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Your City; Your Newspaper February 24, 2022

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Bounce House Fun

Local residents took in some Family Day fun on Monday, February 21st as part of the City of Martensville’s Winter FunFest. An assortment of indoor and outdoor activities were available at the North Ridge Community Centre. See more on pages 4-5.

MARTENSVILLE SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE 2022 will be available once again in March

Reserve Your Advertising Spot Today Contact Jocelyn at (306) 668-1093 or advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Page 2 - FEBRUARY 24, 2022 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

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

City of Martensville City Hall

- Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow Hours of Operation: ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans our street.

Monday to Friday - 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. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Excluding Statutory Holidays)

- 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

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

www.martensvillemessenger.ca Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

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- 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

SPORTS

U18A Villains Win Big in Regina Submitted by Celine Dusener

The Martensville U18A Villains attended the 16 team U18A Prairie Cup Tournament in Regina from February 18-20, 2022. The team had three great round robin games coming out with a 7-6 win over the Trails West Wolves, a 3-3 tie with the Regina Blues and a 7-3 win over the Regina Falcons. Martensville then continued on to the A-Side semi-final and defeated the Regina Mustangs 6-4 setting up a fantastic A-Side Final against the St. Albert Blues. The A-Side final was decided in sudden death overtime with the Martensville Villains coming out on top with a 2-1 win. Congratulations to the team and coaches on their Regina Cup win.

Keep the Community up-to-date on martensville your team scores, events, photos messenger - FEBRUARY 24, 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 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger Drive North to be included in our Hayward An exciting female hockey players from Martensville weekly sports report.new opportunity forJanine

Barn Burner Provides Exciting Opportunity for Local Females Martensville Messenger

and the surrounding area was offered on February 22-23. The all-new Barn Burner: Female Hockey Development Camp was held in partnership with Martensville Minor Hockey association and consisted of a two-day hockey skills development camp that was geared towards female players in U7-U13 divisions. All skill levels were welcome from beginner to experienced. Throughout this two-day camp, those attending had an opportunity to work on their passing, puck control and puck protection skills, as well as deception moves such as dekes and fakes. Other lessons included power skating with speed, agility & stickhandling, battling, angling & body positioning instruction and more. Each age division focused on player development and advancing each and every participant to their next level. “Our number one goal is that your hockey player walks away from the camp feeling inspired, confident, and skilled-up with new drills and techniques to continue working on post-camp,” the event organizers noted. Registration opened on January 30th and had a limited number of spots for each age division. This opportunity was well-received as registration for the camp was filled within less than 24-hours, with some age divisions filling to capacity in less than ten minutes. One thing is 100% clear – there is a movement taking place – can you feel it? Parents of young girls in our province not only want their daughter’s trying hockey, but they also want them to have access to the BEST opportunities for growth and development at a young age. The interest is province wide, and as Associations come together to support one another, we anticipate great things for female hockey in the future,” organizers of the event stated. This camp was possible thanks to the contribution of numerous volunteers and sponsors that came together to support hockey development. BELOW and TOP LEFT: Female hockey players in U7-U13 divisions were invited to attend the Barn Burner: Female Hockey Development Camp, held in Martensville on February 22-23. (Facebook)

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Family Day Fun in Martensville Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

This year’s annual Winter Fun Fest event put on by the City of Martensville was a great opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy some fun winter activities. Many families came out to enjoy this popular winter event on Family Day, February 21st at the North Ridge Community Centre, where activities started at 1:00pm and ended with fireworks at 7:00pm. Many cars lined up on the streets and in the parking lot of Kinsmen Park to enjoy the light show. There were numerous winter themed

activities outside such as outdoor fire and hotdog roast, curling, skating, pick up hockey, and snowshoeing. Kids enjoyed the variety of indoor activities available inside the North Ridge Community Centre with crafts, bounce houses, giant games, and much more! Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II for the City Of Martensville said that around 320 people were in attendance throughout the day and $230 from the hot dog and hot chocolate sales was raised for Kidsport.

"It was a successful event, and we were so happy to see everyone come out and enjoy the day," said McCulloch. “Thank you to all who came out to support our annual event and a big thank you to Lakeview Insurance for sponsoring, and to SaskEnergy for providing us with the door prize.” Watch for the City of Martensville’s next event coming up which is GlowSkate on March 13th from 1:00pm-2:30pm at the Sports Centre. All the proceeds will once again go towards Kidsport.

