North Prairie Developments- CANWEST Winter FunFest 2025 is February 17th
Fun for the whole family! Winter FunFest is held on Family Day at Northridge Community Centre and is full of winter-themed activities! We guarantee a day of family fun that will give you and your family some amazing memories.
Watch for updates in the coming weeks. We look forward to offering you a great day of Winter Activity and Fun.
Snow Removal this Winter – What you need to know
The City’s Snow Removal Program aims to keep roads safe, accessible, and clear for emergency services, vehicles, and pedestrians. While our crews work diligently, winter weather can be unpredictable, and snow-clearing activities may vary. Here’s how you can help:
- Avoid pushing snow onto streets – This creates ridges that obstruct plowing efforts and creates larger snow ridges at your driveway.
- Don’t pile snow on streets or hydrants – This can block emergency access.
- Clear driveways before plows arrive – This helps crews work efficiently and prevents ridges.
- Avoid parking on streets during snow clearing – Vehicles hinder operations and risk being blocked by snow.
- Prevent driveway snow buildup – Place snow in yard areas rather than at the driveway edge.
- Watch for posted removal zones – Vehicles parked in these areas may be ticketed and towed.
- Stay back from sanding trucks– Keep a 15m distance to allow safe dispersion of salt and sand.
For more information and to view the City’s Priority Map, visit Martensville.ca.
Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca.
Ice Conditions on Neighborhood Ponds
The Martensville Fire Department conducts regular ice measurements of the ponds in Martensville to ensure conditions are safe for recreational use. Measurements will be reported through the Fire Departments and the City of Martensville’s Facebook pages as well as reported on Martensville.ca. Ice is measured until thickness is above 12 inches.
Please pay attention to signs or barricades about ice conditions near ponds. Engaging in activities like skating on ponds is entirely at your own risk.
Ice should be avoided that:
-looks slushy
-has thawed, then froze again -is near moving water
-is layered, caused by sudden temperature changes -has structures on it, such as pressure ridges.
Prairie Spirit School Division Provides Update Regarding Cyber Attack
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
In a recent letter to Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) families, an update was provided regarding a cybersecurity incident that took place in December on PowerSchool, a student information software provider utilized by PSSD for management of school division data from 2009-2022.
PSSD was one of numerous other school divisions within North America that were included in the cyber-attack, with details affected that primarily included parent, student, and teacher contact information, with data elements such as name and address information.
According to the letter, PSSD noted that PowerSchool has confirmed they will be taking numerous steps to support those whose information was included in the cyberattack.
PowerSchool will be notifying affected individuals in the coming weeks, which will include students, parents/guardians, as well as educators. “Notifications will include details about identity protection and credit monitoring services and will provide a dedicated phone number to address any questions about the incident,” Tracey Young, PSSD Director of Education, stated in the letter.
There will also be identity protection and credit monitoring services in place through TransUnion and Experian, which will provide two years of complimentary identity protection services for all individuals impacted. There will also be two years of complimentary credit monitoring services offered to those that have reached the age of majority.
Since the incident, PowerSchool has implemented increased security measures to prevent unauthorized access going forward.
“At this time, PowerSchool has no evidence of identity theft related to this incident,” the letter continued.
No action is required from anyone affected at this time; however, you can visit https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/ for more information and updates as they become available.
“Prairie Spirit is committed to protecting personal information for all Prairie Spirit students, families and staff. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available from PowerSchool”
Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates
City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.
February 11 - Committee of the Whole February 18 - Council Meeting
Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive
Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm
If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you prefer to join from the comfort of your home, contact the City Clerk or check the online agenda at martensville.ca for the meeting link.
In Case of a Water Line Freeze Up…
In the past, there have been areas in the community prone to water line freeze-ups.
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!
City of Martensville Traffic BylawThings You Should Know
The City of Martensville’s Traffic Bylaw sets rules for how vehicles should be operated within the city. This includes guidelines for parking, signs, weight limits, and other regulations that apply to various vehicles such as cars, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, trailers, RVs, and snowmobiles.
