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.
City of Martensville Traffic Bylaw - Things You Should Know
The City of Martensville’s Traffic Bylaw sets rules for how vehicles should be operated within the city. This includes guidelines for parking, signs, weight limits, and other regulations that apply to various vehicles such as cars, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, trailers, RVs, and snowmobiles.
• Here are some of the key points of the bylaw:
• Do not park in a way that blocks a lane, driveway, or access to private property.
• Do not park on any street for more than 72 hours.
• Do not park on the left side of the street (facing the wrong way).
• Trailers cannot be parked on a street unless attached to a towing vehicle. Construction trailers are the exception but can only stay unhitched for up to 12 hours during the day while work is being done nearby. They must be hitched overnight.
• Recreational vehicles cannot be parked on any street between October 1 and April 30.
• Do not park in a way that extends any part of the vehicle over a sidewalk.
For the full Traffic Bylaw or if you have questions, visit the City of Martensville website or contact City Hall.
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.
POLICE BEAT
Rosthern RCMP Seek Public Assistance Locating Missing Man
On December 2, 2024, Rosthern RCMP received a report of a missing 68-year-old man, Kirk Brayford.
Kirk was last in touch with friends approximately two weeks ago. He hasn’t been in touch since, which is unusual for him.
Officers have checked places he is known to be and have not located him. They are now asking members of the public to report all sightings of Kirk and information on his whereabouts.
Kirk is described as approximately 5’8” with an average build. He has short grey hair and brown eyes.
He may be driving a white 2012 Mazda 3 with Saskatchewan license plate 477 HBS.
Kirk is known to frequent the Rosthern area and visit the Waskesiu area, though his current whereabouts are unknown.
He requires medicine that police do not believe he has with him.
If you see Kirk or know where he is, contact Rosthern RCMP by dialling 310RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Advertising Doesn’t Cost; It Pays!
Is your business reaching its full potential? CALL 306.668.1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca
Join the Fun at ‘Play & Skate with Santa’ This December!
Get ready for an afternoon of holiday excitement at the Sports Centre on Sunday, Dec. 15th, as the much-anticipated ‘Play & Skate with Santa’ event returns! Perfect for children and families, the day will be packed with activities including skating, photos with Santa, candy bags, hayrides, and warming up with hot chocolate.
This festive drop-in event is just $5 per person. A special thank you goes out to our generous sponsors: North Prairie Developments, CANWEST, Lakeview Insurance Brokers, Catterall & Wright, and aodbt. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled holiday celebration!
Preventing Sewer Line Back-ups - It starts at Home
Sewer line back ups can cause a major inconvenience in the home, and can be timeconsuming and costly to find and remedy. Here are some things we can do right in our own homes to help prevent back-ups.
• Do not pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead, scrape out or pour cooking oil and grease into a container or plastic bag and dispose of it in your kitchen garbage.
• Do not dispose of large absorbent items like paper towels, diapers, baby wipes or feminine products, down the toilet, these are not items that disintegrate like toilet paper will, including “flushable” wipes. These products should be disposed of in your garbage.
• Kitchen garburators increase the amount of organic material in the service lines. Depending on the condition of the service line, organic material can stick to the lines and over time cause blockages. Compost your organic material instead.
To help prevent a sewer backup, be mindful of what goes down the drain. Your pipes are not built to handle most food items and will almost always cause a blockage in the short or long term. When in doubt, properly dispose of these items by throwing them away.
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.
• Committee of the Whole- December 10
• Regular Council Meeting December 17
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.
Martensville Man Faces Charges After Being Awoken by Police
One man has been arrested following a break and enter yesterday morning. At around 3:50 a.m. on November 28, 2024, police were called to the 3700 block of Kochur Avenue for a report of a break and enter that resulted in the theft of a flat deck trailer. After obtaining a report from the victim of the theft, officers observed what they believed to be the stolen trailer in a parking lot a short distance away. In the same parking lot was an idling truck with a man asleep inside. Continued investigation and evidence collected in the parking lot linked the truck to what was confirmed to be the stolen trailer.
As a result, the 36-year-old Martensville man has been charged with break and enter to commit an indictable offence and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Play & Skate With Santa on December 15th
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The City of Martensville’s Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sunday, December 15th at the Martensville Sports Centre.
This event will be an afternoon full of fun activities for kids. You can go skating, take a picture with Santa, get a candy bag, and warm up with a hot chocolate. This is a drop-in program, and it is $5 per person.