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martensville messenger - FEBRUARY 24, 2022 - Page 5

ABOVE & BELOW: A wide variety of indoor activities were offered as part of the City of Martensville’s Winter FunFest on Monday, February 21st. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM) ABOVE & BELOW: Outdoor activities included an afternoon hot dog roast, an evening fireworks show and more. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

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martensville messenger - FEBRUARY 24, 2022 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature 2022 Off to Great Economic Start

By-Election Makes Big Difference for Moe Just as things were going very badly for Premier Scott Moe and his Saskatchewan Party government, something went very right. As of the writing of this article, Sask. Party candidate Jim Lemaigre defeated the NDP’s Georgina Jolibois in the Feb. 15th Athabasca by-election to replace long-time NDP MLA Buckley Belanger — a seat that’s always been CCF, Liberal or NDP. Yes, there were factors including low voter turnout. But politics being the bottom-line business that it is, about the only thing that much matters is the Moe’s already large government caucus has added one more member while Ryan Meili’s small NDP Opposition has one less. In the course of one day last week, the political burden was lifted off Moe and foisted on Meili. People in the NDP again seem to be grumbling about Meili’s leadership that survived a review vote at the party’s convention last November with a something less than convincing 72-percent approval. For Meili who has never enjoyed much popularity in the electorate at large, the Athabasca by-election has people revisiting the serious questions as to whether he can win. For Moe who was actually taking a serious popularity hit for the first time since becoming Sask. Party leader four years ago, an unprecedented win in the northern riding couldn’t come at a better time. There would seem little doubt that Moe has tapped into the very popular notion that everyone is tired of the pandemic and wants to see life return to a world before vaccine passports, masking, or any restrictive measures. It seems unlikely that - contrary to Moe’s spin - the lifting pandemic restrictions had as much to do his party’s by-election election win. Far bigger factors were the 22% voter turnout and the promise of a new school to a community haunted by those tragic shooting deaths six years ago. Despite the wave of support for lifting COVID-19 restrictions - or maybe, in some ways, because of it - Moe and the Sask. Party have been sliding in popularity. This overall slide in the opinion poll also shows 60-per-cent-plus disapproving of the government’s handling of the pandemic. Perhaps some of this is due to those who felt Moe needed to open things up earlier, but the reality since the fourth wave is that we have simply seen higher hospitalizations, ICUs and deaths. We enjoyed a reprieve between the fourth and fifth waves in December, but we are again seeing hospitalizations soar to record levels with medical professionals fearful that worse consequences are to follow and while it was a popular thing for Moe to support the initial convoy to Ottawa because it aligned with the popular anti-federal/ Justin Trudeau sentiments, the behaviour of those who stayed in Ottawa and those who then proceeded to block the international border crossing has been anything but popular. In fact, when initially asked about the border blockades in Coutts, Alta. by CBC's Power and Politics, Moe responded: “I’m going to stay out of telling them (protestors) what to do.” Saskatchewan is a trading province that needs borders open. Moe should have immediately taken a stand. Worse, by the time Moe got around to more definitely stating “the illegal blockades must end”, the RCMP at Coutts had discovered a weapons and body-armour cache and charged 11 with criminal offences including conspiracy to commit murder. To be tied to supporting these demonstrators is something that won’t age well. Combined with the problems in health care and what’s expected to be ugly provincial budget in March, problems were mounting for Moe, but just as things were going from bad to worse, along comes a byelection that adds another seat on the government side that the Sask. Party surely couldn’t have expected. It’s a reminder that fortunes do sometimes quickly change in politics. Suddenly, whatever political heat there was has shifted from Moe to Meili.

New figures released to start 2022 confirm that Saskatchewan is well on its way to leading the economic recovery. Groundwork started with last fall’s Speech from the Throne has allowed for solid advancement. Statistics Canada reports that for January 2022, Saskatchewan added 24,600 jobs, five per cent more than January of last year. Seasonally adjusted figures show that we have not only returned to normal employment figures but have surpassed pre-COVID employment statistics. Specifically, January 2022 saw seasonally adjusted employment reach 574,600 or 500 positions more than February 2020. Off-reserve Aboriginal employment hit a record for January with 56,900 jobs, and the youth unemployment rate dropped just under 10 per cent, the fourth-lowest in the country. Overall, the unemployment rate for Saskatchewan fell to 5.5 per cent, well below the national average. The good news includes export figures for 2021. Setting a new high for the province, Saskatchewan saw $37.1 billion worth of products leave for export around the world. That’s nearly 25 per cent more than what we saw for exports in 2020 and breaks a record from 2014 when over $35 billion in exports were shipped. Agriculture and agri-food exports dominated the report, setting a new record. Despite environmental challenges such as drought, ag exports were valued at $17.5 billion and accounted for more than half of all export products last year. Demand for Saskatchewan products will increase further as more value-added businesses are developed within our borders. Examples like the new canola crushing plants and bio-diesel facility announced this winter will expand the industry. Significant growth was also realized as manufacturing sales increased 36 per cent year over year, while wholesale trade grew 32 per cent. Growth in these two key economic sectors shows the strength of Saskatchewan’s economy and the positive efforts that are being made to create good jobs for our communities.

