear a mask if desired within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

May 7th - Regular Council Meeting

May 14th - Committee of the Whole

May 21st - Regular Council Meeting

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

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

POLICE BEAT Saskatoon Police Release

Public Advisory Regarding Stolen Veterinary Drugs

The Saskatoon Police Service is alerting the public to a recent theft of veterinary drugs.

Sometime between 9:00pm on April 1, 2024 and 5:00am on April 2, 2024, a veterinary trailer that had been parked in the 300 block of Aerogreen Crescent was broken into resulting in the theft of several veterinary drugs, including Atravet, Gonavet, Lidocaine, Bioestrovet, Netricure, and Folltropin; all were labeled and in glass vials when they were stolen. The drugs are not intended for human consumption.

Anyone with information relating to the theft or whereabouts of the stolen veterinary drugs is asked to call the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

While the Saskatoon Police Service does respond to some reports of overdoses, including those that are fatal, we do not respond to all overdoses that occur. Only the Saskatchewan Coroners Service can confirm that an overdose caused a death and which drugs may have contributed to it. Any drug that is not prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist can result in serious injury or death.

Members of the public are also reminded of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which serves to provide some legal protection for individuals who experience or witness an overdose and seek emergency help. Familiarize yourself and tell others; you might be the difference in saving a life. If you suspect someone may have experienced an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Help Prevent Sewer Line Back-ups, it Starts in the Home

To help prevent a sewer backup, be mindful of what goes down the drain. Your pipes are not built to handle most food items and will almost always cause a blockage in the short or long term. When in doubt, properly dispose of these items by throwing them away

• Do not pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead, scrape out or pour cooking oil and grease into a container or plastic bag and dispose of it in your kitchen garbage.

• Do not dispose of large absorbent items like paper towels, diapers, baby wipes or feminine products, down the toilet, these are not items that disintegrate like toilet paper will, including “flushable” wipes. These products should be disposed of in your garbage.

• Kitchen garburators increase the amount of organic material in the service lines. Depending on the condition of the service line, organic material can stick to the lines and over time cause blockages. Compost your organic material instead.

Easter Egg Geocache Event- March 29th- April 7th

Enjoy the milder weather and time off of school by participating this Geocache event.

Find all the eggs around Martensville to be entered to win the grand prize! Winner will be drawn on Monday April 8th! The first clue will be posted to the City of Martensville Facebook page on March 29 at 9AM.

Submissions can be sent to jmcculloch@martensville.ca!

Thank you to our Community Sponsor North Prairie Development and CANWEST, as well as to our Gold Sponsor Lakeview Insurance Brokers.

Don’t Get Missed on Garbage/Recycling Day

A few reminders to ensure you don’t get missed for your scheduled pick-up day:

• Have the cart curbside by 7AM on collection day

Do not overfill carts. The lid must be closed to ensure contents cannot fall out of the bin, spill onto roadways or against the garbage truck. Bins that are overfilled will not be picked-up.

• Bag all trash and place inside the cart, bagged or unbagged garbage placed beside, in front, or on top of the cart will not be collected.

Lane Usage During Spring Thaw

The City of Martensville encourages residents, for which their lane is a secondary means of access to their property, to limit their usage during the spring thaw period. Heavy or repetitive vehicle usage during spring thaw and wet conditions can cause further rutting and reduce drainage. This limits the ability of crews to conduct maintenance on the lanes in a timely manner and increases the amount of materials and time required to reshape lanes.

For questions or further information please contact Public Works at 931-2166.

Male Charged After Incident At Warman RCMP Detachment

On April 8, 2024 at approximately 11:20am, a vehicle was observed driving directly at the Warman RCMP detachment on 6th Avenue S. in Warman.

The vehicle came to a stop just before hitting the detachment and officers approached. The lone occupant, an adult male, exited the vehicle armed with a bladed weapon and uttering threats. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation through several verbal commands.

The male did not comply and officers deployed OC spray, commonly known as pepper spray. The male was then taken into custody where he was decontaminated and provided with a first aid assessment due to the effects of the OC spray.

