December 8, 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

43-Year-Old Warman Woman Victim in Fatal Weekend Collision

On the morning of Sunday, December 4th, at approximately 7:40am, Saskatoon RCMP responded to a serious collision between a vehicle and a train approximately 1.6 kms west of Elstow on Highway 16.

At 7:55am, STARS Air Ambulance announced via Twitter that they had been dispatched to a scene call emergency in the Elstow area; however, were no longer required prior to arriving at the scene.

Initial investigation determined that an SUV was travelling east on Highway 16 before the collision with a CP Rail train occurred. The driver, a 43-year-old female from Warman, SK was declared deceased on scene by EMS. Her next of kin have been notified. No injuries to the CP crew were reported to police.

CP Police, the local Fire Department and EMS, as well as an RCMP Traffic Reconstructionist were also on scene. Additionally, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service attended and ordered an autopsy.

The highway was closed, with traffic being rerouted from approximately 7:45am to 2:30pm. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Recreation UpdatePlay 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.

ABOVE: Things got a little hairy

of the MFD

month of November at

a

Martensville

“Movember”

throughout the

the

Fire Department! Members

participated in

fundraiser for

to raise money for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency via the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. In total, the local fire department was able to raise an incredible $3320. (MFD)

Martensville Fire Department Launches Annual Food Hamper Program

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) is currently collecting donations for their annual Christmas Hamper Program. The deadline for collection is Friday, December 16th, and delivery of food hampers to local families will take place on Wednesday, December 21st.

This program has been taking place for over 25 years through the support of residents, local service groups, schools and businesses and each year, approximately 20 families receive a hamper that contains a variety of items to help make their holiday season a little brighter.

“Approximately 22 hampers were given out last year by the MFD. The number of hampers given out has not drastically increased over the last few years, but it is my perception the need has increased. I think the reason we are not seeing significantly increased numbers is because there has been an increase in the amount of service groups that are also doing hampers such as the Kinettes and the Martensville Free Pantry,” MFD Captain James Taylor stated.

Nominations for individuals and families in need of hampers can be made by contacting City Hall at (306) 931-2166, and according to Taylor, all that is required to begin the process is a name and phone number.

Non-perishable food items and hygiene products can be dropped off at Valley Manor School, Venture Heights School, Lake Vista School, Martensville High School or at Martensville City Hall.

The MFD shared a list of the “most needed items” on their Facebook page, which includes things such as; canned fruit and vegetables, dish soap, toilet paper, boxed potatoes and rice, condiments, unscented laundry detergent, pancake mix and syrup, crackers, spices and more. Be sure to check all expiry dates on items before donating, as expired items cannot be included in hampers.

Monetary donations are also accepted and will be used towards purchasing fresh items and local gift cards to be added to the hampers. To donate, an e-transfer can be sent to MFD@martensville.ca with a note stating that the donations are to be used for the food hamper program.

For Firefighter Melissa Zimmer, this is the second year she has been working with the Christmas Hamper Program and last year, the support from the community was shocking. “I was literally blown away at how the community came together for this program. I was fortunate to see firsthand how grateful the recipients were and I knew I wanted to be more involved this year,” Zimmer said.

This year, the MFD has been working closely with the Martensville & District Kinette Club, as well as the Martensville Free Pantry to ensure that everyone in need of some extra support receives it and Taylor noted that it has become a tradition to incite the local 574 “Dakota” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron to assist on sorting night.

“I think a program like this is extremely important for the community as it benefits so many of our local families and neighbors. It is a great way for the community to come together to give those a hand-up during the holidays,” Zimmer added.

“We receive support for the hampers from several local businesses and other organizations throughout the month of December. The Martensville Fire Department would like to thank the community for their ongoing support over the years,” Taylor stated.

Don’t Miss Play & Skate With Santa on December 11th

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This weekend the 7th annual Play & Skate with Santa will be taking place at the Martensville Sports Centre. The event takes place Sunday, December 11th from 1pm-3pm and will include ice skating, sleigh rides on a wagon pulled by horses, hot chocolate and a goodie bag, and of course a visit from Santa!