• Here are some of the key points of the bylaw:
• Do not park in a way that blocks a lane, driveway, or access to private property.
• Do not park on any street for more than 72 hours.
• Do not park on the left side of the street (facing the wrong way).
• Trailers cannot be parked on a street unless attached to a towing vehicle. Construction trailers are the exception but can only stay unhitched for up to 12 hours during the day while work is being done nearby. They must be hitched overnight.
• Recreational vehicles cannot be parked on any street between October 1 and April 30.
• Do not park in a way that extends any part of the vehicle over a sidewalk.
For the full Traffic Bylaw or if you have questions, visit the City of Martensville website or contact City Hall.
Martensville Collective Health and Wellness Announce 6-Week Doctor Availability
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville Collective Health and Wellness announced on February 3rd that for the next six weeks, there will be an extra doctor available to help out within the clinic.
Dr. vanDijk will be pitching in at MCHW and this week he had available openings on both Tuesday and Thursday, with the best part being that he is willing to see anyone, even if you aren’t a patient of the clinic.
For more details, or to book an appointment, call (306) 933-4110. For updates on local healthcare options, follow ‘Martensville Collective Health and Wellness’ on social media, or visit martensvillecollectivehealthandwellness.ca.
Get Your Bids in for the Pop-Up Rescue Project Online Auction By February 9th
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
It has been a year since the Pop-Up Rescue Project was created, and through the efforts of numerous kind-hearted individuals, approximately 200 dogs are now living their absolute best lives in loving homes rather than meeting their end scared, dirty and alone.
When the Pop-Up Rescue Project first took place, it was all over local media stations, social media and there were countless donations coming in regularly, all of which made the success of this initiative possible; however, despite the dogs being adopted, or put into foster homes, there are still large vet bills to be paid. Not only that, there are still new bills being added as some of the dogs required surgery to give them a better quality of life, puppies grew into dogs that required spaying/neutering, and foster dogs require regular support.
You can still help the Pop-Up Rescue with a monetary donation either to the Pop-Up Rescue directly (popuprescueproject@gmail.com), or to the Martensville Veterinary Hospital (please specify that the donation is for the Pop-Up Rescue Project). You can also support them by participating in the ‘Forever Home Online Auction’ that is currently taking place until February 9th. A full list of items can be found on the ‘PopUp Rescue Project’ or ‘Paws Republic Centre for Pets’ Facebook pages.
Items available in the auction include pet supplies, artwork, tickets to the Saskatchewan Rush, clothing, gift certificates, home décor, and so much more.
“Thank you to everyone that donated items to help make this fundraiser a success. We are so grateful for the ongoing support from the community. It is because of that support that the Pop-Up Rescue was able to come together to save over 200 dogs. It was not an easy undertaking but seeing updates from the families that adopted these dogs, and the love shared, makes it all worth it,” Kristine O’Brien, owner of Paws Republic Centre for Pets, and Pop-Up Rescue Project organizer, stated.
Kinettes Hosting Family Bingo to Support TeleMiracle
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville & District Kinette Club is always finding new ways to help support TeleMiracle, and this weekend, they are hosting what is sure to be a fantastic event – Family Bingo!
Everyone is encouraged to come out and take part in this fun-filled event on Sunday, February 9th with doors opening at 1:00pm, and bingo kicking off at 2:00pm at the Brian King Centre in Warman.
Be sure to load up the family, grab some cash (there is no ATM on site), and prepare for an exciting afternoon of bingo. There will also be a 50/50 draw, two games of heads or tails, and a concession stand available.
All proceeds from this event will go towards TeleMiracle 49, which will be taking place in Saskatoon on March 1st and 2nd at Prairieland Park. The public is invited to attend at no cost; however, donations will be accepted. For more details, visit telemiracle.com.
The local Kinette Club is also looking out for all the ladies that need a night out, and will be hosting a 80s & 90s Ladies Night Dance Party on April 26th at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville. Tickets will be available later this month.
Follow the ‘Martensville & District Kinette Club’ on Facebook for regular updates on upcoming events and more.