As a result of the investigation, a 51-year-old male from Radisson was arrested and charged with:

• one count, assault on a police officer with a weapon, Section 270.01- (2), Criminal Code;

• one count, uttering threats, Section 246.1(1)(a), Criminal Code;

• one count, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code; and

• one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13 (1), Criminal Code.

The male appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court on April 9, 2024.

Driver Declared Deceased Following Collision with a Moose

At approximately 10:30pm on April 13th, Warman RCMP received a report of a single vehicle collision on Highway #16 near Fielding, SK. Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined a motorcyclist struck a moose. The driver and sole occupant of the motorcycle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 54-year-old from Edmonton. His family has been notified.

Road Closure Taking Place on 1st Street South Beginning April 17th

Beginning on April 17, 2024, a temporary road closure will be in place for portions of 1st Street South between Centennial Drive and 1st Avenue South. The closure will include the intersection of 1st Street South and 1st Avenue South. The road closure is required to allow for important water and sewer construction to take place.

The road closure is expected to be in place for up to 4 weeks, however this schedule is highly weather dependent and may change. Updated information will be posted on the City’s website as it becomes available.

A map of the road closure is located to the right. Please note that during this road closure, on-street parking on 1st Street South between Centennial Drive and 1st Avenue South will not be available.

On-street parking is still available on 1st Street South to the east of 1st Avenue South. On-street parking will be available on 1st Avenue South both to the north and south of 1st Street South. This temporary road closure will not affect traffic on Centennial Drive.

During construction, we ask all residents to please be mindful of construction equipment in the area and to please follow all temporary signage that is in place to ensure the safety of residents and workers.

All properties that are affected by water service disruptions will receive a separate targeted notification.

Updates to this project will be posted to the city’s website and Facebook page.

Kinsmen Club Supports Seniors Centre

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville and District Kinsmen continue to serve the community’s greatest needs with another generous donation to the New Horizons Seniors Centre. They provided a cheque for $3000 to help with improvements to the facility such as modifications to their kitchen cabinets and more.

“Our New Horizons Senior Center is quite a bit more comfortable and functional for all involved thanks to the Kinsmen and all their donations. Thank you very much,” said Ray Wilgenbusch.

The Seniors Center will also be hosting a Kaiser tournament on Saturday, April 27th beginning at 1pm. Only single entries are allowed, and teams will be drawn before the tournament begins with players rotating throughout the tournament. Prizes will be paid to the top three scores.

The popular Bingo Night at the New Horizon Senior Centre will be taking place once again on Thursday, April 25th at 7pm. There are cash prizes, a 50/50 draw and a concession available. Bingo is held every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

The New Horizons Senior Center is located at 106 4th Avenue North in Martensville.

Smile Cookie Campaign to Support Make-a-Wish-Canada

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Each year, Tim Hortons locations across the country come together to support over 600 local charities, hospitals and community programs throughout Canada through their Smile Cookie Campaign.

This year, the Smile Cookie Campaign will take place from April 29th – May 5th and customers will be able to purchase a Smile Cookie for $1.50 + applicable taxes, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to each restaurants chosen organization.

The Martensville Tim Hortons location has chosen Make-A-Wish-Canada as their recipient this year. Funds raised through this initiative will help ensure that wishes come true for three children in Martensville.

In 2023, a record-breaking $19.7 million was raised across Canada during the Smile Cookie Campaign.

ABOVE: A road closure on 1st Street South between Centennial Drive South and 1st Avenue South will begin April 17th and is expected to be in place for 4 weeks. (City of Martensville)

ABOVE: The Martensville & District Kinsmen Club donated $3,000 to the New Horizons Senior Centre to help them with upgrades to the facility. Pictured (From left to right) Ed Nowakowski, James Dietrich (Kinsmen Club), Rob Phelps (Kinsmen Club), Steve Smith (Kinsmen Club), Arnie Deschner (Kinsmen Club), and Ray Wilgenbusch.

Third Annual Good Times

Recreation ATV/UTV Show & Shine Coming This Weekend

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Good Times Recreation (GTR) in Martensville is your one stop shop for all ATV & UTV needs. From providing parts, service, general maintenance, engine repairs and builds and more, they also offer pick-up and delivery services in the local Martensville area and around a 40-mile radius.

