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April 2, 2020

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Twelve Years of Community

VOLUME NO. 14 - ISSUE 13

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NOTICE:

ANY CARE FACILITIES AND HIGH RISK PATIENTS IN NEED OF SANITIZER Please email me your situation and volume requirement at a.varaschin@ incarnaconsulting.ca. I will be doing my best to coordinate with the community need and some very generous producers.

The Martensville Corner Store, like many other businesses around Martensville, have closed their doors temporarily during the COVID-19 outbreak. Although it wasn’t government mandated, owner Shirley Ber felt it necessary for the safety of her staff and others to close their doors indefinitely. They will be installing a window behind the building in order to provide a drive-through service for customers during the coronavirus pandemic. See a list of businessess in Martensville that have closed, but who will still provide certain services on Page 5 of this issue.

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Page 2 - APRIL 2, 2020 - martensville messenger

“Message from the Mayor” Touching Base with Residents

On behalf of the City of Martensville, I want to thank each and every one of you who are following the COVID-19 pandemic physical distancing and self-isolation rules being recommended by the Province of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. We all play a role in keeping our communities as healthy as possible, and I know that together, we will get through these challenging times. Please continue to follow all hygiene and hand washing recommendations, and to simply stay home. I also want to assure you we will continue to work with, and to share information we receive from the Province, our own Emergency Services and other municipalities to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. This is our top priority. We are also working hard to minimize additional disruptions to our residents by ensuring that all essential services remain on track. Our regular garbage and recycling services are ongoing, and we continue to maintain, monitor and test our water system and ensure the wastewater system is operating normally while so many of us are at home. In addition, our work on major capital projects is proceeding including road rehabilitations and water and sewer upgrades. And while we are closed to the public, City Hall staff are still responding to enquiries by phone and email. If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to utilize our online services such as pre-authorized payments, ebilling, and online banking to carry out transactions. All of these can be found at Martensville.ca. As you may have heard, one of the most recent changes we made was to officially close our playgrounds. This was a very difficult decision to make as we know how much our parks and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities mean to our residents, especially with the warmer weather coming. However, we know it is the right thing to do to keep everyone safe. The closure of playgrounds includes fitness pods in Kinsmen Park, the Kyle Syrenne Skatepark and everywhere people can congregate outdoors. At this time, our entire City Council wishes to acknowledge the challenges our business community is facing. Our Councillors and Administration hear your concerns and we will consider all means available to help alleviate the pressures you are facing. Now more than ever, we encourage all of our residents to find out how local businesses are providing services in light of the pandemic. These businesses need our support and there is no better time to ‘Love What’s Local’. On behalf of everyone at the City of Martensville, we look forward to seeing you again at City Hall! Sincerely, Mayor Kent Muench

Recreation Department Creates Martensville Mind Boost Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak and the announcement of facilities within the community closing, the City of Martensville Recreation Department wanted to do something that could help keep people entertained and provide a little bit of fun for families that are at home for the time being; therefore, Martensville Mind Boost was created. “Here at the Recreation Department, we had a chance to brainstorm together some ideas of activities and themes that people would be interested in doing at home. It was planned in response to the new procedures put in place with the Covid-19 pandemic because all of the other events and activities that we plan here were put on hold. We decided that we wanted to offer something that the community could do in the meantime that would keep them both happy and healthy,” Jessica Loran, Program Coordinator II, explained. Martensville Mind Boost can be found on Facebook and offers a variety of themes throughout each week, with ideas and activities that you can participate in and share photos. “The program is designed to give people who are isolated and bored at home something fun to do, that can also include the social aspect, by sharing it online, and community building that we are all missing and craving right now,” Loran added. Through these activities, residents are still able to foster a sense of community, while practicing proper social distancing and isolation. “Individuals and families can take part in the activities listed, document what they have done and share it with us on the event page,” Loran said. All participants will be entered into a weekly prize draw. The City of Martensville reminds residents to continue to take recommended preventative measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These include: practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette (into the bend of your elbow), washing your hands often with soap and water, if soap and water are not available, using an alcohol based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, maintain safe food practices and avoid close contact with people who are sick. “Practicing these safe behaviors doesn’t mean that we can’t get outside for fresh air, get exercise and socialize virtually with our friends, family and community. Taking part in these activities will help keep you mentally healthy as well as physically ABOVE: As part of Martensville Mind Boost, on March healthy,” Loran stated. 27th, there was a snowflake contest. (Facebook)

martensville messenger - April 2, 2020 - Page 3

Civic Services During the COVID-19 PandemicWhat you should Know!