“Thank you to our amazing sponsors North Prairie Developments, CANWEST, Lakeview Insurance Brokers, Catterall & Wright, and aodbt for being our 2024 Event Sponsors,” the City of Martensville stated on their Facebook page.
All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting Martensville KidSport.
Marten the Elf Returns to Martensville! Spot Him and Win Prizes!
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
December is upon us and with it comes a visit from Martensville’s newest resident for the month – Marten the Elf.
Throughout the month, Marten will make surprise appearances at local shops, parks, and businesses and the public is invited to take part in the fun!
Keep an eye out for Marten, and if you spot him doing anything suspicious, email jmcculloch@martensville.ca a photo of your family catching him in the act and you can get a chance to win some amazing prizes.
This event is made possible by contributions from Community Champions North Prairie Developments and CANWEST.
Drop Off Your Letters to Santa in Martensville
Santa knows if you have been naughty or nice. And kids know that writing a letter to Santa is the best way to ensure that all the toys they have been dreaming of throughout the year will be waiting for them under the tree on Christmas morning.
For over 40 years, Canada Post workers have ensured that approximately 1.5 million letters get delivered to Santa each year; however, the current Canada Post strike is putting a damper on getting letters delivered to the big guy in the red suit this year.
In Martensville, local resident Jan Diehl has installed a drop-box for letters to Santa at 835 Rock Hill Lane. Not only can children mail their letters, but they can also take in the amazing Christmas display within the yard.
Please include a physical return address on all letters so replies from Santa can be delivered. This opportunity is for Martensville children only.
The last day to deliver your letters to Santa is December 12th to ensure there is time before Christmas for Santa to reply to all the children that took the time to write to him.
Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, December 12th at 7:00pm
Turkey prizes - 50/50 - Concession
Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend.
6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available! Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Turkey Bingo
Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Letters to Santa can be dropped off at 835 Rock Hill Lane in Martensville until December 12th. (Submitted)
Martensville JYSK Location Open to Public in Time for Christmas
The brand new JYSK in Martensville will be hosting a Grand Opening on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, from 9 am to 9pm.
This brand new JYSK store is now open and located at 41 Centennial Drive North, Martensville, SK. JYSK is an international retailer of affordable Scandinavian home furnishings and is one of the world’s fastest growing retailers with over 3,500 stores in 48 countries.
ABOVE: The brand new Martensville JYSK location will be hosting a grand opening on Saturday, December 14th from 9am-9pm. (Submitted)
Martensville residents will be able to experience easy shopping for home furnishing décor with Scandinavian design and great offers every week. “We’ve been working hard to offer a unique shopping experience,” said District Manager Eythor Tryggvason. “While providing excellent service and reliable quality, we enjoy helping customers with our product knowledge and expertise. This new store offers our customers a great layout with JYSK products set up and displayed, as you would like to see them in your own home.”
The new 12,000+ square foot store will create new jobs in the market and marks the JYSK brand’s commitment to expansion in Canada. This will be the 5th JYSK store in Saskatchewan.
JYSK is a refreshing alternative to department stores, offering unique product design and an intimate, hassle-free shopping experience. JYSK is set apart by its Scandinavian-inspired designs that are appealing for their modern simplicity and the low prices. A full range of products is also available at JYSK.ca and picked up at your local store or shipped to most addresses in Canada.
Two Martensville Businesses
Team-Up to Support Local Families During the Holidays
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville is a truly special place to live and that gets proven even more so when the holiday season comes around each year. This is the time of year when people come together to help others in need, whether it be residents, organizations, schools, or businesses.
This marks the third year that the Martensville A&W will be helping to support local families for Christmas; however, they won’t be doing it alone. Going forward, Martensville A&W and Carter’s Counselling Services will be teaming up for this incredible initiative.
In past years, Rachelle Buffin, owner of Martensville A&W, asked local residents if they were aware of any families within the community that could use some extra support over the holidays. This year, Buffin contacted Katharine Carter; owner of Carter’s Counselling Services and newly elected Martensville City Councillor; who recommended two local families that could benefit from extra help this year
“It is important to remember that the holidays aren’t something that everyone looks forward to. It can be difficult - financially, emotionally and mentally for a lot of people,” Buffin said.
Buffin also noted that she looks forward to this initiative each year and believes that it is something that will continue to grow.
