The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription.
Pick up of the Green Bins has commenced with regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and running from May until the end of October Pick-up take place on Tuesdays. The pick-up schedule can be viewed at Martensville.ca For information or to sign up for this program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall.
Careful out There! Safety Reminders on our Streets, Parks and Pathways
The recent mild weather and runoff have created slippery and potentially hazardous conditions across the City. Please keep these safety tips in mind:
• Slippery Pathways: Pathways may have accumulating water, ice or frost. Residents are encouraged to use extra caution when walking.
• Unstable Pond Conditions: Warm temperatures and runoff have made pond ice uncertain and inconsistent. Please respect all signs and barricades around neighborhood ponds.
• Icy and Rutted Streets: Melting has led to ice and rutting on streets. Please slow down to stay in control and avoid potential damage to your vehicle.
• Snowmobile Restrictions: Snowmobiles are not allowed in parks, drainage systems, or on streets. Riding in these areas can harm trees, plants, and expose riders to hidden hazards like rocks or equipment.
• Pothole Alert: With the thaw, potholes may begin to form. Approach standing water cautiously as it could conceal potholes. You can report them to the City using the ‘Request for Service’ feature on our website.
Martensville City Council Discusses Key Community Issues at April Meeting
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council held their first Council meeting of April on Tuesday night, addressing several important topics that impact the community.
The meeting opened with a public hearing regarding a proposed zoning bylaw amendment for parking requirements for indoor storage facilities and outdoor storage. The amendment would allow indoor storage facilities to qualify for cash-in-lieu of parking, a policy designed to provide flexibility in meeting parking requirements.
Council also saw a delegation from the Martensville & Area Healthcare Initiative Volunteer Group, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of public health services in the community. Their presentation aimed to highlight the need for improved healthcare accessibility in Martensville.
The group discussed their plans to host a Martensville Community Health Fair on Saturday, May 31st from 10am-2pm, which would showcase health services available to people within Martensville and the surrounding area. Some of those attending would include the College of Medicine/med students, SHA Public Health, UCPC Clinic for Chronic Pain Management, Martensville Fire Department, Medavie Community Paramedicine Program, Forever in Motion, Possibilities Youth Centre, Donnie Speidel – Indigenous spirituality and the practices utilized for maintaining health in a modern society and the MartensvilleWarman Early Years Family Resource Centre, with the option for more presenters to attend. More information about this group, and this event can be found by visiting the ‘Martensville & Area Healthcare Advocacy Initiative’.
Another key agenda item included the approval of a Deputy Mayor rotation schedule. Under the proposal, each councillor will serve as Deputy Mayor for two separate four-month terms during the four-year council period.
Each year, the city allocates funding through the Sask Lotteries Grant, supporting local community service groups. This year’s total funding of $84,508 will be distributed among various organizations, with grants ranging from $500 to $6,000. To see the full list of recipients, you can view the April 1st agenda at www.martensville.ca.
Council also considered a request to relocate a Junior B hockey team to the Martensville Sports Centre. The team would require approximately 100 hours of ice time, which city administration believes can be accommodated with minimal disruption to current users. Martensville Minor Hockey has expressed tentative support for the move and will provide a formal decision after their March 31 board meeting. The Junior B team’s official relocation proposal will be presented at their AGM in April, though the specific team has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The Martensville Program Guide, printed quarterly, is facing rising production costs. Due to an increase in printing costs, it would create an additional $6,000 impact on the budget. In response, administration is proposing a shift to a digital-first approach, printing only a limited number of copies for distribution at key locations while making the full guide available online.
Agendas for Council meetings are available each week online at www. martensville.ca. For more information
Spring Thaw and Runoff
Recent heavy snows and milder weather will produce pooling and runoff through the community. Crews will be working to clear pooling areas and open up drainage ways for water to clear off of streets and pathways as efficiently as possible.
Please be aware that there will be icy surfaces, please take caution and care at this time. This includes lowering your speed on icy roads and having proper footwear on the pathways.
Protecting your Property
Provided are some helpful tips and tasks to help prevent water from seeping into your basement or accumulating on your property.