At this time, all City facilities are closed to the public, including reception areas. 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. Residents and Customers are requested 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. After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1. Protective Services- There are no changes in duty or status to Protective Services such as the RCMP, Martensville Fire Department, and Ambulance Service. Water and Sewer- These services remain unimpacted and unchanged, including water quality testing. Meter reading will continue to take place; however, staff will not be doing reads of meters located inside of homes or occupied buildings. In these cases, estimates will be taken or reads can be provided into City Hall. In respect to water and sewer emergencies, city staff will not be able to enter resident homes at this time and private contractors should be considered. The City of Martensville will no longer be charging interest on water and sewer accounts indefinitely to assist residents impacted by COVID -19 impacts. Garbage and Recycling- Services remain in place and on schedule with no anticipated service delays at this time. Road Maintenance- will continue as required, including snow removal, and is not expected to change at this time.

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 of lanes during the spring thaw. 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 Pubic Works at 931-2166.

April Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule may be subject to change based around any potential new developments around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend. Regular Council- April 7th Committee of the Whole- April 14th Regular Council- April 21st The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers. Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All Regular Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public. All meetings commence at 5PM. 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 Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca

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

Protect your Property and Be Ready for Spring Thaw

With prolonged cold temperatures and snow accumulation, and now moving into milder climates, we are expecting a rapid melt. This may lead to seepage of water into basement or water to accumulate on property. We are all responsible to protect our own property and mitigate any potential risks. Provided are some helpful tips and tasks to help prevent water seeping into your basement or accumulating on your property. 1. 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. Splash pads can help direct the water to a permeable surface, such as a garden or lawn. Clear debris from your eavestroughs (gutters) to prevent them from overflowing. If your eavestroughs or downspouts overflow even when they are clean, install larger ones. 2. Consider moving snow away from the foundation of your home, to prevent a large degree of melting immediately adjacent to your foundation. 3. Ensure proper grading around your home and property or build up the ground slope around your home. Soil should slope down from your foundation and window wells for at least two to three metres (about six to ten feet) at a drop of at least 10-20 centimetres (about four to eight inches). If water soaks into the ground within the backfill zone, it will accumulate next to your basement walls and floor, where it can leak in or damage the foundation. Check your ground slope annually, because soil, sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways can settle over time. You can find grade elevation information on Martensville.ca 4. Check the drainage paths on your property. Ensure that storm water flows to the lane or street, not towards your home. It also shouldn’t flow into your neighbour’s yard. Property should be graded to keep water flowing in the right direction. If water pools on your property, consider pumping it to the street. 5. Fix leaks in basement walls, floors, windows and doors. 6. If you have protective plumbing, such as backflow valves and sump pumps, make sure they are working properly. 7. If you are away from your property for a period (2-3 days) have someone check the property to ensure water is not coming into the basement. 8. Elevate and/or store important equipment and personal items as to avoid damage in case of water seepage. City crews will ensure streets, catch basins, and drain ways are clear to ensure the spring melt does not back up on city streets and onto properties so we can all enjoy and have a worry-free spring. For more information or to report an issue, contact Martensville City Hall or visit Martensville.ca

Take Part. Get Paid. The next provincial election is coming up in 2020, and we need workers! Did you know that you can make up to $230 for working election day, and even more for working during advance voting? To be eligible to work you must be:

A Saskatchewan resident (lived in SK for at least 6 months before the date election was called)

At least 16 years old for most election jobs

Apply online at: elections.sk.ca/takepart or by calling 1.877.958.8683.