Admission for this event is $5, and there is typically a big turn out with everyone looking for a chance to see Santa.

“You can get into the holiday spirit by dressing up in festive clothing while skating to some epic tunes by DJ Randy. Santa will be arriving in the building by 1:30pm and will be joining the skaters on the ice, as well as he will be available for photos,” City of Martensville recreation Program Coordinator Jamie McCulloch, stated.

Santa is Coming to Town!!

Get your winter parkas and your cameras ready because Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 10th, the Martensville & District Kinette Club is bringing the big guy all the way from the North Pole to spread some Christmas spirit.

This is the third year the local Kinettes are providing local families with a chance to have their photos taken with Santa. Photos will be available by donation, and those wanting photos are asked to bring their own cameras. Donations will go towards supporting TeleMiracle 47.

The schedule for Santa stops can be found on the provided poster.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities and more, contact santamvillekinettes@ gmail.com. E-transfers for photo donations are accepted and can be sent to the same email address.

ABOVE: Doug Ward, Secretary of the Martensville & District Lions Club presented a cheque for $1500 to Captain Jason Marshall, a 20-year-veteran firefighter with the Martensville Fire Department, to go towards the MFD Annual Christmas Hamper Fundraiser. (Submitted)

The Giving Tree Returns to Martensville

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Since 2016, the Christmas season in Martensville has included the Giving Tree, located within the Canadian Tire lobby. This tree gives local residents an opportunity to give back to those in need of some extra holiday joy; however, according to Margaret Lamont, this is likely the last year for this Giving Tree.

Each year, the Giving Tree is decorated with ornaments that have been decorated by students at Ecole Holy Mary School and includes the name, age, gender of a child from Martensville or Saskatoon that you can purchase a gift for to make their Christmas a little more special.

To partake in this incredible opportunity to give back, choose an ornament from the tree and purchase a gift for the child listed. Then, return the wrapped gift to customer service at Canadian Tire on or before December 15th. Ornaments can then by hung on your tree as a reminder of what the true meaning of Christmas is really about, and of the child that you helped.

In previous years, Margaret Lamont noted that people have included personal sentiments and messages for the child and their family. Lamont also stated that many families bring their own children to choose a child and let them do the shopping. “It is a great way to teach our children that there is so much more to Christmas,” Lamont said.

Each year, approximately 120 children have received gifts thanks to those that contribute to the Giving Tree. “Thank you to everyone for your support throughout the years. The tree still has a lot of names on it with the December 15th deadline quickly approaching, so if people can help out one last time, it would help a lot of children,” Lamont added.

Embracing the Season of Giving at Alpyne Apparel

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Throughout the holiday season, numerous local individuals, service groups and businesses step up to help others and Alpyne Apparel in Martensville is stepping up to do their part. For the third year, they are doing their annual Secret Santa for Seniors and this marks the second year of their Making Spirits Bright for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Giving Tree.

“The last two years were a whopping success, all thanks to the community of Martensville and area. We actually had people upset that there were no more names left last year, so this year we added an additional 100 seniors from local nursing homes,” Courtney Flath of Alpyne Apparel stated.

The Secret Santa for Seniors consists of wish lists for 275 seniors from Martensville, Warman, Rosthern and Saskatoon. To participate in this, visit Alpyne Apparel and choose a senior’s wish list from the tree and purchase items from the list. Once complete, bring back the wrapped and labeled gift to help brighten a seniors Christmas. Alpyne Apparel encourages people to support their local businesses. Completed gifts need to be returned by Saturday, December 17th.

There are also toy bins available at Alpyne Apparel, with donations going to children in the hospital in Saskatoon over the holiday season. Tags can be chosen from the tree, which include information about acceptable gifts due to guidelines within the Children’s Hospital regarding infection control and safety. Gifts can be returned –unwrapped and placed within the available bins by December 17th. Gifts will be pre-arranged with staff at the Children’s Hospital and delivered in time for Christmas, wrapped by either staff or the children’s parents.

“We are confident everyone will help us make it a huge success once again! We give all of the credit to our community. It means the world to have people come in the store and tell us that this is their second or third year participating in our giving tree and that they’ve welcomed it as holiday family tradition in their homes, and that their children look forward to buying a gift for someone else,” Flath added.

Alpyne Apparel, located at 800 Centennial Drive North in Martensville, is open from 10am-6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm-5pm on Saturdays.

ABOVE: Visit Alpyne Apparel to take a tag off the tree and purchase a gift for a senior or hospitalized child this Christmas.

Martensville Hockey Players Headed to Winter Games

Maddogs Celebrate Successful Season

On Thursday, December 1st, the Martensville Maddogs organization hosted their annual awards ceremony for the Peewee and Bantam teams from the 2022 season. The evening brought out coaches, volunteers, friends, family and players to celebrate the season.

Winners for the Peewee Black Squad included; Rookie of the Year – Offence Logan Bryngelson and Defence- Jude Devonshire, Offensive Player of the Year - Jett Schultz, Defensive Player of the Year - Madden Dueck, Outstanding O-Lineman - Max Munro and Defensive Lineman Madison Marcotte, Most Improved Player of the Year - Offence- Ethan Potter and DefenceDrew Gates, Team Dedication/Leadership – Offence - Chase Zimmer and Defence- Bentley Heatcoat, Most Valuable Player - Ash Houmphanh.

Winners for the Peewee Orange Squad included; Rookie of the Year - Offence-Kade Cisecki Defence-Jace White, Offensive Player of the Year - Blake Olynick, Defensive Player of the Year - Ashton Pelletier, Outstanding Offensive Linesmen- Wyatt Langer Defensive Lineman -

Tyler Wiebe, Most Improved Player of the YearOffence-Campbell Funk Defence-Oakley Gjerde, Team Dedication/Leadership Offence-Lucas Ireland Defence - Ryder Baerg, and Most Valuable PlayerBlake Granatier.

The Bantam Award winners were; Rookie of the Year - Offense- Noah Bosh Defense- Dshawn Lewis, Offensive Player of the Year – Cooper Ogden, Defensive Player of the Year-Denver Schira, Outstanding Linesmen - Defensive-Wyley Loewen Offensive – Jake Diederichs, Most Improved Player of the Year - Offensive – Ethan Twidale Defensive- CJ Geveart-Mooney, Team Dedication – Offense- Hunter Dumont Defense- Jay Robertson, Most Valuable Player-Chase Ogden and Outstanding GraduateDefence- Parker Bond Offence- Teysen Baschuk.

Congratulations to the Maddogs on another successful season.

ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U11A Snipers were in Prince Albert for a tournament this weekend where they went undefeated in five games, earning them the title of A-side Champions. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: The winners of the 2022 Maddogs Peewee Awards. (Submitted)

ABOVE: The winners of the 2022 Maddogs Bantam Awards. (Submitted)

ABOVE: Kazden Mathies ABOVE: Carsen Adair

Martensville will be represented at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in hockey by Kazden Mathies, Carsen Adair, as well as Assistant Coach Todd White. The three will be part of Team Saskatchewan at the Winter Games, which will take place in Prince Edward Island from February 18th – March 5th.

Wall’s Legacy One of Growth

Critics suggest that former premier Brad Wall and now the current Saskatchewan Party government have simply been lucky. There is always an element of luck in politics, although luck without good management will only take you so far.

The previous conservative-minded governmentGrant Devine’s Progressive Conservative administration that ran Saskatchewan between 1982 and 1991 - demonstrated neither good luck nor good management.

Its ten deficit budgets caused by massive overspending and huge tax cuts took the province to the brink of bankruptcy. But it didn’t help that Saskatchewan also faced the worst drought in half a century and cratering oil prices and poor potash prices caused by over production.

The outcome was an all-too-familiar one for a province that had longed defined itself by losing its young people moving away to Alberta, B.C. and elsewhere.

This was the reality for most of the 16 years of the NDP government and every other government prior to Wall’s Sask. Party administration the province had experienced since population peaked in 1934.

Things were starting to turn around under the Lorne Calvert NDP administration and in the early-to-mid-2000s.

It can be argued that former premier Brad Wall did inherit these political good times that included an alreadygrowing population that crossed the 1,000,000 barrier in July 2007.

For a brief seven-year period starting with the last two years of the Calvert government and first five years of the Wall government, we are actually more in-migration (people moving to Saskatchewan from other provinces) than out-migration (people leaving for other province.) That’s something that almost never happened since the 1920s, but there are valid reasons why Brad Wall would cite population growth in his years as Premier as his crowning achievement.

There is the Saskatchewan Party government success story. "It was the idea that somehow we were the 'wee' province or that we'd always be in and out of the equalization (as a 'havenot' province)," Wall said in an interview last week prior to the unveiling of his premier's portrait in the Saskatchewan Gallery of the legislature.

Yes, Wall was blessed with fantastic budgets in 2008 and 2009 - budgets even better than the $1.1-billion surplus now predicted for 2022-23 in the mid-year update. (Given that we were looking at a $483-million budget deficit in March, this is a rather amazing turnaround.) But there were also some rather bad budget/economic years in this province dependent on the fickleness of oil, grain, potash, oilseed and pulse crop prices and the good weather to grow them.

This year’s will be the first budget balanced since current Premier Scott Moe took over from Wall. And Wall had his share of budget clunkers, including his last 2017-18 that led to his departure.

Yet the hallmark of the Sask. Party government under Wall and after has been growth - about 150,000 in his decade in office and almost another 50,000 in the five years since he has left.

"Saskatchewan people wanted to see a government that reflected their own pride in the province," Wall said in the interview, recalling the days when no one believed Saskatchewan could obtain the national average of about oneper-cent growth a year.

Wall does credit the Calvert administration for implement corporate and resource royalty changes and immigration policies that helped kick start the growth as he arrived in office in 2007, but he cites the intangibles of simply believing this province could grow and his dogged efforts to ensure that happened.

Wall recalls trips everywhere from Ontario to Ireland to recruit workers to come to Saskatchewan. He also recalls trips to Ottawa to convince then-Conservative-government immigration minister Jason Kenney to increase the province’s immigration quotas to bring people.

Wall’s legacy is one of sustained Saskatchewan growth after years when many came to believe that was impossible. Luck may have been involved, but it was more than that.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Agribition Showcases Saskatchewan Agriculture

This past week, Saskatchewan was the hub for agriculture as thousands of people descended on the province for the year's most anticipated event, Canadian Western Agribition.

Once again, Agribition hosted 10,000 schoolchildren for programs that passed on the knowledge of where our food comes from, advocated proper animal care, and the importance of the agriculture industry. Canadian Western Agribition showcases our agriculture sector and helps us share our sustainability story with the world. Local producers continue to lead in sustainable agriculture practices, technology, innovation, science, and breeding genetics, which helps build public trust and knowledge of the industry.

Like the agriculture sector, Agribition positively impacts our provincial economy. The show injects an estimated $70 million into the Saskatchewan economy each year thanks to attendance, sales and business agreements made during the week. Traditionally, over 120,000 people attend the show from over 80 countries.

It is a pleasure to see this event return to Regina each year, promoting one of the strongest industries in our province. Our government is proud to support Saskatchewan farmers with several programs and services, such as the Crop Insurance Program or funding for water management projects. In 2021, Saskatchewan set a record with $17.5 billion in agri-food exports, producing 98 per cent of Canada's lentils and 80 per cent of the national durum crop. As we look to increase our exports by 50 per cent by 2030, the agriculture sector will play a large role in that vision. Increasing exports will create more jobs and support a growing province.

2023 Looking Bright for Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is set to kick off 2023 with vigour and enthusiasm. There is so much to be proud of after facing one of the most challenging economic times in recent history. By working together and creating a positive business environment, our province is seeing financial growth when many other jurisdictions are staving off a recession.

We are on track to balance the budget, with the Mid-Year Financial Report forecasting a $1.1 billion surplus. The increase is largely the result of high potash and oil prices, and higher revenues, reflecting solid economic growth. Our government is using higher-than-expected revenue to help people and businesses address higher costs due to inflation while reducing debt.

The Four Point Affordability Plan announced earlier this year was made possible because of this economic success. We are delivering a one-time Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit cheque of $500 to all adult residents who have filed a 2021 tax return in the province, exempted the PST on fitness and gym memberships, along with other recreational youth activities, extended the small business tax rate reduction and are paying down $1 billion in provincial debt. Putting more money back in your pocket while retiring debt strikes the right balance and helps our province move forward.

The good news does not end there. Based on an average of private sector forecasts, Saskatchewan's real Gross Domestic Product is forecast to have grown by 5.3 per cent in 2022 and increase by 1.9 per cent in 2023, the highest growth among the provinces in both years. Saskatchewan has the second-highest credit rating in the country when considering all three major credit agencies.

Businesses and international investors see this positivity as a solid indication of success, leading to new investments, more jobs and increased family support. Our government will foster that growth and re-invest in the programs and services that make a difference in day-to-day life. The future is bright for our province, and 2023 will certainly be an exciting time to live in Saskatchewan.

The Warman Community Band is Back With a Live Concert

The Warman Community Band is holding their first concert since the pandemic hit and are inviting the public to attend the ‘Let the Bells Ring!’ live concert on Sunday, December 11th at 2:30pm in the Legends Theatre at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex. Admission is by donation.

This event will feature live Christmas music featuring vocalist Grant Currie and the Christmas Cheer Jazz Combo.

For more information, visit the ‘Warman Community Band and Diamond Jazz Band’ Facebook page.

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.

Show Your Appreciation by Nominating Your Favorite Local Businesses

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Since 2016, Martensville, Warman and surrounding region businesses have been celebrating together thanks to the local Chamber of Commerce. Initially organized in collaboration between the Martensville and Warman Chambers of Commerce, and now by the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce, the Business Excellence Awards is an annual awards gala held to celebrate business within the area.

The 2023 Prairie Sky Business Excellence Awards will be taking place on Saturday, May 6th and will consist of seven different awards, all created to honour businesses in each of the categories that have gone above and beyond to help strengthen the local economy and provide products and services to the region and surrounding areas.

Categories for this year include; New Business Award, Community Involvement Award, Customer Service Award, Business Marketing Award, Small Business Award, Employer of the Year Award and Business of the Year.

Nominations are currently open, so if there is a business that you believe has gone above and beyond and deserves recognition, take a couple of minutes to fill out a nomination form on the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce website at https://www. prairieskychamber.ca/.

If you nominate three businesses, you can have your name entered for a chance to win a gift package at the Prairie Sky Business Excellence Gala on May 6th. Selfnominations are encouraged and accepted; however, they will not be eligible for the VIP draw. Nominations will close on January 27th at 5pm.

For more information, contact Debbie Brown, PSCC Executive Director at (306) 292-7066 or email contact@prairieskychamber.ca.

Limited Space Available For Martensville Twinkle Tours

From December 12th-16th the City of Martensville will be running their second year of Twinkle Tours, which consists of a bus ride through the city to view the decorated homes.

This popular event has already almost filled up, with only 15 spots available throughout the week remaining. You can register online by visiting www.martensville. ca, or call (306) 683-5576 ext.0. The cost is $3/person and all pick up and drop offs are at the MAP.

There are three time slots available running at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Each ride is 45 minutes long and will tour around Martensville to look at the variety of displays. While on the tour, riders can participate in a scavenger hunt, and are able to bring hot chocolate and snacks as well.

“Christmas music will be playing as we tour around the city to get everyone in the holiday spirit. It is a fun time where friends and families can get together and visit while looking at the lights,” City of Martensville recreation Program Coordinator Jamie McCulloch, said.

Once the route is finalized, the City of Martensville will share it on their Facebook page so everyone can join in, even if they didn’t participate in the bus tour.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger