February 18, 2021

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Students in a grade 1 class at École Holy Mary Catholic 306.242.7888 (24 hours per day) School exchanged Valentines in a COVID safe way this year saskfunerals.ca thanks to the creative thinking of a parent. Sabrina (LEFT) and Haddie, the hostess (RIGHT) were excited to look through all 591 Centennial Drive North - Martensville of the Valentines from their classmates. See story on page 5.

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Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic - What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open, however with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. 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.

Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall.

The City had implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, including extending the Property Tax deadline from July 31st to October 30th.

Property Taxes are now due with interest charges on overdue accounts now accruing.

Stay Informed! - The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates, and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca. Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Residents are required to wear nonmedical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines. Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of February 12th, 2021 Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open; however, Drop-in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance to the Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan North Ridge Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Open 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 during this time.

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies - should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Martensville Library Board AGM

Members of the public are invited to attend the 2021 AGM of the Martensville Library Board. Due to the current public health restrictions, the meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 @ 8:00 PM. If you are interested in attending the meeting, contact the Martensville Library at 306-956-7311 or email martensville.library@wheatland.sk.ca for the Zoom link.

March Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend.

Regular Council Meeting- March 2nd Committee of the Whole Meeting- March 9th Regular Meeting March 16th 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 5PM. 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.

Water Line Freeze Ups- Service Interruptions

If you have an interruption of water service to your home, you may have a waterline freeze up.

If you experience a waterline freeze‐up, or any other interruption in service, please call (306) 931‐2166 to report your issue.

If this happens outside of regular business hours, please follow the prompts to be transferred to the emergency after‐hours contact.

Thank you for your co‐operation!

Recreation Program Update- Cupid’s Quest and More!

Cupid’s Quest: Running until February 28th, Cupid’s Quest is a family fun activity for everyone in Martensville. Take a walk around Kinsmen park and try to find all of Cupid’s lost arrows. Cupid has three different types of arrows- pink are activity arrows which have QR codes and images for families to scan and try either on their walk or at home! The yellow arrows represent the Prairie Spirit School Foundations and focus on learning. Lastly, the red arrows are about our local Kinettes Club.

Ski Rentals: February 13th through February 21st , the City is renting out Cross Country skis! They are free to borrow. Supplies are limited. To reserve your pair, contact Jamie at jmcculloch@martensville.ca.

Fire & Ice: Feb 20th from 12:30PM-4:30PM. We are complete sold out! We will see you all there for an afternoon of family fun and ice!

Lazy Man Triathlon - Coming March 1st

This event runs through the month of March where people register and try to complete a triathlon…within a month! It includes a 180km bike, 3.86 km swim (or exercises) and a 42km run/walk.

To register, people can download from the City of Martensville Facebook event page (Lazy Man Triathlon: Martensville) or contact the MAP. There are 3 packages to choose from: Option 1- $50 gets you access to the MAP for the month, t-shirt and tracking sheet.

Option 2: $20 gets you the t-shirt and tracking sheet.

Option 3: Free- gets you the tracking sheet

WMBEXA 2021 Nominations Are Now Open

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The past year has been filled with much uncertainty for not only our local business community, but for businesses across the country. Approximately one year ago the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce (PSCC) was preparing to announce the finalists for the 2020 Warman, Martensville & Region Business Excellence Awards (WMBEXA); however, plans were postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

It wasn’t until September that the PSCC announced the finalists for each of the categories, which was followed by a virtual event on October 29. Although different, the feedback from the virtual WMBEXA event was positive and due to continued uncertainty, the PSCC planned for another virtual event in 2021.

“During these unprecedented times, we have witnessed powerful stories of resilience, heart, grit, compassion, determination, and leadership. Excellence in 2020 took on a whole new meaning and as such we are transforming our 6th annual WMBEXA Gala to showcase and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and resiliency of the many businesses throughout our region,” the PSCC noted in a media release.

This year’s gala will be taking place on May 27 and the PSCC have modified their business categories to better reflect what businesses endured throughout 2020. “We will virtually honor multiple businesses in each category who have demonstrated their ability to quickly adapt and respond to business disruptions in the face of the global pandemic and the economic hardship that it has caused.”