Owner Daryl Brandrick has been a long-time rider himself, and has always been

passionate about ATV and UTV riding, so decided to take that passion and use it to provide a service to the community.

This weekend, GTR will be hosting their 3rd Annual ATV Show & Shine, which will take place on Saturday, April 20th from 10am-4pm.

“From local suppliers to some of the most impressive icons in the ATV world, you are not going to want to miss out on this event. Come on down and see all the intense builds we will have on display, your chance to win prizes and meet some of the big names in the ATV world,” GTR stated via social media.

There will be lots to see at the event, including local suppliers and some of the most impressive icons in the ATV world. Some attendees include Mud N Wheels, Monsters of the North, as well as the one and only Ostacruiser.

The Martensville Maddogs Football team will also be back for the second year serving food and drinks for the event.

If you are interested in attending, be sure to visit Good Times Recreation at 109 Centennial Drive North in Martensville to check out their new set up, new office, and huge sales as well as supporting our local youth and community. Updates on the event can be found on the ‘Good Times Recreation’ Facebook page.

ABOVE: Be sure to stop by the Good Times Recreation Show & Shine on April 20th from 10am-4pm for a chance to see some of the biggest names in the ATV world.

Construction on Schedule for Martensville Recreation Centre’s Fall 2024 Opening

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Construction for the new Martensville Recreation Centre (MRC) began in early 2023, and since then, work on the structure has been progressing and is currently on schedule to open this fall. Although there are many moving parts to this project, Roxane Melnyk, City of Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Services, stated that overall, the project is approximately 70% completed.

Currently, work is being done along Centennial Drive South, near Main Street and 1st Street South, for water and wastewater for the facility and for future development. A temporary road closure is scheduled to begin on April 17th and be in place for approximately four weeks to continue work in this area. See more on the road closure on page 2 of this issue. As updates are available, they will be shared on the City of Martensville website at www.martensville.ca, or on the City’s social media pages.

Once complete, the MRC will consist of a fullsize indoor turf field with 6 dressing rooms, a full-size ice surface with seating for 900, 8 dressing rooms, a practice ice surface, a 50ft climbing wall, an indoor playground, a dedicated mini-stick area, a fully functional concession and lounge, a Proshop, 5 multi-purpose rooms, a cultural room, local user groups office and home to up to 8 retail spaces. Future plans are in place to construct additional ice surfaces within the MRC as well.

“There have not been formal discussions about the expansion yet; however, administration is hoping that the demand is so great, that the planning for the expansion will happen soon after opening,” Melnyk said.

In November of 2023, the City of Martensville began negotiations with Nustadia Recreation Inc. on an operating contract for the MRC, which was approved by City Council on February 20, 2024. City of Martensville administration has been working with Nustadia on the various priorities that will need to be completed prior to the MRC opening later this year.

“At the same time, Administration and Nustadia have been working together meeting with user groups to determine the allocation of the spaces once the facility is ready to open,” Melnyk added.

Nustadia will be responsible for hiring the staff to operate the MRC, and Jason Keating has been hired as the MRC General Manager, a position that he started on April 15th.

This $44.5 million project was made possible through contributions of $17.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Program, $14.8 million from the Government of Saskatchewan and $11.8 million from the City of Martensville, which includes funds raised by the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP).

“Community support has been the catalyst for this project right from the start and sponsorship and donations are such an important foundation to build upon,” Melnyk stated.

Donations and sponsorships for the MRC are still being accepted, and if interested, you can contact the City of Martensville about the various opportunities for sponsorship. For donations, contact the MCRP at www.mcrp.ca/donate/ where there are multiple options available to help support this project.

Those that have supported the Martensville Recreation Centre will be acknowledged at the facility through a Donors Wall for donations of $1000 or more, and through various naming recognition assets. More information can be found by visiting www. mcrp.ca/donate/.

ABOVE: A conceptual design of the Martensville Recreation Centre scheduled to open this fall.

