December 1, 2022 Digital Issue

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

-Tax Notices were mailed out on April 29th. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Starting on August 1st, interest penalties on outstanding amounts begin to accrue.

Ways to Pay

- Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

- Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by E-transfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

December & January Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in-person but guests must wear a mask and should practice social distancing within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

Committee of the Whole - December 13th Regular Council - December 20th Committee of the Whole - January 10th Regular Council - January 17th

The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM.

Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

POLICE BEAT

Expect To See Impaired Driving Checkstops This Holiday Season

Existing federal legislation enables police to request quick breath test of any driver Saskatchewan drivers will notice an abundance of impaired driving checkstops across the province throughout the holiday season.

"Checkstops are an important enforcement tool and a highly visual reminder to drivers about the importance of planning a safe ride home," Minister Responsible for SGI Don Morgan said. "Impaired driving is a persistent and deadly problem in Saskatchewan, and it requires creative solutions and ongoing enforcement. SGI is providing additional funding to police agencies to conduct more than 40 checkstops this December in order to keep our roads safe."

Checkstops can occur any day of the week, on a municipal street, in a city, in a town or on a highway. Police also use less conspicuous tactics to catch impaired drivers, and the public is encouraged to call 9-1-1 to report any motorists they believe are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bottom line is this: if you drive impaired anywhere in Saskatchewan, there is a strong chance you'll be caught, arrested and charged.

Roadside Alcohol Screening

Under federal legislation, specifically Bill C-46, which took effect in 2018police can legally demand a roadside breath test for alcohol from anyone they legally stop. A trained officer will make a formal demand that someone provide a breath sample into an approved screening device. There is no requirement for reasonable suspicion for the officer to make a demand. People who refuse a test can be charged with a Criminal Code offence, with penalties that are the same or greater than those for impaired driving convictions. If you're not driving impaired, the breath test just takes a matter of seconds, and drivers who pass are on their way quickly.

"We appreciate the cooperation of drivers who may be pulled over for our checkstops," Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP's Traffic Services Division Supt. Grant St. Germaine said. "Please be assured that a demand for a breath sample is not an accusation; it's simply standard procedure to help ensure that people are driving sober. We use all the tools we have at our disposal to try to keep our roads safe - roadside breath tests being one of them."

Drivers are reminded to only drive if they are sober, and to find a safe ride home when they're impaired.

Recreation Update - Sip n’ Shop Coming!

Play n Skate with Santa, Twinkle Tours

Lazy Man Triathlon: Registration is open! Can you complete a Triathalon over the course of a month?

Play & Skate with Santa: December 11th

Twinkle Tours: December 12th-16th

Contact the MAP, visit Martensville.ca or Facebook for information on registration and what is coming up.

The Winter Program Guide is Coming!

The Winter Program Guide will come out on-line on November 24th and be in mailboxes December 8th.

Snow Removal this Winter – 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 service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to promptly remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions. 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 our 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 emergencies.

- 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.

Warman RCMP Investigating Collision On Valley Road

On November 23, 2022 at approximately 8:40 a.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a collision at the intersection of Valley Road and Range Road 3061, west of Saskatoon.

Initial investigation determined an SUV and a van collided. The driver and sole occupant of the SUV, a 30-year-old female from the Saskatoon area was pronounced deceased by EMS at the scene. Her family has been notified. The adult male driver and sole occupant of the van was transported to hospital with injuries described as serious.

The area around the intersection was closed during initial investigation but re-opened around 4 p.m. Road conditions were poor in the area at the time of the collision. Warman RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

ABOVE: Corman Park Police have been conducting regular checkstops throughout the month of November. (Corman Park Police Service)

At the annual general meeting (AGM) for the provincial Air Cadet League, the Martensville and District Kinsmen were awarded a Certificate of Recognition for their outstanding support of the Air Cadet program.

Since the 574 Dakota Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (574 Dakota) moved to Martensville in 2016, the Martensville and District Kinsmen have strongly supported the program. Their unwavering support, even through the pandemic, has helped 574 Dakota grow and succeed.

The Martensville and District Kinsmen was presented with the Certificate of Recognition at a recent parade for the 574 Dakota squadron.

A total of nine Certificates of Recognition were awarded at the AGM. Martensville and District Kinsmen were recognized alongside eight other deserving organizations such as the Saskatchewan Aviation Council, Tourism Saskatoon and Sask Lotteries.

We are pleased to announce that a Certificate of Merit was also awarded at the AGM to Jerianne Keen, Civilian Instructor (CI) with 574 Dakota for meritorious service. Since it was relocated to Martensville, Keen has been instrumental in helping the squadron grow and succeed.