Nominations are now open and will remain open until Friday, February 26th at 5pm. As an added bonus, for everyone that nominates three businesses, their name will be entered for a chance to win a celebratory package for the virtual WMBEXA gala. According to the PSCC, self-nominations are encouraged and accepted; however, they will not be eligible for the VIP draw. Categories for this year’s WMBEXA gala include:

MICRO WARRIOR CATEGORY - The Micro Warrior Category recognizes businesses with 1-5 employees who have demonstrated resiliency, perseverance, compassion, determination and an ability to adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

BUSINESS CHAMPION CATEGORY - The Business Champion category recognizes businesses with more than 5 employees who have demonstrated resiliency, perseverance, compassion, determination and an ability to adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

SERVICE RE-IMAGINED CATEGORY - This award celebrates businesses who took advantage of 2020 to build new connections with customers. Leveraging the new and often unprecedented circumstances of this past year, these businesses served customers in new and tailored ways. Whatever the specific circumstance, if you switched things up to better serve your customers, this category is for you.

COMMUNITY HERO CATEGORY - This award celebrates businesses who went above and beyond to support the community in which they operate this year. It celebrates businesses that made outstanding contributions to the community. From pitching in to help neighbors, to launching a new business initiative that helps others during these challenging times, if you chipped in to support your community meet the challenges that 2020 has brought, this is the award for you.

BREAK OUT NEW BUSINESS CATEGORY - The Breakout New Business category recognizes businesses that have been in operation for less than 3 years and have demonstrated perseverance and an ability to adapt to the challenges presented by the global pandemic. Under normal circumstances, entrepreneurs face many challenges; however, opening a business during a pandemic presents a whole new level of challenges. These entrepreneurs took the leap and have shown that they have what it takes to make it!

INFLUENTIAL EMPLOYER CATEGORY - The Influential Employer category recognizes businesses that demonstrate leadership in their commitment to providing a safe workplace for staff and a safe environment for customers and clients.

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Martensville Business Receives Top Award at Home Builders Association Annual Event When it comes to their Environmental Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Each year, the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA) host the annual Housing Excellence Awards. This year, the 29th annual awards were presented virtually on February 5. These awards are set in place to celebrate the achievements of the SRHBA members and winners are chosen by an international panel of judges consisting of Home Builders’ Association professional members from across North America.

Prairie ICF out of Martensville took home two of the awards; Trade Partner of the Year and the Environmental Stewardship Award. They were also finalists for the Safety Stewardship Award.

This year marked the first time that Trade Partner of the Year was included in the annual awards.

It was created based out of member feedback and the desire to see trade/supplier members be recognized with awards, in addition to certified renovators and builders. The Trade Partner of the Year award was designed to recognize a general member on the basis of its community investment, environmental stewardship and safety stewardship. “This was the first year with this new award and we were honoured to recognize Prairie ICF for their accomplishments and contributions to the industry. This award is here to stay, as it recognizes a good portion of our general membership who also contribute greatly to the residential construction industry,” Paul-Rémi Poulin, Manager of Member Services for the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association stated.

Prairie ICF, located on 9th Street North in Martensville, has been in business for the past 15 years as an authorized distributor of Nudura Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) and related accessory products for Central & Northern Saskatchewan. Originally based out of North Battleford the company made the move to Martensville in 2013. Some may be more familiar with the name PR Sustainable Homes, which was in place until 2016, when it was changed to Prairie ICF to highlight the focus on the ICF industry in both the residential and commercial markets.

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Stewardship award, Tyler Dagenais, one of the Prairie ICF owners, explained that since inception, the business has had a large focus on energy efficient homes and have worked with many top experts in the energy efficient design and construction throughout the province, as well as supplying some of the most energy efficient homes within the province. “Most people don’t realize that Saskatchewan has an impressive history in the development of energy efficient homes and the standards that are in use around the world. This includes projects like the Saskatchewan Conservation House and the Factor-9 house in Regina and the Dumont Residence in Saskatoon, which was the best insulated house in the world when it was built. We have crossed paths or worked with some of the people that have been involved with these projects over the years and are glad to share some of the lessons learned with our clients. To be recognized as a leader in an industry that includes this caliber of professionals is a huge honor,” said Dagenais.

Like many other businesses, this past year required some modifications at Prairie ICF due to the COVID pandemic, some of which included employees working from home when possible, limited in-person meetings with current and potential customers and changes to the pickup/delivery procedures. Although some changes were needed, Dagenais, noted that due to the construction industry remaining strong throughout 2020, Prairie ICF was not adversely affected in the same way as many other businesses.