Donations of food, clothing, money, gift cards, etc. are being accepted at the Martensville A&W. E-transfers can be sent to rachellebuffin@gmail.com. Details on the clothing sizes for the families that donations will be going to can be found on the provided poster.
“If we can make a little difference in someone’s life then we did our job, and our job as human beings is to lead with love and lend a helping hand because we can,” stated Buffin.
In 1996, JYSK opened its first Canadian store in Coquitlam, BC, and today there are over 70 stores across the country. “We are excited to be celebrating 28 years in Canada and bringing Scandinavian influence to the Canadian market” says Ludvik G Kristjansson, CEO.
The company’s reputation continues to grow as they pass on savings to customers. Celebrating 28 years in Canada, the popular Scandinavian furniture, home solutions chain has become the go-to destination for. JYSK has a great Scandinavian offer for everyone within sleeping and living!
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Santa and his helpers along with Blizzard the Elf are stopping by at the Heritage Centre Lions Park in Martensville on Saturday, December 7th from 2-4:30pm.
The Martensville & District Kinettes elf needs a new name this year so they will be having a coloring and elf naming contest with a great prize.
Cuddle up to Santa and Mrs. Claus for a picture and enjoy some hot chocolate and a cookie! Entry is a minimum $5 donation that will go to TeleMiracle 49! Don't miss out on the festive fun!
“Thank you to our sponsors, FreeWay Delivery Services Ltd., Affinity Credit Union, Mortgages by Eboni DeBussac, Flex Realty, and Save on Foods Warman,” said Jamie Dowling, Martensville Kinette member.
ABOVE: JYSK in Martensville is now open and offers a wide variety of home decor items, furniture, mattresses, holiday decorations and more. (Shanine Sealey/MM)
Help Support Local Families Through the Martensville Food Pantry This Holiday Season
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
If you are looking to help support local residents in need this holiday season, the Martensville Food Pantry is always looking for additional funds to ensure they can provide food to local families.
Donations can be made by e-transfer to martensvillefoodpantry@ gmail.com, or in person on Wednesday mornings to the Martensville Civic Centre at 66 Main Street – Room 2. Charitable tax receipts can be issued for donations of $20 or more.
ABOVE: In 2023, the volunteers at the Martensville Food Pantry made 52 Christmas dinner hampers, as well as regular hampers for local families in need of a little extra support.
Food Pantry)
Additionally, non-perishable food donations such as cranberry sauce, juice, fruit cocktail, stovetop stuffing, and fresh produce such as potatoes and carrots are also much-needed items for the Christmas Hampers that the MFP will be preparing this year.
“We are also always in need of cereal, individual juice boxes and fruit cups, as well as other children’s snacks,” Linda Ward with the MFP stated.
Last year, the MFP provided 50 Christmas hampers to local families, and Ward noted that throughout the year, they have seen a steady increase in regular weekly hampers, so they are anticipating an increase for Christmas requests as well.
Christmas Hampers can be requested by contacting (306) 280-1255 before December 11th with information on the number of adults and children in your immediate family. If you are new to the MFP, you will also be required to provide photo ID and health cards for all family members. Pick-up for hampers will take place on December 19th.
Following a busy holiday season, the MFP volunteers will be taking a break from December 21st – January 5th. No hampers will be available during this time; however, the regular hamper prior to the break will have extra items. There will also be bread and pastry available on the shelves within the hallway of the Civic Centre during open hours.
There will be a Holly Jolly: Pancakes with Santa event on Saturday, December 14th from 9am-12pm at the North Ridge Community Centre, which will also include a variety of vendors for you to get in some Christmas shopping as well. Proceeds from the pancake breakfast will go towards supporting the MFP.
For more information on the MFP, to request a hamper, or to find out more ways you can help, visit the ‘Martensville Food Pantry’ Facebook page, email martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com, or call/text (306) 280-1255.
SaskEnergy Alerting the Public to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Risks
After the heavy snowfall and drop in temperature across the province, SaskEnergy is reminding the public to keep outside vents clear of snow and ice to protect against the risks of carbon monoxide.
Vents, intake valves, and chimneys can easily get blocked with snow and ice, causing dangerous carbon monoxide to build up indoors. This odorless, colorless gas can be deadly if not detected.
Here are some important tips to remember:
• Check your furnace vents, intake valves, and chimneys. Make sure they’re clear of snow and ice. Even a small blockage could lead to serious risks.