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Page 4 - APRIL 2, 2020 - martensville messenger

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Wheatland Regional Library Still Open Online While our branches are temporarily closed, Wheatland Regional Library is still connecting our communities with books, audiobooks, magazines, and music. Through our website, readers can use Library2Go and Hoopla to access thousands of ebooks and audiobooks. Magazine readers can enjoy the latest issues on the Flipster app. For those looking for newspapers, we offer more than 6000 publications through PressReader including the StarPhoenix and Leader Post. We are also excited to announce that Ancestry is offering free at home access with your library card until April 30th. If you don’t have a library card, sign up on our website and staff can assist you. For complete details, as well as getting started guides, see the Wheatland Regional Library Website (www.wheatland.sk.ca) or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see the latest! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheatlandRegionalLibrary/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WheatlandRL Established in 1967, the Wheatland Regional Library is part of a provincewide public library system. Wheatland Regional Library is located in west central Saskatchewan and provides library service to over 100,000 people living in 130 communities.

POLICE

BEAT

The Warman Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police received 114 calls for service from March 16, 2020 to March 23, 2020 and 103 calls for service from March 23, 2020 to March 30, 2020.

TRAFFIC

Driver Swerving on Highway 12 March 19, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. RCMP received a call on Highway 12 by Martensville of a white car with a Sask plate, swerving and crossing over the white line. Warman RCMP located vehicle and there was no evidence of distracted driving or any impairment. Driver Charged For Highway Obstruction March 24, 2020 at 5:25p.m. RCMP received a call on Highway 11 by Warman of an obstruction on roadway. A 56-year-old male was charged with ‘Load or drive a vehicle with cargo that dropped or was likely to drop on the public highway’. Charges Laid After Erratic Driver Reported March 24, 2020 at 5:45 p.m. RCMP received a call in Martensville of erratic driving. Members 20034BS0 20034BS1

made patrols and located vehicle. Driver was sober with a suspended license. A 24-year-old female was charged with ‘drive while suspended’.

PROPERTY

Warman Theft Under Investigation March 16, 2020 at 1:54 p.m. RCMP received a call in Warman of a theft. A 2012 Trailtech black trailer, 22 foot tri axle car hauler with Sask plates was stolen. This is still under investigation.

2012 GMC Terrain, grey in color was stolen. This is still under investigation. Police Investigate Warman Incident March 27, 2020 at 6:59 a.m. RCMP received a call in Warman. Several vehicles had been rummaged through. A youth was seen going through the vehicles and departed when police were notified. This is still under investigation.

PEOPLE

Police Investigate Martensville Mischief March 18, 2020 at 9:03 a.m. RCMP received a call in Martensville of mischief. Someone broke the back window of a vehicle. Caller heard a loud bang and laughter. This is still under investigation.

Police Receive Complaint of Intoxicated Person March 18, 2020 at 10:13 p.m. RCMP received a call in Martensville of an unwanted intoxicated person refusing to leave the property. Members attended the scene. A 23-year-old female was taken to cells and released when sober.

Vehicle Stolen in Martensville March 19, 2020 at 10:12 a.m. RCMP received a call in Martensville of theft. A

Suspicious Person Reported in Martensville March 23, 2020 at 7:43 p.m. RCMP received a call in Martensville of a

suspicious person. An unknown female was intoxicated and banging on doors. Members attended and arrested and charged a 43-year-old female for being intoxicated in public.

NOTICE

Warman RCMP that the SASKATCHEWAN CRIME WATCH ADVISORY NETWORK is operating. Sign up at www.saskcrimewatch. ca to receive crime watch notifications.

To make the public aware there are several scams escalating from COVID-19. Please do not release information to unknown sources. If you have information regarding these or any other crimes, please contact Warman/ Martensville RCMP at 306975-1670/306-975-1610 or if you have information and you wish to remain anonymous in your reporting, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477), submit a tip via their website: http:// saskcrimestoppers.com/ or text in a tip: TIP206 + your tip to CRIMES (274637).