“I think low interest rates, increased disposable income, and a strong year for agriculture throughout much of Saskatchewan all played a part in maintaining a robust residential construction industry over the past year. We are fortunate in that our products can be used in commercial construction, as well as residential, and this industry seems to be less volatile year-toyear when compared to residential construction. The high cost of lumber we are currently seeing is also causing homeowners to consider ICF for not just the basement, but also the main floor of their homes as

this is now an economical option at construction and offers long term savings in heating/cooling costs,” Dagenais explained.

“We would like to thank our staff & customers for their support and loyalty over the years. Many of the builders we work with have been loyal customers since almost the inception of our company 16 years ago. We take great pride in working with some of the highest quality builders in the area and are thankful not only for their continued business but also the resulting friendships we were able to cultivate over the years. The past year has been a uniquely challenging time for any business and I am extremely grateful for the extra work of our staff to rise to these challenges,” Dagenais added.

ABOVE: Tyler Dagenais with the two awards that Prairie ICF won at this year’s Housing Excellence Awards.

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Saskatoon Police Release Photo of Man Wanted in Connection to Missing Woman

Investigators with the SPS Major Crime Section are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a male who, Police believe may have information relating to the disappearance of Mackenzie Lee Trottier.

Mackenzie was reported missing to Police on December 30, 2020 and was last seen by her family on December 21, 2020.

To view the related video, please visit the SPS Facebook and Twitter accounts.

If you have any information on this male or the location of Mackenzie Trottier, please contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The Saskatoon Police Service is asking for public assistance in locating a missing 22 year old woman.

Mackenzie Lee Trottier was last seen by family in the 300 block of Trent Crescent on December 21, 2020. Her family members and police are concerned that she may be in a vulnerable state.

Mackenzie is described as 5’ in height, 145 lbs with blonde, medium length hair which is shaved on the right side. She has green eyes, a fair complexion, broken front teeth and a tattoo on her right ankle.

She usually wears heavy makeup, black yoga pants, a heavy green jacket and carries a large purse.

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BELOW: Mackenzie Lee Trottier was last seen by family on December 21, 2020.

Family and police are concerned that she may be in a vulnerable state.

Martensville Mother Plans COVID Safe Valentine’s Day Exchange For Daughters Class Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

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LEFT: Saskatoon Police Service released a photo of a male, who they believe may have information relating to the disappearance of Mackenzie Lee Trottier.

A related video can be seen on the SPS Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Martensville

Rob Friesen 306-221-9350

One Martensville mother decided that she wasn’t going to let COVID stop her daughter and classmates from celebrating Valentine’s Day together this year.

Nicole Walter, who’s daughter attends grade 1 at École Holy Mary Catholic School wanted to create a safe environment for the class to still exchange Valentine’s Day treats to one another since the school itself chose to celebrate in a different way this year.

“I wanted to make sure all of the kids felt included and special and had something fun to still do. So many things have been cancelled on them already. It may just be silly little cards and treats, but they are super excited and all of the parents were on board, so I am glad we could do this,” Walter said.

Walter and her daughter Haddie spent the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day constructing boxes for each of the 19 kids in Haddie’s class. Originally planned to be held outside, plans changed due to the weather and Walter set up a station within her garage and invited the class to stop by between 4:30pm-8:00pm on Wednesday, February 10th to deliver their Valentines one family at a time. The following night, Walter delivered each of the boxes to the homes of the students.

BELOW: Parents sent Nicole Walter photos of the excited kids upon receiving their Valentine’s Day boxes. (Submitted)

Page 6 - FEBRUARY 18, 2021 - martensville messenger

Teachers Receive Love For Teacher Appreciation Week Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The week of February 7 to 13 was Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week in Saskatchewan and the theme for this year was “Unsung Heroes”.

Lori Jeschke, Director of Education for Prairie Spirit School Division, took some time to acknowledge this and express her appreciation for all of the Prairie Spirit teachers and staff for the countless ways that they provide support to students and student learning throughout the Division.

“I am so proud of the amazing work they do with our students every day and especially through this very challenging year. Thank you to the families who have expressed thanks to staff at your local school. Staff members really appreciate your support and kindness during this special week and throughout the school year,” Jeschke said in a letter to families. “There is no doubt that we are all experiencing difficult times and the world has been turned upside down. Despite these challenges, our Prairie Spirit staff members continue to support students and focus on student learning.”

Schools throughout the Division received support from the families and businesses within their communities. Lake Vista Elementary School in Martensville shared some examples of how they were shown appreciation last week, with one surprise consisting of treats from Clearcut Coffeehouse, as well as a generous donation of a $10 gift card for each teacher from the business (BELOW). This was just one example of the appreciation that was show to our local schools to celebrate our very own “Unsung Heroes”.

École Holy Mary Spread the Love this Valentine’s Day

This year, students at École Holy Mary Catholic School in Martensville celebrated Valentine’s Day a little differently.

Instead of handing out Valentine’s Day cards to one another, students created cards that were then distributed to fifteen businesses throughout the community.

“This year, in lieu of exchanging Valentine’s among our students, we thought it would be nice to spread some cheer, hope and love to our community,” the school commented.

Those that received cards were encouraged to display them within their businesses to help spread the love to customers.

ABOVE: Valentines from École Holy Mary Catholic School were on display at Affinity Credit Union in Martensville.

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PSSD Director of Education Provides COVID Update Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

In a February 12 letter to families, Lori Jeschke, Director of Education for Prairie Spirit School Division, provided an update regarding COVID-19 incidents within Prairie Spirit schools, noting that there has been a total of 51 incidents across the Prairie Spirit Schools since the beginning of the school year.

“Our schools have strong protocols and processes designed to help protect students and staff. Dr. Shahab, the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer, has specifically recognized the good work being done in Saskatchewan schools. I also want to acknowledge our school leaders and staff who work together to inform the class and school community when a case is identified and then adjust plans accordingly. We appreciate the support of parents and families when a class is directed to selfisolate and learn from home for a period of time,” Jeschke said.

According to Jeschke, the PSSD will be receiving another shipment of disposable medical grade masks and face shields for staff from a provincial government order. Within this order will include medical grade masks for children, which will be available

at schools. Additionally, the government will be supplying schools with child and adult-sized reusable three-layer cloth masks. PSSD staff will also be participating in a specific training course on how to properly use face masks and shields.

“Our partners in Public Health have indicated that the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains high throughout the province. It is critical that we continue to follow public health orders so that our efforts and sacrifices over the past year are not lost,” Jeschke added.

Plans for the 2021-22 school year are already in the works, with talk around how the vaccination of the general public will play into their strategy. “Planning for fall we are learning more about the provincial plan for the vaccination of the general public. According to Dr. Shahab, vaccinations should be available to most of the adult population by the return to school this fall. We know our plans for the 2021/22 school year will continue to include mitigating strategies for COVID-19.

As we look to the months ahead, we recognize there will still be challenges. We are confident in the good plans we have in place and the great leaders and staff members who are working together in our schools.”

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martensville messenger - FEBRUARY 18, 2021 - Page 7

More Than $130 Million in Highway Construction Contracts in Year 1 of the Stimulus Program

Saskatchewan drivers and road construction workers are benefiting from Saskatchewan's two-year $2 billion stimulus program. This investment aims to use targeted government investment to help drive economic recovery from the global pandemic.

In May, the Ministry of Highways announced it would inject an economic booster shot of $300 million over two years to stimulate recovery. Some specific types of construction were targeted, including upgrades to thin-membrane surface (TMS) highways and passing lane projects.

“Our government is stepping up to support the Saskatchewan economy as we make our way through this pandemic,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. “With the lowest unemployment rate in Canada we know our plan is working, and we're just getting started.”

Sixteen highway construction projects worth more than $130 million have recently been awarded and should be completed this fall. Some highlights include: TMS upgrades on: Highway 43 from Gravelbourg to Highway 19; Highway 56 near Katepwa Lake; Highway 229 to Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park; and Highway 322 from Glen Harbour to Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park.

Passing lanes on: Highway 2 north of Prince Albert to Highway 263; Highway 3 from Prince Albert to Shellbrook; Highway 12 from Martensville to Highway 312; Highway 14 from Saskatoon to Asquith; and Highway 16 from Clavet to Viscount and from Springside to Saltcoats.

Another eight construction projects are in the tendering process. At least four more will be tendered later this year. The Government of Saskatchewan is meeting its target of improving more than 1,000 km of provincial highways this year, the first of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways.

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $9.8 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 15,800 km of Saskatchewan highways.

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.

Moe Can’t Be Antagonist In Covid-19 Fight

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Few of us would want to be in the unenviable spot that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has found himself in for most of the past 11 months. For almost a year now, Moe’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has left him in a lonely damned-if-you-dodamned-if-you-don’t place.

Life for Saskatchewan’s Premier would be difficult enough if Moe simply had to deal with those who viewed the novel coronavirus as a hoax perpetrated by a quest for a one-world government.

Make no mistake that the extreme anti-maskers, anti-lockdowners and antivaxxers — often coming from the far right of the political spectrum, but occasionally joined by those with far left views as well — have made Moe’s life miserable.

Perhaps the worst moments of this pandemic fight have come when people from this very group have targeted Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab with public racially motivated taunts in front of the Legislative Building and even invasions of Shahab’s space and the privacy at his home.

Some of Moe’s best moments as Premier were the ones he spent standing up for the province’s CMO who has clearly become his friend. They were great moments for this province as well, but the complicating factor for Moe is that while most in this province don’t agree with the taunts levelled at Shahab, many do disagree with the CMO’s repeated views that it’s better to have curtailed social and economic activity that now includes limitations as to who can now visit you in your home; or at the very least, many of this view are happiest when Moe has selects the least socially and economically intrusive choice given to him by Shabab.

Conversely, Moe has faced a barrage of criticism from the other side — some who are seemingly working under the premise that he could have simply locked down the province for a year with no repercussions.

Meanwhile, others are advocating the need for more restrictions or a temporary lockdown or circuit-breaker similar to what was imposed in Manitoba that is now seeing significantly less transmission and a slowing of the death toll.

There is little middle ground for Moe. Worse yet, both sides seem to resent the Premier when he does present what appears to be a compromise. The best Moe has been able to hope for is to present his policy direction in a reasoned and compassionate way and try not to be overly antagonistic.

It is for this reason that Moe’s comment last week to the Municipalities of Saskatchewan annual conference was somewhere between unproductive and bizarre. "It's easy for someone to stand up and say 'we need to lock everything down' when they have the opportunity to work from home," Moe said in his online presentation to the virtual conference.

Yes, he made the remark while working from home — something he and Shahab have repeatedly recommended others do, if possible, to stop the spread of this virus. So what real purpose is served by belittling those who are simply doing exactly what you asked them to do?

Is Moe being completely honest when he implies it is just those who have the “opportunity to work from home” who are advocating for tougher restrictions to bring cases down? Is he unaware that the sharpest advocates for this have been doctors and health care providers who put themselves at risk by attending to those sick with COVID-19?

And, perhaps most critically, what value is there in escalating already high tensions between rural and blue-collar workers and urban and white-collar at a time when the message still needs to be that we are all in this together?

One gets mistakes are going to be made, but the deliberateness of Moe’s divisive messaging was troubling. We won’t get through this pandemic any faster by fighting.

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City Council Approves Budget for 2021

Balanced 2021 Budget will maintain 2020 property tax revenue, user rates and water rates

At their February 16, 2021 Council Meeting, Martensville City Council approved a balanced budget for 2021 that aligns with Council’s priorities and allows services and amenities to be maintained.

Over the past number of months, the focus of the City’s budget meetings has been on minimizing the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the budget and on the delivery of services.

“COVID-19 has impacted everyone in our community, and so we wanted to ensure we were able to keep our 2020 property tax revenue at $8.25 million and not add an increase,” says Mayor Kent Muench. “We also thought it was important to approve a budget that maintains all facility rental rates, programming fees, and water rates at 2020 levels.”

In 2021, the City will invest just over $4 million in capital projects including spending $1,069,000 on roadway maintenance. This is thanks, in part, to the Federal Gas Tax Fund Program.

In 2020, the City was fortunate to receive $1.4 million in COVID-19 relief funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) and a Safe Restart Grant of $575,000. This funding will allow the City to invest in facilities, maintain service delivery, and will offset lost revenues from recreation programs and facilities. Most of this funding will carry over in 2021 to help the City continue to respond to pandemic restrictions and decreased revenues.

The MEEP funding in particular, which is to be used for capital projects only, will allow the City to complete paving at the outdoor rink, build a pump track in Kinsmen Park, complete lights at the 18U diamonds at Mocon Field, and help fund the initial stages of a campground in Kinsmen Park.

This is also a revaluation year for all properties in the province of Saskatchewan. While the City has budgeted for a 0% increase in property tax revenues, properties may be affected differently depending on potential changes in their property’s assessed values. The City will not be setting mill rates until early Spring when the final values for all property classes are received from SAMA and the province has set the education mill rates.

How is Martensville Funded?

The City of Martensville collects most of its revenue through property taxes as shown below, 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 22.31%. Revenues from fees and services comprise 12.8% of the City’s revenue stream, a decrease over prior years. 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 we do not include the City’s Water & Sewer Utility Department here as this department only funds the Water & Sewer infrastructure and operations.

2021 Budget Highlights

General Government • The City has maintained property tax revenue at 2020 levels. There is no increase to property tax revenue in the budget however when mill rates are set in the spring, properties may still experience an increase dependent on the revaluation and the impact on each property’s assessment value.

• The City will undertake the first phase of a comprehensive Asset Management Plan in 2021, contingent on grant funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Water & Sewer • The $75.00 base tax amount will continue for 2021 to fund a reserve for future wastewater treatment.

• The New Building Canada Fund project for Wastewater Treatment and Water Distribution will continue to move ahead in 2021 with the next phases of the project to begin. Under the New Building Canada Fund, approved projects are funded one-third by the Government of Canada, one-third through the Provincial Government and the final onethird at the municipal level. The funding will allow the City to upgrade its existing lagoons, build a new gravity conveyance system to connect to the City of Saskatoon’s sanitary sewer system, and upgrade the existing sewage lift station. In addition, upgrades to the water supply reservoir and pumping stations and a new water main will connect to Saskatoon’s drinking water supply system. It is estimated that the project should be completed in 2024.

• A new effluent line from the lagoon to the Opimihaw Creek will be completed. This is a requirement from the Water Security Agency to allow us to discharge to the creek.

• Upgrades will be completed at Sewer Lift Station 3 to address capacity issues at this station.

Emergency & Protective Services RCMP • The RCMP detachment will remain at the current staffing level for 2021. This is the equivalent of 8 full time members.

Fire Department & Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) • The Department will be adding weekend stand by pay for one officer and three firefighters. This will ensure the department has the necessary personnel for initial response to weekend incidents.

Infrastructure & Planning Land Development & Land Use Planning • Numbers projects are planned for 2021 including the completion of the Southeast Sector Plan, a Levy Study & Comparison, aligning the City’s OCP with the new P4G District OCP, and completion of the development standards manual.

• General engineering studies will include a Drainage Study and 9th Street North Drainage Plan.

• The City continues to support and participate in the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) and work with partners to advance plans for land use, transportation, and servicing in the region.

Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance • As per the Pavement Assessment and Pavement Management Plan approved in 2017, Council has committed $1,069,000 to roadways in 2021. This is possible due to accessing $569,000 of the City’s Federal Gas Tax Funding to prioritize our roadways and align with Council’s priorities that infrastructure is maintained and at optimum service levels.

• Street lighting along 10th Avenue South will be installed.

• The City will add a second pedestrian crosswalk with lighting at a location to be determined.

Recreation & Community Services • The City will continue to invest in a new multi-purpose recreation facility for the community by contracting DCG to assist the Lace Em Up campaign to fundraise for the new facility. We have also engaged aodbt and Wright Construction to design/plan the facility and provide an accurate cost projection.

• All facility rental rates, programming fees and user fees have been maintained at 2020 levels.

• MEEP Funded projects to be completed in 2021 include the pump track, lights at the 18U diamond at Mocon Field, and paving at the outdoor rink. Some initial work will also be started on a campground within the Kinsmen Park Master Plan.

• Recreation programming revenue is expected to be reduced due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Corresponding expenses have been adjusted accordingly. Staff will continue to look at alternate program delivery options.

• Pathway lighting will be added with portions contingent on ICIP grant funding.

Your 2021 Tax Dollar

Have you ever wondered how each tax dollar is spent? The image below shows the 2021 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 2021 approved spending, please refer to the 2021 Budget Highlights.

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.