Kick off your New Year’s celebrations with an afternoon of family fun! Join us on December 31st from 1 PM to 6 PM for an all-ages event filled with activities everyone will enjoy Highlights include; Bounce house, Toddler time, Extra basketball nets, Volleyball and Pickleball.
Admission is just $3.50 per person or $10 per family. Don’t miss out—contact the MAP for more information!
Committee of the Whole December 10th Recap
Provided is a summary of proceedings from last week, the December 10th Committee of the Whole Meeting of Martensville Council.
For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office or check Martensville. ca>Agendas and Minutes, for adopted minutes of Council and Committee of the Whole.
• Representatives of the New Horizon’s Centre attended as a delegation to address Council about snow removal procedures.
• The 2025 proposed City Council Meeting and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates were reviewed.
• Administration highlighted points for the declaration of eligibility for the Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant from the Province of Saskatchewan.
• Administration aims to address a policy to define parameters around the waiving of rental fees for municipal facilities. A policy will be drafted for review at a future Council Meeting.
• There was a request by a local business for a boulevard lease. This would enable the business to put a pylon sign in the road right of way. This will come to a future Council Meeting for approval
• A new dwelling group was proposed for Main Street and 16th Avenue. The proposal would initiate amendments for the Official Community Plan, Concept Plan and Zoning Bylaw
• A subdivision application for two existing lots in the Meadows Business Park was reviewed and will be approved at future Council Meetings.
Sign up Before the New Year! - Switch to E-Bills
and Enter to
Win
Still receiving your bill by mail? Switching to e-bills is quick and easy, and Martensville residents who make the switch before December 31, 2024, will be entered to win one of 20 $50 gift cards. It only takes a few minutes to go paperless—visit martensville.ca > My Account.
POLICE BEAT
Grandparent Scam Suspect Caught on Camera
Numerous police services and RCMP detachments are warning the public of an ongoing scam that has been circulating within the area.
The Family/Grandparent Scam typically consists of victims being contacted via telephone by someone claiming to be a grandchild in an emergency and in need of cash of cryptocurrency for bail and/or legal fees.
Recently, an elderly couple in Warman were contacted by someone claiming to be their grandson who stated that he had been in an accident and required several thousand dollars for bail money. Although the couple had suspicions about the sound of the voice, they were told that their “grandson” had a cold, and the phone was then passed to someone claiming to be the grandson’s lawyer.
Following the conversation, a well-dressed woman was sent to the Warman couple’s home to collect money, which was then followed by another phone call, requesting another $3000 in American currency to be transferred. In total, the couple was scammed out of more than $10,000, which resulted in an investigation by Warman RCMP.
S/Sgt. Jason Teniuk with the Warman RCMP provided an update late last week stating that there had been a break in the investigation, when what appears to be the same female that attended the Warman home, was caught on camera in Prince Albert during a similar fraud situation.
Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) shared the photo of the person of interest with the public via social media, noting that they are currently investigating multiple reports from members of the public regarding this scam.
Upcoming Council Meeting Dates
City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.
January 14th- Committee of the Whole*
January 21st- Regular Council Meeting* *tentative, subject to adoption
Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive
Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm
If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you prefer to join from the comfort of your home, contact the City Clerk or check the online agenda at martensville.ca for the meeting link.
Snow Removal this Winter – What You Need to Know
The City’s Snow Removal Program aims to keep roads safe, accessible, and clear for emergency services, vehicles, and pedestrians. While our crews work diligently, winter weather can be unpredictable, and snow-clearing activities may vary. Here’s how you can help:
- Avoid pushing snow onto streets – This creates ridges that obstruct plowing efforts and creates larger snow ridges at your driveway.
- Don’t pile snow on streets or hydrants – This can block emergency access.
- Clear driveways before plows arrive – This helps crews work efficiently and prevents ridges.
- Avoid parking on streets during snow clearing – Vehicles hinder operations and risk being blocked by snow.
- Prevent driveway snow buildup – Place snow in yard areas rather than at the driveway edge.
- Watch for posted removal zones – Vehicles parked in these areas may be ticketed and towed.
- Stay back from sanding trucks– Keep a 15m distance to allow safe dispersion of salt and sand.