Beginning her career as a successful Air Cadet, Keen brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding when working with Cadets, their parents and the Squadron Supporting Committee. Whether marching in a local parade beside the Cadets, conducting field training exercises, or whatever else might be asked, Keen is always there as an instructor but more importantly as a role model that the Cadets respect and look up to.

Bingo

Bingo Night is Back!

Night

is back in Martensville!

The New Horizons Senior Centre began offering a bingo night in the community in 2020; however, due to the COVID pandemic, it was put on hold until last week.

On November 24th, the first bingo night was held, with plans to host another one on December 8th, and then continue again in the New Year either once a month, or every two weeks.

Bingo night runs from 7pm until approximately 9pm and costs $15 to participate in all ten of the games, with an option to purchase additional tickets. A Bingo pays out $10 to $15, with a $100 prize for a win on Bonanza.

“It is a fun night for people to come out and play some bingo and it is open to everyone 18+. You don’t have to be a member of the club, or a senior, to play,” Lovina Bischler of New Horizon’s Senior Centre, explained.

Money raised from this event will go towards improvements at New Horizons Senior Centre, which is located at 106 4th Avenue North in Martensville. For more information, contact Lovina at (306) 222-3343.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Bingo night took place on November 24th, with another one planned for December 8th. (Donna Pawluk)

Curling Cousins Represent Saskatchewan

Submitted

Melissa Remeshylo and Dylan Derksen, the "curling cousins", have recently qualified to

Saskatchewan in the Mixed Doubles curling event at the Canada Winter Games in February 2023. The qualifier was held at the Sutherland curling rink where a field of ten teams competed. Team Remeshylo/Derksen were first in their pool and won over team Hoag/Bryden to win the championship.

The duo are from Warman and Hague and curl out of the Martensville Curling Club. They have been partners for this style of curling for three years, and are very excited to share the honor of being provincial reps as family as well as teammates. Thank you to the businesses and individuals who have sponsored them over the years and for the support of friends, family and community. We are all Team Saskatchewan.

Royals Celebrate Season

ABOVE:

Royals Host Annual Awards Night

The Martensville High

Royals football team held their annual awards night on Thursday, November 24th. The evening began with a dessert reception in the foyer before moving into the MHS Theatre for the awards presentations.

Coaches, players, parents and friends were in attendance to celebrate the 2022 season, which ended with an upset against Humboldt on October 21st.

Local businesses sponsored the awards, which were presented to players by coaches who spoke highly about each recipient. Awards went to: Special Teams Player of the Year (Martensville Dollar Store) – Carson Amundson, Most Inspirational Player (A&W Martensville)

- Shaidon Yuzik, Most Dedicated Player (Ayotte Plumbing and Heating) - Cale Robertson, Most Improved Player of the Year (Phobia Auto Body) - Owen Heinbingner., Lineman of the Year (Martensville Messenger) - Tristan Scott, Rookie of the Year (Licensed to Kill Spraying and Landscaping)

- Cameron Kliewer and Aidan Low, Defensive Player of the Year (Ayotte Plumbing and Heating) - Jackson Heisler, Offensive Player of the Year (Read Automotive) - Latrell Brown and Most Valuable Player (Ken and Bernice Symak)

- Jackson Heisler.

Following the player awards, each of the parent volunteers were acknowledged and celebrated, as well as a presentation to the third year graduating players and to the coaches.

represent

Shanine Seley, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: The 2022 Martensville High School Royals team. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

ABOVE: The Coaching Staff for the 2022 Martensville High School Royals. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

ABOVE: Special Teams Player of the Year Carson Amundson.

ABOVE: Most Inspirational Player Shaidon Yuzik.

ABOVE: Most Dedicated Player Cale Robertson.

ABOVE: Most Improved Player of the Year Owen Heinbingner.

ABOVE: Lineman of the Year Tristan Scott.

ABOVE: Rookie of the Year was awarded to two players this year; Cameron Kliewer and Aidan Low.

ABOVE: Defensive Player of the Year Jackson Heisler.

ABOVE: Offensive Player of the Year Latrell Brown.

Most Valuable Player Jackson Heisler.

ABOVE: The curling duo of Melissa Remeshylo and Dylan Derksen will be representing Saskatchewan in the 2023 Canada Winter Games. (Submitted)

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

School

Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) Center Receives Outpouring of Support From Community

The Adobe Inn in Martensville was packed with amazing, giving people who came out to support the Martensville Youth Connection Center on Sunday, November 27th.

This steak night fundraiser was headed up by Infinity Salon & Spa, Martensville Plumbing & Heating, and the Martensville Messenger newspaper with all proceeds being donated to this organization to help keep it going, and to raise awareness about the need for this center in our community.

