February 17, 2022 Digital Issue

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Your City; Your Newspaper February 17, 2022

VOLUME NO. 16 - ISSUE 07

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Pitchin’ In

Players lined up to work on their skills during the Sask Five Giants Rally Cap indoor sessions held on February 11th at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

Coming Together in 2020: Salute to Those that Give Back P.21

Preparing for Growth....

Underground

• Visitor Information P.24 • Emergency Service Information • Utility Services NEW Pump Track • Our City Facilities Coming to Kinsmen Park in 2021 • Parks P.32 • Yearly Events • MUCH MORE! Martensville’s Newest Sub-Division

and Multi-Purpose Rec Facility P.58

Photo courtesty of Jackie Harms

LAST CHANCE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN THE MARTENSVILLE COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 Contact Jocelyn at (306) 668-1093 or advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Photo: Sask Five Giants

JUST THINK...

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Page 2 - FEBRUARY 17, 2022 - martensville messenger

Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

Saskatchewan’s current public health orders will be extended to February 28, 2022.

City Hall is Open - Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall.

Rapid Testing Kit Availability As a way to continue to monitor and prevent further spread of COVID-19 within the community and region, rapid testing kits are made available from various businesses or organizations.

Test Kits are currently available from the Martensville Library, the Canalta Hotel and the Martensville Fire Department. Distribution is available while supplies last.

Snow Removal this Winter – What You Need to Know

Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

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.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of February 4th

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 remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions promptly.

There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe

Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions.

City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Sports Centre - Open for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca

- 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 fire.

- 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.

March 2022 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.

Regular Council Meeting – March 1st Committee of the Whole- March 8th Regular Council – March 15th 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.

Big Changes Coming for Water Meters

The City of Martensville is initiating a program where existing water meters will be replaced with new automated water meters. Neptune Technology Group will be installing the meters by area and will be contacting homeowners to make appointments for the change-out.

This project will begin in late February and be completed city-wide by July. To learn more, please check the information piece with your water bill or visit martensville.ca

22023JJ0

- 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

Winter FunFest is held on Family Day, February 21st at the North Ridge Community Center Join us for Sleigh Rides, Outdoor Fire and hotdog roast, curling, skating, pick-up hockey, kick sleds, snowshoeing, and indoor crafts hosted by the Martensville Library. We will also have bounce houses, giant games, and much more! The night will end with a bang with a fireworks show at 7pm.

We guarantee great family fun and amazing memories made.

If you would like to become a sponsor or volunteer for this event, please email jmcculloch@ martensville.ca.

See more about this event on the City of Martensville Facebook Event Page.

SPORTS Sask Five Giants Host Rally Cap Indoor Sessions Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Sask Five Giants hosted a free indoor gym session for Rally Cap players on Friday, February 11th at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion. This was held as a way for players to get an introduction to the program.

Approximately 60 boys and girls participated in the event, which consisted of two one-hour sessions.

Sessions were split into two groups with Jr. Rally Cap players born in 2015 and 2016 in one group and Sr. Rally Cap players born in 2013 & 2014 in the other.

Participating players ran through a brief warmup and then split into five different skills stations, which focused on throwing, fielding, and hitting.

“Coaches from the Sask Five Executive were joined by players from the 18U AAA team to help with skills. It was a great evening, and all the kids and parents enjoyed the sessions,” Brian Hubbard of Sask Five Giants stated.

Registration for Sask Five Baseball is currently open until March 4th. Visit www. saskfivegiants.com for more information.

ABOVE: Approximately 60 youth participated in the Sask Five Giants Rally Cap sessions held on Friday, February 11th at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

Keep the Community up-to-date on martensville your team scores, events, photos messenger - FEBRUARY 17, 2022 - Page 3 and tournaments. Submit material to jhayward@sasktel.net or drop it off at the Martensville Messenger Office at Bay #7 - 301 Centennial Drive North to be included in our Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger Janine Hayward weekly sports report.

Martensville Brings Home B Side Championship

Martensville Messenger The U13A Martensville Marauder Villains travelled to Regina this past weekend to participate in the Hockey Regina U13A Tournament. A total of 16 teams participated in the tournament from Saskatoon, Regina, Warman, Martensville, Clavet and Moose Jaw. After playing five games in the round robin, the Martensville Marauder Villains were sitting with two tied games and one victory which placed them second in the pool.