- Extend downspouts at least two metres (six feet) from your basement walls. The further the water is from the foundation, the less chance that it will make its way into your basement.
- Consider moving snow away from the foundation of your home, to prevent a large degree of melting immediately adjacent to your foundation.
More tips available at www.martensville.ca/pages/tips_for_spring_thaw
Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates
City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.
April 8th -Committee of the Whole 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
City Hosting BBQ to Celebrate Volunteers
The City of Martensville is hosting their annual Volunteer Appreciation Night on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the North Ridge Community Centre. This event, presented by North Prairie Developments and CANWEST, is dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of local volunteers who enhance the community's well-being.
“We have many dedicated, hard-working volunteers in our community who run various sport, culture, and recreation programs/events. The BBQ is to celebrate YOU!,” the City of Martensville stated in an event description.
Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with refreshments, and opportunities to connect with fellow community members. The celebration aims to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of volunteers across various sectors within Martensville.
The event is free to attend and is open to all interested in attending. For more details about the event or to learn how you can participate, visit the official event page accessible through the City of Martensville Facebook page.
Come
Win a Easter Ham - 50/50 - Concession
Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend.
3-Up, 6-Up and 9-Up Packages
Exciting New Events Happening in April at Early Years Family Resource Centre
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre (MWEYFRC) offers free programming, support, and resources from professionals for parents, caregivers, and their children.
Each week, the Centre hosts engaging activities such as drop-in play, Sip ‘n Chat, and exciting new events in April, including Kindermusik and Weather Explorers. Additionally, an Immunization and Fluoride Varnish Clinic will be available on April 9th.
The Ages & Stages section provides parents with the opportunity to complete developmental questionnaires alongside facilitators to better understand their child’s growth and understand where their child is developmentally.
The Centre also welcomes daycare groups (8+ children), preschool, and kindergarten classes for scheduled visits.
For more information, contact mweyfrc@ymcasaskatoon.org or call (639) 398-7609. The Centre is located at 7 Centennial Drive North, Martensville. To learn more about event details, visit mwfamilycentre.ca or browse their social media pages.
SHA Notifies Public to Risk of Measles Exposure
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is notifying the public of measles exposure risks in North Battleford and Saskatoon. The exposure risks resulted from a confirmed case. Individuals who were at any of the following locations during these time periods should monitor themselves closely for up to 21 days after potential exposure: North Battleford - River Valley Eye Care: Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Gold Eagle Casino: Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 12:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., Shoppers Drug Mart in Frontier Mall: Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tim Hortons by Frontier Mall: Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Splish Splash Auto and Pet Wash: Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Battleford Union Hospital – Emergency Department: Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2025 from 2:00 a.m. to 07:30 a.m., and Monday, March 24, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Saskatoon - Smiley’s Buffet and Catering (702 Circle Dr, Saskatoon): Friday, March 21, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Queen Nails & Spa Confederation Mall (300 Confederation Dr #46, Saskatoon): Friday, March 21, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Play Toon Indoor Playground (331 60th Street, Saskatoon): Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop (831 51st Street Unit 70, Saskatoon): Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tim Hortons (709 Circle Dr E, Saskatoon): Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Value Village (2115 Faithful Ave, Saskatoon): Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., HomeSense (3047 Clarence Ave S, Saskatoon): Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Measles symptoms include: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, fatigue, irritability (feeling cranky or in a bad mood), small, white spots (known as Koplik spots) inside the mouth and throat, and red blotchy rash, which develops on the face and spreads down the body about three to seven days after symptoms begin and can last four to seven days.
Measles can be prevented by vaccination. The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and free. With two doses, measles vaccination is almost 100 per cent effective. Please review you immunizations in your MySaskHealthRecord or discuss with your health practitioner to ensure you and your family’s immunizations are up to date.
