April 6, 2023 Digital Issue

Celebrate Easter With Family Friendly Geocaching Fun

The City of Martensville will once again be offering their annual Easter Egg Geocaching event which will take place from April 7-16, with the first clue being released on April 7th at 3pm. Use the coordinates provided to search the community for hidden Easter eggs with your family and friends. If you are able to find all of the eggs, you will be entered to win the grand prize which will be drawn on Monday, April 17th. Visit the ‘City of Martensville’ on Facebook to find more details and to watch for the first clue.

The Amazing Race Martensville is Returning

This May

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger Registration is now open for the annual Amazing Race Martensville. This family friendly event that encourages teams of 4 to take part in new exciting activities will challenge you both physically and mentally with various indoor and outdoor activities throughout Martensville!

All ages, individuals, and teams are welcome to partake in an event full of exciting challenges.

The cost to enter is $20/team, and you must have access to a vehicle for the race.

The city thanked their sponsors Lakeview Insurance Brokers, Kim Hardie Realty, and Catterall & Wright on the City of Martensville facebook page.

For more information, please e-mail jmcculloch@ martensville.ca or you can register now at martensville.ca.

Federal Government’s Decision Costs City of Martensville Over $200,000

in Retroactive RCMP Pay

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council met for the first time this month on April 4th, with the first item on the agenda regarding a decision that was made by the Federal government to not include funding for retroactive pay owed to members of the RCMP, which means that municipalities are now responsible for this out of their own budgets. For the City of Martensville, this means the total retroactive pay would equal $214,944. Mayor Kent Muench commented on social media regarding the decision and stated that The Federation of Canadian Municipalities summed it up best, quoting, “The federal government’s refusal to absorb these costs, which were essentially negotiated with municipal money but not with municipal input, is not acceptable. Municipal councils will be forced to make incredibly tough decisions, such as making cuts to essential services or passing the bill along to residents, at a time when Canadians’ concerns about local safety and the cost of living are already rising.”

The next items on the agenda were regarding development requests, with the first from Kolo Developments for a Bareland Condominium Subdivision in Lake Vista on Besnard Drive and the other for feedback from Martensville Council to the Rural Municipality of Corman Park for an industrial development.

The final agenda items were for discussion regarding rezoning the remaining land along Main Street, east of Mirond Road in the Lake Vista area from Future Urban Development to C2A Arterial Commercial District. This item will be brought back for Council to discuss further in May.

Council will meet again on April 11th for the monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. More information about City Council meetings can be found by visiting www.martensville.ca.

City of Martensville Open House

May 4th , 2023, City Hall Lobby 6PM-8PM

Stop by for coffee and refreshment and meet with Council, administration and members of the RCMP to ask questions, and discuss civic matters that are important to you. Learn about what is planned for 2023, including the Martensville Community Recreation Centre, upcoming road and rehabilitation projects and more.

We look forward to seeing you!

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 Pubic Works at 931-2166.

Licensing Our Pets, Annual Renewals

By licensing your pet, your pet can be identified in the event it escapes or ends up ‘at large’. Our Bylaw officials and partners will be able to quickly identify the pet and contact the owner. License fees also help fund the housing cost of pets and animals that have been found ‘at large’.

Pet licenses must be purchased and renewed annually unless a lifetime license has been purchased.

Annual licenses expire Dec 31st and must be renewed by March 1st.

Annual license cost $20 per year

Lifetime licenses cost $30 (pet must be microchipped)

Licenses are sold at the following outlets; City Hall, Affinity Animal Hospital, Furrific Grooming & Boutique and Paws Republic.

Martensville’s Deputy Mayor Has Big Dreams, With Next Step Running for MLA in New Martensville/Blairmore Constituency

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Jamie Martens, Martensville Deputy Mayor, has been on Martensville City Council since 2012, a choice that has led her down a road she never anticipated going.