The evening started out with an introduction from Jocelyn Ottenbreit of the Martensville Messenger followed by an amazing meal prepared by the staff of the Adobe Inn.

The stage was filled with raffle items along with silent auction items that were generously donated by many local businesses in and around the community.

After the meal, Jaime Holowaty from the Wireless Age presented a cheque to Katharine Carter, one of the founders of the MYC, for $250.

Carter, along with Tanner Perratt, Business Manager with Possibilities Recovery Center, took to

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

the stage to talk about the program and how it all came together.

Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) started one day a week at Clear Cut Coffee house in July of 2021 and expanded to three days within its first year. In April of this year, with the support of Possibilities Recovery Center and Forged Fitness Gym, they were operating five days a week.

Their focus is to provide education on positive self-image, triggers, self-harm, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and family dynamics, to name a few.

They attend Paws Republic to build therapeutic relationships with the animals, show importance of community and relationships by volunteering at the Golden Sunset Villa residence and the Martensville Care Home cooking meals and interacting with the seniors, and are involved in community cleanups throughout the year.

“The youth who access our programming are your children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and

Thank

potentially the next business owners of Martensville. These children are the next generation, and if we can provide them with emotional regulation and positive coping skills in life early on, the changes we could see in Martensville would be remarkable. Our Motto is reaching dreams one youth at a time.

Healthy people make healthy communities, which is what we strive to create,” said Carter.

A cheque for $500 was presented to MYC from Carol Heaslip, and a $250 donation from NSC Minerals was given to Possibilities Recovery Center. The 50/50 amount was $590, and the winner was Jason Young who donated the total amount back to the center.

The event raised $4805.76 including $1000 in donations with a total of $5805.76 for the evening.

Thank you Martensville for your generosity – it is truly inspiring to be part of such a giving community.

If you would like to donate to this cause, you can do so by e-transferring to friendsofthemyc@gmail. com. You can also follow the facebook page Friends of the MYC for future upcoming events.

ABOVE: Carol Heaslip donated $500 to Martensville Youth Connection during the steak night.

ABOVE: Organizers for the steak night fundraiser

L-R: Tracey Fesiuk, Janine Hayward, Tracy Cox, Jocelyn Ottenbreit and Shanine Sealey.

ABOVE: It was a packed crowd at the Adobe Inn on Sunday evening where a steak night fundraiser took place in support of the Martensville Youth Connection. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Are $500 Cheques the Best Expenditure?

There’s a high probability that you’ve received your $500 affordability tax credit cheque by now. Unsurprisingly, the move has been incredibly popular for Premier Scott Moe's Saskatchewan Party government, notwithstanding a few glaring hiccups.

After all, what taxpayer doesn’t like getting cheques back from the government? The most obvious hiccup has to do with cheques going to people who have died.

It likely could have been avoided, but avoidance would have come with the added costs of time and bureaucratic expense that would have been needed of crossreferencing those who had died after they filed their income tax. Even then, lag time would have produced some errors and while a bit of a fuss has been made over this happening, it shouldn’t be all that big an issue. Cheques can be torn up or simply cashed by the executor of the estate. (There is also an argument that those who contributed to this province during the hard time should be allowed to see their descendants benefit from this windfall.)

The better question is the overall fairnesssomething other provinces are trying to achieve. In Alberta, newly minted Premier Danielle Smith has announced a series of rather generous anti-inflation expenditures (it’s likely worth noting that province has a scheduled general election in six months) that includes a $600 payment to seniors and most families with children under 18 years (presuming they earn less than $180,000 a year).

Smith’s $2.4-billion package also includes fuel tax and personal income tax relief. Meanwhile, in Quebec, inflation relief cheques are only going to people who earn less than $100,000 a year.

Here in Saskatchewan, the NDP initially argued a few months ago that everyone - every man, woman and child - should simply get $100. It’s a worse and less helpful idea.

The NDP argument of late has been that it’s patently unfair that a rich retired couple will collect $1,000 but a single mom with three kids who needed the money much more badly would only get $500.

This is so, but the Opposition neglects to mention that that same single mom with three kids would only collect $400 under its initial proposal - $100 less.

The NDP Opposition now seem to talking about everyone getting $500 cheques, that would add close to $100 million in expenses to a program already costing government coffers about $450 million. (Moreover, there would be the added problem of sorting out where the cheques are sent when kids don’t live with their parents.) But whether or not this is best way to distribute money to people, the better and more legitimate question might be: What else we could have done with this windfall?

Government debt in the province that will hit $30 billion next year and $35 billion by 2027 and while politics (including political pressures from oppositions demanding the windfalls be spent on people) likely prevents any government from a massive debt paydown, there are still better choices.