ABOVE: Cinder (Front) and his brother were brought in through the Pop-Up Rescue Project. Both were extremely malnrourished, suffering from mange and worms. Without the efforts of all involved in the rescue, these two, along with approximately 200 more dogs would have met their end and been discarded in a landfill.
ABOVE: Cinder, now named Hugo is a happy, healthy one-year-old puppy that loves his new dog brothers and snuggles on the couch. The vet is amazed at how far he has come and his family can’t imagine life without him.
Prepare for a Fun-Filled Family Day at Martensville’s Winter FunFest
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Throw on some layers and head on out for Martensville’s Winter FunFest on February 17th.
The annual Winter FunFest is taking place on Monday, February 17th and the City of Martensville has a big day planned for the community. This is one of the most popular events in the community and always draws a large crowd. This event is a perfect way to spend Family Day! You won't want to miss out on the variety of activities available for all ages. From thrilling bouncy houses to the enchanting presence of Anna and Elsa, there's something for everyone at this year's Winter FunFest. Don't forget to bring your skates for some outdoor skating or your appetite for a delicious hot dog roast by the fire.
The event is not only coordinated with families in mind, but it is also an important community gathering, and a great way to blast away the winter blues.
“Winter FunFest is my favorite event of the year as we get to enjoy a huge mix of indoor and outdoor activities and warm up and have lunch by the fire,” Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II said.
“It is always a fun afternoon for families to enjoy while making some memories. Thank you to our Community Champions North Prairie Development and CANWEST for continuing to support events like Winter FunFest in Martensville!”
The cost to attend is $20/family or $5/person.
For more details on this event, visit https://www. facebook.com/share/15s5GGjqE5/
ABOVE/LEFT/BELOW: A variety of activities are available each year at the annual Winter FunFest in Martensville. Bring the family out for a funfilled afternoon on February 17th and take part in something for everyone.
Boys Soccer Teams See Successful Weekend
The Valley United Soccer Club (VUSC) boys soccer teams saw much success this weekend while competing in the Lakewood Just Kick It Cup, which took place from January 31st-February 2nd.
All divisions were invited to attend, from U9-U19, and for VUSC, the U13 Rovers, U15 Rovers and U17 Rovers all earned themselves gold medals.
Skate Martensville Celebrating 40 Years
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Skate Martensville is currently working on another successful season and have approximately 110 skaters registered between the CanSkate, PreSTAR, STARSkate and Synchronized Skating programs.
In January, twelve STARSkaters and the STAR 4 Synchro Team competed in the Prairie Edge Regional Skating Competition in Dalmeny, and according to Skate Martensville President Nicole Gryba, “All skaters delivered amazing performances, showcasing their hard work and dedication. The club was incredibly proud of each skater for earning ribbons, medals, and achieving personal goals.”
Although winter weather made travel conditions less than ideal, skaters from across Saskatchewan and Manitoba traveled to Regina this past weekend to compete in the Prairie Regionals Synchronized Skating Championships.
Skate Martensville sent all three of their synchronized skating teams. Team Magic competing in the STAR 4 category with 12 skaters, performing to ‘Circus’ by Britney Spears. The Majestics competed in the Adult III category with 11 skaters, skating to a remix of popular ’80s hits and Momentum competed in the Adult II category with 17 skaters, performing to an elec electrontronic track by Two Feet.
“All three teams delivered great performances, with Magic (STAR 4) and Majestics (Adult III) both bringing home silver medals,” Gryba said. “Our STARSkaters and the STAR 4 Synchro Team are looking forward to their final competition of the season, the Winter Classic in Regina, taking place from February 28 to March 2.”
The Martensville club will end their season with their annual ice show on Sunday, March 23rd, and this year, as they are celebrating their 40th anniversary as a club, they will be featuring hits from 1984-1985. More information will be available closer to the event.
