Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole 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.
December 9 – Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 16 – Regular Council Meeting
Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive
Time: All meetings begin at 5pm
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’d 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.
City Facilities – Holiday Hours
The City would like to remind residents of our adjusted facility hours for the Holiday season. Regular facility hours will resume on January 2nd, 2026.
Looking to have fun and stay active this winter? Winter program registration opens next week on Thursday, December 11th at 9:00am! Program dates, times, locations, and age requirements are listed in the City of Martensville’s 2026 Winter Program Guide, which can be found at Martensville.ca.
Register online, over the phone, or in-person at the MAP.
Online: Visit www.martensville.ca and click on the ‘Program Registrations’ button. Phone: 306-683-5575
City Council Reviews New Accessibility Plan and Five-Year Capital Priorities at December 2 Meeting
Martensville
Special City Council meeting held on December 2nd featured a variety of topics, with two major items discussed, the adoption of the community’s first Accessibility Plan, and a review of the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
City administration, in partnership with the Martensville Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC), has completed the community’s first Accessibility Plan, a document created through committee insight and public feedback.
MAAC, appointed in October 2025, developed and circulated a community accessibility survey from October 27th to November 6th and a total of 118 residents responded, representing a wide range of ages, disabilities, family experiences, and community service backgrounds. The survey was intentionally simple to ensure all residents could share their experiences. Key issues identified include poorly maintained parking lots, snow removal challenges, sidewalk maintenance concerns, visual accessibility issues (sign contrast, braille, audible crosswalk signals), communication barriers and financial barriers.
Using these results and the lived experiences of MAAC members, administration developed the Accessibility Plan. It outlines barriers, goals, and action items for the next three years, and provides a framework aligned with The Accessible Saskatchewan Act. The plan will guide future work plans, staff training, partnerships, and municipal operations to ensure accessibility is consistently considered across the city.
Adoption of the plan will not have an immediate operating cost. Future action items will be evaluated during annual budget cycles. If approved, the plan will be made available on the City’s website, through a Public Service Announcement, and at City Hall, the Library, the Sports Centre, MAP, and the MRC.
NPD & Canwest Play & Skate with Santa Martensville Sports Centre | December 6 |1:00pm - 3:00pm
The City and the Martensville & District Kinettes are partnering to bring you an afternoon of holiday festivities!
Play & Skate will be on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Martensville Sports Centre, featuring an afternoon full of fun activities for kids!
Skate, take a picture with Santa, get a candy bag, and warm up with hot chocolate!
Thank you to our amazing sponsors North Prairie Development and Canwest!
Martensville Fire Department: Christmas Hamper Program
Preparations are underway for this year’s Christmas Hamper Program. If you know an individual or family who could use some extra support this holiday season, you can submit a nomination by contacting City Hall.
We’ll also be collecting non-perishable food items and hygiene products at City Hall. Financial donations are welcome as well and can be sent via e-transfer to mfd@martensville. ca
Most Needed Items: Canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned meat, dry pasta and sauce, packaged soup, stuffing mix, condiments, snack crackers, soda crackers, cereal, pickles, gravy mix, basic spices, school lunch items, pancake mix, rice and pasta mixes, boxed potatoes and rice, juice boxes and mixes, hot chocolate, pancake mix, pancake syrup, instant oatmeal, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, dish soap, unscented laundry detergent.
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.
Council will also examine the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan, a comprehensive five-year roadmap that outlines the City’s priorities for constructing, upgrading, and planning municipal infrastructure. The CIP identifies more than $58 million in proposed investment and aligns with the newly adopted Strategic Plan. Capital projects are funded through tax revenue, reserves, debt, disposals, and provincial/federal capital grants.
Major projects highlighted include Centennial Drive North expansion (2026 priority), water and wastewater project, possible regional RCMP facility, joint-use high school planning, roadway upgrades and rehabilitation, City fleet renewal and IT infrastructure improvements, and facility upgrades and rehabilitation projects.
The CIP also provides required reporting for the federal Canada CommunityBuilding Fund (CCBF), which mandates an annual, council-approved capital plan submission.