We are emerging from a health care crisis that’s producing massive demand for doctors, nurses and other providers because of the numbers burned out by the pandemic.

Perhaps cash bonuses to get such health care workers to stay or come here isn’t a great long-term solution. But any incentive-based program - which might include more training or incentives for nurse practitioners or salaried positions some doctors are asking for - will require money.

Schools and roads could use money. We might have also considered other potential infrastructure spending — especially if government and people are to be encouraged to convert from costly coal-fired electrical generation. Wouldn’t incentives have been wiser?

Would it better investment in housing or policing have been similarly a wise way to spend a windfall? Alas, it’s easier for government to send out cheques. And it seems unlikely many will complain.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Increased Investments Made Possible by Strong Economy

A growing economy in Saskatchewan has allowed our government to expand investments in the programs and services that make a difference. These initiatives benefit our most vulnerable residents while supporting the needs of a growing population.

A strong province is one where everyone benefits from growth. This fall, your Saskatchewan Party Government introduced new legislation that will create a more inclusive and accessible province for all people. The Accessible Saskatchewan Act will establish standards and regulations that will lead the way to support people with disabilities. Following the principle of "Nothing about us, without us", this new legislation will continue to engage the community in this important work.

We will lead by example with this new legislation. To ensure organizations are supported, the proposed legislation will apply to the government first, including rolling out an accessibility plan. The legislation includes an Accessibility Advisory Committee, with at least half of the members being persons with disabilities or from organizations representing people with disabilities. We will increase public awareness of issues impacting the community through the Saskatchewan Accessibility Office, which will monitor compliance concerns. The legislation will also recognize sign language as the primary form of communication for people who are deaf. By introducing these changes, we are working to create a province where persons with disabilities can fully participate.

Our government is embarking on a new one-year pilot project to deliver services to victims of human trafficking. Partnering with Hope Restored Canada, we are investing $150,000 to expand secure housing, counselling, treatment and life skills programs. This initiative results from months of work with Hope Restored Canada to support victims as they heal from the trauma inflicted and pave a new path for their lives.

Supporting Saskatchewan's efforts to prevent interpersonal violence and abuse, our government endorses the new National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Unveiled in Nova Scotia at the 40th Annual Meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, the action plan is a collaboration between governments, stakeholders and Indigenous organizations. Implementing the National Action Plan will build on the initiatives already in place, including the $25 million in annual support Saskatchewan currently provides.

As Saskatchewan continues to grow, our government is working to provide more support to families. A $28.9 million joint investment with the Government of Canada will see nearly 2,200 new regulated childcare spaces across the province. With this announcement, Saskatchewan will have just shy of 23,0000 regulated childcare spaces, well on our way to creating 28,000 spaces by the end of March 2026 and reducing fees to $10 a day. On average, 70 per cent of childcare fees have now been reduced in Saskatchewan thanks to the CanadaSaskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Seniors across the province will see more financial support in the coming months. This year, our government increased the maximum monthly benefit through the Senior’s Income Plan by $30 per month, with a second $30 increase approved for 2023/24. Around $34 million in annual funding helps support 14,500 lowincome seniors in the province.

Increased investments are made possible by the strong economy. Our government will continue to make sure all residents see the benefits. New private investment, more jobs and higher resource revenues support expanding these important government services. That’s growth that works for everyone.

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 333Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

Therapeutic Teaching: Mental Health & Well-being in the Classroom

Hosted by: Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk; RTC, MTC

Online: Wednesday January 11th, 7-9 pm

Limited Capacity, Tickets are $25. DM @drjudyjaunzemsfernuk (on Instagram) for a $7 discount if cost is a factor.

Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/467192484297

Therapeutic Teaching is the foundation of Dr. Judy's CALM™ Classrooms series. This session will lay a foundation for well-being at school.

Teachers often ask about the line between supporting their students as they were trained (as teachers), or supporting their students mental health needs as they present in the classroom daily (are we therapists too?). The short answer is, teachers are not therapists, however, there is a lot they can do through the art and science of what Dr. Judy calls, Therapeutic Teaching. Therapeutic Teaching is part of Dr. Judy's CALM Classrooms series, which forms one arm of her Human Curriculum work for educators. As an educator herself, who spent 20 years teaching in PreK - 12 classrooms, Judy understands the needs of both students and teachers; and her life's work aims to bridge her interests and training as both an educator (25 years) and mental health practitioner (10 years). This session is for anyone seeking to build skills necessary for the 21st classroom: a space where teachers and students can thrive through therapeutic practices that support the well-being of everyone in the space. Dr. Judy cannot wait to meet you and ease your mind about the pressures of today's classrooms by sharing both the art and the science behind therapeutic strategies that work to minimize teacher burnout and support student and teacher mental health.