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, if you exhibit any of the above symptoms AND were at the identified location during the specified times, please call HealthLine 811 for symptom assessment and care advice. You may also contact your physician or nurse practitioner and inform them that you may have been exposed to measles. Do not attend a clinic in person if you are symptomatic, call HealthLine 811 for instructions. Anyone potentially exposed may be eligible for preventative treatment for up to six days after exposure. If you are in medical distress, please call before presenting to the emergency department or call 911, ensuring you identify that you may have been exposed to measles.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. It can spread very easily by breathing contaminated air after an infected person coughs or sneezes or by touching a contaminated surface such as a doorknob or a shopping cart. If individuals breathe the contaminated air or touch a contaminated surface, then touch their nose, eyes or mouth, they can become infected. The virus can live up to two hours in the air or on surfaces in a space where a person coughed or sneezed. It can spread to others from four days before a rash appears until four days after a rash develops. Throughout this period, a person needs to stay in strict isolation to avoid spreading the infection to others.
SPORTS
ABOVE: The Martensville U18AA Marauders celebrate a win after they were victorious in game 1 of the provincial finals against Estevan in an intense overtime. The fans went wild celebrating with them. The team was proud to be the first banner added to the Martensville Recreation Centre following their win as the Centre Four Division U18AA Champions. The next match against Estevan will take place on Saturday, April 5th at Affinity Place in Estevan. (Martensville U18AA Marauders)
Sask Parks Online Campsite Reservations Open April 7
Campers are one step closer to an amazing summer as Saskatchewan Provincial Parks online reservations open at 7 a.m. CST on April 7 for seasonal campsites and April 8 to 15 for nightly campsites, Camp-Easy yurts, group campsites, day use facilities and swimming lessons.
"Camping is a wonderful option for people who want an affordable summer vacation and to enjoy time in nature," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. "As camping grows in popularity, our provincial parks are ready to meet the demand with more campsites, new events and expanded programming."
This season, two Camp-Easy yurts have been added to Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park. In addition, 63 seasonal sites have been added across Buffalo Pound, Candle Lake, Crooked Lake, Great Blue Heron, Makwa and Meadow Lake Provincial Parks.
New events will debut this year including Festival in the Forest at Meadow Lake, Prairie Day at Buffalo Pound and new guided hiking events such as Hike the Heights at Cypress Hills and Into the Pines at Candle Lake. Returning favourites include Canada Day and Summer Cinema in parks around the province and Back in the Boreal at Meadow Lake, Trade Days at Fort Carlton, Cannington Fair at Cannington Manor and Cabin Fever Art Festival at Moose Mountain.
Campers are encouraged to set-up or log-in to their online account on the Sask Parks reservation website in advance, so they can quickly identify their favourite campsites and start planning their trip ahead of reservation launch day.
Campers are reminded there is a queuing system in place and they need to refresh the page at 7 a.m. CST to be placed in the queue or pushed through to make a reservation on launch days.
Campers can purchase an annual, weekly or daily entry permit online or in the park upon arrival. A full list of fees is available on the Sask Parks reservation website. The complete reservation schedule for 2025 is as follows: Seasonal campsites:
• April 7: All parks with seasonal camp sites available. Nightly, day-use facilities, Camp-Easy yurt and group campsites:
• April 8: Candle Lake, Good Spirit Lake, Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan Landing;
• April 11: Danielson, Great Blue Heron, Greenwater Lake, Rowan's Ravine, The Battlefords;
• April 14: Douglas, Echo Valley, Makwa Lake, Narrow Hills, Pike Lake;
• April 15: Blackstrap, Fort Carlton, Crooked Lake, Cypress Hills, Lac La Ronge.
To learn more about Saskatchewan's Provincial Parks, please visit: SaskParks. com.
Get Ready for the MCRP Hockey Draft Fundraiser
The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) is hosting their annual Hockey Draft fundraiser on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the North Ridge Community Centre.
This event is one of the key fundraising events for the MCRP and helps bring the community together for an evening of friendly competition and helps raise money for the Martensville Recreation Centre.
Doors open at 4:30pm, with the draft beginning at 5:30pm followed by supper, provided by Sports Page at 6:00pm.
Cost to register is $620/team and teams can include up to eight participants per table, with supper included. Participants must be 19 years or older and there is a maximum of 40 tickets available. To register your team, please visit the MCRP's official website at https://mcrp.ca/.
The first-place winners will receive $5000, with 2nd place getting $2,500, 3rd place - $1000 and 16th place gets $620.