Council also reviewed a letter from the property owner immediately north of Canadian Tire (Crombie REIT), expressing their intention to advance a grocery-anchored retail development. The correspondence emphasizes that expanding Centennial Drive North, to match the road design south of 3rd Street S., is essential to support site access, circulation, and overall project feasibility.
Council will meet again on December 9th for their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. For more information on Council, agendas and more, visit Martensville.ca.
RIGHT: A developer is interested in constructing a grocery-anchored retail development north of Canadian Tire, dependant on an expansion of Centennial Drive North, to match the road design south of 3rd Street S.
Martensville’s Holiday Giving Campaign
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Martensville stands out as a remarkable place to call home, a fact that becomes especially evident each year as the holiday season approaches. This special time brings the community together, inspiring residents, organizations, schools, and businesses alike to support those in need in meaningful ways.
This year marks the fourth consecutive holiday season that Martensville A&W is stepping forward to support local families for Christmas. For the second year, Carter’s Counselling Services is also partnering with A&W in this impactful initiative, showing the strength of our community’s care and compassion.
The focus of this year’s campaign is to assist four families who were directly impacted by a devastating fire this past fall. Details regarding each family’s specific needs can be found in the poster above, explaining how to contribute.
Both A&W and Carter Counselling Services are now accepting donations through December 20, 2025. A&W will be responsible for distributing gifts to the families in the days leading up to Christmas. In addition to gift donations, cash contributions are also welcome at the A&W location.
Donations can be dropped off at either A&W or Carter Counselling Services during their regular business hours. Alternatively, those who wish to arrange for a pickup can contact Brooke at info@carterscounselling.ca.
The Martensville community is deeply grateful to everyone who comes together to support one another during this special season. Your continued kindness and generosity contribute to making Martensville a welcoming and close-knit community.
Martensville Kinettes Partner with City for Play & Skate with Santa
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
This holiday season is getting a boost in Martensville as the Martensville & District Kinettes team up with the City of Martensville to host the annual Play & Skate with Santa event. The festive afternoon will take place at the Martensville Sports Centre on Saturday, December 6th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, offering families a fun-filled way to celebrate the season while supporting important community causes.
This year’s event is extra special, as proceeds from photos with Santa will help raise funds for Telemiracle, continuing the Kinettes’ long-standing tradition of giving back.
Families are invited to come by and take part in a variety of fun activities, including Skating with Santa himself, and then taking pictures with Santa. There will also be holiday-themed games, treats and cheer for all ages.
In addition to the on-ice fun, representatives from the Martensville Fire Department and the Martensville Free Pantry will be stopping by at 1:30pm During their visit, the Kinettes will proudly present both organizations with cheques to support their Christmas Hamper programs, helping local families in need during the holiday season.
Residents are encouraged to come out, enjoy the festivities, and capture some memorable holiday photos while supporting meaningful community initiatives.
The Martensville Food Pantry is once again ensuring that families in the community can spend the holidays without worrying about where their next meal will be coming from. Once again, the MFP will be offering a special Christmas dinner hamper for local families who need a little extra support.
Area residents wishing to request a Christmas hamper are asked to call (306) 280-1225 no later than December 10th. When applying, individuals should be prepared to provide their full name, the number of adults and children in their immediate household, and proof of address to confirm eligibility.
Hampers will be available for pickup on December 18th, giving families time to prepare for the holidays.
ABOVE: In 2024, the Martensville Food Pantry provided over 50 hampers to local families for the holidays.
(Martensville Food Pantry/FB)
Please note that the MFP will be shut down from December 22nd to January 4th to allow volunteers to have a well-deserved break. To ensure no one goes without support during this brief closure, the regular hampers distributed prior to the break will include additional necessities to help recipients through this time.
For more information about the MFP, please contact martensvillefoodpantry@ gmail.com, (306) 280-1255, or follow them on Facebook. The MFP is located within the Martensville Civic Centre at 66 Main Street – Room 2 and has additional food options available within the hallway for people to help themselves to anonymously.
Martensville Fire Department Warns Public of Unsafe Ice Conditions
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) recently conducted ice-thickness testing on five local ponds throughout the community and has determined that current ice conditions are unsafe. Tests revealed areas of very thin ice along with multiple open-water sections on every pond inspected.