From there the team went on to win the semi-final game to take them into the B final against the Saskatoon Redwing/Flyer Titans.

Both teams had their fans on the edge of their seats throughout the three periods, with Martensville down 2-0 after the first and down 4-2 after the second period.

Following the second intermission, the team came out with a force and ended up winning the game 6-4.

Head Coach Billy Hamilton, along with Assistant Coaches Al Skene, Troy Granatier, and Koby Unser (not pictured) were proud of how hard the team fought to come back and take the victory.

Players Kipptyn Reister, Carter Skene, Atley Unser, Pace Hamilton, Jackson Almen, Jaxson Heisler, Rylan Blythe, Walker Odnokon, Nolan Boechler, Trey Johnson, Kash Winchester, Chase Derdall, Benson Almen, Rhett Nosterud and Blake Granatier worked together throughout the entire tournament and were happy with their big win.

ABOVE: The U13A Martensville Marauder Villains won the B-final in the Hockey Regina U13A tournament this past weekend. (Submitted)

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Page 4 - FEBRUARY 17, 2022 - martensville messenger

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Daily Living Prides Itself on Personal Care Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Daily Living Personal Care is a Home Care Business that has been available for the past 16 years in Saskatoon. Owner Charlene Stushnoff said they provide personal care services to their clients with reduced functioning and mobility, in the comfort of their own home, which could also include a care home, retirement home, apartment, or family residence.

Some of the services they provide are personal care, companion care, overnight care, respite care, appointment transportation, community support, light housekeeping, home management, meal preparation and more.

According to Stushnoff, all caregivers are trained as Care Aides with the majority having formal secondary education certificates, some with life and longterm hands-on experience. “Our workers are covered by insurance and worker’s compensation and have criminal record checks for comfort and peace of mind to our clients,” said Stushnoff.

They offer individualized care planning, and make every effort to work with families, friends, and medical professionals to better understand that individual’s needs and their lifestyles to provide the care

for which each individual is entitled, ensuring their ideas are considered in the decision-making process.

Their service provides to a variety of clientele and needs such as; children with special needs or disabilities, adults and seniors who require either temporary or permanent assistance, long term or short term care with or without disability, discharge from hospital, injuries, special needs of children as well as adults and seniors, and people who are alone and need security or occasional assistance.

Stushnoff states that Daily Living does its best to offer as much consistency in the scheduling of caregivers

POLICE

as possible with a back-up system in place that allows the alternate worker to go in place of another worker unable to attend.

Daily Living Personal Care is All-inclusive; if the client is scheduled for an hour (which is the minimum requirement, with some exceptions), and the care is done in 30 minutes, they will do any other work required that is asked of them to fill in that time.

To learn more about Daily Living Personal Care you can check out their website at www. dailylivingcare.com, or contact Charlene Stushnoff at 306-370-0314.

BEAT

Police Warn of Ongoing Family Emergency Scam

Welcome to Kindergarten in Martensville!

If your child will be 5 years old by December 31, 2022 (born in 2017), it’s time to register for Kindergarten!

Lake Vista Public School

1501 Parr Hill Drive 306-683-4300 lakevista@spiritsd.ca

Valley Manor Elementary School

200 - 8th Avenue South 306-931-2233 vms@spiritsd.ca

Venture Heights Elementary School

801 - 6th Street North 306-934-2185 vhs@spiritsd.ca

Our schools offer a warm, welcoming and supportive Kindergarten program.

The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section continues to receive reports of a Family Emergency Scam.

This scam often includes a potential victim receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a family member in distress and requiring money for bail or hospital bills.

The caller then directs the victim to withdraw cash and use a courier company to send the money to an out of province address. The victim may also be directed to other people claiming to be a police officer, a lawyer, a bail officer or some other authority. The SPS will never make requests of this kind.

If you are faced with a phone call of this nature, we would encourage you to use extreme caution, especially when being asked to send emergency money. Ask important questions of the caller to try to verify their identity. Ask for a phone number to call the "relative" back and contact other relatives to fact check this call immediately.