• Inspect your heating appliances to make sure they’re in good working condition.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious, but preventable. A few minutes of checking your vents and appliances can help keep your home safe for you and your loved ones this winter.
For more safety tips, visit saskenergy.com/staying-safe.
Greater Saskatoon Catholic School’s Holds First Meeting For New Board Members
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, Greater Saskatoon Catholic School’s Board of Education trustees held their first meeting since the November 13 election. (The planned November 25th meeting was postponed because of the winter storm that swept through the province.) The annual Organizational Meeting— where the 10-member board selects a chair, vice-chair, and trustees to represent the board on a variety of committees—had an even split of incumbents and first-time trustees.
Returning are: Ron Boechler (Saskatoon), Diane Boyko (Saskatoon), Bonita Elliott (Biggar, acclaimed), Tim Jelinski (Saskatoon), and Sharon Zakreski-Werbicki (Saskatoon).
Newly elected trustees are: Michelle Christopher (Saskatoon), Kate Day (Saskatoon), Owen Fortosky (Saskatoon), Michael Raney (Martensville, Warman, and rural Saskatoon), and Florian Possberg (Humboldt, acclaimed).
Before trustees took their oath of office, Rev. Stefano Penna, the bishop’s delegate from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon for the school division, and Most Rev. Michael Smolinski, bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, led a commissioning service for trustees asking for God’s blessings, guidance and wisdom for trustees. Using the metaphor and Christian symbolism of water, Rev. Penna gave a short reflection on trustees “bringing water” to their work, to the students in our schools, and to the teachers and staff. He reminded trustees that being people of prayer is a powerful way to bring Jesus, the living water, to all they do.
Diane Boyko was re-elected as chair, and Ron Boechler was re-elected to serve as vice-chair.
“I’m honoured to maintain the confidence of those who voted for me and the confidence of my fellow trustees called to serve in Catholic education,” said Diane Boyko, chair of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ Board of Education. “GSCS is a blessed place to be, and I look forward to the work we will do together. Our schools are places are where students have the opportunity to be welcomed as children of God, to learn the saving message of Jesus Christ, and to become disciples.”
With 50 schools and over 23,000 students, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is Saskatchewan’s largest Catholic school division, providing Catholic faith-based education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 in Saskatoon and area, Biggar, Humboldt, Martensville and Warman. We are rooted in faith, growing in knowledge and reaching out to transform the world.
The Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ Board of Education consists of 10 elected trustees. Seven at-large trustees represent Saskatoon, and one trustee represents each of our three subdivisions: rural areas around Saskatoon, including Martensville and Warman (Subdivision 1); Humboldt (Subdivision 2); and Biggar (Subdivision 3).
(Martensville
Government Of Saskatchewan Introduces More Affordability Measures
The Government of Saskatchewan is taking action to ensure the province remains the most affordable place to live, work, raise a family and start a business in Canada.
Following up its commitment in the recent provincial election, the government introduced The Saskatchewan Affordability Act in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, December 2nd. The Act will enhance Saskatchewan's status as the most affordable place in Canada to live, work, raise a family and start a business by implementing 13 affordability commitments.
"During the recent election campaign, we heard concerns from Saskatchewan citizens about the cost-ofliving pressures they are facing today," Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter said. "We know these issues are not unique to our province, but we are taking action to make life more affordable for all Saskatchewan residents and families, while ensuring we still maintain a strong economy."
The Saskatchewan Affordability Act introduces the largest personal income tax reduction in the province since 2008 by raising the personal exemption, spousal exemption, child exemptions and the seniors supplement by $500 a year, for the next four years. This is in addition to annually indexing the province's income tax brackets and basic tax credits to offset the impacts of inflation.
These changes will allow a family of four earning $100,000 to save more than $3,400 over the next four years, while two seniors with a combined income of $75,000 will save more than $3,100. Upon full implementation, over 54,000 residents will no longer be paying provincial income tax.
The Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit will also increase by five per cent annually for each of the next four years, in addition to annual indexation adjustments. This will benefit more than 300,000 individuals and families in our province.
"The Saskatchewan Affordability Act will reduce income taxes for every resident, family and small business in our province," Reiter said. "It also
includes additional targeted reforms that will support seniors, families with children, new post-secondary graduates, persons with disabilities, caregivers, first-time homebuyers and people undertaking home renovation projects."