Residents are urged to stay off all local ponds until further notice to ensure public safety.
The MFD will continue monitoring conditions and will provide updates as they become available.
ABOVE: Geoff Passy, President of the Martensville & District Lions Club made a donation to the Martensville Fire Department’s Christmas Hamper program on behalf of the local Lions Club. (MFD)
RCMP Seeking Information After Break-in at Martensville Vape Shop
Warman RCMP are investigating a break-in at a Martensville business after three unknown individuals forced their way into Electric Fog Vape Shop in the early morning hours of November 17, 2025.
At approximately 2:06 a.m., the suspects smashed a side window and entered the shop. Surveillance footage shows the trio stealing an estimated $9,267.73 worth of vape products in just 1 minute and 21 seconds. The suspects were seen carrying hockey bags with distinctive red straps and wearing matching all-black clothing, with the exception of their footwear.
RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers through any of the following anonymous options; 1-800222-8477, www.saskcrimestoppers.com or the P3 Mobile Tip App.
All tips are anonymous, and individuals who provide information leading to an arrest or charge may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Police Warn of Grandparent Scam Circulating Once Again
Saskatoon Police are again receiving numerous reports from members of the public about fraudulent calls otherwise known as Grandparent Scams.
During these scams fraudsters contact the victims by telephone and claim to be a grandchild in an emergency as a result of a traffic collision or drug possession. Payment is then demanded in cash or cryptocurrency for bail and legal fees.
It's important to be aware that any legitimate authority would never demand payment as cash or cryptocurrency over the phone.
The fraudsters instruct the victims to lie to their financial institution to withdraw funds. They may also falsely state that a non-dissemination order (gag order) is in place preventing discussing the matter with anyone else.
If you are the recipient of a suspicious phone call, ask important questions of the caller to verify their identity but refrain from offering additional details yourself. Alternatively, hang up and call that family member directly to verify their location and well-being and/or connect with other relatives to fact check the call. If the caller is claiming to be law enforcement or a representative of another profession, hang up and call that authority directly to verify the information. Fraudsters leverage urgency and panic to coerce the victim into complying with their requests and demands. Always use extreme caution, especially when being asked to send any form of currency.
Police are encouraging families and friend groups that consist of older and/ or vulnerable adults to openly discuss the Family/Grandparent Emergency Scam to prevent continued victimization in the community. If you or a loved one have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you have become the victim of fraud, contact your local police or report it to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
POLICE BEAT Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services Report Increase of 175% in the Number
of Fatal Collisions in November 2025
This month so far, from November 1 to November 25, 2025, Saskatchewan RCMP police officers responded to 11 fatal motor-vehicle collisions resulting in the death of 11 people on Saskatchewan roads. This is an increase of 175% in the number of fatal collisions and an increase of 37.5% in the number of fatalities for the same period in 2024 (with 4 fatal collisions resulting in the death of 8 people).
Seven of these collisions, resulting in the death of seven people, happened in the last seven days alone.
This year so far, from January 1 to November 25, 2025, Saskatchewan RCMP police officers responded to 89 fatal motor-vehicle collisions resulting in the death of 94 people on Saskatchewan roads. This is an increase of 32.8% in the number of fatal collisions and an increase of 23.7% in the number of fatalities for the same period in 2024 (with 67 fatal collisions resulting in the death of 76 people).
Staff-Sergeant Jason Sauve, with the Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, said: “While weather conditions may have been a factor in two of the fatal collisions this month, an astounding majority of these deaths involve the same four factors: seatbelts, speed, impairment by drug or alcohol, and distraction.
We keep repeating the same road safety messages continually because we see the role played by these factors every time we attend the scene of a fatal collision. We see how wearing a seatbelt, not driving impaired, not speeding, or staying focused on the road may have prevented these deaths.
We also see firsthand the impacts of these collisions. These tragic scenes leave a lasting impact on every single person who sees, hears about, or responds to them. If us repeating safety messages can help prevent us from having to respond to one fatal collision call – we will continue to share them.
We are running out of ways to say it. Please, when you take the road from now on, take the time to consciously remind yourself of these four things: Wear your seatbelt, Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, Do not speed, Do not drive impaired – by drugs or alcohol.
*Excluded from our fatal motor-vehicle collisions and fatalities statistics are fatal collisions that happened on a private property, in other police jurisdictions, off-road crashes and collisions caused by medical emergencies.
Hopeful Hands Initiative
Brings
Holiday Support to Martensville Families
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
A new grassroots project is bringing warmth, comfort, and Christmas cheer to families in Martensville. The Hopeful Hands Initiative - Prairie North, created by local parent and homeschooler Michelle Whalen, is launching its first year of Christmas Gift Hampers for families with children who may be struggling this holiday season.
Whalen, who has lived in Martensville for eight years with her husband and two daughters, has long been involved in fundraising and community support. Before becoming a mom, she spent much of her time volunteering with charities in Saskatoon. After her children were born, she shifted to at-home organizing, planning fundraisers, hosting events, and supporting families in need. Her projects have helped organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Kids Haven House, the Salvation Army, and the Martensville Food Pantry.
Hopeful Hands, she says, grew naturally out of her passion for creating meaningful experiences and helping families through difficult moments.
“Everyone needs support at some point, and I wanted to take the fundraising I’ve done to help those who needed help, and keep it in the community,” Whalen said. “Our community already has a wonderful food program, but I noticed that families often need help with other essentials too, especially during the holidays, when even a small bit of magic can mean the world to a child. Many parents feel overwhelmed and may not feel comfortable asking for help. I understand that feeling, both from my own childhood and from moments as a parent when my family needed a little support due to circumstances. I wanted to create something gentle, simple, and stigma-free.”
The initiative’s mission is to provide comfort, joy, and practical support to families, beginning this year with Christmas Gift Hampers. Each hamper includes at least two gifts per child, plus stocking stuffers, all personalized based on the child’s wish list or interests. Michelle hopes to provide 15–20 hampers this season, depending on donations.
Families can request a hamper by emailing hopeful.hands.initiative@gmail. com, and community members can also nominate a family in need. Hampers are intended for families with children under 18 who are not receiving support from other holiday programs. Nominations close December 6, and due to limited quantities, not all nominations are guaranteed to receive a hamper. All personal information shared for nominations is kept confidential.
Although Whalen runs most of the initiative from her kitchen table, coordinating donations, planning events, responding to families, and scheduling pickups, Hopeful Hands already has strong community support.
Recent STEM-themed children’s classes, hosted in collaboration with the Art Ville Winter Craft Market, raised $130 for the program. Kids learned about plant cells, extracted banana DNA, and explored genetics in a fun, hands-on environment.
Local sponsors have also stepped up, including the Canalta Hotel, who donated their meeting space for an upcoming Christmas tea party fundraiser. The local Co-op is sponsoring food and drinks for the event.
“Even though I’m the one coordinating everything, Hopeful Hands truly exists because the community cares. Their support, even simply attending events, is what makes this possible. It wouldn’t exist without the positive response from the community.”
While the initiative is starting with holiday hampers, Whalen hopes to expand Hopeful Hands into a year-round support program, offering seasonal hampers, emergency help, and more community events for kids and families. She also hopes to eventually grow beyond Martensville into surrounding communities.
Residents and businesses can support Hopeful Hands in several ways; donating toys, toiletries, or gift cards, sponsoring a family by purchasing items from a wish list, volunteering at events, including the tea party fundraiser, contributing to or sponsoring community fundraisers and by sharing posts and spreading the word.
“Supporting families in this way means everything to me. Especially during the holidays, knowing that a parent can breathe a little easier, or that a child will wake up excited on Christmas morning, is very meaningful. Hopeful Hands isn’t just about giving items; it’s about giving hope, dignity, and a reminder that no family is alone.” For nominations, donations, or more information, contact hopeful.hands. initiative@gmail.com.
The Busy Basket Store Brings Unique
Gifts, Local Flair, and Community Spirit to Martensville
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
A new gift shop is adding colour, creativity, and community connection to Martensville. The Busy Basket Store, which officially opened on November 1st, is already gaining attention for its eclectic product selection, local focus, and strong ties to the people behind it.
For Candace English, the store is more than a business, it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. “The Busy Basket is a family-owned business, just not by blood relation. I live here in Martensville and run the store, do the buying and merchandising aspects along with the day-to-day things. Taiye is there Mondays through Fridays, she is part of the family and helps with everything.”
Supporting them is a team of five part-time high-school students, all hired after impressing Candace with their initiative by coming in-person to request a job. Candace’s father and daughter also lend a hand. “You will likely see my dad telling stories about our products and boasting about how cool the store is, and my 14-yearold daughter makes an appearance now and then to fix up our display tables, and she runs our TikTok account.”
Candace has worked in customer service her entire adult life, but the spark began long before. “I have wanted to run my own shop since I was 12. I planned it all out like other girls planned out their weddings,” English explained. She credits Joyce, the head of the family business, for helping bring that dream to life. “Joyce is a very savvy businesswoman. She snatched up the Dollar Store with More, seeing the potential for a different kind of retail store. She offered me the opportunity to live out my career dream and here we are.”
Candace describes The Busy Basket Store as a gift shop at heart, that has something for everyone, including yourself!
The store focuses heavily on small Canadian brands, and prides themselves in being knowledgeable about each product they carry. The shop is also preparing for themed ready-made gift baskets and custom orders, the inspiration behind the store’s name.
There will also be an expansion in balloon services, providing the same service the previous store offered, but ramping it up to include balloon bouquets and arches in the new year.
Shoppers can expect a wide variety of items; many handmade or sourced from small creators. “The Busy Basket Store has a plethora of unique and fun items that you definitely do not generally find all in one place,” English added.
The main area includes scrapbooking supplies, natural pet treats, matching pet-owner sweaters, plantable greeting cards, hand-poured candles, Christian gift items, upcycled art supplies, hand-blown glass jewelry, fidgets, squishies, and more.
Then there’s Side B, an extension of the shop that includes a variety of quality clothing, make-up, lash clusters, press-on nails, hair claws, unique pop, candy, and chocolates, mini- Bluetooth speakers, chargers, pop culture collectibles, and more.
English hopes customers feel welcomed and inspired. “We want people to love to come to our shop, we want to have an inviting and comfortable atmosphere with a fun and trendy vibe.”
Giving back is a major focus for the Busy Basket Store team, with English noting that they have plans to donate a portion of gift basket sales to charity, supporting local Artisans, helping out with local events, organizations, schools and more.
The store is planning a grand opening celebration early in the new year and will also be offering seasonal and Boxing Day sales and has extended hours for December: Mon–Sat: 9:00am – 8:00pm | Sun: 11:00am – 7:00pm.
For more information about The Busy Basket Store, find them on Facebook and Tik Tok. You can also contact them at (306) 700-0565, but the best way to discover what the store has to offer is to stop in and see it in person at #3 – 7 Centennial Drive North.
The Right Call Beats a Close Call: Check Highway Hotline, Give Snowplows Space
On November 26, Highways Minister David Marit reminded drivers heading to Canadian Western Agribition to make the right call by checking road conditions before getting behind the wheel, along with urging them to protect themselves and others by staying patient around snowplows.
"Whether heading to the largest livestock show in Canada, bonspiels, hockey games or other destinations, please check the Highway Hotline and give our snowplows room," Marit said. "As the Ministry of Highways' annual winter safety campaign gets underway. Remember, this is Saskatchewan where weather can change rapidly."
New online ads will debut this winter reminding drivers that the right call beats a close call by waiting for snowplows to pull over before passing and to regularly monitor the Highway Hotline.
Sample online ads with a green background and white text reminding drivers to check the Highway Hotline and to give snowplows room on the highway.
The ministry's video ad about waiting for winter road conditions to improve by checking the Highway Hotline before heading out will play this season as a trailer before movies at Saskatchewan theatres. It can also be watched and shared on social media at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_Bcd6g1IJg.
The Highway Hotline also has two new cameras in time for this winter. They are along Trans-Canada Highway 1 near Rush Lake and Highway 13 near the junction of Highway 47 at Stoughton. The camera network has more than 50 locations with cameras to help provide better insight.
To take advantage of its features, download the latest version of the Highway Hotline smartphone app for free in the Google and Apple online stores. The service can also be accessed online at https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map or by calling 511 to select the highway you wish to hear the latest available road conditions.
Snowplow operators regularly send road condition information posted by staff at the Highway Hotline, Saskatchewan's provincial road information system.
Drivers are reminded to stay back and stay safe near snowplows, as they create a mini blizzard called the Snow Zone when clearing highways. Drivers should be cautious around snowplows, which pull over every 10 to 15 kilometres to let motorists pass. To see a video of the Snow Zone, visit: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RV043GAO_Qo.
Information about snow removal and winter maintenance activities can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/highways/highwaysafety/winter-safety.
Funding for Saskatoon Police and Downtown Youth Centre to Increase Community Safety
Government is redirecting the proceeds of crime to benefit safety services in Saskatoon, providing over $437,000 for the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre/EGADZ to update transportation and technology services.
An additional investment of $386,000 has been provided to the Provincial Victims' Fund to support victims of crime and aid in the delivery of community programming.
"Our government values the strong partnerships we hold with law enforcement and community service providers as we work together to create a safer Saskatchewan," Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said, on behalf of Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. "Investments from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to Saskatoon Police and EGADZ will ensure that modern technology and transportation is available, increasing safety and security for residents."
The Saskatoon Police Service Air Support Unit has received $300,000 for new video transmission equipment. This will enable encrypted live video to be transmitted from the air to key decision makers on the ground, improving communication and realtime decision making and enhancing public safety.
The service also received $86,000 to purchase a remote biometric monitoring system, to constantly monitor heart and respiratory rates while individuals in custody are still or sleeping. The system activates an alarm when vital signs exceed safe levels, improving care in the event of a medical emergency.
"These innovative investments ensure our members have the tools to make informed decisions in real time and to safeguard those in our care," Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride said. "We value the province's partnership in driving forward these meaningful advancements that enhance safety in our community and our detention facilities."
A small airplane on the tarmac with blue skies. Text reads Support for Saskatoon Services. $437,000+ for public safety, including air support in Saskatoon.
The Saskatoon Downtown and Youth Centre/EGADZ have received $51,447 to purchase a vehicle for the Day and School Support Program, a community-based intervention program designed to assist youth in conflict with the law. The vehicle will provide transportation to programming, educational placements, community service and court appointments. By supporting rehabilitation and community re-integration, the program aims to reduce recidivism and create safer environments for youth.
"On behalf of The Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre/EGADZ we would like to thank the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund for providing the funding which allowed us to purchase a new van to assist with the transportation of our youth in our Day and School Support Programs," Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc/EGADZ Executive Director Don Meikle said. "Providing safe and reliable transportation for our youth is critical to the success of our clients attending school, appointments in the community, and ensuring they are able to attend programming on a daily basis. When youth are provided that extra support, their personal positive outcomes increase dramatically."
The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund includes forfeited cash and the proceeds of other forfeited assets which are converted into cash. Distributions from the fund are designed to enhance public safety and assist victims and are made at least once per fiscal year when resources allow. Since its inception in 2009, over $10 million has gone back into Saskatchewan communities.
Most of the proceeds forfeited result from drug trafficking activity. Making these profits unavailable disrupts and deters future activity as traffickers are unable to purchase additional drugs to re-sell. Since April 2024, the Civil Forfeiture Office has forfeited approximately $635,000 in illegal proceeds related to fentanyl trafficking. This is the equivalent of approximately 63,500 individual doses of fentanyl. Distributions approved in fall 2025 total over $1.6 million. In 2024-25, over $1.1 million was approved for distribution to police operations, the Victims' Fund, and community organizations.
Martensville Athlete Jackie Osczevski Claims International Podium Amid Controversy at World’s Strongest Woman
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville’s own Jackie Osczevski is earning national attention after securing backto-back podium finishes on the international strongwoman stage. Osczevski delivered another powerful performance at the Official Strongman Games in Arlington, Texas, where she competed in the World’s Strongest Woman competition.