These callers use terms similar to ones found in the justice system and build a sense of urgency and panic for the need to send money. If you suspect fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or if you have been the victim of fraud, please report it to the local police.

Police Charge Drivers With Stolen Property

On February 13th, a Corman Park Officer was assisting RCMP with a disturbance call when a call was received of a possible stolen ATV stuck in a field. The caller stated that the ATV was then pulled out of the field by a tow truck. Both vehicles fled the area.

The Corman Park Officer later located the tow truck and ATV on RR 3040 and TR 364. The drivers of the ATV and tow truck were arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.

JUST THINK...

Our goal is to have healthy enrolments at our elementary schools in Martensville, providing the space for all students to learn and grow.

School capacity, home address and other factors will have an impact on Kindergarten placement.

Please plan to register by February 28. Open houses will be held at each school later this spring.

To register, contact the school or go to: www.spiritsd.ca/register

Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it.

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Family Day Free Fishing Weekend Taking Place February 19-21 The upcoming Family Day weekend will be a perfect opportunity to try your hand at ice fishing. From February 19-21, Saskatchewan residents and visitors may fish any provincial waterbody that has an open sport fishing season, without buying a fishing licence.

“More than a quarter of a million anglers fish our province’s waters each year,” Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Ice fishing is a favourite pastime for many Saskatchewan residents. Free Fishing Weekends are a great time for visitors or new anglers to give it a go - if they haven’t had the opportunity.”

A great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, it’s important to note that Free Fishing Weekend can only be enjoyed on provincial waterbodies - outside of the national parks.

During Free Fishing Weekend, all regulations apply, including possession limits and reduced limits on some waterbodies. Anyone planning to transport fish out of province must have a valid Saskatchewan angling licence.

Remember to put safety first when going out on the ice. Before you leave, always tell someone where you will be fishing and when you plan on returning. Dress for the weather, as frostbite can happen very quickly. Use caution and be aware of ice thickness before travelling on it. Water does not freeze uniformly and is unpredictable.

For walking, ice needs to be 10 cm (four inches) thick and at least 30 cm (12 inches) for light vehicle travel.

For more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, check the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide or online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

martensville messenger - FEBRUARY 17, 2022 - Page 5

Council Discusses Budget and Plans for Regional Partnership Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The February 15th Martensville City Council meeting began with a report from administration with updates from each department. City Manager Scott Blevins noted that work is continuing forward on the new recreation facility with the architect and that the next phase will be engagement with mechanical and electrical consultants. This recreation facility will be located on the opposite side of Highway 12. With this new development planned for the east side of the highway, administration has been meeting with the Ministry of Highways and looking at options moving forward on the pedestrian walkway. This addition would also include landscaping and pathway connections to the walkway.

In the Recreation and Community Services department, ABOVE: A significant portion of the snow work has been getting done on light hauling budget has been used this year as installations throughout the community crews have been focused on clearing roadways including the 10th Avenue pathway since January 3rd. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM) lighting, Mocon Field baseball diamond lights and the tender for lights at the Pump Track was released. Recent warm weather has created some closures at the Outdoor Rink located at the Sports Centre. Work has been completed on the cross-country ski trails in Kinsmen Park and they are groomed and ready for use.

Snow removal has been ongoing since the snowfall on January 3rd and by now, all streets have been bladed and hauled at least once since then. Priority 1 and 2 streets have been done 2-3 times. According to the report, the entire city has had at least one pass, and a significant portion of the snow hauling budget has been used. City crews will continue snow removal without the help of contracted trucking; however, another large snow event may see this plan change.

Due to the large amount of snow this year, City crews have been working to keep hydrants clear of snow; however, are unable to keep all hydrants clear at all times.

The City of Martensville has sent letters to residents requesting public assistance in keeping them accessible. This year, the City has begun installing yellow markers to make hydrants more visible and easier to find when they get buried in the snow.

Work on the water meter upgrade in Martensville is set to begin in early March, with plans to have this project completed by July.

Council discussed a motion that was brought back from the previous week’s Committee of the Whole meeting regarding a discretionary use application on Reimer Road for a home-based pet grooming business. Council was on board for approval; however, administration proposed an administrative review of the application after six months to ensure the business remains in alignment with the application. This information will then be provided to Council to review.

The next item on the agenda was in regard to the proposed 2022 budget for the City. “Over $1 million in road improvements are included in the budget, $1.1 million in park spaces and playfields and $5.1 in wastewater and water improvements are just some of the items up for discussion,” Mayor Kent Muench highlighted prior to Tuesday’s meeting. The 2022 budget was approved by Council and more information can be found on page 8 of this issue or by visiting www.martensvillemessenger.ca.

For the past several years, the City of Martensville has been working alongside the City of Warman, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park, Prairie Spirit School Division and Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division on a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a concept plan for a new development which may include a joint-use school in the RM between the two cities. “We are beginning to see the fruits of that work in a very exciting development. It is just a first step, but what an exciting one.

All thanks to regional cooperation,” Mayor Muench stated.

The next Martensville City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 1st at 5pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. See page 2 for more information on the City of Martensville.

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Page 6 - FEBRUARY 17, 2022 - martensville messenger

martensville messenger - FEBRUARY 17, 2022 - Page 7

Which Car Seat is Best For Your Child?

Submitted by Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

Moe May Not Yet Have the Right COVID-19 Blend

Often when you blend things, you get a delicious treat, but you have to be careful: As good as some ingredients taste, adding too much of anything usually spoils the whole thing. That’s why we have recipe books.

That is why we follow their instructions.

This may be the problem with Premier Scott Moe’s explanation that his decision to remove vaccine passports and masking requirements was a “blend” of science and public opinion.

Moe further contended that removing all restrictions now was the best way to end the deep divisions within the province over COVID-19 restrictions, but that really isn’t following a trusted recipe handed down from grandma or other cooking experts.

That’s pretty much winging it on the assumption you know better what people will like. It might work out and taste great. Then again, it might not.

For some time now, Moe has been arguing that people have been growing weary of not only the pandemic but also the measures associated with it. No one can dispute this. We are all sick and tired and want it all to be over and for weeks now, Moe has made no bones about the fact that it its exactly these sentiments that have been driving his Saskatchewan Party government policies.

He’s pointed to opinion polls that support this view. He’s engaging in conversation with groups like Unified Grassroots who have long disguised their antivaccine message in the rhetoric we recently heard from Moe that this is all about bringing people together.

Some now argue that politicians who simply follow the people’s wishes are simply doing what we elected them to do. That’s why Moe and the Sask. Party won an overwhelming majority a year and a half ago. The problem is, it’s gotten a little more complicated than that in the last two years … and especially the last five months with the worst of the fourth and fifth waves.

In such times, some public health rules were necessary to stop people from rapidly spreading the virus and causing more people to become sick than the health system can withstand.

So Moe’s first dilemma is that while it may very well be everyone’s desire to end all the rules, there is a large number of people - perhaps even majority - who get that everyone doing whatever they want isn’t in anyone’s interests.

Really, having rules to stop the virus spread is conceptually the same thing as having to meet certain qualifications to drive a vehicle or have traffic rules like speed limits and stop signs. If we all drove as we pleased, it would be chaos.

Still, some argue they are grown adults who shouldn’t be told what they have to do. Certainly, Moe is now saying people should make their own risk assessments.

Unfortunately, having conversations with some “grown adults” about this is a little like the conversations you have with your teenager about why you should wear a jacket to school on a cold day.

Here is where it does come down to the science.

As Moe rightly points out, science tells us that things have changed in the COVID-19 fight. The current Omicron wave, while far more contagious —doesn’t seem as deadly; however, what the Premier doesn’t often mention is the sheer volume of those now catching Omicron, resulting in more people than ever winding up in hospitals.

Also, for Moe to now say vaccines don’t work is at best, incomplete information ignoring the reality they keep you from getting sicker than you otherwise would.

The problem is his government has not been following the recipe that tells us increased hospitalizations mean we should be addressing the virus spread. Maybe that’s not what some want to hear, but it’s not healthy to eat and drink whatever you please.

Proper installation and use of infant and child car seats save the lives of children every year. It is 22023SS1 important to use a car seat that fits your child’s height, weight, and development for every ride. Always follow the instructions in your car seat and vehicle manuals. The information below can help you decide which car seat is best for your child.