For more information and to view the City’s Priority Map, visit Martensville.ca.
Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca.
S/Sgt. Teniuk suggested several steps that can be taken to prevent yourself and others from falling victim to these types of scams.
If you receive a call from a relative asking for funds, or requesting personal information, tell them you will call them back before committing to anything further and contact family members to verify details. Teniuk also reminds the public to be cautious with what is shared online, as scammers can obtain information from social media accounts, which help make the scam more believable.
Contact your local RCMP detachment, and/or your bank if you are suspicious, as both of which are experts at identifying fraudulent activity and if someone shows up at your door, request to see identification or a business license.
“Take the time to investigate what is being asked of you. Fraudsters rely on the element of high pressure and quick rash decisions. There is rarely a situation where money is required immediately,” Teniuk said. “The more questions you as, the better off you will be to understand what is going on.”
Be sure to discuss this scam, and others like it with your friends and family, especially older and/or vulnerable adults to ensure they are knowledgeable in case they ever receive a call from one of the fraudsters.
“These types of crimes are difficult to investigate and rarely result in charges. It is even more rare to recover money that was lost. Taking the time to sort out what is going on before doing something rash will make a huge difference.”
Christmas Greetings FROM
Fundraising Event to Support Local Food Pantry
Brings Community Together
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Pancakes with Santa was a huge success at the North Ridge Community Centre on Saturday, December 14th thanks to the support from the generous vendors, sponsors, and community. Over 100 families attended the event with all proceeds going towards supporting the Martensville Food Pantry (MFP).
The Martensville & District Lion’s Club served a delicious pancake breakfast from 9am-11am, and those attending had the opportunity to peruse a variety of vendor tables and get some of their holiday shopping completed.
Admission was by donation, with a minimum of $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for children, with larger donations happily accepted.
In total, an incredible $560 was raised for the MFP, and event organizer Michelle Whalen expressed her gratitude to everyone that helped make the event a success, including Santa and Elsa for attending the event, the Martensville & District Lions Club, Saskatoon Co-op for donating the pancake mix and other food items, her assistant Aaden, and everyone else that contributed.
Sponsors APsprayarts, 3D Creations by Aaron, My Hands, Your Heart, The Frosty Goat, Mazes Creations, Sipology by Steeped Tea with Laurie Crump, and She’s Got Leggz with Angela Rioux, all helped cover expenses for the venue, which Whalen noted helped ensure that 100% of the funds raised could be donated to the MFP.
Whalen had previously utilized the MFP for her own family following her husband being laid off from his job last year, and experienced how beneficial this organization is to the community first-hand, which made her want to do something to help ensure as many local families can benefit from the MFP as possible.
“This event was more than pancakes with Santa and Else, it was about families coming together, seeing the joy on kids’ faces, and creating cherished holiday memories while supporting those in need. Your generosity and holiday spirit remind us how incredible this community truly is,” Whalen said. “Thank you all for making this day so special. Here’s to a season filled with love, connection and kindness.”
Martensville A&W Martensville
ABOVE: Children gathered to meet Santa Claus, who made an appearance in Martensville for a fundraiser breakfast/vendor exhibit to raise money for the Martensville Food Pantry on Saturday, December 14th. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)
SGI is shining the December Traffic Safety Spotlight on the options available for getting home safe this holiday season.
“December is a time for celebration. We know that many drivers in Saskatchewan will be attending or hosting holiday parties,” said JP Cullen, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund.
“If you're making plans to celebrate the season, we encourage you to make use of the safe ride options you have available, so we can all get home safe.”
In 2023, 29 people were killed and 338 were injured in impaired driving collisions, so it’s more important than ever to use your skills as a safe ride MVP and give the gift of a safe, sober ride this holiday season. Help a friend get home or use one of the many safe ride options available.
No need to make your own list, SGI has you covered (and we’ve checked it twice)!
• Designate a sober driver, or volunteer to be one.
• Call a sober friend or family member.
• Take the bus.
• Catch a cab, use a designated driving service, or order a rideshare.
• Stay the night.
Don’t forget seasonal safe ride options too, like Operation Red Nose and Ride for Free on NYE. No matter which option you choose, at the end of the night, always #FindASafeRide.
For more from SGI, follow us on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/SGIcommunity> and Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/sgiphotos/> .
Canada Post Working Through Backlog on a First-In, First-Out Basis
Sealey, Martensville Messenger
After 32 days of being on strike, thousands of Canada Post workers returned to work at 8:00am on Tuesday, December 17th; however, Canada Post issued a notice to the public that there will still be delays as they work their way through the backlog.
Workers were ordered to return to work by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), following a request from the Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon. Through this order, the current terms of the collective agreements will be extended to May 2025, with Canada Post offering employees a five per cent wage increase.
The increase was proposed in their last offer and will be retroactive to the date following the collective agreement expiration (Dec.31/23 for rural and suburban mail carriers and Jan. 31/24 for urban mail carriers).
“All options remain under consideration to achieve negotiated collective agreements that prioritize fair wages, improved health and safety, the ability to retire with dignity, and the democratic right to free collective bargaining,” Jan Simpson, National President, on behalf of the National Executive Board, said in a CUPW news release.
According to Canada Post, mail will be worked on in a “first-in, first-out basis and Canadians should expect delays through the remainder of 2024, into January 2025. All service guarantees are temporarily suspended, and post office hours of operation may vary as they work to stabilize operations.
Canada Post will begin accepting new commercial mail by Thursday, December 19th, and will not be accepting any new international mail until December 23rd.
Shanine
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The City of Martensville’s annual Play & Skate with Santa event took place on Sunday, December 15th from 1pm-3pm at the Martensville Sports Centre.
This fun-filled afternoon consisted of activities for families and kids, including the opportunity to make cookies, skate, take a photo with Santa, receive candy bags, warm up with hot chocolate, and more.
“We had a great turnout and there were a lot of smiles going around,” Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Recreation Coordinator II, stated.
This event was made possible due to the support from sponsors North Prairie, CANWEST, Lakeview Insurance Brokers, aodbt and Catterall & Wright, as well as the Martensville & District Kinsmen Club, who sponsored Santa’s workshop.
ABOVE: The Martensville Sports Centre was filled with families that got to enjoy an afternoon of skating, as wll as photos with Santa on Sunday, December 15th.
Community Rink Affordability Grant Application Period Announced
Applications for the 2024-25 Community Rink Affordability Grant will open on January 6, 2025.
Communities, First Nations, schools and non-profits are eligible and encouraged to register for the annual grant of $2,500 per indoor ice surface. The grant helps offset the costs of operating indoor skating and curling rinks in Saskatchewan.
"These are important cultural hubs in our communities, providing a gathering place that encourages activity for many families and residents in Saskatchewan," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. "The government is proud to support this program, and we will continue to make this funding available to rinks throughout the province."
The Saskatchewan government will double the program funding to $3.2 million starting in 2025-26, increasing the grant to $5,000 per rink.
Administered by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association since 2020, a total of 380 organizations with more than 580 ice surfaces benefited from the program last year.
"Recreation spaces, like our rinks, are crucial to the health, wellbeing and vitality of communities both large and small across our province," Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Darcy McLeod said. "The continuation of the Community Rink Affordability Grant and a commitment to double the funding in 202526, is a promising step toward addressing rising operating costs and combatting the challenges of aging community infrastructure."
The application period will run from January 6, 2025, until February 28, 2025, and the grant is set to be paid out by March 2025.
To learn more, visit:https://www.spra.sk.ca/funding/upcominggrants-and-funding/.
Sask Parks Offers Fun Winter Activities for Visitors to Enjoy
Saskatchewan residents can enjoy an exciting winter season in provincial parks with a wide range of winter events and activities. From snowshoeing to ice skating to cross-country skiing, Sask Parks has so much to offer in this magical season.
"Winter is a big part of our life in Saskatchewan and our goal is to make this season one to remember," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. "There are many unique experiences and fun outdoor adventures that will make our Provincial Parks a thrilling destination this winter."
Until March 16, visitors can stay in a Camp-Easy yurt and get a front-row seat to all the exciting winter activities Sask Parks has this season. Exclusively in Echo Valley Provincial Park this winter, there are three propane-heated yurts that sleep up to six people each. Guests can relax with the comfort of a queen bed while still being immersed in nature. Guests are advised to bring proper winter clothing. Yurts are heated, though not fully insulated.