ABOVE: Skate Martensville’s Majestics team competed in the Adult III category to a remix of hits from the 80’s at the Prairie Regionals Synchronized Skating Championships and brought home a silver medal for their incredible performance. (Skate Martensville)
ABOVE: Skate Martensville’s Magic (STAR 4) team performed to ‘Circus’ by Britney Spears and earned themselves a silver medal at the Prairie Regionals Synchronized Skating Championships. (Skate Martensville)
ABOVE: The Momentum team for Skate Martensville, which consists of 17 skaters performed to an electronic track by Two Feet at the Prairie Regionals Synchronized Skating Championships in Regina this past weekend. (Skate Martensville)
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SPORTS Basketball Continues to Gain Momentum in Martensville
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Throughout the past 7-8 years, basketball within Martensville has seen consistent growth, as well as increased options available for various age groups. With this increase in options comes an increase in interest.
This year, there is a total of 11 Martensville basketball teams playing in the SMBA (Saskatoon Minor Basketball League). These teams consist of kids from grade 1 to grade 9. Once they reach high school age, they can either play with the local high school team, or with a team out of Saskatoon.
“We have been seeing more consistency with the number of teams that we have each year, which is great. It shows that this is something that kids are interested in participating in year after year,” Angie Reddekopp stated. “Martensville has really embraced basketball, and the spirit of the sport is growing within the community each year.”
With the addition of the new Martensville Recreation Centre to the community, the turf was removed from the Martensville Athletic Pavilion, opening another gym surface for basketball/volleyball tournaments.
The Martensville Thunder U15 club team hosted a fundraiser tournament at the MAP on January 4th and 5th that saw 24 teams in the tournament, as well as three showcase games with some of the more competitive club and NLDL (Next Level Development League) teams.
“It was an increase of approximately 16 teams from previous years, and was a large undertaking, as well as the first tournament in the MAP that was able to utilize all three of the surfaces. It was a great event and a great fundraiser for the club. It gave SMBA teams a taste of what tournament basketball is like, and we are hoping that we can continue running this in the future.”
The SMBA basketball season runs from October to March. Local participants have practices in Martensville, and games in Saskatoon. There is also a more competitive league option available with the NLDL, through SMBA for those that are interested.
“There are multiple options for camps as well as different levels of competition available within the province for those that are looking to increase their skill development and compete at a higher level. Basically, there is an abundance of opportunities available for every skill level,” Reddekopp added.
For more information on basketball opportunities, contact Angie Reddekopp at areddekopp@ martensville.ca, or at (306) 683-5576.
“It really is a sport that anyone can play. All you need is a basketball and a pair of runners and you can pick it up. It is a great opportunity for anyone that is interested in getting more involved in sports that isn’t going to cost a lot of money. We are looking forward to seeing the growth that is sure to come with the sport in the community going forward.”
City of Martensville Notice
Bylaw #17 & 19-2024
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, according to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan No. 2-2020 and Zoning Bylaw No. 1-2015, by:
1. Amending the Future Land Use Map of the Official Community Plan by designating a portion of SW-27-38-05-W3rd, Plan 102355343 from “Arterial Commercial” to “Residential” as shown below in “Figure 1”
2. Replace Appendix B-Lake Vista Approved Conceptual Land Use Plan by designating with corrected Appendix B-Lake Vista Approved Conceptual Land Use Plan showing a portion of SW-27-38-05W3rd, Plan 102355343 from “Arterial Commercial” to “Residential”.
3. The Zoning District map of the Zoning Bylaw No.1-2015 will be amended by rezoning the proposed parcel from C2A -Arterial Commercial to R3 – High-Density Residential as shown in red below in “Figure 2”
REASON: To accommodate a dwelling group on lands currently designated as commercial
EXAMINATION OF BYLAW: This bylaw may be examined by interested parties at City Hall on any judicial day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Copies of the Bylaw and Notice are available for $1.00.
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Feb 18th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the City Hall before February 10th, 2025
Dated at Martensville this 17th day of January 2025
Figure 1
Figure 2
Taylor Cabalt Planner
Manitoba is Regulating Machetes, Could National Knife Control Be Next?
Peter Shawn Taylor - C2C Journal
Chief Angela Levasseur of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in remote northern Manitoba has a big knife problem. Machetes - foot-long, bush knives popular with campers and farmers - have become the weapon of choice for young gang members terrorizing her 3,500-member reserve.