An infant seat is a rear-facing only seat that many parents use from birth (minimum weight 1.8 or 2.3 kg, 4 or 5 lb). It has a base that is installed in the backseat of the vehicle, and the carrier attaches to it. It has a handle that allows the seat to be carried outside of the vehicle with the child in it.

Convertible and 3-in-1 car seats rear face, forward face, and sometimes convert into a booster (3-in-1). Often, these seats can rear face from 2.3 to 18 kg (5 to 40 lb) or more. These seats stay in the vehicle, and the child is carried or walks to the vehicle. A rearfacing car seat must be used until a child is at least 1 year of age, 10 kg (22 lb), and can walk. Some models require a child to stay rear facing until at least 2 years To find out more about of age. Waiting until your child outgrows their rearwhich car seat is right facing seat before moving to a forward-facing seat is for your child, scan the the safest way to travel.

QR Code.

Most forward-facing seats can be used when a child is at least 1 year of age (some require 2 years), 10 kg (22 lb), and can walk. Forward-facing seats have a maximum weight limit of at least 18 kg (40 lb), with many models allowing for a child up to 36 kg (65 lb). Combination car seats can be used forward-facing and can convert to a booster, but do not have rear-facing capabilities.

A booster seat should be used after a child reaches the maximum weight or height of their forwardfacing car seat. Most booster seats can be used when a child is at least 18 kg (40 lb), with some stating a minimum age for use (e.g., 4 years). It is law in Saskatchewan that children must use a car seat/booster seat until age 7, or until they weigh 36 kg (80 lb) AND stand 145 cm (4’9”) tall. A booster seat should be used until the child fits the adult seat belt properly (usually between 8 and 12 years of age).

Booster seats work by raising the child in the vehicle seat, so the seat belt is properly positioned low over the child’s hips and across their chest and collar bone, lessening the chance of a serious abdominal or neck injury in a crash. Low back boosters can be used in vehicles equipped with head rests. High back boosters must be used in vehicles not equipped with head rests. Combination booster seats can convert and be used in a high back or low back mode.

For more information on car seat fit and use, visit: https://skprevention.ca/passenger-and-vehiclesafety/ or email info@skprevention.ca.

Is your child in the right car seat?

Living With COVID: Proof Of Vaccination No Longer Required; Business Verifier App Discontinued

As we transition to living with Covid, proof of vaccination or negative tests are no longer required in Saskatchewan businesses, workplaces and other venues. Beginning February 15, eHealth Saskatchewan is in the process of decommissioning the SK Vax Verifier app, which was used by businesses to scan QR codes for proof of vaccination.

The verifier app is no longer available for download by new users. Current users will be asked to delete the app from their device.

COVID-19 vaccination records are still included on your MySaskHealthRecord and can be printed or saved and viewed on your cell phone. The QR code is also still available on COVID-19 vaccination records through MySaskHealthRecord and through the SK Vax Wallet app (Apple and Google). QR codes and the Wallet app will continue to be available for the foreseeable future.

Saskatchewan will continue to make proof of vaccination records available to Saskatchewan residents for use where needed including for travel or use in other jurisdictions.

Other third party QR code reader apps are available for download but are not required in Saskatchewan.

The apps must be SMART Health card compliant to read Saskatchewan QR codes.

Public Health Orders - The remaining public health orders requiring masking in indoor public spaces and mandatory five-day isolation for individuals with positive COVID-19 tests remain in effect until the end of day, February 27. All public health orders in Saskatchewan will be removed as of February 28, 2022.

Continue to Protect Yourself and Your Community - Residents are encouraged to continue to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 including wearing your best mask, taking advantage of free rapid testing, regular handwashing, staying home when ill, and getting vaccinated, including your third/booster dose as soon as you are eligible. Booster/third dose eligibility now includes everyone 12 years of age and older.

Information about Saskatchewan Health Authority vaccine clinics and participating pharmacies is available at Saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19.

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.