ABOVE: Work is being done on Centennial Drive South to service the MRC with water/wastewater. A road closure is scheduled for April 17th and expected to last 4 weeks. See more on page 3. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

Teachers’ Impasse Over? Maybe Not.

Both the Saskatchewan Party government and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) have been making noises about a breakthrough.

“I think we’re closer than we have ever been,” STF President Samatha Becotte said in an interview with the Regina Leader-Post early last week.

Her comments came after Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill suggested the government may be willing to move on a key point. Cockrill told to reporters at the legislature last week the government was now prepared to put forward a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to a proposed accountability framework for education funding and would even be willing to write into legislation.

“We did float the idea of putting the accountability framework in legislation,” Cockrill said. “When you put something in the Education Act that becomes law.”

There are also other reasons for optimist, given the nature of labour disputes. Workers can’t hold over forever. Management can’t do without workers forever. And specific to this governmentpublic sector strike, there is added elements.

Most of the STF job actions haven’t involved full-scale strike walkouts for good reason. If your entire bargaining unit walks off the job, that’s really costly to union strike funds that can only be maintained for so long.

This is why what you have been seeing has been rotating strikes and now “indefinite withdrawal” of extracurricular services that doesn’t cost the union money because this is unpaid work.

So teachers are still getting paid, which is one reason why this job action has dragged on for along as it has.

That said, withdrawing extracurricular support may not be quite as effective for teachers in pressuring the government; or it may be something that cuts into much-needed public goodwill teachers also need if they are to move the government on the most critical issue.

By contrast, the government has no financial costs accumulating because teachers are on strike. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; they are saving money when they don’t have to pay teachers.

And while government seemingly thinks it has an inexhaustible money supply in our tax dollars, it, too, has both money and goodwill problems.

The money problem is down the road. Why it seems unwilling to commit to a clause in legal STF contract addressing class size and composition may be less philosophical and more to do with the fact that this would be a bigger, less predictable financial commitment than the government’s current deficit budget is willing to take on.

Certainly, it could spell longer term problems in that this is the first major public sector contact currently up for negotiations.

If the STF is successful, other unions; especially costly health unions; will want the same thing and that will be big bucks.

So the government may throw out the notion that it will write this into law, what it seems to be willing to write into legislation is that it would be financial matter to settle between teachers and their local school boards. This why the word “binding” remains critical to the STF.

“I know that the word legislation seems to be binding but, at the same time, we have seen this government change legislation kind of on a whim,” Becotte said.

Breakthrough? Maybe? But maybe not.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Strong and growing communities are the foundation of a strong and growing province. That’s why Saskatchewan’s 2024-25 Provincial Budget invests in our province’s strong and growing communities - so that Saskatchewan can continue to grow and remain the best place to live, work and raise a family.

For cities, towns, villages and municipalities throughout Saskatchewan, the budget provides a record increase of $42.4 million in Municipal Revenue Sharing. This is an increase of 14.2 per cent from last year for a total of $340.2 million in unconditional support for municipalities in the province.

Municipal Revenue Sharing was introduced in our government’s first budget in 2008 to help support municipalities across the province. This funding is provided predictably with no strings attached because locallyelected leaders are most familiar with the needs of their communities.

The City of Martensville will receive $2.48 million in revenue sharing, up from $2.17 million last year, and up from only $506,000 in 2007.

Investments in Infrastructure

An additional $350.1 million – an increase of $2 million – will be directed to infrastructure programs in the province, including funding for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Canada Community-Building Fund and the New Building Canada Fund.

The budget also provides a $900,000 increase to the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency for total funding of $12.3 million to maintain its capacity for property inspections.

Investing in municipal and regional transportation infrastructure is a large priority in this year’s budget. A $29.5 million investment will support municipalities and industry partners in making investments in the provincial transportation system, supporting economic growth and safety on rural and municipal roads.

Funding from this year’s budget will also support community airport improvements and help short line railways maintain and upgrade their networks. Transportation infrastructure is important in keeping our families safe while travelling, connecting communities, and getting our exports to market, helping to further grow Saskatchewan’s communities.

