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ABOVE: More often than not, you are able to hear a Blue Jay before actually seeing one, as they are easily detected by their noisy calls. These birds prefer getting their meals from tray feeders or hopper feeders on a post, rather than a hanging feeder. Favorite types of food include peanuts (as pictured above), sunflower seeds and suet. (Braden Ottenbreit).

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Page 2 - APRIL 8, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open! - However with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Residents and Customers are encouraged 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. 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 Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Residents are required to wear nonmedical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines. Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of April 1, 2021

Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open but Drop-in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance with Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan City Hall - Open North Ridge Community Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Open Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open

Recreation Program Update - Schools Out! & Easter Geocache Schools Out! Program April 5-9th - Join us for anther fun week of Schools Out! Program! This will be available from April 6-9th! Schools Out! is an hour-long program each day that will keep children in Martensville and area active and busy during their Easter break. Schools Out! will be based out of the North Ridge Community Centre. Each day we will break their time into two main components: a STEM project and a physical activity. These projects and activities will include rocket ships, egg canons, Spring boot camp, scavenger hunt, and more! Contact the MAP for more information or to register. Kids will be brought back to the front of the MAP so parents do not have to enter the building for pick-up or drop off. Kids Egg Hunt - Starting on Monday after 4PM, bring the kids out to the Kinsmen Park Ball Diamonds to try find eggs with letters on them to try and spell ‘EASTER’ Easter Geocache is Coming April 5th-9th – Prize Draw on April 12th! - The first City oftheMartensville Geocaching event of the year will be during Easter Break, City April Hall 5-9! Join us on a hunt HoursonofMonday Operation: throughout Martensville! The first clue was posted April 5th!

Monday to Friday April Council9:00 Meeting AM toDates 5:00 PM Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location mayHolidays) be subject to change based (Excluding Statutory

around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend. Committee of the Whole April 13th Regular Council April 20th 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 5PM.

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.

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.

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Lane Usage During Spring Thaw

Business Property Tax and Utility Update The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. 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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available. Commencing on April 1st the North Ridge Centre opened as an available vaccination centre. A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine. Bookings for vaccination can also be accessed by calling 1-833-SASKVAX Please continue to watch for updates for vaccine clinics in the area and for when you may be eligible to sign-up.

The City of Martensville encourages residents, for which their lane is a secondary means of access to their property, to limit their usage during the spring thaw period. Heavy or repetitive vehicle usage during spring thaw and wet conditions can cause further rutting and reduce drainage. This limits the ability of crews to conduct maintenance on the lanes in a timely manner and increases the amount of materials and time required to reshape lanes. For questions or further information please contact Public Works at 931-2166.

NEW BUSINESS IN MARTENSVILLE

martensville messenger - APRIL 8, 2021 - Page 3

Locally Owned and Operated Tack’d Cannabis Celebrates Grand Opening Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Tack’d Cannabis opened on April 5th at 7 - 40 Centennial Drive North in Martensville.

New Family Owned Business Comes to Martensville Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville resident Trish Girard is proud to be the Founder and CEO of Martensville’s newest business – Tack’d Cannabis, which opened on April 5th at 7 – 40 Centennial Drive North. Girard, who grew up in a rural farming community states that it was there that she learned the importance of culture built around close family and community. “I’ve spent my time working to recreate this culture in ABOVE: Trish Girard is the owner/operator of the businesses I’ve created in the Martensville’s newest business Tack’d Cannabis. retail sector, and when my brother introduced the family farm to growing industrial help for CBD oil products, I knew this was my chance to come full circle and bring my experience back home,” Girard explained. Tack’d Cannabis will have a wide variety of CBD and Cannabis products available to their customers, and Girard also noted that she is currently in the initial stages of designing her own line of Tack’d Cannabis products. “We want our store to be welcoming to all ages, 19 and up, and to make sure each customer leaves with the products they love, or a better understanding of the cannabis industry. There are so many new products that it may be overwhelming for some customers. We have taken a different approach and have menu boards next to our displays so that people can see what the product looks like and the product details such as whether it is sativa or indica, high THC or no THC,” Girard said. Girard’s favorite addition is the Bud Bar display in the middle of the store, which gives customers the option to smell and see the different types of cannabis through a magnifying glass. With family being such an important part of Girard’s life, the reasoning behind the name of her business was a natural choice, so she looked to her family for inspiration – T – Trish, A – Girard’s daughter Ava, C – Girard’s husband Chris, K – Girard’s son Kiefer and D – Girard’s eldest son Deacon. “My dream to combine family with entrepreneurship has come true and I am going to continue to work hard to grow and expand across Saskatchewan so I can showcase all of the hardworking Saskatchewan farming families that have made this possible for me and so many others,” Girard stated. For more information, visit www.tackdcannabis.ca, or visit ‘Tack’d Cannabis’ on Facebook.

If you have driven down Centennial Drive South lately you may have noticed a new used car dealership where MacNeil Motors use to reside. Premium Select Auto Solutions Ltd. and Affordable Autobody & Collision Repair Ltd is a family owned and operated business ran by Dean Belcourt and his wife Trena Pfefferle located at 529 Centennial Drive South in Martensville. The couple has been in business together for the past three years, and together they have over 35 years combined experience in the automotive industry within Saskatchewan. Pfefferle stated that Premium Select Auto Solutions Ltd. is a pre-owned automotive dealership along with their partner company, ‘Affordable Autobody & Collision Repair Ltd,’ an on-site accredited autobody repair facility, that will provide minor and major autobody repairs, windshield & glass replacement, mechanical repairs as well as tire sales and service. “The decision to move to Martensville was based on the ideal location of the new facility in which the layout of the building and lot size was perfect for accommodating both Premium & Affordable and the ongoing growth of the companies,” said Pfefferle. According to Belcourt, the body shop will have proper ventilation of a GFS semi-down draft controlled spray booth which is equipped with a high end filtration system to consume the fumes and particulates from ABOVE: Premium Select Auto Solutions Ltd and Affordable Autobody & Collision Repair Ltd will be opening soon in being released into the environment. They currently use Martensville. advanced vacuum systems in their body shop facility to be as environmentally friendly as possible. All body work will be done within the building as to not interrupt surrounding houses or businesses. Premium Select Auto Solutions will be opening Monday, April 11th, with their hours of operation being Monday to Thursday 8am-6pm, Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday (by appt only). Affordable Autobody & Collision Repair Ltd with be Your City; Your Newspaper open May 1. For more information visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ Premiumselectauto or on their new website at http://premiumautofinance.ca/ Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 “We are a family-owned business and are excited to be a part of this advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca community,” said Pfefferle.

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

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Saskatchewan Making Significant Progress On Organ Donation Efforts to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation are making an extraordinary difference to Saskatchewan patients and families. Saskatchewan's organ donation rate has almost doubled since 201617, going from 14 deceased organ donations per year to 25 deceased organ donations in 202021. The province's organ donation rate has risen for three consecutive years and is now comparable to the Canadian average. H e a l t h Minister Paul Merriman says a positive trend is underway in Saskatchewan with the steady increase in organ donation rates during the past year. This is especially significant as rates in most jurisdictions in Canada have decreased as a result of the pandemic. "This is a hopeful sign for individuals and families awaiting a transplant," Merriman said. "A lot of hard work has gone into raising awareness of the need for organ donation, and it is encouraging to see that translate into more donations. Saskatchewan's organ and tissue donor registry - which now has more than 13,000 people signed up - is a key part of maintaining this momentum. I urge everyone to consider registering and expressing their willingness to donate, and possibly one day save a life." People are encouraged to register on Saskatchewan's organ and tissue donor registry at www. givelifesask.ca. Anyone 16 years of age and over can register to be an organ donor. With a clear understanding of a loved one's wishes, it is easier for families facing tragedy to make the decision

to donate if approached by a Donor Coordinator. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and one tissue donor can help 75 people. April is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month. Saskatchewan is recognizing the month by launching a new segment in a public awareness campaign that features Monica Goulet, a Métis woman from Saskatchewan who received a donated kidney from her nephew in Lac La Ronge, Jim Searson. "Until two years ago, I was just one of many waiting for the gift of life," Goulet said. "Sadly, far too many lose their lives before they can receive their match. Maybe you too, can save a life by donating." People across Canada are marking April 7 as Green Shirt Day to honour the legacy of Logan Boulet. The Humboldt Broncos player inspired almost 150,000 Canadians to become registered organ donors after a fatal bus crash in 2018. Landmarks and buildings across Canada will also feature green lighting during April. In Saskatchewan, buildings including the T.C. Douglas building plan to Light It Green on April 7, in tandem with Green Shirt Day. It is a reminder of those who have died awaiting a transplant, and a way to express gratitude to organ and tissue donors and their families for giving the greatest gift of all. For more information on organ and tissue donation in Saskatchewan, or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.givelifesask.ca.

Saskatchewan Provincial Parks New Reservation Website Now Available Saskatchewan Provincial Park campers are now able to browse the new reservation website and create an account in preparation for the 2021 campsite reservation launch beginning April 12. "After many months of preparation, we are pleased to be able to release our new campsite reservation system to the public," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "This reservation system offers new amenities to customers, and is quite different than past years. This is a great opportunity for campers to become familiar with the new system making their reservation process a smooth one in the coming weeks." The new reservation website can be accessed at www.parks.saskatchewan. ca beginning April 12. Customers who prefer to make a reservation via the call centre will still be able to do so by calling 1-833-775-7275. Reservations begin at 7 a.m. each day - there is no longer a need to log on to the system 20 minutes early in order to be placed in the queue. The complete reservation schedule is as follows: Seasonal campsite reservations: • April 12 - Seasonal campsites for all parks offering seasonal camping Nightly, camp easy, group, equestrian and rec hall, reservations: • April 14 - Pike Lake, The Battlefords, Narrow Hills, Blackstrap • April 16 - Bronson Forest, Meadow Lake, Makwa Lake, Lac La Ronge • April 19 - Saskatchewan Landing, Douglas, Danielson • April 20 - Buffalo Pound, Rowan's Ravine, Echo Valley, Crooked Lake • April 21 - Cypress Hills • April 22 - Duck Mountain, Good Spirit Lake, Greenwater Lake • April 23 - Candle Lake, Great Blue Heron, Moose Mountain Prior to reservations, campers can create a new account and review changes to the 2021 camping season. Campers can find tutorials and an overview of what will be offered this camping season at www.parks.saskatchewan.ca. New this year, all vehicle entry permits are available for purchase online and through the call centre. Campers will see vehicle entry permits automatically added to their carts when they make their camping reservation. Campers that purchase daily or weekly entry permits can now print permits from home and annual permits can be picked up in-park. By purchasing entry in advance, campers will be able to proceed directly to their campsite once they arrive in the park with Sask Parks' auto checkin function. This improvement will keep traffic moving through the entry gates on busy weekends. Signage is in place throughout the parks to remind visitors of the safety protocols and public health guidelines. Parks staff will be implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures and minimizing in-park contact where possible.

martensville messenger - APRIL 1, 2021 - Page 5

KidSport Playhouse Fundraiser Success Earns Martensville A&W National Award

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

There are over 1000 A&W locations across Canada, and this year a total of 12 of these awards were presented among these locations. “This award recognizes small acts of kindness as well as exceptional acts of service. Both have the power to make a difference in their communities and positively impact the lives of the people within them. The Community Champion award recipient engages in activities that make their community a vibrant and rewarding place to live, work and play,” A&W Regional Manager Chris Hurley stated during the virtual presentation for the award. Milva Nieves, A&W Canada Business Manager continued to state that, Brian, Bernice and Rachelle are “an inspiration” and spoke about the passion that the family has for this project. “You made a difference for KidSport and those families that cannot afford to enroll their kids in organized sports,” Nieves continued. Rachelle Buffin then commented about how important community involvement is for them. “This is something that we hold very close to our hearts.” Buffin also noted that if there are other locations interested in doing something similar, they would be happy to help provide direction. When this idea first came to be, it stemmed from a conversation that took place between Brian Buffin and Angie Reddekopp, President of the local KidSport Association, back in 2015. At this time, Reddekopp sat down with Buffin to explain what KidSport was all about, and that there was a real need for this support in the region, as many families were unable to afford to put ABOVE: Without the sponsors, Brian Buffin of the Martensville A&W, states that the annual KidSport Playhouse fundraiser would not be possible. Back Row (L to R): Anthony Nienhuis – owner of Martensville their children in organized Building and Home Supply, Angela Heidel - Clark’s Crossing Gazette publisher, Richard Reimer – local sports. realtor, David Fossum - Martensville High School Industrial Arts teacher, Syl Serblowski – Martensville Buffin took this and District Lions Club. Front Row (L to R): Brian, Bernice & Rachelle Buffin – Martensville A&W owners, information and asked some Angela Reddekopp – Local KidSport Chapter President and Carol Conrad – Martensville and District Lions Club. Missing: Carpenter Marty Goertzen and Brad Stratychuck of Brad’s Towing. of the employees working within his restaurant if they 21043PM0 had ever heard of KidSport 21044PM0 and was astonished when all three of them informed him that they had applied for support through it but had been denied because there was not enough money within the KidSport fund. Hearing this information is what ignited something within Buffin and it didn’t take long for him to reach out in the community to other businesses. “I have never had a problem getting support for this project and without the sponsors, this wouldn’t be possible,” Buffin noted.

Since 2016, the local KidSport program has received a helping hand thanks to the generous contributions of local businesses and organizations through the KidSport playhouse fundraiser. This fundraiser helps raise money each year through the sale of raffle tickets, with the winner receiving a 100-square-foot playhouse, built by high school students and possible through the donations of local businesses who sponsor the project. All money raised goes to the local KidSport chapter, which helps youth participate in organized sports when they are otherwise financially unable to. From day one, this fundraiser saw much success, raising $10,580 in the first year. In 2017, a total of $7,769 was raised, 2018 with $13,173 and 2019 saw $12,432 come in through the playhouse raffle. In total, $43,954 has gone towards helping local children participate in organized sports. That success continued up until last year when due to the COVID pandemic, the fundraiser was unable to take place. This incredible feat is what earned the Martensville A&W, owned by Brian, Bernice and Rachelle Buffin, the title of ‘Community Champion’.

That first year, it began with Anthony Nienhuis at Martensville Building and Home Supply, who offered to provide the building materials. From there, Buffin contacted David Fossum, the Industrial Arts teacher at Martensville High School, who turned this fundraiser into a project for his class. Next, Brad’s Towing came on board to help move the playhouse from the high school into the A&W parking lot to be displayed. Then, Clark’s Crossing Gazette in Warman offered to provide signage and marketing for the project. Since the beginning, the Martensville and District Lions Club have been a driving force in ensuring the success of this fundraiser, putting in countless hours selling tickets and helping to promote it within the area. Buffin took a moment to acknowledge how much effort this organization has dedicated to this project, noting that they have been a massive part of making the fundraiser as successful as it has been throughout the years. Reddekopp stated that in the past five years, the number of applications and funds provided within the community have doubled. “With this raffle taking place, it has helped to increase the awareness of the program in the community, so that has brought in more applications, but also, the community is growing and there is a higher need for it. The KidSport playhouse raffle is the biggest fundraiser that we have, and last year, when it didn’t take place due to the pandemic, we saw an impact. We weren’t able to fund people as much as we had in the past.” For Reddekopp, this fundraiser brings a sense of relief, knowing now that there is a team of local businesses along with the Martensville & District Lions Club helping to support KidSport. “It is amazing to know that we have a strong, well-established and well-received fundraiser in place that is going to help with the majority of support needed to fund the kids in the community. We have seen the people in the community really get behind this fundraiser, and we have been able to help so many kids because of it.” According to Reddekopp, over the past five years, well over 200 kids have been funded, thanks to the money raised through this fundraiser. “This project has been such a huge part of KidSport in our community. Our local A&W was the driving force that got the ball rolling, and helped make it grow, and created these amazing partnerships. I was ecstatic to hear about the award they received and it goes to show that something can start small and grow into this nationally awarded event. It is a passion for Brian, Bernice and Rachelle, and you can tell that they hold it close to their hearts,” Reddekopp added. This year, things are going to be done a little differently, as the playhouse that was intended for 2020, was unfinished due to the COVID pandemic. Brian Buffin then decided to contact a friend of his who is also a skilled carpenter, Marty Goertzen, who agreed to complete the project. Local realtor Richard Reimer is also a sponsor of the project this year, and has offered to cover costs of the project, which include building materials. The playhouse will be moved to the Martensville A&W later this month, with tickets available around that same time. The raffle draw will be made later in the year. “Not only is it support from the sponsors that make this possible, but the people in Martensville and the surrounding areas are the ones who purchase tickets. We couldn’t do this without them and they have been supporting us right from the start,” Brian Buffin stated.

ABOVE: Each year the playhouse is moved into the A&W parking lot to be displayed until the draw takes place.

Page 6 -APRIL 8, 2021 - martensville messenger

martensville messenger - APRIL 8, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Sask. Party Gov’t Must Rise to Challenges

If you are continually losing battles in politics, maybe you are picking the wrong fights. Or at least, maybe you are picking the wrong approach. Those of you who follow Saskatchewan politics will recognize how this has done in the NDP. For decades, the NDP (and its forerunner, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation) was the natural governing party in this province for three basic reasons. First, coming out of the Great Depression and the Second World War, a destitute rural-based Saskatchewan was more inclined to accept its social-democratic philosophy bolstered by the co-operative movement. Second, NDP governments did find ways to in later years adjust philosophies just enough to maintain a big tent that could accommodate the more free-enterprise-minded. And, third, Liberals and the Progressive Conservatives in this province usually split the right-of-centre vote at election time. Then along came the merger of the provincial Liberals and PCs in the late 1990s into the new Saskatchewan Party - a home for business and rural people that long felt abandoned by the NDP. Rather than change and evolve, the NDP has maintained its philosophies. In fact, under the leadership of current leader Ryan Meili, they seem even more firmly entrenched in a left-wing perspective rural and the much of the rest of Saskatchewan has long-ago abandoned. This is a cautionary tale for any political movement … perhaps even the Saskatchewan Party. Let us be clear that it’s unlikely the same fate awaits the Sask. Party juggernaut … at least, not any time soon; however, there was a time not so very long ago when many assumed this could never happen to the NDP, either, but the NDP slowly began losing some battles, even when it seemed to be on the right side of some issues like the fight over the National Energy Program. That scenario might sound a bit familiar today as Premier Scott Moe’s government is also now losing battles with the federal government. Of course, losing the carbon tax fight before the Supreme Court of Canada isn’t exactly hurting the Sask. Party government’s popularity. The tax is rightly seen for what it is — something unlikely to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It just hasn’t proven to be an effective policy. That said, the provincial government is now burdened with having to follow the law and do something it seems ill-prepared to do so. What Moe offered as an alternative — at-the-pump rebates similarly modeled after what New Brunswick did — was something the Sask. Party said was unworkable when it was introduced in that province more than a year ago. What shouldn’t be lost in this conversation is that the reason Saskatchewan lost in the courts (it also lost at the local federal Court of Appeal level) is the courts’ recognition that manmade global warming is a reality. To not offer something — to not compromise at least at little until legal forced to do — is to be too rigid and being too rigid in its beliefs and approach Is become a familiar Sask. Party government pattern. Consider its slowness to react to COVID-19 — especially, the spread of new variants from Regina to other parts of the province. This, too, may not be an issue of the Sask. Party government’s own making, but all governments are judged on how they do handle a crisis and that usually means having to be smart and nimble. Being popular isn’t enough in the long run. When the Grant Devine PCs came to power in 1982 with the biggest majority in the province’s history, many thought it would last forever, but then it began losing fight … In less than a decade, the PC government became massively unpopular because of its daily handling of issues and its rigid approach to things like privatization. Governments can only afford to lose so many fights.

Response to Supreme Court Ruling on Carbon Tax

The Supreme Court of Canada recently determined that Prime Minister Trudeau has the legal right to impose a carbon tax – but that doesn’t mean that he should, and it doesn’t make his carbon tax any less punitive for Saskatchewan people. The Supreme Court ruling does not change our government’s core conviction that the federal carbon tax is bad environmental policy, bad economic policy, and simply wrong. From the very beginning, Saskatchewan people have seen the federal carbon tax for what it is – a blunt, ineffective instrument that kills jobs, threatens competitiveness and penalizes essential daily activities. Our government will continue to make every effort to protect Saskatchewan families, workers, and businesses from the negative consequences of this tax. We're going to bring in our own plan without a punishing tax that addresses climate change, and we're going to keep building on our own record: tax breaks, lower utility rates, better health care, better education, and a strong recovery from the global pandemic.

SGI and SaskPower Issuing Rebates to Customers

This has been a difficult year financially for many as Saskatchewan people have experienced a variety of economic impacts. To alleviate some of these challenges and help rebuild economic security, our government is implementing rebates through the Crown utilities. Rebates include $285 million for automobile owners from the Saskatchewan Auto Fund Rate Stabilization Reserve as a result of strong investment earnings and fewer accident payouts. SGI customers will receive rebate cheques for approximately 26 per cent of their annual premium. In addition, all SaskPower customers are seeing a 10 per cent reduction on their bills for a 12-month period, which started in December.

Let’s Stick It To COVID!

Saskatchewan's COVID-19 vaccination efforts have been the most effective in the nation because Saskatchewan people know that the best thing that we can do to protect ourselves, others, and to get back to doing the things we love is by getting vaccinated. The Government of Saskatchewan recently launched a province-wide, multi-media campaign encouraging residents to “stick it to COVID” by getting vaccinated. The Stick It To COVID campaign features real Saskatchewan people sharing their stories of why they are getting vaccinated and will roll out across the province over the coming days and weeks. This first ad contains a powerful message reminding us of the things that we have missed doing this past year but, more importantly, all the things we can look forward to doing again once enough Saskatchewan people are vaccinated. The ad is narrated by a Regina ER Nurse who has worked on the frontlines throughout the pandemic and was one of the first people in the province to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Part two of the campaign will feature seven 30-second advertisements featuring 11 Saskatchewan people. The seven supporting advertisements will provide a personal insight into what the COVID-19 vaccine represents to each of them. These messages are a reminder that when we get vaccinated, we aren't just doing it for ourselves, we are doing it to protect those around us, which is what we do in this province. We look after one another. We all have a reason to get immunized, and I encourage everyone to watch the videos and reflect on who they will be keeping safe by getting the vaccine. Thank you to all those that participated in the campaign by sharing their inspiring stories. You can learn more about how to book your COVID-19 vaccine by visiting www. stickittoCOVID.ca.

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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.

Page 8 - APRIL 8, 2021 - martensville messenger

POLICE

Saskatoon Police Provide Safe Location For Buy & Sell Exchange

Other buy and sell safety tips: • Meet in a ABOVE: Saskatoon Police well-lit, nonhave added a safe location secluded, for buy & sell exchanges public place within their parking lot. like SPS (SPS) Headquarters. • Bring someone with you. • Only pay for the product once you have viewed it and met the seller. • Conduct transactions in cash; avoid using cheques and money wiring services. • Report theft, fraud or suspicious activity to the buy and sell website and Police: https://saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/ fraud/ • Ensure the item you are purchasing is not stolen property by utilizing CPIC: https:// www.cpic-cipc.ca/ While Police are available to respond to criminal matters, they are unable to assist in negotiating civil property transactions.

The Saskatoon Police Service can now offer the public a designated safe place to conduct property transactions from online sales. Buy and Sell Exchange Zones have been installed in the visitor parking lot on the west side of SPS Headquarters. These parking spaces offer a place for community members to meet and exchange items and payment after arranging the transaction from buy and sell sites. Staff Sergeant Matt Bradford of the Economic Crime Section says the focus of this initiative is to increase public safety and reduce crime. “By implementing a Buy and Sell Exchange Zone, the Saskatoon Police Service saw an opportunity to improve community safety and provide a dedicated space to conduct legal buy and sell transactions. Our goal is to prevent buy and sell frauds and reduce the number of citizens being victimized by this kind of fraudulent activity.”

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Impaired Driver Stopped While Trying to Avoid Police

On April 1 at 12:30am, a Corman Park Police member stopped a vehicle that tried to sneak around another officer that was conducting a traffic stop. The driver tried to take back roads to get by. The vehicle was stopped as it looked suspicious while trying to avoid the flashing lights. The driver provided a sample of breath into an ASD. The result was a FAIL. The driver was arrested and charged for impaired operation after providing two samples of 180mg% which is twice over the legal limit.

Homemade Taser Found During Vehicle Search On 01 April 2021 at 6:45pm Corman Park Police conducted a traffic stop on an unregistered Chevy Silverado on Highway 12 near Township 380. Both the driver and passenger had active warrants and were arrested. A search was conducted on both occupants and a functional homemade taser (prohibited weapon) was found. A search of the vehicle found weapons, small amounts of Crystal Meth and ammunition. With the assistance of Warman RCMP, occupants were brought in for processing and released with a future court date.

Automotive

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