Removal of COVID-19 Restrictions Adding to the sense of normalcy will be the recently announced changes to COVID-19 protocols. The Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test requirement has been removed while wearing a mask will become optional at the end of February. We must learn to live with COVID-19 and make wise decisions, just like we do with other communicable diseases. If you haven’t yet, please consider getting vaccinated, as it is the best way to avoid serious illness related to the virus. Wash your hands, continue to use hand sanitizer, self-monitor, self-test and stay home if you are sick. With these small extra efforts, we can come together to help our family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers stay healthy. Finally, congratulations to my new colleague, Jim Lemaigre, MLA-elect for the constituency of Athabasca. Jim will be sworn-in as the new representative for northwest Saskatchewan at the start of the Spring Sitting of the Legislature early next month. We all look forward to working alongside Jim as he advances the interests of his constituents and all of Saskatchewan.

Province Invests $1.1 Million To Expand Family Violence Support Program

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $1.1 million over the next three years to support the expansion of the Family Intervention Rapid Support Team (FIRST) program in the province. "Enhancing community safety and the well-being of Saskatchewan families is paramount," Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. "The FIRST program effectively supports families at a higher risk for violence with early intervention techniques that help to mitigate potential crisis situations at home." The expansion of the FIRST program will see support offered to families living in the Moose Jaw, Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle and Nipawin areas. The outreach program will be delivered by Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc., the Moose Jaw Transition House and the North East Outreach and Support Services Inc. These groups will have trained outreach workers in place to build relationships with families in the community and intervene early to provide collaborative and timely services to support families in crisis. “By taking a proactive approach, the FIRST team will build relationships and rapport within the community to identify and support families at risk,” Moose Jaw North MLA Tim Mcleod said. “The expansion of this program to Moose Jaw will not only support our community's at-risk families, but it will also help build a safer and more vibrant Saskatchewan.” "Offering families in-the-moment support through relentless outreach encourages positive changes and a healthier lifestyle," Envision Counselling and Support Centre Executive Director Lynda Rideout said. "We believe building transformative relationships and providing ongoing support disrupts the cycle of violence and promotes empowerment within families ultimately leading to a healthier community as a whole." The FIRST program launched in Kindersley through the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre Inc. in the fall of 2021.

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 24, 2022 - martensville messenger

Free HIV Self-Test Kits Available Province-Wide

Saskatchewan residents are now able to test themselves for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Free HIV self-test kits are available to the general public at 23 locations across the province. These self-tests can be done at home, provide preliminary results in just one minute and only require a bit of blood from your finger tip. Test kits can also be purchased online and delivered directly from the manufacturer to your home. When HIV is diagnosed and treated early, people can live longer and healthier lives. Knowing quickly if you have HIV also allows you to take precautions against spreading the virus to others. “We have seen the clear benefits of having quick and easy access to at home testing options,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “Our government is proud to be able to provide this new option for anyone concerned about possible exposure to HIV. Beyond HIV self-testing, many options are now available to help Saskatchewan residents detect changes to their health with minimal time and effort - COVID-19 rapid tests, at home pregnancy tests, blood sugar monitors and blood pressure cuffs.” In just the first few weeks of this program, there has already been a high uptake, with over 70 HIV self-test kits already provided to members of the public since distribution began in January. “The HIV Self-Test kits provide a new testing resource for self-screening,” Persons Living with AIDS Network of Saskatchewan Community Engagement Coordinator Cheryl Barton said. “The kits include step-by-step instructions for selftesting and can be provided to persons to do on their own if they choose. Communitybased organizations like ours, work together with health care providers to assist persons living at risk of HIV on their health journey.” Everyone between the ages of 13 and 70 should be tested for HIV every five years, and more often if sexually active, sharing drug use equipment or pregnant. A full list of sites where free HIV self-testing kits are available can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website at saskatchewan.ca/HIV. HIV self-testing kits can be purchased online at www.insti.com/hiv-self-test/.

Paws Republic Hosts Adoption Event and PuppyBowl Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

There was a big turn-out for adoption day and doggy bake sale on February 12th at the Paws Republic Centre for Pets training facility on 9th Street North in Martensville. According to Saskatoon Dog Rescue, this was their biggest adoption event yet. A total of six pens full of puppies, as well as numerous single pups and dogs on leashes were brought in to find their new families. Additionally, those attending had the opportunity to purchase Valentine’s Day dog treats from Happy Puppy Co. with 50% of the proceeds going to Saskatoon Dog Rescue. “Thank you to Saskatoon Dog ABOVE: There were many adorable puppies Rescue for bringing the most beautiful and dogs, such as this cutie, available at this pups and wonderful volunteers to the weekend’s adoption event in Martensville. training centre for the adoption event. It was a great turnout, and we are so grateful to everyone that took the time to come out,” Paws Republic Centre for Pets owner/operator Kristine O’Brien stated. That weekend also saw Paws Republic celebrate the Superbowl in their own unique way. Their Puppy Playzone class took place from 4pm-5pm and included their own PuppyBowl, complete with endzone fun for all! Learn more about opportunities and events offered by Paws Republic by visiting www.pawsrepublic.ca or following them on social media.

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