This legislation will also make homeownership more affordable. For those setting down roots in their communities, the Saskatchewan First-Time Homebuyers Credit maximum benefit will increase by 50 per cent. The Home Renovation Tax Credit will allow homeowners to save up to $420 per year in home renovation expenses, while seniors undertaking home renovations will be able to save up to $525.
To help ensure Saskatchewan remains one of the best places to grow a small business, the small business tax rate will remain at one per cent. More than 35,000 small businesses in the province will benefit from this change, saving more than $50 million in corporate income tax annually.
The Saskatchewan Affordability Act will benefit persons with disabilities and caregivers. The Disability Tax Credit and the Disability Tax Credit supplement for children under 18 will both increase by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation. The Caregiver Tax Credit will also increase by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation, which provides financial support for families who care for adult children or parents with physical or mental impairments.
Other measures in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act include:
• Doubling the Active Families Benefit, and the income threshold to qualify for that benefit, making it more affordable for more families to access children's sports, arts, cultural and recreational activities.
• To help ensure more young people stay to live and work in Saskatchewan, the Graduate Retention Program's tax credit benefits will increase by 20 per cent. The commitments in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act are in addition to the more than $2 billion in affordability measures already included in each and every provincial budget. Additional affordability initiatives will be released in the 2025-26 Provincial Budget, including increasing the Personal Care Home Benefit; increasing the earned income amount for the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) Program; offering a refundable tax credit toward the costs of an eligible fertility treatment; introducing the Small and MediumSized Enterprises Investment Tax Credit; and introducing a Class 1 commercial driver's licence training rebate.
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.
Giving Tree Helps Provide Important Lesson of True Meaning of Christmas
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Giving Tree is back in Martensville, and once again is located within the local Canadian Tire. This amazing campaign has been an annual tradition for many families within the community since it first began in 2016.
Each year, a tree is located within the Canadian Tire lobby that is adorned with approximately 150-200 ornaments that include information about children in need of some extra Christmas spirit. Ornaments include the name, school grade and gender of children and those that wish to participate can purchase a gift for that child and return the gift to the Canadian Tire Customer Service desk before December 13th. The ornaments can then be taken home to be hung on your own tree to remind you of the real meaning of Christmas.
All gifts donated will be distributed to children within Martensville and Saskatoon prior to December 25th.
“Many families will take their children every year to find a child similar ages to their own children and let them do the shopping. It is such a great way to teach our children about giving back. Many will include thoughtful letters and pictures they have drawn to the children that help make the gifts that much more meaningful,” The Giving Tree organizer Margaret Lamont, explained.
Ornaments on the Giving Tree are decorated by students at École Holy Mary Catholic School in Martensville.
“It is a great way for the teachers to open the conversation with the kids about the importance of giving back to those who need it,” Lamont added.
Please contact margaret@offroadexteriors with any questions, or if you know of a child in need of a gift.
“The support from the community over the years has been amazing. We are all so lucky to live in such an incredible community.”
Martensville Fire Department Collecting Donations for Annual Christmas Hamper Program
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Fire Department is accepting donations for their annual Christmas Hamper Program. This program has been an integral part of the holiday season for many families within the community for over 25 years.
Each year, the MFD has approximately 25-30 families nominated to receive hampers, and Deputy Fire Chief James Taylor noted that without the Martensville Food Pantry and other community groups within Martensville supporting local families as well, that number would likely be much higher.
ABOVE: In 2023, the MFD received a large amount of donations to their Christmas Hamper Program.
A large portion of donations made to the program come in through the local schools, who do their own collection throughout the month. For those that don’t have children in school, donations of non-perishable food items and hygiene products can be made at City Hall, where there is a collection bin in place. Items such as canned fruit & vegetables, packaged soup, dry pasta and sauce, pancake syrup & mix, toilet paper, juice boxes, stuffing mix, shampoo & conditioner, bodywash, deodorant, etc. are some examples of items that can be donated.
Donations can also be made via e-transfer to mfd@martensville.ca. Monetary donations will be used to help purchase fresh items and local gift cards to include in the hampers.
Nominations for families that could benefit from a hamper can be made until December 17th. To nominate a family, contact Martensville City Hall at (306) 931-2166 or email jtaylor@martensville.ca. Provide contact information for the family that you are nominating so a member of the MFD can contact them for details on their household. “When we collect information on the families, we get the ages and genders of the children that are in the household because we get quite a few presents donated and we try to age match to the best of our ability. We never know what we are going to get when we are collecting donations, so we try to provide as much variety to everyone as possible,” Taylor said.
Christmas hampers will be sorted on December 17th and delivered on December 18th.
“There is a growing need in Martensville as it continues to grow, but it is incredible to see how the community steps up every year and it never ceases to amaze me. People are always willing to help out and the support is so appreciated,” Taylor added.
If there are extra items once all of the hampers have been distributed, the MFD will provide the remaining donation items to the MFP to help restock their shelves after the holiday season.
“This is something that we do once a year as a tradition, but the other organizations, like the Martensville Free Pantry, where they have an array of volunteers that are doing this work year-round deserve so much credit for everything they do for the community.”
Consider Giving the Gift of Sport this Christmas
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Each year, many children throughout the country are unable to participate in organized sports due to financial barriers. This is where KidSport comes in.
KidSport is a children’s charity that was created to aid families with children aged 5-18 to help ensure that kids have a chance to participate in community sport programs. Individual grants of up to $750 are available per calendar year for children and can be made available by filling out an application form, which is available at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP).
In Martensville alone this year, there were 55 applications received to date, totaling over $20,000 provided to local youth. Each year, the number of applications increases.
Numerous events take place within the community each year to help raise money for KidSport to ensure that as many children as possible can be supported. Donations are accepted year-round; however, each year, local residents are asked to consider giving the “Gift of Sport”.
This year marks the 13th year that KidSport is running the Gift of Sport campaign across the country, and it will run until January 6th, 2025, taking place in 176 community KidSport chapters across Canada, with 41 of them in Saskatchewan.
“At KidSport we envision a Canada where all children have the opportunity to participate in sport,” said Greg Ingalls, CEO of KidSport Canada. “We believe sport to be a social development tool that teaches children life lessons that can change the course of their lives. Your support of our Give the Gift of Sport campaign is an investment in the future of children in your community.”
Donations can be made online at https://kidsportcanada.ca/saskatchewan/, where you can choose Warman and Area KidSport as the chapter name to ensure that donated funds remain within the community. Donations can also be dropped off via cheque at the MAP and can be made payable to Warman, Martensville and Area KidSport.
“We ask that you consider putting a smile on a child’s face this Christmas by helping them get the chance to see the benefits of participating in sport firsthand. The primary goal of KidSport is for ALL kids to play and have fun, and we want to do as much as we can locally to make this happen, and to do that, we need your help,” Martensville KidSport Coordinator, Angie Reddekopp said.
WSA Reminds Public to Verify Ice Thickness this Winter
Winter is here, and with it comes colder temperatures which brings ice forming on bodies of water across the province. The Water Security Agency (WSA) put out a reminder to the public about ice safety, noting that ice doesn’t form at a uniform thickness and the strength of the ice on surfaces can vary from year-to-year, which changes the date that ice becomes safe from one year to the next as well.
Each year, tests are done in communities across Saskatchewan so the public can be informed on how safe ice surfaces are. The WSA stated that as a guideline, there needs to be approximately 10cm (4 inches) of ice to walk on, 20cm (8 inches) to drive a snowmobile or ATV on, 30cm (12 inches) to drive a car or light truck on, and more than 30cm (12 inches) to support a heavy truck.
In Martensville, the local fire department has begun taking ice measurements throughout the community, and have found them ranging from 4” to 6”, but noted that due to the rapid freeze-up, and the changing temperatures, the ice can be unpredictable and that residents should not utilize ponds/ice surfaces at this time.
The MFD will continue to take measurements in the coming weeks and throughout the winter. There will be posted signage around ponds within the community regarding their suitability for all winter activities.
Be sure to avoid ice that appears slushy, has thawed and then froze again, is near moving water, is layered – caused by sudden temperature changes or has structures on it such as pressure ridges.
“Be aware that any activity on ice has risks, and guidelines are provided to help individuals make a decision about whether to venture onto the ice. Thickness is just one consideration when evaluating ice safety. Clear, hard ice is the only ice recommended for travel. Ice thickness can be unpredictable and difficult to assess at times. To be sure, always check the ice thickness before you travel on it,” the WSA agency stated in a media release.
ABOVE: The Giving Tree is located within the lobby of Martensville Canadian Tire.