Following the event, the first-place winner was disqualified after officials learned the athlete had not disclosed being born male, a requirement outlined in competition rules. As a result, all competitors were moved up one placement, shifting Osczevski from fourth to a third-place podium finish.
“Despite a controversial final event ruling that shifted placements and sparked significant conversation across the global strongwoman community, Jackie delivered another dominant performance, showcasing the power, grit, and consistency that have made her one of the most respected competitors in the sport,” a press release stated.
In a public statement, Officialstrongman.com addressed the situation directly, noting that “Had we been aware, or had this been declared at any point before or during the competition, this athlete would not have been permitted to compete in the Women’s Open category. We are clear – competitors can only compete in the category for the biological sex recorded at birth.”
They continued to state that, “Official Strongman is inclusive and proud to run events which do not discriminate against athletes based on personal characteristics. Any athlete is welcome. But it is our responsibility to ensure fairness and ensure athletes are assigned to men or women’s categories based on whether they are recorded as male or female at birth.”
The athlete in question was disqualified, and all athlete points and places were altered accordingly.
Osczevski’s accomplishments arrive at a pivotal moment for the sport of strongwoman, which continues to gain global momentum and increased visibility. Her success not only highlights her individual excellence but also shines a spotlight on Saskatchewan athletes on the world stage.
Known for her leadership, grit, and unwavering competitive spirit, Osczevski is poised for what is expected to be her most ambitious and exciting season yet. As she continues to push boundaries in strength athletics, her journey reflects perseverance, community pride, and a growing Canadian presence in international strongwoman competition.
SPORTS
Martensville Teams Shine at U18 Sask Cup #3 in North Battleford
Local junior curlers from Martensville continue to impress on the provincial stage, bringing home top finishes at the U18 Sask Cup #3 held in North Battleford. It was an exciting weekend of competition, with two Martensville teams meeting in the boys’ final and another local team capturing gold in the girls’ division.
In the boys’ final, Team Grindheim of Martensville claimed the championship title after a hard-fought 6–5 victory over fellow Martensville contenders, Team Kitsch. The close score reflected the high level of skill and determination shown by both teams throughout the event.
Team Grindheim is made up of Carter Grindheim – Fourth/Skip, Kade Comfort – Third, Nolan Steckler – Second, Matthew Olson – Lead and Coach Mike Steckler. Team Kitsch includes Joel Kitsch – Fourth/Skip, Jax Robson – Third, Dominic Barlow – Second, Evan Ottenbreit – Lead and Coach Rhonda Kitsch.
On the girls’ side, Team Semeniuk delivered an outstanding performance, securing a decisive 7–2 victory over Team Okraincee to win their division. Team Semeniuk features Chloe Semeniuk – Fourth/Skip, Leah Beausoleil – Third, Kelsey Wall – Second, Lindsay Miller – Lead and Coach Nicole Beausoleil.
With multiple podium finishes, Martensville’s junior curlers continue to demonstrate strong talent and dedication. Congratulations to all athletes and coaches on an exceptional showing at this year’s U18 Sask Cup #3.
Martensville Curling Club to Host Grand Slam of Curling Tier 2 Event This December
Martensville is preparing to take center stage in the curling world as the Martensville Curling Club gets set to host the Tier 2 division of the HearingLife Canadian Open, part of the Grand Slam of Curling series. The event runs December 16–21, 2025, and is expected to draw national attention and strong crowds.
The Tier 2 division will feature 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams, offering local fans the opportunity to watch high-level curling up close. Round-robin play begins December 16 at the Martensville Curling Club, with the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs. If needed, a tiebreaker round will be held on December 20, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals later that same day.
The Tier 2 finals will take place on December 21 at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon, where they will run alongside the Tier 1 championship games.
Tickets for the Tier 2 event are available at GSOCtickets.com.
ABOVE: Congratulations to the U13B Pirates on winning the A final in Prince Albert over the weekend. (Martensville Minor Hockey)
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Team Semeniuk
ABOVE: Team Grindheim
ABOVE: The Martensville Marauders U11C Bandits won the B-Side final at a tournament in North Battleford over the weekend, where they won four out of five games they played. (Martensville Minor Hockey)