City of Martensville Works Hard to Ensure Core Services Continue Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville has been paying close attention to directives regarding COVID-19 that are coming from the province and continue to watch how other municipalities are carrying on their day-to-day operations. “We put in place all measures that the province has recommended including additional cleanings and social distancing. Right now our focus is to ensure core services such as water and utilities continue to take place and not create even more hardship for citizens at this time,” Dillon Shewchuk, City of Martensville Community Economic Development Manager, said. When it comes to planning for the future, Shewchuk noted that they will be “assessing hour by hour and day by day” and base their decisions on the COVID environment that everyone is in right now. Close work has been done with the City of Martensville Emergency Measures Organization Coordinator Tracy Wilson-Gerwing and Shewchuk said that, “we have a pandemic annex as part of our overall EMO Plan. With that, we focus on a lot of that plan to ensure core services can continue one way or another.” Currently, all playgrounds within Martensville are closed until further notice, which includes areas with play structures, fitness pods and the Kyle Syrenne Skatepark. City Bylaw will be out to ensure that these areas remain off-limits and residents are reminded to refrain from congregating in the park areas and parking lots. School playgrounds are also currently closed until further notice. Although City facilities are closed for the time being, registration for programming is open and can be done via phone or email by calling (306) 683-5577 or emailing recprograms@martensville.ca. Swimming lesson registration will be opening May 11. More information about upcoming programming can be found in the Spring/Summer Program Guide, which was delivered to all residents earlier this month and can be found online through the City of Martensville and Martensville Messenger websites. “For now, stay home if you can. There have been other jurisdictions in the world that have been more dismissive of this, but staying home is the biggest thing right now. We aren’t looking at this being spread through travel related cases anymore, but instead being spread inner-community. That means that staying isolated is very key at this point, and self-monitoring as well. I know that is a lot easier said than done, but together, we will get through this.” More information on local updates can be found at www.martensville.ca, or on the City of Martensville Facebook page.

martensville messenger - April 2, 2020 - Page 5 Regional Task Force How Can You Continue to Support Local Businesses? Created to Help Support Below is a list of information about some of our local businesses and options on how you can continue to support them. For more information about each business, visit them online or contact them directly. Local Businesses AFFINITY CREDIT UNION - Closed as of Monday, March 30. Will see members by appointment only between Through COVID-19 10am-3pm Mon-Fri. Phone numbers for Advice Centres will be posted on front doors. Pandemic ALPYNE APPAREL – Currently closed to the public, but still accepting online orders. Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

With many businesses forced to either close their doors, or change the way they operate amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Martensville, City of Warman and Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce came together to create the COVID-19 Regional Task Force. “This task force is aimed at helping businesses as much as possible through this unprecedented, devastating and completely unpredictable time,” City of Martensville Community Economic Development Manager, Dillon Shewchuk, explained. Through each week, video/conference calls take place that local businesses are invited to attend and participate in. The purpose of these calls is to provide an opportunity for businesses to discuss concerns that they are facing, identify funding resources from various external agencies and learn about accessing those resources, business resumption planning, connections and resources for mental health or business related issues, receive updates from the Cities and more. “Everyone knows that this pandemic will have extreme impacts on local businesses, so we wanted to create one central place where people can hopefully get the information that they need, to provide a venue for businesses to get information on what is happening in each of their municipalities, talk about what the core issues are and what businesses are facing on a day to day basis. We will try our best to address those areas. It is a daunting job, but hopefully we can even make a little bit of positive difference for businesses and help them transition through this and hopefully they can come out the other side, reasonably unaffected,” Shewchuk said. The calls have seen much support from the local business community right from the start, with approximately 15-20 people attending each time. Shewchuk added that although it is a great way for businesses to obtain information, it is also an opportunity for them to be heard as well. “We want to hear from them and in doing that, it helps us focus on things that we need to go back and do with our councils and municipalities or if there are broader issues that are provincial in nature, we can work with them on that as well to help businesses come out the other side of this.” Many of our local businesses are making modifications on their day-to-day operations in order to continue to serve their communities; whether it be offering delivery services, curbside service, added sanitation efforts, etc. “Reach out via social media or through websites to see what your favorite local businesses are doing. This is a time that they certainly need people’s help more than ever and we encourage you to think about those local businesses and support them if possible,” Shewchuk noted. More information about the COVID-19 Regional Task Force can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ Warman-Martensville-Region-covid19-Business-TaskForce-103316131312201/. You can also visit https://www. prairieskychamber.ca/ for updates on local businesses operating status.