When Martens decided to run for City Council in 2012, it was her dad’s influence that guided her. “My dad always wanted to know the ins and outs of everything. He wasn’t involved in politics himself, but he always wanted to know why taxes were the way they were and was really inquisitive about those things, so I wanted to run so I could gain that knowledge and bring it forward to everyone else like him and be that conduit. I knew I wanted to see a change, but I didn’t know what kind of change I could make, so I wanted to be there for Martensville and help make the best decisions possible for our City,” Martens explained.

Martens, who was born and raised in Martensville began seeing seniors leaving due to a lack of housing options, and youth leaving due to opportunities elsewhere, so knew she needed to learn more about these issues and try to be a part of the solution. Unbeknownst to Martens at the time, that decision to run for Council almost 11 years ago would change the course of her life.

“I started joining different committees and boards and realized the more I got involved and the more knowledge that I had, the more educated and prepared I was to help make decisions that could help better this community.”

In 2019, Martens took another step by running for an open seat for Saskatchewan with The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). This decision furthered her love of politics as it introduced her to more opportunities and connections both provincially and federally.

“Being elected into that position was extremely humbling and such a blessing. I have had the opportunity to speak to senators in Ottawa and I can mention Martensville and they know where it is. It is such an amazing feeling. To be in the position that I am currently in is the most incredible feeling and I feel like I am just getting started.”

Organics/Green Bin Program and Pick-ups

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.

Reminder to Clean-Up after Our Pets

Please be reminded to clean-up after our pets on the pathways and the off-leash dog park. The mess can be potentially harmful to other pets, exposing them to parvovirus and these public spaces are for everyone to enjoy. Remember to bring along a baggy or use one of the baggy stations located along the pathways and dispose of the mess properly.

April and 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.

Committee of the Whole Meeting- April 11th

Regular Council Meeting- May 2nd

Committee of the Whole Meeting- May 9th

Regular Council Meeting- May

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

The journey doesn’t end there though. Martens is now looking to become the Sask Party candidate to run for the MLA position in the Martensville/Blairmore constituency for the 2024 election and is currently the only candidate from Martensville running for the position.

The idea of running for MLA hadn’t really been a consideration for Martens until she was approached by multiple individuals asking her if she would consider running provincially or federally. Hearing that feedback only fueled her desire to keep pursuing her goals of making positive change on a larger scale.

This year, the boundaries for constituencies within the province were redrawn, which takes place every ten years, and because Martensville and Warman’s populations have grown so immensely, changes were made which now have Martensville/Blairmore as one constituency, and Warman, Osler, Hague and Hepburn in another.

Going into the 2024 election, current Martensville/Warman MLA Terry Jenson would become the incumbent for the Warman constituency, and the Martensville/Blairmore one would be an open seat.

Leading up to the election, there will be nomination proceedings that will determine the individuals that will represent each party. Martens hopes to be elected as the Sask Party nominee, which will be determined later this year. Currently, there are approximately five other individuals running for this position.

“I truly believe there is important work to be done in all of Saskatchewan and I want to take my vision of this province forward, which is getting back to the basics and working together as a whole. I think sometimes that gets lost. When I step back and I think about municipal government, it is always in the best interest of the area, and I think that is what Saskatchewan needs; to gain a little bit of that heart and soul that has been slightly lost along the way.”

In order to have a say who will represent your area in the election, residents within the riding will need to purchase a $10 membership for the year, which will give them the opportunity to vote for the candidate they see best suited for the position. Anyone 14 years and older is able to purchase a membership and vote for their preferred candidate. Memberships can be purchased by visiting https://www.saskparty.com/ become_a_member, with youth memberships available for anyone between the ages of 14 and 25.

