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.
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.
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!
Council Meets for First Time in New Year
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council met for the first time this year on Tuesday, January 14th, and the meeting began with three public hearings for discretionary use requests.
The first request was from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) regarding the construction of a two-unit dwelling at 514 5th Street South. A singlefamily dwelling was previously on the site; however, it was lost to a fire in December of 2023. SHC is looking to redevelop the property with a two-unit dwelling, with each unit consisting of three bedrooms. The proposed development would be managed by the Martensville Housing Authority.
The second request was regarding a trucking operation at 420 9th Street North. Mac D Services is looking to use this location for parking of four trucks and associated trailers, and to unhook/hook-up their trailers.
The third request was regarding the construction of another two-unit dwelling, this one at 31 2nd Avenue North, submitted by Dennis Geransky. The plans for the project have met required criteria for the baseline development standards and now requires the applicant to obtain required permits and licenses and have plans approved by Council.
The next item on the agenda was for Board of Revisions services, which was previously done by Nor-Sask, who will no longer be available for this year’s revaluation. Three firms were contacted, and based on information received, Leah Bloomquist, Director of Corporate Services, recommended that the City of Martensville move forward with Western Municipal Consulting.
The meeting also consisted of a request for IWL Steel Fabricators to utilize Martensville’s Economic Development Business Incentive Bylaw. Located at 401 9th Street North, IWL Fabricators is looking to expand their location and add 10,000 square feet onto the existing 12,000 square foot building. There are currently 14 employees at the Martensville location; however, following the expansion, this will increase to 32 employees.
City Council will meet again on January 21st for the monthly Committee of the Whole meeting at 5pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. For more information on Council meetings visit Martensville.ca.
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.
January 21st- Regular 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.
Recreation Program Update
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.
Nominate Your Favorite Businesses for a Business Excellence Award
Before January 31st
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Nominations are open for the 2025 Prairie Sky Business Excellence Awards. Be sure to visit prairieskychamber.ca to nominate your favorite local businesses before January 31st. You can submit up to three nominations per category and businesses must be located within Warman, Osler, Martensville or the surrounding region.
Categories include:
- New Business Award for businesses that have been in operation for less than three years and have strategies and plans to achieve business growth.
- Community Involvement
Award for businesses that lead in creative ways and have a positive impact on the community, whether that includes pitching in to help neighbors, launching a new business initiative, or other ways to help support the community.
- Customer Service Award for businesses that built new connections with customers and always managed to best serve their customers, no matter the circumstances.
- Business Marketing Award for businesses that demonstrated excellence in the execution of marketing strategy through advertising, promotions, products/service development, distribution/delivery and/or pricing strategies.
- Small Business Award for businesses that demonstrate dedication to providing quality services to the local area.
- Employer of the Year Award for businesses that provide a healthy work environment, or may offer exceptional workspaces, health benefits, training/skills, and support for community involvement.
- Business of the Year Award to recognize businesses that have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, compassion, determination and leadership. Businesses will receive their notice of nomination and then can submit an application that will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Finalists will then be chosen for each category, with the winner being announced at the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Excellence Awards on May 23rd at the Brian King Centre in Warman.
Local Residents Presented with King Charles III Coronation Medals
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Jamie Martens, the MLA for Martensville-Blairmore was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal at a ceremony in Saskatoon on January 9th, along with nine other local individuals. The medals were presented to each individual by Kelly Block, MP for Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek.
“What a compliment to be recognized for such a distinction,” Martens stated.
The other medals were presented to Beryl Bauer of Lake Lenore, Brian Brennan of Warman, Colin Crocker of Martensville, Gloria Barbara Ann deHaan of Biggar, Sheldon Maerz of Langham, Kevin Pulvermacher of Bruno, Terrence Schneider of Wakaw, Christopher Sokoloski of Humboldt and Michelle Woroniuk of Warman.
The King Charles III Coronation Medals are being presented to 30,000 Canadians that have made a significant contribution to Canada, or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in Canada, or that have attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
Congratulations to all the recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Martensville Football Organization in Search of Volunteers to Ensure Future Success
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Each year, the Martensville Maddogs Football organization hosts a variety of winter camp options to players looking to hone their skills through the winter months; however, this year, all camps have been cancelled due to a lack of volunteers.
“Our organization is completely operated by volunteers, and as their own players age out of our program, most parent volunteers move on to the next level to help out, and with no one stepping up to fill those gaps over the last couple years, things like our camps are drastically affected,” the Maddogs stated via social media.
The Maddogs have been a part of the community for the past 20 years, and throughout that time, there have been a wide array of talented local youth that have started their football careers representing the Martensville Maddogs and continued to have success on the field after receiving scholarships for post-secondary school based on their on-field talent.
Without volunteers for coaches and helpers, this organization will be unable to continue to be successful. The Maddogs will be announcing their Annual General Meeting in the near future, and are urging members of the community to attend and learn more about what the program offers youth, and find out how you can help ensure the Maddogs continued success by contributing time as a board member, a coach, or both.
“We need more volunteers to keep going and being a successful youth football program for 20 years now, it would be terrible to see the kids in this community lose the opportunities, skills and life lessons our program is known for teaching.”
For more information, visit maddogsfootball. ca, the ‘Maddogs Football’ Facebook page, or contact martensvillemaddogs@ gmail.com.
BELOW: The Martensville Marauder U15B Snipers went undefeated at their tournament in Hussar, AB this past weekend, which earned them the gold. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)
ABOVE: For the first time ever, the Martensville Marauder U18AA team became the A-side champions at the Fred McBeth U18AA tournament. The Martensville team came out on top out of 16 teams, and ended the final game of the tournament with a score of 6-2. (Martensville U18AA Marauders)
Skate Martensville Shines at Weekend Tournament
Skaters from Skate Martensville took part in the Prairie Edge Regional Skating Competition hosted by the Dalmeny Skating Club this past weekend. Both the STARSkaters and STAR Synchro team showed that all their hard work and dedication paid off with incredible performances, which earned skaters a variety of ribbons and medals, as well as achieving their own personal goals.
BELOW: The Valley United Soccer Club U17 Boys went undefeated at the Eastside Cup, earning them the championship title. (Valley United Soccer Club)
ABOVE: The Valley United Soccer Club’s U11 Boys were the top team at the Eastside Cup after going undefeated. (Valley United Soccer Club)
POLICE BEAT
Warman RCMP Respond to Multiple Fatal Collisions
On January 12, 2025 at approximately 8 a.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #7, west of Delisle, SK. Officers immediately responded and investigation determined two SUVs collided.
The driver of one of the SUVs was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 73-year-old from Wiseton, SK. His family has been notified.
The other SUV had two people in it. The passenger was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. She has been identified as a 65-year-old from Furdale, SK. Her family has been notified. The adult male driver was transported to hospital by STARS with injuries described as serious in nature.
Highway #7 was closed during initial investigation but has since re-opened. Warman RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
On January 12, 2025 at approximately 10:50 p.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #7, west of Laura, SK.
Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined an SUV and a pickup collided.
The driver of the SUV was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 42-year-old from Airdrie, AB. His family has been notified.
The driver of the truck was transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature. Neither vehicle had passengers.
Highway #7 was closed during initial investigation but has since re-opened. Warman RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit Seize Over 1,500 Lbs Of
Cannabis During Traffic Stop
On January 9, 2025 at approximately 11:00 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit were making proactive patrols and conducted a traffic stop on Highway #1 near Swift Current, SK. The traffic stop involved a large cargo van.
During subsequent investigation, officers located and seized approximately 1,551 lbs of illicit cannabis and a sum of cash from inside the van. An adult male, who told investigators he was travelling from British Columbia to Quebec, was arrested at the scene.
53-year-old John Kupr from Port Moody, BC is charged with:
• one count, possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000, Section 354(1) (a), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession for the purpose of distributing, Section 9(2), Cannabis Act.
John Kupr is scheduled to appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on April 16, 2025 Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers with the Provincial Protective Services Branch assisted in this investigation.
Biggar RCMP Investigating Fatal Collision
On January 9, 2025 at approximately 12:40 p.m., Biggar RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #14, east of Biggar.
Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined a car and a semi collided. The driver of the car, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 35-year-old male from Saskatoon. His family has been notified.
The driver of the semi was transported to hospital by EMS with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.
Highway #14 was closed during initial response and investigation. It has since re-opened. Biggar RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Have you seen Orlando Okemaysim?
Prince Albert RCMP continue to search for 50-year-old Orlando Okemaysim.
Since receiving the report that he is missing, Prince Albert RCMP have been checking places Orlando is known to visit and following up on information received. Subsequent investigation has determined several individuals report seeing Orlando on Sturgeon Lake First Nation on December 25.
Officers are searching the area he was last seen in, including with Saskatchewan RCMP’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System and Police Dog Services. Prince Albert Grand Council’s search and rescue team is also actively searching the area.
Orlando is described as approximately 5’9” tall and 240 lbs. He has brown eyes and medium-length black hair. Orlando was last seen wearing a blue wool jacket and running shoes. He typically wears glasses, but he currently does not have his glasses with him.
Orlando’s family and police are very concerned for his wellbeing as he was not adequately dressed for the frigid temperatures when he was last seen. They ask anyone who has seen Orlando since around Christmas – or has any piece of information on his whereabouts – to report it to police immediately so it can be followed up on.
Information can be reported to Prince Albert RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Illegal Border Crossing Investigation Results in Prohibited Firearms Seized
Around 9:00 p.m. January 6, 2025, the RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), part of RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, was notified by the United States Border Patrol (USBP) that a person illegally crossed into Saskatchewan from Montana, United States in a remote area south of Val Marie, Sask. The person then re-entered the United States illegally in the same location soon after and drove away in a truck. The vehicle was stopped by USBP officers and two adult male occupants were arrested. While the arrests took place, RCMP IBET and Ponteix RCMP Detachment police officers conducted a search of the area in Saskatchewan where the crossing occurred. The officers located and seized a box containing a pistol that is prohibited in Canada. Investigation determined the two adult males – Canadian citizens - entered the United States legally in early January at a designated port of entry. The males are not facing charges in the United States at this time. The males were returned to Canada and processed by Canadian Border Services Agency before being arrested by the RCMP on January 7.
Continued investigation included the execution of a search warrant at a residence on 9th Avenue North in Saskatoon on January 8. Upon entry to the residence, RCMP officers found quantities of chemicals/compounds in several different locations and required the assistance of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit and RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service’s Clandestine Lab experts to dispose of them safely. Materials were seized and sent to Health Canada for further analysis. Also seized from the residence were four firearms, two of which are prohibited in Canada, and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition.
19-year-old Nathaniel Rose of Calgary, Alberta and 19-year-old Arya Payendefar of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan are both charged with:
• 1 count, possession of a firearm without a license, section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, possession of prohibited devices without a license, section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, unauthorized import a firearm into Canada, section 103(2) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, smuggle into Canada, clandestinely, a firearm, the importation of which is prohibited, controlled or regulated under the Customs Act or any other Act of Parliament, section 159(1) of the Customs Act
This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may result. They will both appear in Swift Current Provincial Court next on February 12, 2025.
“This is an excellent example of how collaboration and pro-active action can quickly develop into a significant investigation involving many agencies and span across borders and communities. It highlights how vital policing relationships are in disrupting criminal activity and keeping the public safe on both sides of the CanadianU.S. border,” shares Superintendent Andrew Farquhar with RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region in Saskatchewan.
Assisting the RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, with this investigation is Ponteix RCMP Detachment, Saskatchewan RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit and Saskatchewan RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service’s Clandestine Lab teams, Canadian Border Services Agency and United States Border Patrol. We thank our partners for their ongoing collaboration and assistance.
Another Strong Year of Growth for Saskatchewan's Economy with 14,000 Jobs Created in 2024
Statistics Canada's recently released labour force statistics show that Saskatchewan's labour market remained strong last year with more jobs than ever before.
Saskatchewan's economy created 14,000 jobs in 2024 and had the third lowest unemployment rate among provinces with a 5.5 per cent annual unemployment rate, well-below the national average of 6.7 per cent. 606,200 Saskatchewan people were employed last year which is an all-time record high.
"Saskatchewan is experiencing significant job growth, which is a direct result of the confidence job creators have in our economy," Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. "The opportunities being created by a strong economy means more people are living and working in Saskatchewan than ever before. That is why we are focused on growing access to health care and educational spaces for Saskatchewan people to ensure that our province remains the best place to live, work and raise a family in Canada."
In December 2024, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9 per cent, well-below the national average of 6.7 per cent. The province also added 11,600 new jobs year-over-year in the month of December.
In December 2024, female employment reached an all-time high of 286,600. Year-over-year, female employment is up 8,800 an increase of 3.2 per cent and male employment is up by 2,800 an increase of 0.9 per cent.
Saskatoon saw major year-over-year job growth. Compared to December 2023, Saskatoon's employment was up 12,100 an increase of 6.1 per cent.
Major year-over-year job gains were reported in health care and social assistance, up 11,200 or 12.7 per cent, along with construction, which saw a gain of 6,000 or 14.3 per cent. Additionally, forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas saw a gain of 2,500 or 12.1 per cent.
This economic growth is backed by the Government of Saskatchewan's recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, a roadmap to build the workforce needed to support Saskatchewan's strong and growing economy, and Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy, a plan to increase investment in the province and to further advance Saskatchewan's Growth Plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually.
Saskatchewan Sees 26.2 Per Cent Growth in Building Permits
Province Ranks Second in Year-Over-Year and Month-Over-Month Growth
On January 10th, Statistics Canada released data indicating a 26.2 per cent yearover-year increase for the value of building permits in Saskatchewan from November 2023 to November 2024 (seasonally adjusted), which ranks as the second highest percentage change among the provinces.
The province also saw a monthover-month increase of 15.3 per cent in the value of building permits for November 2024 compared to October (seasonally adjusted), again placing Saskatchewan second in terms of percentage change among the provinces.
These figures follow last month's report which showed that building permits in the province saw a 13.8 per cent year-overyear increase for October 2024 compared to October 2023 (seasonally adjusted).
"The continued growth we are seeing in building permits demonstrates the confidence that individuals and industry have in Saskatchewan's strong and growing economy," Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. "Because of our efforts to create a businessfriendly environment and attract new investment to Saskatchewan, more people are choosing our province to live, work, and raise a family than ever before. Our growing construction sector is leading to more opportunities for people and communities across the province."
In November 2024, building permits in Saskatchewan totaled $273 million (seasonally adjusted).
The total value of building permits represents the dollar value of construction permits for residential and non-residential buildings.
Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan's 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.8 billion, or 2.3 per cent. This ties Saskatchewan for second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.
Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.
The Government of Saskatchewan also recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth - Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan's trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.
For more information visit: InvestSK.ca.
Valley Manor Student’s Design Selected for TeleMiracle
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Each year, TeleMiracle takes place in Saskatchewan and brings an entire province together to support the 20hour fundraiser. This year, TeleMiracle 49 will take place on March 1st and 2nd in Saskatoon at Prairieland Park.
Leading up to the event, there is a T-shirt design contest held, where Saskatchewan students can create a t-shirt design to be used for TeleMiracle.
“The t-shirt contest is a way to engage students and get them thinking about TeleMiracle while displaying their creative skills. This is a great opportunity for a whole class to participate, or something you can do at home with your family. For TeleMiracle 49, the students were asked to design a t-shirt that displays Helping Our Community,” Kinsmen Foundation Executive Director Danika Dinko explained.
Approximately 20-30 t-shirt designs are received each year, and this year, the chosen design came from Jayda Reimer, a grade 5 student from Valley Manor Elementary School in Martensville.
On Friday, January 10th, a T-Shirt Reveal Presentation took place at VMS, which included an educational assembly where students learned about TeleMiracle and how they can help, followed by the revealing of the chosen t-shirt design and a miniinterview with the winner.
“I liked the message of supporting one another and the outstretched hands that created a connection between people. It’s what we talk about at the board table during application review- we don’t give a handout but a hand up. When people need us, TeleMiracle is there,” TeleMiracle Chair Terri Troupe-Logue said.
For Dinko, engaging with the youth is an integral part of ensuring TeleMiracle stays relevant within Saskatchewan. “TeleMiracle is a proud Saskatchewan tradition, and the best way to stay relevant and keep it going is to engage with youth. Youth to perform, youth to fundraise, and youth to grow and volunteer with us. By engaging with the youth, we are ensuring that TeleMiracle continues to help people every day in our province.”
For more information about TeleMiracle visit telemiracle.com. To support the event in advance, be sure to purchase 50/50 tickets, which are now available for purchase at telemiracle5050.com.
Prairie Spirit School Division Notifies Families of Cyber-Attack
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) was one of numerous other school divisions within North America that were recently affected by a cyber-attack.
A letter was sent to families notifying them of the incident, noting that thirdparty provider PowerSchool, a student information software provider, was the “target of a recent cybersecurity incident.”
PSSD utilized PowerSchool for the management of school division data from 2009-2022. According to the letter, PowerSchool has informed the PSSD, that they were included in the cyber-attack, and that the data targeted primarily includes parent, student and teacher contact information, with data elements such as name and address information.
“PowerSchool will continue their analysis and provide more information and resources, including credit monitoring or identity protection services, if applicable,” the letter from PSSD explained.
PowerSchool says the company has taken all appropriate steps to prevent further unauthorized access or misuse of the data involved and the PSSD will share updates from PowerSchool with staff and families as it becomes available.
“We recognize the critical importance of protecting personal information, and we want to assure you that this matter is being treated with the utmost urgency. Please note that no action is required on your part at this time. We are committed to providing families and staff with updates as they become available from PowerSchool,” the PSSD stated.
ABOVE: Jayda Reimer, a grade 5 student from VMS won the TeleMiracle T-Shirt design contest this year. (Submitted)
ABOVE: An assembly was held at Valley Manor School on Friday, January 10th to showcase the t-shirt design created by Grade 5 student Jayda Reimer. (Submitted)