Volunteers are needed to help ensure this event is a success. Volunteer positions include set-up and tear-down, registration and check-in, selling raffle & liquor tickets, bartending and more. If you are interested in participating, contact the MCRP through their Facebook page, or email info@mcrp.ca.
ABIVE: Team Derksen, curling out of Martensville, traveled to Summerside, Prince Edward Island this past weekend to compete in the New Holland Canadian U20 Junior Championship. They won 8-5 against Team Freeman out of Manitoba in the quarterfinals, then lost 11-4 against Team Dalrymple of NB. This earned them a spot in the bronze medal game where they lost a close match against Team Atherton from Halifax, by a score of 10-9. (Martensville Curling Club)
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
April is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
As reported by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), as of December 31, 2023, a total of 3,427 Canadians were on waitlists for organ transplants. Of these, 60% were actively waiting, while 40% were temporarily on hold. Additionally, 681 Canadians were removed from the waitlists, with 31% of those having passed away during the waiting period.
90 percent of Canadians approve of organ and tissue donation according to public opinion data, but only 32 percent put their names on an organ donation registry.
In joining forces with governments, healthcare providers, and Canadian Blood services, and by continuing to support and collaborate across the country, progress continues to be made and there is hope that there will be a day when no one waiting for a transplant will have to die.
By raising awareness to encourage Canadians to register to be a donor and talk to their loved ones about organ donation, and with continued support and collaboration across the country, a transplantation and world-class organ donation system in Canada is possible.
Organ Donation continues to take on a whole new meaning for me and my family. In 2020 my nephew died accidentally of a brain injury and his parents did not hesitate when asked if they would consider him to be an organ donor in hopes of saving others’ lives.
He became a hero on the eve of his 23rd birthday and a total of seven individuals received major organs successfully transplanted including his tissue and corneas. Tissue donations from one individual alone can help up to 75 lives.
Four years later, our family realized once again how important organ donation is as we awaited a family member desperately in need of a liver.
At 6 weeks old, baby Emma was diagnosed with biliary atresia. After months of grueling tests, doctor appointments, being poked and prodded, scans, and months at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, our prayers were answered when a selfless woman donated part of her liver in hope of saving Emma’s life.
Since her transplant in June, Emma is doing well and thriving. She will continue to be monitored regularly, but is a happy, spunky, beautiful little girl who keeps mom and dad on their toes!
Being on both sides of organ transplant, we realize that in the most tragic of events and situations, there is always hope for others, and we ask to please sign your donor cards.
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/ health/accessing-health-care-services/organand-tissue-donor-registry or https://www. donateyourorgans.ca/
Sarcan Supports Move for Life Fundraiser to Help Raise Funds for Transplant Recipients and Their Families
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Move For Life started with four individuals who all met at an International swimming competition. These resilient individuals were all faced with the fight to regain health as they are all organ transplant recipients that are grateful for their new chance at life.
Donating an organ strengthens a powerful, invisible thread of humanity that links families, friends and strangers. This selfless act of giving brings compassion, unity and love.
The Move for Life Foundation witnesses these connections every day, as the lives of donors and recipients intertwine. One choice to donate can impact countless others, sparking a ripple of strength and resilience that lifts entire communities.
Through fundraising events, they continue to build their network to raise money and awareness to support transplant recipients and their families.
Move for Life Foundation helped raise $30,000 in the 2024 Walk-n-Talk event, and were able to get families and friends together to share their organ donation journey and promote understanding of how to shorten the national waitlist.
Another fundraising event has been organized through Sarcan for the month of April. All proceeds for this will directly go towards the Move for Life foundation.
This year they announced that the 2025 Saskatchewan Move for Life Grant is now available to assist pediatric transplant families with medical-related expenses.
Please see the poster (right) for further information, or if your child is listed for a transplant, please share on social media to help spread the word.
“Join us in building this network of hope. Register as an organ donor today and see how the heart of one can strengthen the hearts of many; https://www.moveforlifefoundation.com/sk-grant.”