ABOVE: Jamie Martens

Prairie Spirit Appoints New Director of Education

ABOVE: Eighteen athletes from Venture Heights School attended badminton playoffs at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion on Thursday, March 30th. “It has been an awesome season with over 50 students involved in the badminton program this year,” VHS Principal Ron Biberdorf said. (Submitted)

VMS

Brightens Up Halls to Prepare for Spring

After a busy winter, our VMS hallways are now more colorful, vibrant and louder as students and staff eagerly await our Easter break. Our school has been busy with many extracurricular activities and field trips, and we are currently in the midst of our SCC Chocolate Fundraiser. The end of March had us say goodbye to longtime teacher, Mrs. Bittner, who has retired after a significant teaching career. We wish her the very best in her well deserved retirement! Have a great Easter break everyone!

ABOVE: One of the colorful Easter displays at VMS. (Submitted)

LEFT: Students from Martensville High School competed in the 4A Girls Regional Basketball match against Humboldt and fell short in a close match 44-37.

The Prairie Spirit Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracey Young as the new Director of Education for Prairie Spirit School Division, effective July 1, 2023. Darryl Bazylak, the Division’s current Director, will retire at the end of June.

“As a motivated and focused learning professional, Tracey brings strategic leadership skills, a commitment to building strong relationships and a focus on student and adult learning to her new role as Director of Education in Prairie Spirit School Division,” said Bernie Howe, Board Chair. Young has been leading the learning plan in Prairie Spirit since 2020 in her current role as the Division’s Deputy Director of Education.

Young brings a wealth of experience to her new position as a Director of Education, with demonstrated success in her roles as teacher, in-school administrator, Learning Support Facilitator, Superintendent and current Deputy Director of Education, all in Prairie Spirit.

“I am excited to serve the students and staff in Prairie Spirit where I have lived and worked for over 23 years. Prairie Spirit is home,” she said. “I’m looking forward to achieving the goals of the Division’s new strategic plan with the Board and our staff. We want to improve options for students, continue to support them in their mental health and well-being and ensure they have the skills they need to be successful.”

Young completed a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies at the University of Saskatchewan in 2011. She is actively involved in provincial education committees and leadership.

“Tracey is an excellent choice as Director of Prairie Spirit School Division. She has a long history of success in our Division and is also a leader provincially on several education committees and teams,” said Bazylak.

The Board expressed appreciation to Darryl Bazylak for his dedicated service as Director of Education since 2021. “Darryl has led the Division’s work to renew its strategic plan for the next three years,” Howe said. “The Board is looking forward to sharing the renewed strategic plan with students, staff, families and the community.”

Prairie Spirit School Division serves 12,000 students in 47 schools and 28 communities surrounding the City of Saskatoon.

ABOVE: Tracey Young

Over $10,000 Raised in First Annual Fletcher Cup Fundraiser

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The first annual Fletcher Cup was held March 25th and 26th in Rosthern. This U9 hockey tournament was organized as a way to help raise funds for the family of Fletcher Hobbins, a local 4-year-old that recently traveled to Toronto with his mother to undergo medical treatment at Sick Kids Hospital.

The tournament saw a total of 11 teams from six different communities compete, with the Prince Albert Canadians coming out on top after the final match of the Fletcher Cup against the Prince Albert Sharks.

Funds were raised through tournament fees, silent auction, private donations and chuck-a-puck competitions, and additional funds were raised for the Make-a-Wish Foundation through a 50/50 draw.

“All in all, the tournament was an overwhelming success and we were able to raise $8,790 for the Hobbins family and $1255 for Make-a-Wish Canada, for a grand total of $10,045.00,” event organizer Travis Sorenson said.

Sorenson also noted that there was a Make-a-Wish child competing in the Fletcher Cup, a local youth named Asher Bernard. “Asher is a truly inspiring young athlete who scored multiple times in the tournament,” Sorenson stated.

Although this was the first year for the Fletcher Cup, it won’t be the last. Sorenson plans to continue hosting the event each year with profits going to supporting the Hobbins family for current and future medical costs as needed, as well as other local families in need of some extra support during difficult times.

There are already plans in place to help out another local family with the HIT Mike Home slo-pitch tournament, scheduled for May 27th in Martensville, which Sorenson is organizing with Angie Reddekopp and Tegan Johnson.

This event will raise funds to Mike Smith and his family. “Mike is a devoted father, husband and hockey coach in this community. Due to health complications, Mike has suffered paralysis of his legs and will need help with retrofitting his home, car, etc. It will be a life changing diagnosis and we want to help him as a community,” explained Sorenson.

Events such as the Fletcher Cup are not possible without the support of local residents and businesses that come together in times of need to support one another. Sorenson stated that the support of the fellow Martensville Team Managers – Kim Edeen, Melissa Gaida and Kylie Ramage as well as Kris Miazga helped make this tournament a success.

ABOVE: Although Fletcher Hobbins and his mother Ashley were unable to attend the Fletcher Cup in person, as they are currently in Toronto so Fletcher can undergo treatment at Sick Kids Hospital, they were there in spirit. (Facebook)

“As a coach in this community, I interact with many families and to see them step up like this is so very inspiring. It makes me proud to live in such a loving and caring community. Martensville is truly one giant small town that has that small town mindset of helping each other. I am proud to live here.”

For more information about the Fletcher Cup, or to help support this incredible community mission, visit the ‘Fletcher Cup’ Facebook page.

LEFT: At the Martensville Curling Club’s AGM, which took place on March 24th, Travis David was presented with the President Award. (Martensville Curling Club)

ABOVE: The U9 Martensville Bandits, coached by Fletcher’s dad Tyson Hobbins, participated in the inaugural Fletcher Cup. (Submitted)

Bad Reaction to Good Budget Problem for Sask. Party

Much like in life, simply doing what appears to be the right things in government budgeting doesn’t always get the reward you think you deserve. That’s because, like life, putting together a budget can be exceedingly complicated.

Whether it’s raising kids or simply navigating life’s pitfalls, simply doing what you think is the right thing doesn’t always produce the desired outcome. The Saskatchewan Party government clearly hoped for a better reaction to its billion-dollar surplus 2023-24 budget released the previous week under the title “Growth that has works for everyone”.

If anything, that very budget theme has become something that a surprising number of budget critics now rally around. “In reality that is growth that works for no one,” said Saskatchewan United Party Leader Nadine Wilson in the legislature after the budget.

One gets that it’s the role of Wilson; a former Sask. Party caucus member; and the Official NDP Opposition to find fault with the budget. One gets that even after significant spending increases for various departments and specific stakeholders, there are going to be those that are exceedingly disappointed and in fairness to the Sask. Party government, a budget is about many things that go beyond simply dooling out cash.

As per the title of this budget, the province does need to position itself for growth. While that often means spending, it also means the thankless task of paying down debt. The billion-dollar debt pay down is a wise investment.

While this is only sixth of 16 Saskatchewan Party government budgets registering a surplus, government must also contend with past deficits from Progressive Conservative and NDP governments that translate into financial service charges on accumulated debt.

As taboo as it seems, some believe it isn’t necessarily a bad thing to have large surpluses (leftover money goes pay down debt, anyway). That said, perhaps one of the reasons this budget isn’t getting the government MLAs had hoped is because of their sometimes insular and self-satisfied response to their own budget.

There is a penchant with governments — especially older ones — to buy into their own rhetoric and dismiss what they are hearing from their constituents. What their constituents have been clearly telling their politicians is that they are hurting after three years of this pandemic and the inflation that has ensued.

This is something that the government surely gets. Why else would it have handed every adult a $500 cheque last fall because of a resources windfall that’s continuing in 2023-24 budget? For Finance Minister Donna Harpauer to continue to plead poverty and say we can’t afford tax cuts right now may be a bit self-serving, as well.

One percentage point on the six-per-cent provincial sales tax that rakes in $2.7-billion a year is about $435 million — about the same pricetag as those $500 cheques sent out last year.

We haven’t seen a drop in the PST since 2006 under the former NDP government when it lowered it to five-per-cent. The Sask. Party raised it six per cent in 2017 to deal with its overspending at a time when resource revenues took a downturn.

Perhaps once shouldn’t fault Harpauer and company for being cautious, but there’s a problem with being cautious if you’re simply saving money to spend closer to an election so that you can get the most political bang for our bucks.

“There’s nothing in this budget for registered nurses — for nurses in mid to late-career, in particular,” Saskatchewan Union of Nurses president Tracy Zambory told CTV news. “Are we spending more money? Perhaps we are. But are we spending that money efficiently and effectively? As registered nurses, we’d say we’re not.”

It was a surprisingly common reaction and it’s now a problem for the Sask. Party government.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Growing Saskatchewan’s Health Care Workforce

This week, our government passed its 2023-24 Budget entitled “Growth That Works for Everyone.” Growth that works for everyone means everyone in Saskatchewan being able to access the health care they need when and where they need it. Saskatchewan’s overall health budget for 2023-24 is a record $6.9 billion, up 6.7 per cent from last year. This record investment will grow the health care workforce and enhance programs and services patients need in communities across the province.

To grow the health care workforce, the budget includes a $98.8 million investment in the Health Human Resources Action Plan. This plan was introduced in September of 2022 with a goal of adding 1,000 health care workers to our province’s system.

This budget will fulfill our government’s commitment to add 250 new full-time positions and enhance additional part-time positions to full-time. To date, nearly 100 of these positions have been filled. We are creating a new Registered Nurse travel pool program to help mitigate temporary human resource pressures in rural and remote areas.

In addition, Saskatchewan is creating a Physician Assistant program for the first time.

Our government is expanding health care training programs through this budget to help meet the health human resources needs of our growing province. The budget will support the continuation of a 150 seats expansion and 550 new seats in other high-priority training programs. Training and licensing supports for internationally trained health care professionals will be funded as well.

The provincial budget also ensures incentive programs for health care workers will continue. Health care workers in high-priority positions in rural and remote areas may be eligible for up to $50,000 with a three-year returnof-service agreement. Physicians in rural and remote areas are eligible for $200,000 over five years as well. These investments will support the recruitment and retention of these positions.

Mental Health and Addictions Support

In addition to adding more health care professionals to the province, our government is investing in the health care services patients need. Mental health and addictions supports and services are a high-priority area for our government. That is why this year’s budget includes a record $518 million for this area, which equals 7.5 per cent of the total health care budget.

To support those struggling with addiction, funding will support the completion of 150 new addictions treatment spaces. Investments will also go to the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Opioid Stewardship Program and the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s mobile services. In addition, the Provincial Drug Task Force will continue its overdose outreach support and the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) will expand to two more locations in Saskatchewan.

Several initiatives will support children and youth, such as an expansion of the counselling program offered by Family Services Saskatchewan. In partnership with the Ministry of Social Services, three new residential homes will support youth struggling with mental health and addictions. The SHA will hire a new navigator in northwest Saskatchewan, a consultant nurse for psychiatry at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and a therapist for the Saskatoon Children’s Centre for children who witness or experience abuse. We will also invest in the Prenatal Outreach Resource Team (PORT). A new program which will provide grants to community-level peer support groups is funded through this budget as well.

Additional Investments in Health

With an investment of $42.5 million, we will perform an additional 6,000 surgeries this year for a record total of 103,000. This investment will reduce the surgical waitlist to its pre-pandemic level by March 2024, a year ahead of schedule. Funding will help address waitlists in cardiosciences and neurosciences, medical imaging, and endoscopy. Seniors’ care will be enhanced through a $39 million investment into long-term care providers and new longterm care beds. We will also hire 75 new continuing care assistants, who provide vital care to seniors living in longterm care facilities. Further investments will be made for home care services and geriatric services.

To ensure facilities are well-equipped to provide enhanced services, our government has made a record $337.6 million health care infrastructure investment. Work will continue on the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital redevelopment and Weyburn General Hospital replacement projects. Long-term care facility upgrades in Regina, Estevan, Grenfell and La Ronge are also included. Developing plans will begin for the Rosthern Hospital, Battlefords District Care Centre, and St. Anthony’s Hospital in Esterhazy to better serve these communities.

In addition, this budget will provide funding for the Regina Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and the Saskatoon UCC in partnership with the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. Once open, these facilities will be a more suitable option for treatment of ailments, injuries and mental health illnesses that are urgent but not life-threatening. This will alleviate pressure in emergency departments and improve access to care for patients.

This year’s provincial budget provides the funding needed to strengthen and grow our health care system in communities across the province. With more health care workers, enhanced programs and services, and infrastructure investments, our health care system will continue to serve our growing province.

Passing of Regina MLA Derek Meyers

Our Saskatchewan Party Caucus is mourning the loss of our friend and colleague Derek Meyers, MLA for Regina Walsh Acres. Derek passed away at the age of 45 after a battle with cancer.

Through all the challenges he faced, Derek remained one of the most upbeat and positive people you could ever meet.

Since his election in 2020, Derek has been a strong voice for his constituency and the city of Regina, a tireless advocate on behalf of everyone facing mental health challenges and a vital part of our government caucus. Derek had an incredibly bright vision for Saskatchewan, and as our government moves forward with plans laid out in this year’s Budget, we will carry his memory with us.

We were blessed to have known Derek. We have lost a bright, talented, personable MLA and a young father far too soon.

On behalf of our government and our province, I want to express my deepest sympathies to Derek’s many friends, his partner Laurie, and his children Dayn, Sebastian and Eisley

Letter to the Editor

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

Martensville Lions Club Provides Dog Guide to Grateful Recipient

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger Dog Guides provided through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides have been helping Canadians living with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence since the early 1980’s.

Together with their partnership with PetValu, they transform the way people live by creating exceptional partnerships between people and Dog Guides by providing a Dog Guide at no cost and supporting them in their journey together.

After four years of waiting, Lesly Humble was very excited when she heard the news that she was the recipient of a service dog to assist her in everyday tasks that she struggles with due to having cerebral palsy since she was four years old.

She will be heading to Oakville, Ontario in April to do intensive training at their facility before she brings her dog home with her.

A steak night was held on Sunday, April 2nd to help raise funds to help Lesly cover costs to help set up their home for the service dog as well as lost wages during the three weeks she will be away from work.

“I would like to give back to the Lions Dog Guides Foundation as they support me with providing the service dog,” said Humble.

Doug Ward, Project Chairperson of the Martensville & District Lions Club was there to talk about the service dogs and how the organization helps to provide individuals with a match.

The cost to breed and train, along with follow-up services is $35,000. In order to provide Guide Dogs to families in need, Lions Clubs across the country rely on donations throughout the year from individuals, service clubs, organizations and corporations and does not receive any government funding.

One of the foundation’s biggest fundraiser events, the Pet Valu #Walk for Dog Guides has begun and they are encouraging people to share with friends the importance of supporting this organization and how others can get involved. Participating in this event ensures the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides can continue to help change lives through Dog Guides.

On Sunday, May 28th, there will be a Walk for Dog Guides starting at the Lions Heritage Centre, 415 6th Avenue South in Martensville. Registration starts at 1pm with the walk beginning at 2pm.

For more information about this fundraiser, contact 306-491-8914, or dlward@sasktel.net.

To learn more about the walk and the fun incentives and prizes they have this year, visit www.walkfordogguides.com. By registering before May 1st you will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Pet Valu gift card.

Nourish Owners Fufill Dream of Opening Second Location in Martensville

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

For the past nine years, Jessica Scollo, her sister Jenn and their mother Jocelyne have owned/ operated Nourish in Warman. Throughout the years, the trio always had a goal in mind to open a second location, and in January of this year, that dream became a reality.

“We already have a bit of a base of customers in Martensville as we offer local deliveries, so we thought this would be the perfect spot for the next shop to make Nourish just a little more accessible to Martensville,” Scollo said.

So far, the Martensville location has been well received, and Scollo noted that they are excited to be in the community, and look forward to serving the local residents for years to come.

SHA Health Facilities Returning To Routine Infection Prevention Protocols; SK Vax Wallet App Winding Down

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is moving back to routine infection prevention and control protocols effective April 4th and masking will no longer be required for patients/residents, staff or visitors. Masking will be optional in all SHA facilities including administrative offices, hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. These changes are supported by Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer

Personal protective equipment (PPE) that may include masks, gowns or gloves, will still be required for staff and visitors during outbreaks or in specific highrisk clinical areas as per SHA infection control policies.

Masks will continue to be made available to health care staff, patients/residents and visitors who wish to wear a mask.

Physical distancing measures will also end. There will no longer be restrictions on food sharing and food donations.

Privately-run physician's offices, clinics and other non-SHA facilities set their own policies regarding infection prevention and control, including policies requiring masking onsite.

Public health orders requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for access to businesses, workplaces and other venues ended on February 14, 2022. Many jurisdictions around the world, including Canada, have ended proof of vaccination entry requirements for international travellers.

As the need for proof of vaccination has declined considerably, eHealth Saskatchewan is decommissioning the SK Vax Wallet mobile device application. Beginning April 17, 2023, the app will no longer accept updates. Effective April 30, the app will no longer be available in app stores.

COVID-19 vaccination records are still available on your MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) account and can be printed or saved and viewed on your mobile device. The QR code is also still available on vaccination records through MSHR.

COVID-19 vaccine continues to be available including a second bivalent booster for residents 18 years of age and older in long-term care facilities, personal care homes and assisted living facilities; persons over 80 years of age; persons 65-79 years of age who have not had COVID; and those who are 18 years of age and older who are immune suppressed.

ABOVE: Nourish offers a variety of items available fresh in store such as coffee, smoothies, protein milkshakes, salad bowls and more. (Submitted)

The three women, along with four other employees keep the two locations flourishing, providing a wide array of Canadian sourced health and wellness products to the region such as vitamins, supplements, organic skin care, bath products, essential oils, specialty groceries (sugar-free, gluten-free, etc.), salt lamps, candles, workout products and more. There is also a locally made section in store that provides products made by local artisans.

There is also a smoothie/coffee bar available in store which offers a selection of fresh smoothies, protein milkshakes, bulletproof coffees and teas, salad bowls, quinoa bowls, cookies and more.

Scollo, who is a Holistic Nutritionist, also offers online nutrition programs, customized supplement recommendations and hair/saliva testing which can test for food sensitivities, hormone levels and low vitamins/minerals within the body.

“We pride ourselves on our supplement sourcing, so you can feel good about the products you are getting. We are also more than happy to assist you in finding the right products for you,” Scollo explained.

There are two different types of scans available, the “Hormonal and Nutritional Imbalance Scan” and the “Full Body Imbalance Scan”, with both being done using a hair and saliva sample. The first scan shows where an individual is low or high, nutritional imbalances and toxins that exist in the body, while the second scan includes everything involved in the first scan, but also includes food sensitivities, as well as a scan of all 14 body systems such as your digestive system, liver, metabolism, etc. The scan rates those systems on how they are performing and can provide information on where there is stress.

“This gives us a lot of information about what’s going on inside your body. From there, with both scans, clients will also receive a customized protocol from me to get feeling better based off their scan results and their unique symptoms.”

Sample kits can be purchased in store at either location, or online at www. NourishCanada.shop. Both the Warman and Martensville locations are open 7 days a week, or orders can be placed online for pick-up or local delivery.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our community. It really is everything. We depend heavily on local support and our local economy is what supports so many small shops like ours. We appreciate every single time you choose to walk through our doors and are so lucky to be a part of both communities in Warman and Martensville.”

ABOVE: Lesly Humble and Doug Ward of the Martensville & District Lions Club. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

ABOVE: The Martensville and Warman Nourish locations carry a wide array of Canadian sourced health and wellness products that can be purchased in-store or online. (Submitted)