“Over the last two years we have seen a really high level of machete crimes committed by youth and on youth in our community,” she said from Nelson House, 850 km northwest of Winnipeg. “It’s just too easy for anyone to possess a machete.” That’s now changing.
Due in part to Levasseur’s lobbying, Manitoba recently passed Canada’s first machete law. The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act regulates the sale of any knife longer than 30 cm. Since the beginning of the new year, sales are now restricted to people 18 years and older, purchasers must show photo ID and retailers must track sales.
Based on the demands of advocates such as Levasseur, this may only be the beginning of new knife control measures in Canada - all troublingly modeled on our long and fruitless attempt at controlling guns.
The province claims its new law will keep big knives out of the hands of young criminals. That seems unlikely. Once the act takes effect, it will still be legal for an 18-year-old to buy an arm-full of machetes and hand them out to fellow gang members. Tougher measures require changes to the federal Criminal Code.
Ottawa is now being pushed in that direction. Coincident with Manitoba’s new law and following a series of horrific knife attacks in Vancouver, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma recently wrote to her federal counterpart asking that machetes be declared a “prohibited weapon,” which would amount to a permanent ban.
And in Manitoba, Levasseur is already lobbying for stricter rules, including a higher minimum age and a requirement that all machetes come with a serial number, allowing for a central knife registry. She also wants rules on safe storage. “Just like how gun owners have to safely store their rifles, I think people who buy machetes should have to lock them up as well,” Levasseur said.
To most Canadians the idea of comprehensive knife control likely sounds utterly impractical. A national knife registry? A requirement that you lock up your chef’s knife every night after chopping vegetables? Don’t be absurd.
Yet experience in Britain reveals what can happen when politicians lose their minds over knives.
Since the 1980s it has been illegal in the U.K. to be in public possession of a fixed-blade knife longer than three inches. Naked razor blades have been illegal since the 1990s. This year the new Labour government announced a full prohibition on large machetes described as “zombie-style” knives.
Despite decades of progressively stricter laws against knives, however, Britain is still plagued by stabbings. In August the lobby group Action On Armed Violence (AOAV) released a report titled “Knife crime on the rise in the UK”. It revealed a seven per cent rise in knife violence in 2023 over the previous year and 20 per cent growth in robberies involving knives since 2019. “I don’t think knife crime is going to go away anytime soon,” said Iain Overton, executive director of AOAV.
The reason, Overton observed, is that knife crime is largely the domain of “young men with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of pent-up rage.” In the 1980s, it was knife-wielding soccer hooligans, today it’s street gangs of young immigrants from Africa. “This presents some really thorny issues in dealing with why these young black men are drawn to violence,” Overton said. “Some problems are just so enormous that they seem insurmountable. So what does the government do? It says ‘let’s ban knives.’”
A similar sense of cynicism hangs over Manitoba’s new law. While it’s easy to have sympathy for Levasseur’s situation, her solutions make little sense. Indigenous youth confined to a remote northern reserve with nothing to do and plenty of extant anger will inevitably look for ways to cause public havoc. Knives are simply the easiest means to achieving that end, not the cause of the violence itself.
As for using gun control as our guide, keep in mind that homicides by shooting hit an all-time high in Canada in 2022. Trying in any comprehensive way to control knives - which are far more ubiquitous and useful than firearms - will simply make life more difficult for ordinary, law-abiding citizens without significantly impeding criminals. The real cause of our recent panic over knives is not blades that are suddenly sharper or longer but a lax legal system that fails to properly deter crime.
While large bush knives may be the weapon of choice for young gangs today, in their absence, smaller knives will do just as well. As will baseball bats, brass knuckles, vials of acid or sharpened crowbars. Criminality lies in the inclination of the criminal, not their methods or tools.
Peter Shawn Taylor is senior features editor of C2C Journal, where a longer version of this story first appeared.
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.
Largest Addictions Treatment Centre in Saskatchewan
Opens its Doors to Inpatients
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr is pleased to announce that the first phase of inpatient spaces is now available at the new addictions treatment centre near Lumsden. Intake started January 21 for 20 inpatient spaces at the EHN Willowview Recovery Centre.