Improving Public Safety & Policing

Community safety remains a priority for our government and will receive significant investments in this year’s budget. The budget for the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety is $719.4 million. Together, they will work to maintain and promote public safety in Saskatchewan communities.

More than $228 million will fund RCMP operations in the province, an increase of $4.3 million, while the RCMP’s First Nations Policing Program will receive $21.6 million. The budget also provides $23.1 million for 160 municipal police positions, including 17 Combined Traffic Services positions funded by SGI and other public safety initiatives.

The budget includes $7 million for the Saskatchewan Marshals Service to continue implementation and hiring; the Marshals are expected to begin operations in 2026. The ministry will also receive $200,000 to enhance and expand the Saskatchewan Police College.

An investment of more than $250 million will be provided to the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General to support the province’s justice services and community wellbeing, including $31.7 million for programs and services to reduce interpersonal violence.

The Saskatchewan Firearms Office will receive $12.4 million, which includes $3.0 million to establish a ballistics laboratory in Saskatoon.

Supporting First Nations and Metis Communities

The budget continues investment in First Nations and Métis communities throughout Saskatchewan. More than $255 million in targeted funding will be provided for First Nations and Métis people and organizations, which is an increase of $6.1 million over last year.

An investment of $91.2 million from gaming payments will support Indigenous-led social and economic initiatives.

To support the well-being of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund invests $800,000 for grassroots organizations to develop and deliver projects that help prevent violence and promote safety.

In an effort to continually enhance consultations related to the duty to consult, the budget provides an increase of $930,000 to support First Nations and Métis communities in participating in the consultation process. Our government is committed to investing in community growth, contributing to a high quality of life in communities across Saskatchewan. As we continue this work, I look forward to hearing your feedback. You can reach my constituency office at office@terryjenson.ca or at 306-242-2111.

Corman Park Fire Ban Does Not Include City of Martensville

As of 9:00am on April 12, 2024, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park has implemented a Total Fire Ban. This ban does not allow for any open flame fires to be lit within the R.M. until the ban has been lifted.

This includes all outdoor fires that were currently burning at the time of the ban, the lighting of all outdoor fires; including fire pits, burning barrels, controlled burns and fireworks.

Exceptions include internal household fireplaces and gas-fueled equipment such as a propane barbecue or propane fire pit.

ABOVE: Dry conditions can often lead to grass fires, therefore residents are reminded to be mindful with any kind of open flame, cigarettes and fireworks.

This ban does not include the City of Martensville; however, residents are reminded to take caution when lighting outdoor fires and ensure City bylaws are followed. Use common sense when lighting fires and ensure any flames are extinguished properly. Avoid throwing cigarettes from your vehicle, as they can often be the cause of grass fires throughout the spring and summer.

When using your barbecue for the first time this season, take some time to ensure it has been cleaned out properly and does not pose a risk of a fire.

If you are planning on setting of fireworks, ensure appropriate weather conditions exist and conditions are not extremely dry.

Find more information on City of Martensville bylaws at www.martensville.ca.

Martensville’s first Spring craft sale took place this past Sunday at the North Ridge Community Centre showcasing many unique handmade and artisanal products, along with Kidpreneurs displaying their items.

Approximately 225 people came to check out the 57 vendors who displayed a wide variety of items such as homemade jewelry, embroidery, candles, artwork, pottery, crocheting, baking, and much more.

Organizers Amy Krieger and her daughter Chloe McMillan, also invited representatives from the Pop-Up Rescue Project attend the event where many enjoyed visiting some friendly canines that are available for adoption.

“Chloe and I were so happy to hear from many vendors how pleased they were with the way the day went. We loved being a part of that! We will be doing a winter market November 30th,” said Amy Krieger.

Follow them on the ‘Art Ville Craft Market’ Facebook page as the date of the event approaches.

ABOVE: The Art-Ville Craft Market, held on April 14th, offered a wide variety of hand-made products from an array of vendors. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

ABOVE: The Pop-Up Rescue Project attended the Art-Ville Craft Market with some of the adorable pups available for adoption, including the loveable Hank, who is looking for his forever family.