Page 8 -FEBRUARY 17, 2022 - martensville messenger

Building Infrastructure & Managing Rising Costs: Council Approves 2022 Budget

Managing rising operating costs, along with prioritizing the current needs of the City, and planning for the future were the focus of City Council budget meetings over the past number of months. The budget was discussed and reviewed at previous meetings and approved by City Council at the February 15, 2022, Regular Council meeting.

The City has budgeted for a 3% increase in total property tax revenue, along with an increase to the recreation facility levy of $50 per year from the $100 per property levy in 2021. This reflects Council’s commitment to a future recreation facility as deemed a high priority by residents in the Recreation and Parks Master Plan. The average homeowner in Martensville will see an estimated increase to their municipal property taxes of approximately $9.02 per month.

Increases in property taxes are attributed to several factors for 2022 including a reduction in the City’s Municipal Revenue Sharing grant from the province, increases to the contract with the RCMP, rising insurance premiums, and the overall rising costs of goods and services.

The City also continues to work towards the new multipurpose recreation facility as committed in 2020.

Construction may start in 2022. Funding of the facility will be based on allocated reserves, approved grants, fundraising and long-term borrowing.

In 2022, the City will invest just over $11 million in capital projects including: $5.1 million in water and wastewater upgrades through the New Build Canada Fund; $1.7 million on a full citywide water meter

replacement program; $1.1 million on upgrades and improvements in parks, sports fields, and playgrounds; and $1.06 million on roadway upgrades and maintenance, including added street lighting on 10th Avenue.

Mayor Kent Muench noted that the 2022 budget was challenging in light of reductions to revenue sharing from the province and rising costs in other areas. Muench noted, “Our administration and Council worked very hard to alleviate new financial pressures while not compromising levels of service, maintaining infrastructure and still being able to move forward with major projects that will benefit our community long term.”

The 3% increase in total property revenue represents the first increase since the 2020 budget. The mill rate will be set in the coming months when the City receives final assessment values from the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) and after the release of the provincial budget.

For more information visit the City of Martensville website at: https://www.martensville.ca/ pages/budgets__finances.html.

How is Martensville Funded?

The City of Martensville collects most of its revenue through Property Taxes, however other revenue streams also help fund the infrastructure, programs, and services offered in the City.

Another significant source of revenue is Government Grant funding at 22.27%. These grants are used for a variety of capital projects in the City, as well as general operations as allowed.

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Appraisals

Karen Parmar, AACI, P.App, BComm (Dist.)

Partner & Senior Appraiser - Warman, SK karen@dynamicappraisals.ca 306-220-9082 www.dynamicappraisals.ca OUR EXPERIENCE SHINES!!

Government D

Automotive FREE courtesy cars available

306.975.2140 Message us on FB

7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre 109 Centennial Dr. No • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians Martensville • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available - Automotive Repair Specialists - Advanced Technology & 306-244-4950 Martensville, SK Diagnostics Facility 801 Centennial Dr. North

Dental

Pharmacy Business

as USUAL Located at BACK of building

MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays

17 Centennial Drive North

306-931-2868

Plumbing

DR. BRIAN MEYER DR. DACRE HAMILTON

306-934-4446

#12 - 2nd St S. Martensville www.martensvilledental.ca

CREATING SMILES IN MARTENSVILLE & AREA SINCE 2001

Revenues from Fees & Services comprise 14.85% of the City’s revenue stream. Examples include things like recreation programming user fees, the garbage & recycling program fees, facility rental fees and many others.

The City continues to look for alternative funding opportunities to ensure that we can maintain and grow all that the City of Martensville offers.

Note that the City of Martensville Water & Sewer Utility Department is not included in the image below, as this department only funds the Water & Sewer infrastructure and operations.

Roofing

FREE ESTIMATES

Residential/Commercial Re-roofs/New construction

scottlandru61@gmail.com scottroofingsask.com (306) 384-7663(roof)

Your 2022 Tax Dollar

Have you ever wondered how each tax dollar is spent? The image below shows the 2022 City of Martensville Budget broken down into different functions in the City.

Each dollar spent is put into essential infrastructure and service needs for the residents and businesses in Martensville. For more detailed information on the 2022 approved spending, please refer to the 2022 Budget Highlights by Department.

Note that this image does not include the Water & Sewer Utility Department as this is operated as a fee for service department and is not funded by general property taxation.