Many parks also have walk-in winter camping available until March 16. While these sites do not require a reservation, visitors are encouraged to call the park beforehand to check on availability, local weather conditions and to reserve a campsite in advance.
Two people skate on Skate the Park loop in Echo Valley Provincial Park in winter. Provincial parks open for walk-in camping include; Blackstrap Provincial Park, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Danielson Provincial Park, Douglas Provincial Park, Echo Valley Provincial Park, Pike Lake Provincial Park, and Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park.
Whether visitors are heading to the park for the day or for a couple of nights, there are plenty of winter activities to experience, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or tobogganing. Various parks will offer ice fishing and ice skating, as well as snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals throughout the winter.
Local in-park businesses also offer a variety of exciting opportunities, including restaurants and quick eats, unique accommodations, saunas and more.
Visit saskparks.com to discover what each park has to offer this holiday season.
Skate the Park - Skate the Park is back this year starting on Dec. 26 (weather permitting). This unique 900-metre ice-skating loop winds through Aspen Campground at Echo Valley Provincial Park. Visitors can skate between the trees under an array of fairy lights and rest up in the nearby tipi warming shelter.
Skate the Park will be open until Feb. 28, 2025, subject to weather conditions, during the following hours; Monday - Thursday: 8am. - 4:30pm, Friday: 8am - 7pm, Saturday: 10am - 8pm and Sunday: 10am - 5pm. For more information on Skate the Park, visit: SaskParks.com.
Know Before You Go. Park Entry Permits are Required - A valid park vehicle entry permit is required to visit provincial parks year-round. Saskatchewan Provincial Parks Annual Entry Permits are available at a discounted rate of $45 and are valid until April 30, 2024. These permits provide unlimited access to park activities and events throughout the winter. Daily permits are also available for $11.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase a Park Entry Permit online before they hit the road.
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.
SPORTS
Talented Group of Dancers Set to Compete in Dec. 21 Cheer Championships
A group of talented dancers, including multiple athletes from Martensville, as well as Coach Nicole Katelnikoff from Bravo Dance Co. are part of the Team Saskatchewan Youth Pom team, that will be representing the province at the Canadian Cheerleading Championships, which will be aired virtually on December 21st.
The team consists of 11 talented dancers that have dedicated their summer and fall to prepare for the competition. In addition to the championship, the dancers will showcase their skills at local cheer competitions as well.
“Their hard work and commitment are truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to support them on this exciting journey. We can’t wait to see their performances in the competition soon,” Coach Katelnikoff said.
classifieds
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NOW HIRING:
Bryden Construction & Transport Co. requires SHOP AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
to provide service/ maintenance on a variety of heavy equipment, trucks and trailers. Duties include routine maintenance and repairs; mechanical experience required; 1A license an asset; heavy equipment operating experience an asset.
SHOP LABORER POSITIONS also available that involves cleaning the shop and equipment, assisting in the service/maintenance area, and general laborer duties.
Clean driver’s abstract required. Job location is Arborfield, Sask. Room and board provided. Send resume with work references to: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844
FEED AND SEED
AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING
HEATED CANOLA, FEED
BARLEY & FEED GRAIN. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! For Bids Call/Text: 306-873-0481, Email: sales@ agproseeds.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
REAL ESTATE
INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services with small town safety and charm. More information at www.chateauvilla.ca, 306-291-3686 or chateauvilla@sasktel.ne
LAND WANTED
FARMLAND WANTED
MISCELLANEOUS
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 48 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!
Valley Soccer Association Registration is Open
The indoor soccer season for Valley Soccer Association (VSA) will run from January to March 2025 with practices and games being held at the Martensville Recreation Centre (MRC), which will see the Fieldhouse portion of the newly constructed building open in early 2025.
Registration for U5, U7, U9, U11 and U13/15 Coed and All Girls League, is filling up fast. There is also an Adult Coed Soccer 7v7 team being offered on a quarter field turf in the new MRC. The cost is only $1250 per team for an 8-week league.