“I am delighted that the first phase of inpatient spaces are now operating at our province’s largest addictions treatment centre,” Carr said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is focused on helping residents who want treatment for substance use access the supports they need to start their path to recovery.”
The centre, located about 20 minutes northwest of Regina, has space for 60 patients. It has been offering intensive outpatient treatment since October 2024. EHN continues to work with the Rural Municipality of Lumsden for approvals on renovations at the facility. A phased approach to converting the remaining 40 spaces from outpatient to inpatient spaces will continue throughout the spring.
EHN Willowview Recovery Centre is operated by EHN Canada. EHN is a leading addictions treatment provider with decades of experience operating facilities across Canada.
“It is genuinely a privilege to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to bring this world-class centre to the residents of this province,” EHN CEO Joe Manget said. “As a resident of Ontario, I really envy what this province is doing; your government is forward thinking and gets things done. I hope the country takes note of Saskatchewan’s leadership in mental health and addictions.”
EHN Canada was one of the successful proponents chosen through a competitive Request for Proposals process initiated by the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) seeking addictions treatment services, including intensive outpatient, inpatient treatment and recovery or transitional services.
The agreement to provide the service is between the SHA and EHN Canada.”We know that anyone can struggle with substance use that can lead to dependency,” SHA Provincial Executive Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services Colleen Quinlan said. “These treatment spaces are another monumental step toward getting more people access to the help they need when they need it. This partnership allows us to better support Saskatchewan residents voluntarily seeking addictions treatment on their recovery journey.”
EHN Willowview Recovery Centre will provide adults who want treatment for substance use with holistic, wrap-around inpatient addictions treatment for up to 16 weeks.
With the 60 spaces at Willowview, 221 of the 500 new spaces under Saskatchewan’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions are now available to Saskatchewan residents.
This includes; 15 inpatient treatment spaces at Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp; 15 withdrawal management spaces at Onion Lake Cree Nation; 15 inpatient treatment spaces and two withdrawal management spaces at Thorpe Recovery Centre near Lloydminster; 26 posttreatment spaces at St. Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan; 32 intensive outpatient treatment spaces through Possibilities Recovery Center in Saskatoon; 14 inpatient addictions treatment spaces with Poundmaker’s Lodge in North Battleford; and 42 virtual spaces through EHN Canada.
The 2024-25 Provincial Budget invests a record $574 million in mental health and addiction supports and services. This is the largest investment in the province's history for mental health and addiction supports.
POLICE BEAT
Saskatchewan RCMP Concerned as Fatal Collisions on the Rise for 2025
Eleven lives are already lost on Saskatchewan roadways this year. There have been eight fatal collisions on roads in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction between January 1 and 29. These collisions have resulted in 11 people’s deaths.
This is a dramatic increase from the two fatal collisions and three deaths from the same time period in 2024.
“These numbers are extremely concerning to see,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “We must all do our part and ask ourselves, ‘What can be done to make Saskatchewan roads safer?’ We all have a part to play in reversing this tragic trend.”
What are the causes? - Investigations continue into all recent collisions; a Saskatchewan RCMP Collision Reconstructionist investigates most fatal collisions and their science-based work takes time to complete. Investigators’ preliminary findings indicate that poor weather conditions contributed to five out of the eight fatal collisions this year.
Collisions impact everyone - “We have had 11 people die on roads in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction the first month of 2024 – think of how many people are impacted by these tragedies. There are family and friends grieving and our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected,” Supt. St. Germaine says. “It also impacts first responders. These incidents can be traumatic and nothing can prepare you for these types of calls where loss of life occurs.”
More work to do - “We’ve all heard basic driving safety tips hundreds of times,” Supt. St. Germaine says. “I may sound like a broken record, but I’ll keep repeating myself. Please remember the basics, drive to road conditions, obey speed limits, never drive while distracted or impaired by alcohol or drugs and always wear your seatbelt, because choosing to wear one can make the difference between life and death in a collision.”
He also strongly urges motorists to take things slow if they’re driving on icy or snowy roads and to always check hotline.gov.sk.ca/map (English only) for road conditions and to monitor what roads have been recently plowed, salted, and or/sanded.
Saskatoon Police Lay Charges in Ongoing Harassment Investigation
A 46-year-old man is facing charges related to an ongoing harassment investigation by the SPS General Investigations Section.
On September 6, 2024, a citizen attended to the SPS Service Centre to report having located two GPS trackers on his vehicle. Further investigation identified a suspect and a search warrant was executed at an apartment in the 2000 block of 20th Street West, where police located several more GPS trackers.
Marty Schira, of Saskatoon, was arrested by investigators of the General Investigations Section and charged with Harassment (x2), Mischief (x2), Intimidation (x2), and Fraudulent Concealment.
Currently, six GPS trackers have been recovered by SPS, however based on information obtained during the course of the investigation, Police believe there are additional trackers outstanding, and are asking the public to contact police if they locate one on their vehicle.
The trackers are typically wrapped in black tape and placed inside the fender of the vehicle.
If you discover a GPS tracker on your vehicle, investigators ask that you do not remove or alter the device. Instead, please attend to SPS Headquarters with that vehicle and tracker intact to file a report.
Millions of Fentanyl Doses Seized in Saskatchewan Traffic Stop
On January 28, 2025, officers from Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit (RTU) and the Province of Saskatchewan’s Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) were working together doing proactive patrols in the Swift Current area.
An RTU officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway #1. As a result of continued investigation, the two occupants of the vehicle were detained for a drug trafficking investigation.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located eight kilograms of fentanyl hidden under the spare tire.
The vehicle’s occupants were arrested.
SHP, Swift Current RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team provided RTU valuable assistance during the traffic stop and subsequent investigation.
As a result of that continued investigation, 26-year-old Swati Narula and 28-year-old Kunwardeep Singh, both from Calgary, are each charged with one count, trafficking, Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. They appeared in Swift Current Provincial Court on January 29, 2025.
The accused told investigators that they were travelling to Regina.
“This is a significant fentanyl seizure. Keep in mind that only a few grains of fentanyl is enough to potentially cause a fatal overdose. We have prevented potentially millions of doses of this dangerous drug from entering our communities,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “I hope this is a message to others who choose to transport illicit goods in our province. Our officers are watching out for you.”
Here are just a few highlights of recent RTU work:
• January 23, 2025: RTU officers stopped a vehicle on Highway #16 near Lloydminster. A RTU police dog alerted the officer to the odour of narcotics in the vehicle. Further investigation led officers to seize approximately $400,000 from the vehicle. The driver is charged with possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000. The investigation continues.
• January 22, 2025: RTU officers stopped a vehicle on Highway #13 near Ponteix. It was determined the vehicle was commercial and the driver was unable to provide a bill of lading, as required by law. As a result of continued investigation, officers located and seized approximately nine kilograms of illicit cannabis and a large sum of cash from the vehicle. The driver was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and possessing illicit cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, which is a charge under the Cannabis Act. The investigation continues.
• January 9, 2025: RTU officers stopped a vehicle on Highway #1 near Swift Current. Further investigation led to officers locating and seizing approximately 700 kilograms of illicit cannabis and a sum of cash in the vehicle. Further details are available here.
• November 19, 2024: RTU officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway #16 near Maidstone. A RTU police dog alerted the officer to the odour of narcotics in the vehicle. Further investigation led to officers locating and seizing approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine and a sum of cash from the vehicle. Further details are available here.
“Based on investigation and intelligence, we know illicit drugs are being transported across provincial borders into Saskatchewan,” Supt. St. Germaine says. “That’s why we have dedicated Saskatchewan RCMP officers – who work in tandem with partner agencies – who make it their mission to disrupt the flow of illegal activity. Our communities are safer because of their action.”
ABOVE: An example of the hidden GPS tracker. (Saskatoon Police Service)
ABOVE: A total of 8kgs of fentanyl were discovered hidden under a spare tire during a traffic stop near Swift Current. (RCMP)