AYOTTE PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - We would like everyone know that as an essential service, we are still in operation. We have taken all precautions that we can, providing our employees with face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. In some cases we are able to do quotes over the phone, with the assistance of the customer emailing us pictures, which limits the amount of time we are in their house. Although we have closed our front office to the public, we are still accessible via phone to book appointments and take payments. As always, we offer 24 hour emergency services. BOSTON PIZZA - Modified hours Monday-Sunday 12pm-8pm. Lounge and Diner are temporarily closed. Take out is available as well as delivery from 5pm-8pm. BRAVO DANCE - Classes have moved online to continue serving our families. We are providing lots of online classes that are open to the public as well. Our store is set up online and will be doing Easter baskets, special edition T-shirts with 15% of sales being donated to COVID-19 relief funds. CANALTA HOTEL - Closed until April 30th. CHECKERED FLAG - We at Checkered Flag Automotive are running strong and staying busy helping customers. We are offering pick up and drop off of vehicle at your residence or vehicle can be dropped off in our parking lot and pick up one of our FREE courtesy vehicles. We are taking every safety precaution we can which includes wiping down with disinfectant and wearing gloves to drive cars in and out. CHERISHED MEMORIES - Open regular hours but following all government guidelines. D & S FABRICS - Store is closed as of March 19th; however, phone orders are available including pickup and delivery to Warman, Martensville & Osler. Payments accepted by credit card. GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE – All oil & filter change services are still available, with a temporary price decrease on oil changes starting at: $49.99 for Conventional Oil, $69.99 for Semi-Synthetic Oil and $92.99 for Full Synthetic Oil (all up to 5L + env./txs.) We are practicing anti-COVID-19 procedures to limit contact as much as possible by having customers remain in their vehicle, disinfecting debit machine and no signatures required on invoices. The carwash is still open (same hours as shop) Monday – Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. INFINITY SALON & SPA - Closed. Online product orders available. JP MASSAGE – JP Massage is closed and expect to be in the last waves of businesses allowed to reopen, because we simply can't maintain any distance from our clients. We will absolutely be coming back as soon as it is safe to do so, and cannot wait to be able to work with our clients again! LAKEVIEW INSURANCE - Closed but still operational. Transactions can be completed via phone or email. Hours have changed. Now closed Saturdays. MARTENSVILLE PLUMBING & HEATING - Open regular hours and available for emergency service. Staff taking safety precautions including masks & gloves. MEDICINE SHOPPE - Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Have measures in place to fill prescriptions with delivery and curb side pickup available. People with any signs of illness are not allowed in. Delivery, curb side pickup and an app to order and fill prescriptions are in place. SAS HOME & FLORAL - Store closed but accepting online and phone orders. THE WIRELESS AGE – We understand the importance of staying connected during a time like this. Our Martensville store remains open, with limited hours and some restrictions (# of customers, social distancing, enhanced sanitization, etc.) However, our big push is to drive customers to our website (www.thewirelessage.com) or the phone (306-2425499) For any sales or service requirements. For phone and/or web orders, we offer free, same day shipping or store curbside pickup at no extra charge.

Closed but still operational. Transactions can be completed via phone or email.

WRENCH FITNESS – Allowing for rental of equipment in order to train from home. Filming exercise videos and creation of our HomeFit and EquipFit series to keep people motivated and working out together. Doing live exercise classes twice a day on Zoom to get a group together and get that “vibe” of community going in a workout setting. Creating workout programs for our members to do at home based on the equipment they may have available to them. We started two week lifestyle challenges for people to focus on something positive during this time where they can use our App to track sleep, exercise, eating, mobility and workouts. Each section awards points to win prizes. We also have a quarantine bingo game, which is another fun way to stay active and share positive messages on social media to everyone and win prizes. There are many other businesses in the area that are still providing service to customers. Please contact them directly to see how you can continue to support them during this time.

Page 6 - APRIL 2, 2020 - martensville messenger

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Let’s Get Behind Our Leadership; Let’s All Do Our Part

We’re not exactly built to put blind faith in our politicians. For this, I will take my share of the blame as a member of the fourth estate and, specifically, as political columnists whose job it is to critique public policy. One gets that. It’s just the nature of the beast and is certainly no grounds for complaint, but maybe what we all should be thinking about right now how we view our political leadership at a time of crisis in an adversarial parliamentary democracy that isn’t exactly built of times of crisis. The thought crosses one’s mind in the middle of this COVID-19 pandemic scare - one that’s become even scarier because it is the responsibility of government’s right now to examine “what-ifs” and “worst-case scenarios.” Such a scenario for this province - one was modelled by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) as a tool to prevent this very thing from happening - was recently leaked to reporters in this province. What it suggested was, taken in isolation, rather frightening. Called "COVID-19 Planning Doc: Strategy for Continuity of Health Services and Surge Capacity", the power point presentation suggested COVID-19 will “almost certainly overwhelm the health system” because our hospitals simply cannot be designed for the influx of thousands of patients at once. Based on a scientifically estimated infection rate of 30 per cent (which some suggest is the low-end for potential COVID-19 infections), we could see more than 300,000 Saskatchewan people infected by what is viewed as a pretty contagious virus. While the worldwide rate of death is only between .5 and two per cent, statistics take on a different meaning when you talk about the potential of 9,000 to 15,000 people here dying. The document talks of a potential need to turn hockey rinks into hospitals if we see a severe outbreak in certain areas. It takes this stuff pretty seriously and so should we. “Demand for acute services will exceed existing capacity for hospital beds, ICU beds, ventilators as well as creating a major burden on other acute services, supports, HR, supplies, and equipment," the report forewarned, but maybe it’s about here where we need to put things in perspective … and maybe even reassess how we usually criticize our politician. We first need to understand that this scenario is based on doing nothing. Instead, we shut down most things and need to keep them shut down so we don’t swamp the health system. We could also avoid the politics of pointing fingers at a government leadership. That seems to be how things are going in the United States where the COVID-19 outbreak is far worse and U.S. President Donald Trump is blaming New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for not buying more ventilators five years ago. And there are certainly things governments could have done better - especially in Saskatchewan when, a few weeks ago, the focus was on an early election rather than where it should have been. Or we could accept that no one could have truly anticipated the magnitude of the crisis. Certainly, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe deserves credit - and our support - for implementing some of the strictest COVID-19 prevention measures in our country. Moe could obviously do more. It would be more than just a gesture to bring municipal leaders and even NDP Opposition leader Ryan Meili (a doctor) into the decisionmaking fold. These are unprecedented times. But at the very least, we should be doing what our politicians and the experts are telling us to do: Don’t gather in groups bigger than 10 people. Keep six feet apart. Wash our hands. Stay at home. Our leadership needs our support right now as much as we need leadership.

ABOVE: A group of local residents got together to recognize our brave frontline healthcare workers on March 31st. They honked their horns and gave a wave at the 7-11 parking lot as a way to acknowledge and to thank them for all they are doing during these trying times as they head to their night shift! (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Investor Alert - Warning About Work From Home Scams During COVID-19 Crisis The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) is warning the public about potentially fraudulent ads by companies offering opportunities to work from home as securities traders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ads state that traders can keep a large percentage of the profits, and they don’t need experience or a licence; however, the firms demand payment of fees from would-be traders. In Saskatchewan anyone in the business of trading securities must be registered with FCAA, unless an exemption applies. The FCAA expects that similar scams will continue to increase during the COVID-19 crisis. Anyone who has information about these schemes is urged to contact the FCAA Securities Division at 306-787-5936. The FCAA is also warning investors about companies claiming to have products or services that will prevent, detect or cure COVID-19. At this time, there is no vaccine or natural health product that is authorized to treat or protect against COVID-19. Be cautious of any claims that a company has a solution to help stop the pandemic. R e l i a b l e information about COVID-19 is available from the World Health Organization and the Government of Canada.