Saskatchewan is the First Province in Canada to Be Carbon Tax Free
Effective April 1, Saskatchewan will be the first province in Canada to be carbon tax free.
The Government of Saskatchewan will pause the industrial carbon tax rate under its OutputBased Performance Standards (OBPS) Program, a decision that will provide immediate financial relief to families, farms, businesses and industry. The carbon tax rate rider will be removed from all SaskPower bills. This will save hundreds of dollars a year for Saskatchewan families and businesses.
"Today, we are making Saskatchewan the first carbon tax free province in Canada," Premier Scott Moe said. "In taking the lead on the removal of this harmful tax, we hope all federal leaders will support our position and allow the provinces to regulate in this area without imposing the federal backstop."
"Saskatchewan led on the removal of the carbon tax on home heating last year, saving families in our province over $400 on their household SaskEnergy bills," Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Jeremy Harrison said. "Now we are leading again as the first province in Canada to remove the industrial carbon tax on electricity generation, delivering further savings for Saskatchewan families, businesses and industries on their SaskPower bills."
In the face of the ongoing tariff threats and the rising cost of living, Saskatchewan is taking decisive steps to protect Saskatchewan businesses and residents from economic uncertainty and unnecessary taxation.
"Now more than ever, the world needs our clean and sustainable, food, fuel and fertilizer" Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. "This is not the time to risk undermining our economic growth and prosperity. Pausing the industrial carbon tax will allow industries to grow and operate sustainably while maintaining our economic competitiveness during these uncertain times."
Saskatchewan is home to some of the most sustainable products on the planet and has the food, fuel, fertilizer and critical minerals the world needs. By eliminating industrial carbon costs which are often passed directly on to consumers – the province is acting to protect affordability and economic competitiveness.
This decision will foster an economic environment where industries can feel confident to make investments, increase production, and protect the jobs and families they support.
While the industrial carbon tax rate is paused, the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to engage with industry on the future of Saskatchewan's OBPS system.
ABOVE: Emma post transplant in June, 2024
RIGHT: Emma nine months after surgery, March, 2025
Contact info for liver living donor programs in Alberta; 780-407-8698; toll free (Canada only) 1-866-253-6833; email: livingdonors@ahs.ca
Saskatchewan's Health Human Resources Action Plan Delivers for Patients and Health Care Teams
Innovative Saskatchewan-Based Solutions to Recruit, Train, Incentivize, Retain and Enhance Competitiveness
The 2025-26 Budget invests $156.1 million in the Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan to deliver on government commitments to strengthen Saskatchewan's health care system.
Since the launch of the HHR Action Plan in September 2022, more than $460 million has now been invested in initiatives guided by the plan's four pillars to accelerate the hiring and growth of health care professionals in Saskatchewan.
The HHR Action Plan is the result of ongoing support, collaboration, and partnerships between multiple ministries, health employers, health partner agencies, post-secondary institutions, and professional regulators.
More information on the 2025-26 Budget, including HHR Action Plan initiatives, is available at saskatchewan.ca/budget.
Recruit - The Ministry of Health will receive $88.6 million in 2025-26 as part of the $156.1 million overall government investment to continue building on the success of HHR Action Plan initiatives.
This includes previously committed funding of $10.7 million to support ongoing work on established recruitment initiatives such as the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program, and recruitment of internationally educated health care workers. These funds will also advance hiring of physician assistants and clinical assistants, and support the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency.
"Continued investment into our ambitious HHR Action Plan ensures Saskatchewan remains an attractive place for health care professionals to live, work and build a career," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "I am pleased to see steady progress being made on multiple initiatives to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health professionals, strengthen health care teams and deliver improved patient care to residents in communities across the province."
Since September 2022, Saskatchewan has seen impressive recruitment results, with 488 physicians establishing practice in the province, which includes 38 from outside the country. These efforts resulted in 243 family physicians and 245 specialists establishing their practices in the province.
Nearly 1,880 nursing graduates from in-and out-of-province were hired between April 2023 and December 2024, and more than 400 internationally educated healthcare professionals from the Philippines are working in communities across the province.
Train - Training plays a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic health care workforce and is integral to realizing the goals of the HHR Action Plan. Since December 2022, Saskatchewan has invested approximately $170 million to support over 900 new health care training seats in 33 programs.
"A rewarding health care career begins with high-quality education and training," Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "This significant investment in training supports our post-secondary institutions in helping build a capable, compassionate workforce that is ready to meet the needs of Saskatchewan citizens."
210 Pacific Avenue Building
Renovations Complete:
Temporary Enhanced Emergency Shelter Ready For Use
Renovations made to the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel depot for use as a temporary enhanced emergency shelter are complete. The City has turned the renovated building over and The Mustard Seed is preparing for shelter operations, with an anticipated opening in April.
In September 2024, City Council approved an 18-month permit for temporary operation of a 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency residential shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue. Council also approved a request to lease the City-owned building to the Government of Saskatchewan at a below market rate.
After hearing feedback from nearby residents and businesses, the City committed to implement changes to the site plan of the temporary shelter as detailed here. Measures include:
• Fencing to create a sense of space for those using the shelter, and delineation between the shelter and surrounding businesses. There will be no walk-in access off Pacific Avenue. Facility access for shelter guests will only be from Ontario Avenue.
• Fencing will feature artwork, created by local Indigenous artists and youth, to connect the shelter to the community and add vibrancy to the neighbourhood. This will include a series of original hand painted banners depicting Indigenous stories by local artists, Josh Wāpiskisiw and Honey Constant-Inglis, and a group of young multi-cultural artists from W.P. Bate School. Indigenous storytelling during the winter season is a cherished Indigenous tradition for passing on knowledge from generation to generation, sharing culture, history, teachings, spirituality and language. Interpretive plaques will be placed onsite to explain the stories.
• 7-day-per-week, extended-hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the vicinity around the proposed shelter.
Representatives from the City, Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service, Government of Saskatchewan and The Mustard Seed are also meeting with neighbours in the immediate vicinity ahead of the opening to discuss the operating and safety plan. More information on the integrated operating and safety plan can be read here.
City Administration, in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, is in the final stages of identifying a permanent site for the enhanced emergency shelter. An update will be provided when available.
In 2025-26, the Government of Saskatchewan is delivering $81.3 million in operating, programming and capital funding to support health care training in areas of critical need to the province.
Approximately $35.3 million will support the continued expansion of health care training seats and add 60 new seats for registered nursing, nurse practitioner, registered psychiatric nursing and medical radiologic technology programs.
Over $17 million will continue the development of four new training programs that will accept students in fall 2025 (physician assistant) and fall 2026 (speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy).
An investment of $17.1 million will enable the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine to expand family medicine and specialty residency seats, add more full-time academic physician positions, expand family medicine enhanced skills programs to regional sites and support operations. Medical residency seats have been increased to 150 seats. The province continues to fund eight undergraduate medical education seats that were part of previous expansions over the last two years, for a total of 108 undergraduate seats each year.
This year's budget also delivers $1.5 million for clinical placement coordination and clinical oversight to support health training seat expansion in the post-secondary sector.
Incentives - A range of attractive incentive programs, such as the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive has directly benefited over 50 communities across the province with more than 400 hard-to-recruit positions successfully filled.
The 2025-26 Health budget provides a total of $13 million for incentive programs, including the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive, Rural Physician Incentive Program and incentives for specialists. This includes new funding of $1 million to support recruitment of specialist physicians in high demand for recruitment areas experiencing shortages, such as anesthesia, psychiatry, breast and interventional radiology, emergency medicine and targeted pediatric subspecialists.
"The incentive program has demonstrated real progress in attracting new indemand health care workers to our warm and welcoming communities," Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. "Ongoing investments in this area will continue attracting specialists, physicians, registered nurses and other highly sought health care workers to provide high-quality health care services and improve patient access across the province."
Since the launch of the HHR Action Plan, the province has also disbursed over $2.5 million in bursaries, such as over 600 Final Clinical Placement Bursaries, nearly 150 paramedic bursaries and other scholarships and available grants to encourage students to pursue a health care career. For 2025-26, there will be additional Final Clinical Placement bursaries available, for a total of 300 bursaries. In addition, many graduates are eligible for the Graduate Retention Tax Credits and student loan forgiveness programs.
Retain - Retention of health care staff has been a key area of focus, with the goal of promoting the rewarding benefits of a career in health care.
The 2025-26 Health budget provides a total investment of $44.7 million for retention initiatives. This includes $33.8 million to continue supporting 250 new and enhanced permanent full-time positions in high priority occupations to stabilize staffing in rural and northern areas. New funding of $4.9 million will support 65 new and enhanced permanent full-time registered nurse positions to stabilize nursing in 30 rural and northern locations.
Letter to the Editor
Saskatchewan RCMP Seizes Cocaine and Weapons in Turtleford
Saskatchewan RCMP charged three individuals after cocaine, a firearm and an edged weapon were seized during an investigation in Turtleford, SK.
On March 26, 2025 at approximately 11:45 a.m., officers from Saskatchewan RCMP’s North Battleford Crime Reduction Team, Police Dog Services and Turtleford Detachment identified a residence on 1st Ave. in Turtleford, SK connected to an ongoing investigation. RCMP officers approached the property as occupants were getting into a running vehicle.
Officers observed an edged weapon in plain sight in the vehicle. Two adult female occupants and two adult male occupants were placed under arrest. A fifth occupant – an adult female – fled to the alley behind the residence, where she was subsequently located and arrested. Officers located 10.8 grams of cocaine on the adult female arrested in the back alley.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized $2,690 in cash, a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition. Additional ammunition was located on a bench in front of the residence.
As a result of investigation, two females and one male are facing charges.
Jenna Takakenew, a 22-year-old female from Turtleford, SK, is charged with one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Christen Dillon, a 32-year-old male from Onion Lake, SK, and Caitlyn Daniels, a 31-year-old female from Turtleford, SK, are both charged with:
- one count, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm in motor vehicle, Section 94(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, store a shotgun contrary to regulation, Section 86(2), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possessing a firearm without a license, Section 91(1), Criminal Code.
Christen Dillon is also charged with one count, possession a firearm when prohibited, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code.
Two individuals were released without charges. Jenna Takakenew, Christen Dillon and Caitlyn Daniels made their first appearance in Lloydminster Provincial Court on March 27, 2025 (Information #90475241, #90475238 and #991298662).
Saskatoon Police Release Photo of Suspected Vehicle Involved in Stabbing Incident
The Saskatoon Police Service Serious Assault Unit (SAU) is investigating after a man was stabbed in the afternoon of March 27th.
At approximately 1:20 p.m., March 27, 2025, patrol officers responded to an apartment building in the 300 block of Queen Street after a man was reportedly stabbed. Through further investigation, it was determined the victim had suffered a stab wound while inside a vehicle that was driving on Queen Street. The victim then exited the vehicle and went to an apartment building in the 300 block of Queen Street where police were called. The vehicle fled prior to police arrival; it is described as a darkcoloured sedan (photo below)
The 52-year-old male victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries. Investigators are asking anyone that may have information on this incident, including potential surveillance images or video from the 300 block of Queen Street, to contact police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Arrests Made in Saskatoon Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit Investigation
Three people have been arrested following an investigation by the Saskatoon Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit.
On March 26, 2025, members of the Guns and Gangs Unit, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Unit and Drug Unit, conducted enforcement action in relation to a drug trafficking and firearms investigation. At approximately 3:30 p.m., police arrested two men in the area of 22nd Street and Avenue P. Following their arrests, at around 5:00 p.m., a search warrant was executed at an address in the 100 block of Avenue O South where a third man was located and arrested. Through investigation, the following evidentiary seizures were made; 25.95 grams of methamphetamine, 1.13 grams of fentanyl, 0.91 grams of cocaine, Sawed-off rifles (x2), Bear spray, $460.00 CAD, Assorted edged and blunt weapons, Vintage Canadian coin collection.
As a result, the three men, age 33, 36, and 48, are collectively facing a combination of 12 charges relating to drugs, proceeds of crime, and weapons. Police are continuing to investigate.