“If you can’t find a team and want to register individually, we will help get you on a team, as all teams currently registered are looking for more players,” the VSA stated via Facebook.
The deadline to register to guarantee your team or your place on a team is December 20th. Spots are limited and will fill up. To register go to https://valleysoccer. ca/
A three-day Goalkeeper Camp is also being offered from December 27-29, with special guest Coach Jack Davis from 3-4pm.
“Davis grew up playing Valley Soccer in Waldheim from 2011-2016. He went on to play in the Saskatoon Youth Soccer League and was accepted into the Saskatchewan EXCEL Program from 2020-2023. He is currently playing Collegiate Soccer at Southwestern Oregon as a goalkeeper for the last two years and earned a League All Star in 2023 along with Academic All American. He was also an assistant coach with VUSC one season, and we are thrilled to have him back to work with our young keepers.”
I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com
To register go to https://www.valleysoccer.ca/content/3-Day-Winter-BreakCamps Contact vsainfo@valleysoccer.ca for any other questions.
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE and BELOW: U18 Snipers and U13 Pirates held fundraisers to purchase toys for the Ronald McDonald House this holiday season. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Significant Rise in Saskatoon Homelessness: 2024 Point in Time Count Shows
The 2024 Point-in-Time Count has identified 1,499 individuals in Saskatoon experiencing homelessness. The count offers a “snapshot” of individuals and families residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, unsheltered locations including encampments, systems, and experiencing hidden homelessness.
“The results of this count represent the minimum number of individuals experiencing unsheltered and sheltered homelessness in Saskatoon,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “These numbers and demographics will improve our understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in our community.”
The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the Reaching Home Community Entity in Saskatoon, and the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) at the University of Saskatchewan, along with numerous community organizations and well over 200 volunteers conducted a Point-in-Time (PiT) Homelessness Count on October 8, 2024.
“SHIP believes that we need to continue to work as a community to reduce the number of homeless people,” says Robert LaFontaine, SHIP Executive Director. “The PiT count effectively sets the work we need to do going forward.”
The 2024 homelessness count has increased nearly three times in the overall number compared to the last count conducted in 2022. While some of this increase reflects the recognition of new categories, numerous other factors have contributed to this significant rise. By reporting these updated figures, we align our efforts with those of other municipalities across the country, promoting consistency and collaboration in addressing homelessness on a national scale.
Further data collected from the PiT Count surveys will be released in early 2025 when we launch the Saskatoon PiT Community Report. Volunteers, media, survey participants and local agencies are welcome to attend. Further information will be available in the New Year.
Field House Portion of New Recreation Centre Scheduled to Open in January
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The last Martensville City Council meeting of 2024 was held on Tuesday, December 17th. The meeting began with acknowledging correspondence that had been received by the City of Martensville, which included a letter from a concerned resident of Aspen Parke Estates in Lake Vista regarding a request for Council to ban unlicensed dirt bikes within the community. This topic has previously been brought to Council, and the letter expressed frustration with the situation, and that no steps had been taken to rectify this situation.
The agenda included the City Manager’s Report, with updates provided by each department.
Both administration and Council will be working on the 2025 budget in the coming weeks, with opportunities for public input tentatively scheduled for January 13th at the Martensville Recreation Centre and January 22nd at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion. A special meeting of Council will take place on February 4th to finalize the budget.
The report noted that the Field House portion of the Martensville Recreation Centre will be open for programming beginning January 2, 2025, with some construction still taking place throughout January. A grand opening is planned for January 16th, followed by a donor recognition event in February.
Numerous items on the agenda were discussed at the December 10th Committee of the Whole meeting and were brought back to Council for approval, including the 2025 schedule of Council meetings and a request to subdivide two lots into four within Meadows Business Park.
Council was asked to appoint Lorraine Postma to the District Development Appeals Board, which is jointly set up with representatives from Corman Park, Langham, Dalmeny, Warman, Osler and Martensville by a Memorandum of Agreement. Each municipality appoints one member to the board, and each serves a three-year term. Postma has a member of the board since 2022.
The final item up for approval was regarding a request to Council to amend the Official Community Pla, Zoning Bylaw and the discretionary use proposals to allow for the construction of two apartment buildings located in Lake Vista at Main and 16th.