Letter to the Editor

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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 the Martensville Messenger - Box 333 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

martensville messenger -

APRIL 2, 2020 - Page 7

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Page 8 - APRIL 2, 2020 - martensville messenger

Martensville Co-op Asks For Assistance to Keep Members and Staff Safe Submitted by Jade Gulash, Marketing & Communications Manager

Martensville Food Store manager, Jackie Southam and her team have been working diligently through these extraordinary circumstances of COVID 19 to provide a safe place for our team members and our guests. In addition to increasing the intensity and frequency of cleaning in the store, we have educated all of our team members about enhanced hygiene practices and guidelines, and asked them to stay home if they are feeling ill or have been possibly exposed to COVID-19. Here are some of the other things we have done across all of our locations and food stores in particular: • Signage, physical barriers and visual cues have been installed in all of our locations to remind our guests of proper social distancing and other health and safety practices while shopping. Floor decals now indicate proper distancing at the checkouts. • We have started controlling the number of shoppers in our locations, and will expand 20041BS0 20041BS1

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this practice as needed. • Purchase limits are in place on high-demand essential items including toilet paper, other paper products, and sanitizing products. • An Early Shopping hour (8-9am every day) is reserved for our elderly and vulnerable guests. • We have suspended our reusable bag program and the charge for plastic bags, and are asking customers not to bring reusable bags in our stores. • We have temporarily removed self-serve bulk bins, hot prepared foods and salad bar items from our stores. Food sampling has also been discontinued. • Plexiglass barriers have been installed at some checkouts and we are installing these at all checkouts in our food stores as the material becomes available from suppliers. Here are some of the things we are asking our members and guests to do to help keep everyone safe: • If you are ill, have travelled internationally in the past 14 days, or have been in contact with someone who has contracted the COVID-19 virus, please do not enter our stores. • Maintain at least 2 metres between you and all others at all times. • One family member shopping at a time. Please do not shop in groups. • Please do not bring reusable bags into our stores. We are temporarily suspending the charge for plastic bags. • Please obey signage and markings on the floor in our stores. • Please touch only the items you intend to buy. • To limit contact and cash handling, please use debit or credit payment if possible. Use tap to pay if possible. • Be patient as our team members work hard to stock our shelves, and take extra breaks during the day to wash their hands and sanitize high-touch surfaces. We are all in this together. The community can truly help by offering to shop for someone who is vulnerable or self-isolating, shopping alone and less frequently (every 1-2 weeks or less) and practicing good hygiene while in all public places (wash hands frequently, and when you can’t, don’t touch your face). We rely on all of our guests to do their part in maintaining a safe place to shop, and a safe place for all of our team members to continue to work. And a ‘thank you’ goes a long way! I’d also like to point out that we operate the Co-op gas bar and convenience store, and the team members there have done an exceptional job of adapting to this crisis as well. We did just temporarily discontinue full-service in order to keep our pump attendants safe from personal contact and possible transmission, and are now better able to sanitize hightouch surfaces throughout the day. Martensville Food Store Manager, Jackie Southam added, “Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Martensville community. We appreciate the community for their patience in these extraordinary circumstances as we put these measures in to place to keep our team members and customers safe. We are honored and happy to be serving Martensville and the surrounding area. Thank you to all the staff at Martensville Co-op grocery story and Co-op gas bar for all that you have done and continue to do to create a safe environment. They are our everyday heroes!

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601 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK 601 Centennial Dr. S. Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SK Fax: 306-934-6602 601Phone: Centennial Dr. S. 306-934-6610 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Martensville, SK Fax: 306-934-6602 Phone: E-Mail: 306-934-6610 mbhs@sasktel.net Store Hours: Fax: 306-934-6602 Mondaymbhs@sasktel.net - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm E-Mail: