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Council Discusses Freezing Rental and Admission Rates For 2021 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Treat yourself this holiday season, by supporting businesses here at home.
Martensville City Council held this month’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, December 8th. This meeting was once again held virtually and although meetings are now held online, the public is still invited to attend. Information on how to participate in Council meetings can be found online at martensville.ca, or by contacting Martensville City Hall at (306) 931-2166. This week’s meeting started off with Council being provided with an update from the RCMP regarding calls received from July 1 – November 30 with a comparison from 2019 to this year. In 2019, members responded to 846 complaints during this time period, with 214 charges laid and 112 of those being traffic charges. In 2020, members responded to 1188 complaints through that time period, with 259 Provincial Traffic Charges and 57 Criminal Code Charges. The main topic of conversation during the December Committee of the Whole meeting was regarding the 2021 Rental and Admission rates for City facilities. In May of 2019, Council approved the 2020-2022 Facility Rental and Admission Rates as provided by Administration, which included a 2% increase to rental rates at locations such as the MAP, North Ridge Community Centre, Heritage Centre, Curling Rink, Sports Centre, Ball Diamonds, and the Aquatic Centre, and a 2.5% increase to admission rates in 2021 for MAP admission and memberships, as well as the Aquatic Centre admissions. “Given the current Covid-19 situation and in order to proceed with budget planning for 2021, Administration is seeking direction from Council regarding moving forward with the implementation of these increases in 2021,” Director of Recreation & Community Services Ted Schaeffer stated in his report. Schaeffer recommended that the increases in rental and admission rates be postponed until January 1, 2022, which would provide cost-savings to individuals and groups that may be financially impacted by the current Covid-19 situation. By freezing the rates where they currently sit, based on revenues from previous years, Schaeffer noted that it is estimated that approximately $8000 - $13,000 would be lost in revenue. The last discussion was regarding a Discretionary Use application that was submitted by Paws Republic Centre for Pets for a training facility satellite location at 101 9th Street North in Martensville. Previously, Paws Republic was utilizing a training space on Centennial Drive North; however, they outgrew that location and required more space. The new locations consists of two bays and will be used for private lessons, group classes, seminars, dog sport practice and other training requests.
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Winter is Here and Snow Removal is Too – What You Need to Know
The snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community. Our crews strive to deliver excellent services, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions in a timely manner. There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe. - Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans your street. - Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves and access to water in case of fire. - Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging. - Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures. This hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place. - Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street. - Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/ lawn areas behind your walkway. - Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal - In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area). - Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks - Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle. Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca.
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. The City had implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, including extending the Property Tax deadline from July 31st to October 30th. Property Taxes are now due with interest charges on overdue accounts now accruing. 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 - As of Monday, November 16th, residents are required to wear non-medical 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. This is in place for 28 days at this time. Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home. Current Status of Public Facilities as of November 26th Martensville Athletic Pavilion- Drop in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance to changes in the Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan City Hall- Open Aquatic Centre- Closed for the Season Northridge Centre- Open for Bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre-Open for bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre-Open Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre)- Open 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. After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.
December Council Meeting Dates
Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based 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. Regular Council Meeting - December 15th 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. 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.
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Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation Hosting Online Auction to Help Raise Funds For Enhanced Opportunities Within the Division Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation (PSSF) has been a part of the community since 2014 and was created to encourage and facilitate community and corporate support and involvement in public education. Throughout the past six years, the PSSF has held numerous events and fundraisers with all funds raised going towards supporting enhanced learning opportunities for the students within the Prairie Spirit School Division. With Covid-19 forcing this year’s in-person events to be cancelled, the PSSF has decided to try something new to help raise funds. Kari Dean, the PSSF Executive Director is excited about the new fundraiser, which will be an online silent auction that includes a wide variety of items donated by local individuals and businesses within the Prairie School Division region. “We want to be able to have a safe event, but still highlight the amazing things our students are doing. That is what the Foundation is really about – being that enhanced step that can help out with the extra projects that may not always be covered by the budget. These projects are very meaningful and necessary; however, there isn’t always the funds to do it, so we want to make sure that these continue to take place by providing some additional funds. We work very closely with the division and hear the expectations and visions that they have. Our goal is to support those initiatives that are already in place and enhance them,” Dean explained. The online silent auction is expected to take place from Thursday, December 10 to Wednesday, December 16 with new items being added throughout the week. The auction can be found through the ‘Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation’ Facebook page, where items will be listed
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and those interested can place bids, share with friends and family and continue to watch the items they are interested in. Items included range from home décor, experiences, gift baskets, jewelry and much more. “We have received so many generous donations from many incredible businesses. This year has impacted us all in many different ways, so to see the support that we have received is greatly appreciated,” Dean said. A large focus this year has been to continue to support our local businesses, organizations and non-profits, and Dean herself is a big believer in this. “In my mind, this auction gives you a great chance to shop local. By supporting this event, you are giving back to a local nonprofit that supports the students and these items are all from a business or a person from our region that has supported the Foundation as well. It is a great opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for family members, for teachers, or even for yourself.” Another way that the PSSF has made it available to contribute is through their Legacy and Memorial Fund at SARCAN. When you take bottles and cans into SARCAN, you can donate to this initiative by using the phrase LEGACY, which is available at all depots across the province. “These funds are designated for professional development for the educators within the Foundation. This is an ongoing option and
we wanted something easy for people to do. Even if it is a few dollars, every little bit adds up and helps to provide opportunities for educators. My mom was a teacher for over 30 years, and I have seen firsthand the impact that educators can have on their students. Educators play a huge role in shaping students for the future, so we want to be able to support them in any way we can,” Dean explained. This year, the PSSF was a finalist in the 2020 Warman, Martensville and Region Business Excellence Awards (WMEBXA) for their second time. “I can’t even begin to explain how honoured we were to not only be a finalist, but to just be nominated. It was such an incredible event and to be included among the amazing businesses and other non-profits was such a great feeling,” Dean noted. More information about the Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation can be found at https:// prairiespiritschoolsfoundation.ca. BELOW: Visit the ‘Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation’ Facebook page between December 10-16 to bid on a wide variety of items available in their online silent auction fundraiser.
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martensville messenger - DECEMBER 10, 2020 - Page 5
Great Plains College Expands Programming with Youth Care Worker Diploma
Great Plains College is pleased to announce that a Youth Care Worker diploma option has been added to the list of full-time programs offered at the college’s Warman Campus. The inaugural offering of the diploma program is set to begin September 2021. The Youth Care Worker diploma builds on the knowledge and information provided within the one-year certificate program that is currently offered. Students will increase their knowledge of agency administration and community development, conflict resolution On Tuesday, December 8, the Grade 3P class from Valley Manor School (VMS) and small group facilitation, conflict diversity and family systems, sexual victimization, visited the Martensville Care Home to spread some Christmas cheer with caroling. therapeutic intervention strategies and will also be able to receive hands-on experience by “Last week one of our grade five teachers was asking if we had any care homes participating in two extended work-based practicums. they could send Christmas cards, picture, etc. to. I reached out to Martensville Care “I am thrilled that Warman Campus will be expanding our program menu to Home and Sunset Villa to see if they would be interested in receiving some mail from our include the Youth Care Worker diploma option in order to serve the needs of the current students. From there, several of our classes have decided to send items, which will get labour market and our region,” said Jill Jenkins, region manager at Great Plains College. delivered next week and our music teacher, Heather Mann has decided to take her Grade “We are proud that our campus will be the only provincial institution offering this diploma 3 music classes caroling,” VMS Administrative Assistant Chelsea Choponis explained. program in a face-to-face learning environment in 2021, within COVID-19 protocols. This is an exciting development for our college and the region surrounding Warman and Martensville.” Applications for September 2021 entry are currently being accepted for both the Youth Care Worker certificate and diploma programs. Past graduates of the certificate program or any student currently enrolled in the certificate program in the 2020-21 academic year can register for the diploma program and begin their second-year Youth Care Worker studies next September. “This program is partnered and brokered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic, giving students the same credentials and curriculum they would receive at a Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus,” added Jenkins. “Great Plains College students receive a high-quality learning experience that offers smaller class sizes, increased personal connections with faculty and fellow learners, along with a responsive and supportive environment. Our faculty are well-versed and connected to the industry.” Youth Care Work diploma graduates have the educational option of advancing ABOVE: Grade 3P students from Valley Manor School (VMS) sing Christmas carols outside of the to a Bachelor of Social Work program by transferring to the Faculty of Social Work at the Martensville Care Home. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM). martensville - OCtOBer 1, third 2020year - Page 5 Universitymessenger of Regina or transferring to the of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies at Lethbridge College in Alberta. Anyone who applies to the full-time Youth Care Worker certificate or diploma program before April 30, 2021, is automatically considered for an Entrance or email Scholarship of between $500-$5,000. Grade 11 students advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca who apply before June 30, 2021, will also be eligible for an additional Early Entrance Award of $1,000. For more information about the Youth Care Worker diploma program and/or to apply, visit greatplainscollege. FREE courtesy cars available ca/programs-courses/college-trades-university/youth306.975.2140 care-worker-diploma. Message us on FB
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Prairie Spirit Board Holds Organizational Meeting
The new Prairie Spirit Board of Education elected its Chair and Vice-Chair as part of its annual organizational meeting on November 30. Bernie Howe was elected as Chair, 601 Centennial Dr. S. 601 Centennial Dr. Martensville, SK S. while Bonnie Hope was elected ViceMartensville, Phone: 306-934-6610 601 Centennial Dr.SK S. Chair. Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 SK 601 Centennial Dr.Martensville, S. 306-934-6602 E-Mail: Phone: 306-934-6610 Trustees were also assigned Martensville, SKFax:mbhs@sasktel.net , MLA E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 3 miles north of 71st N S E V T I L a variety of roles on Board and Staff R Fax: 306-934-6602 L A R TE E E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Nmbhs@sasktel.net SCustom Martensville-Warman VIWindow Packages available. Store Hours: Street M L E-Mail: L BLDG AEN Labour Included! E Committees. Monday Friday 8:00 am 6:00 pm Store Hours: M N S E V TSBLDG ISaturday L VI& on Highway 12 LL E L Office: #3G - 520 Central St. W ATR Come see us -for your hardware, building E AR 9:00 am am - 5:00 pm pm Monday Friday 8:00 - 6:00 Free Local Delivery! Store Hours: Store Hours: MM and paint supply needs. Bernie Howe has served as a Board of Education BLDG BLDG & Closed Sundays am - 5:00 pm Free Local Delivery! Monday - FridayMonday 8:00 amSaturday - 6:00 pm 9:00 Friday 8:00 am 6:00 pm HOME SUPPLY Warman, SK & FenceSundays packages alsoDelivery! & Saturday 9:00Garage, am - 5:00Deck pm Closed Free Local Trustee since 1991, representing Delisle, Vanscoy, & Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm available HOME SUPPLY Free Local Delivery! Closed Sundays HOME SUPPLY office@terryjenson.ca Closed Sundays Phone 306-934-6610 HOME SUPPLY Perdue, Pike Lake and Willow Park FREE Local Delivery Hardware Free Local Delivery! 306-242-2111 FREE Local Delivery FREE Local Delivery Hardware Phone 934-6610 Hardware Free Local Delivery! Free Local Delivery! Hutterite Colony. 934-6610 Phone 934-6610 601 Phone CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH Locally owned by the Ottenbreit family since 1963 FREE Local Delivery Hardware Free Local Delivery! 601601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH Prior to the formation Phone 934-6610 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH of Prairie Spirit School Division Jenson_3.27 x 1.34_Martensville Messenger.indd 1 12/7/2020 4:20:31 PM through the amalgamation of three school divisions in 2006, he was Martensville Computers Inc. Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies a Trustee for the Saskatoon West Hours Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies School Division, where he served as Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies Monday Friday Pre-order your to DECK and FENCE Supplies Board Chair. 12-6pm Bonnie Hope has served as Virus Removal - System Clean-up $79 a Board of Education Trustee since Ken Marchand 2009, representing the City of Martensville. Prior to 604 2nd St. N 306-249-2220 joining the Board, she was active as a School Community Council member and SCC Chair. Provincial Board involvement - Kimberly Greyeyes, Prairie Spirit Only 9 Units Left Trustee, was re-elected to lead Open House Sunday 1:30-3pm the Indigenous Constituency at 135 Beaudry 131 Beaudry Crescent Crescent Martensville Martensville the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) annual general meeting last week. In this role, she Martensville is also part of the SSBA’s provincial executive, the first Indigenous woman Rob Friesen 306-221-9350 to be part of this leadership team.
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martensville messenger - DECEMBER 10, 2020 - Page 7
Provincial Politics with
Murray Mandryk
Fighting COVID-19 Requires More Bad Medicine
It’s likely time to set aside any notion that this COVID-19 fight will be over soon. We are still in it for the long haul and rather than send out some false signals that this will all be over soon because vaccines are on the way, it might be better if our politicians were straight with us. Right now for Premier Scott Moe and his Saskatchewan Party government, that likely means an honest admission that lifting current restrictions on gatherings and events at Christmas would be highly unwise. Of course, that’s not what anyone wants to hear and politicians are disinclined to tell people what they don’t want to hear, but this COVID-19 fight tells us that we need to re-assess our priorities. By all measures, it’s getting worse. Consider the numbers: In the last Sunday-to-Sunday week (Nov. 22 to 29), Saskatchewan saw a record 1,766 new cases — an average of 252 new cases a day. During the previous week of Nov. 15 to 22, the province saw 1,472 new cases — an average of 210 new cases a day. The previous week (Nov. 8-15) it was 1,104 cases or 158 a day. The week before that (Nov. 1-8), Saskatchewan had 697 new cases or an average of 97 a day. The gloomy rise in cases is even more troubling when you compare November with October: During the week of Oct. 25 to Nov. 1, the province saw 498 new cases or 71 a day. The week of Oct. 18-25 saw 390 cases or 56 a day, Oct. 11-18 saw 238 cases or an average of 34 a day, Oct. 4-11 saw 133 new cases or 19 a day and September 27-Oct. 4 saw 97 new cases or 12 a day. Accompanying the rising case numbers was a doubling of Saskatchewan deaths in November from the total accumulated in seven months with record hospitalizations. It’s not as if the government wasn’t warned. During a press conference on Nov. 20, it released “modelling numbers”, the government unveiled a series of possible scenarios. The worst case showed a nightmare scenario of 469,000 COVID-19 cases (8,390 a day) in the next six months producing 4,800 deaths — numbers most agreed to be unrealistically high because they represent an infection rate unseen anywhere in the world; however, the best case scenario suggested we would see only 4,800 more cases in the next six months if we adhered to stricter mask-wearing everywhere in the province and strict limits on household contacts. After Nov. 20, we added about 2,400 cases — half the best case scenario — in just 10 days. This should have served as a call to action for Moe’s government. Yet while the government did call the COVID-19 fight its priority in its throne speech last week, it included a call for SaskPower to “reduce electricity charges by 10 per cent for one year". Also, it’s first bill was to make good on its election promise to implement a Saskatchewan Home Renovation Tax Credit — a 10.5-per-cent tax credit on up to $20,000 of eligible home renovation expenses incurred between Oct. 1, 2020 and Dec. 21, 2022. One can understand and somewhat respect the determination of Moe to make good on the popular promises that got the Sask. Party re-elected. One also gets Moe’s determination not to lockdown the province, as has pretty much happened in neighbouring Manitoba. Moe insists that the incremental measures already taken can stop the spread of the virus. As stated in the throne speech: "We can, and will, do both." But the simple reality is that what we’re doing right now hasn’t been working. Right now trying to do both isn’t stopping rising numbers. Quite likely, we are going to have to do a lot more of what we don’t like. We have to be realistic.
Martensville Free Pantry Continues to Accept Donations and Provide Food For Community Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Free Pantry was set up as a source of food and hygiene items for local families in need. Prior to Covid-19, the Free Pantry was located within the Martensville Civic Centre and people had the opportunity to drop off donations, or pick up items needed anonymously. For the past two years, Martensville resident Deseri Adrian has been picking up bread donations from the local Co-op grocery store, along with another volunteer, to help stock the shelves of the Free Pantry. “The day the Civic Centre closed, I received a message from the other person saying that they guessed it was done for now. I said that with everything closing, people were going to need food more than ever and said to just drop the bread off at my house,” Adrian explained. Within a week, Adrian had set up a boot rack on her step and began notifying the community about the move via social media. Since then, Adrian has purchased a cupboard that sits outside and each day, it is filled with donated items from Co-op such as bread, buns and other bakery items that are set to expire the following day. Food items can be picked up at 10-606 Main Street in the grey condos across from the Martensville Sports Centre. “It is available any time of the day, without contacting me to let me know you are coming. Sometimes there is a lot, sometimes there is little.” As she was already picking up bread donations, Co-op asked if she would be interested in taking the Hunger Bags that are available for purchase as well. From there, Adrian has been putting food hampers together. Unlike the setup at the Civic Centre where individuals were able to help themselves, Adrian now asks that people contact her either themselves, or for a friend and she will make up a box of a variety of items that are available. Donations are accepted; however, please ensure that expiry dates are checked prior to donating as expired items cannot be given. Items that are in need currently are, school lunch snacks such as granola bars and apple sauces as well as canned meats, tomato soup, rice, boxed potatoes, boxed stuffing, canned vegetables, baby cereal, crackers, etc. These items are not often included in the Hunger Bags, so therefore, the Free Pantry relies solely on donations from the community. To request a food hamper, or to schedule a donation, contact Deseri Adrian by texting (780) 872-1288 or emailing sprinklesclown@yahoo.ca and she will reply as soon as she is able to.
ABOVE: Deseri Adrian purchased a cupboard to house the food items donated from Co-op on her step at 10-606 Main Street for the Martensville Free Pantry.
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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 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 - martensville messenger
MCRP Community House Build on Track For Completion in Spring 2021 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) has been working tirelessly for the past five years and through that time, they have raised more than $365,000 to go towards a new multi-purpose recreation facility for the residents of Martensville and the surrounding area. A big project taking place this year is the MCRP Community House Build. This fundraiser is based on generous donations of material and labour from over 50 local people and companies. An 1800 sq. ft. home, which is located on the corner of 4th Street South and MacCormack Road, will be sold once completed with the funds raised from the sale going towards the new recreation facility fund. The home is set to be completed by spring of next year and then will be put on the market. “Once sold, there is significant potential profit given as we have successfully secured 70% of the costs through inkind donations. Thank you to our supportive community,” the MCRP stated in an update. “Following the pouring of the basement walls by Geransky Bros. Construction, framing began. With Chad Olmstead Construction and Pride Contracting leading the charge with some helping hands along the way, the walls and roof quickly went up. Shortly thereafter, the footings for the oversized garage were poured and the walls and roof were again quick to follow,” Matt Hale of the MCRP explained. Since then, the building has been shingled, exterior windows and doors have been installed, plumbing and electrical rough-ins have been completed, stairs have been delivered and installed and the insulation and vapor barrier have been installed. Last week, the installation of the exterior package, complete with siding, soffits, fascia and all other trims was completed and Hale stated that they are anticipating the drywall to be delivered and installed soon. Natural gas and electrical services will be done this week. “The home is well on its way to completion and we are currently right on our projected scheduled. The hope and expectation is to have a bit more of the interior work completed over the next 6 weeks or so, which would give any new perspective owner a better visual of what to expect in the finished product,” Hale added. A full list of vendors that participated in this project is located onsite. “We continue to see a lot of excitement and interest from vendors and contractors from Martensville, Warman, Saskatoon & other surrounding areas. The support has been unbelievable, to say the least,” Hale stated. More information about the MCRP can be found at www.mcrp.ca, and donations can be made through their website as well, with charitable tax receipts available. Regular updates can be found on the Martensville Community Recreation Project Facebook page.
MLA Report with Terry Jenson
Recently our government delivered the Throne Speech, which will serve as a guide for our province as we continue to navigate through this global pandemic. We are fulfilling our promises to Saskatchewan people and acting on our commitment to make life more affordable, to support active children, and help our businesses thrive. Making Life Affordable - Our government committed to implementing a 10 per cent rebate for all SaskPower customers beginning December 1st. During these unprecedented times, we understand how valuable this can be for families and businesses. Our government is focused on helping those living with diabetes, who face challenges ABOVE: Terry Jenson in managing this disease every day. As promised, our government will cover the cost of insulin pumps for those under the age of 25. We will also cover the cost of a new technology, continuous glucose monitoring, that will allow families some normalcy as an aid in monitoring their child’s well-being. We have heard from the many parents and caregivers who stay up all hours of the night to ensure their child’s glucose numbers are manageable. Making life affordable for seniors is a priority for our government. By eliminating the charge for inter-facility transfers and reducing the maximum cost of other calls by over 50 per cent, we are investing in the long-term wellbeing of our seniors. We are adding more staff to long-term care homes and increasing the Seniors Income Plan benefit. Our seniors deserve a life of dignity and respect and we want to support them in these uncertain times. Our government has made major strides toward supporting those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In fact, funding support is 24 times higher today than it was in 2007. Beginning in 2021, children under the age of 12 who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder will receive $6,000 a year to cover the cost of individualized therapeutic supports. We have engaged and listened to families and organizations from the ASD community and are grateful on their direction, which has led us to this investment. We will continue to consult with these communities to ensure the best services are being delivered. Our government is investing in active families by reinstating the Active Family Benefit. This funding will help cover the cost of sport, art and cultural activities. In addition to this, over the next four years, we will be adding 750 new childcare spaces. Every child in this province deserves the opportunity to play and learn, so ensuring they have access to an array of teams and activities is essential. We are re-investing in our commitment to Veteran Service Clubs across Saskatchewan. Traditionally, these clubs are a hub of activity, supporting their communities and hosting their Veteran members. We are pleased to better support our Veterans with an investment of $1.5 million a year to assist clubs in staying open for generations to come. New Ministerial Roles and Legislation for Saskatchewan - To continue our focus on the well-being of our province, we now have a dedicated Minister responsible for Mental Health and Addictions. This appointment speaks to our commitment to support those who may be struggling with mental health and addictions challenges. Our government will introduce initiatives that support our Pillars of Life Suicide Prevention Plan. One example of this support is a program to train a mental health first responder for every one of the province’s 744 schools. To be a strong province, our communities and families must be strong too. We must lift each other through the hard times and lend a hand when in need. We are committed to strengthening mental health and addictions services in Saskatchewan. Our government has also recently created the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement. The economic recovery from this pandemic cannot happen unless our Saskatchewan workers are working, and building. To manage infrastructure and assets more effectively, this Ministry will oversee and develop an implementation of standardized government procurement processes and informational technology infrastructure. This fall, our Premier named MLA Lyle Stewart as his legislative secretary to examine ways Saskatchewan can exercise and strengthen its autonomy within the federation. We have already named a Chief of Firearms Officer to manage programs within Saskatchewan and serve as Saskatchewan’s voice instead of an appointment from Ottawa. This is another step toward ensuring Saskatchewan’s voice is heard at every level of government. We will continue to fight what we believe to be an unconstitutional carbon tax that negatively impacts Saskatchewan industries and families. Addressing the challenges of COVID-19 is the top priority of this government. We will continue to listen to the direction of our Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Shahab, and urge everyone to wear your masks, reduce your social circles, and abide by public health orders. Though our Throne Speech included many investments, commitments and initiatives that will help our economy recover from the impact of COVID-19, we will not reach our desired destination unless we all continue to do our part. BELOW: Work on the MCRP Community House Build project has been moving along quickly.