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.
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.
Committee of the Whole Recap - January 14th
Public Hearings and reports were held and provided for two 2-unit dwelling applications at 514 5th Street South and 21 2nd Avenue North. An additional hearing and report was provided for a proposed trucking company to operate at 420 9th Street North.
Member of the Legislative Assembly for Martensville-Blairmore, Jamie Martens attended for introductions and bring greetings.
Council recommended the proposed Council Member Boards & Committees as presented.
Western Municipal Consulting was recommended for appointment as the City’s Board of Revisions.
Council was provided a recommended listing for Municipal Reserves.
Mr. Jim Johnstone was recommended for the District Planning Commissions Joint Member appointee.
An Economic Development Business Incentive application for IWL Steel was reviewed and discussed for an expansion project on 9th Street North.
This is a brief summary of the most recent meeting. For more detailed information and the official minutes, please visit Martensville.ca minutes are posted once approved.
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 Covers Range of Items at January 21st Meeting and Receives Update on Martensville Recreation Centre
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council met for the only Regular Council meeting of the month on Tuesday, January 21st. The agenda consisted of numerous items that were brought back from the January 14th Committee of the Whole meeting for approval.
The first item on the agenda was for the appointment of a Board of Revisions for the purpose of hearing assessment appeals. Previously, the City of Martensville used Nor-Sask, however, they are no longer available, and based on administration’s review, they recommended that Council approve the use of Western Municipal Consulting as the City of Martensville’s Board of Revisions for 2025.
Other items from last week that were listed on the agenda included multiple two-unit dwelling requests – one for 514 5th Street South from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and one for 31 2nd Avenue North.
A request from IWL Steel Fabricators was made for the Economic Development Business Incentive Bylaw. The business is planning to expand their Martensville location and add 10,000 square feet to their existing 12,000 square feet, which would cost more than $3 million, qualifying them for a five-year tax abatement.
Director of Recreation and Community Services Roxane Melnyk provided an update to Council on the Martensville Recreation Centre, and the new developments, including the Williams Family Fieldhouse,
which opened to the public on January 2nd. According to Melnyk, the fieldhouse is currently between 80-85% booked during prime time, which is in line with projected usage. The report also noted that arena rentals continue to show strong demand, with 90-95% of available rental slots during prime time already booked.
Melnyk noted that Discover Saskatoon, in collaboration with the Merlish Belsher and the Martensville Recreation Centre submitted a successful bid to host the ball hockey nationals in July of this year, bringing teams across Canada to the MRC from July 9th-12th. There will also be games played by the Huskie Men’s Soccer team vs Canada Games Men on February 8th at 2:30pm and February 9th at 1:30pm.
Some work is still being completed within the fieldhouse, with netting around the upper level being installed and finishing touches being done to the batting cages, score clocks and wayfinding signage.
Melnyk added that furniture has been ordered for the lobby, corridor, and the playground area of the MRC and the mini-stick arena is currently in production and is expected to arrive within the next few weeks for installation.
Items on the final deficiency list are being addressed, with plans to have all construction within the MRC completed within the next two weeks, with some deficiencies carried over and completed in the spring.
Now that the fieldhouse is open, the turf at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion has been removed, which now creates more opportunities for rentals and drop-in programming within the community.
Under the Municipal Funding Agreement for the Canada Community Building Fund Program, the City of Martensville is required to develop and approve a five-year capital plan, which describes anticipated investments in capital assets during that time. This plan is reviewed and revised each year, updating priorities and costs as needed. Administration provided a five-year draft plan to Council, which included two time-sensitive items: one for a full-time communication specialist, and the other for a new pool liner for the Martensville Aquatic Centre. The current liner is approximately 15 years old and has been patched several times throughout the years; however, to ensure it doesn’t fail for the upcoming season, a new liner is required, which is budgeted at $375,000.
Council will meet again on February 11th for the Committee of the Whole meeting. More information about Council meetings, and the agendas can be found at Martensville.ca.
Lunch with Leaders Event Provides Opportunity to Engage with Elected Officials
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Lunch with Leaders event on Friday, January 17th at the Sky Chef Lounge in Warman.
The event provided an opportunity for local businesses to meet with elected officials from the Martensville and Warman regions, and have an open conversation with them, ask questions and learn about future plans for the region.
Elected officials in attendance consisted of Martensville Mayor Kent Muench, Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk, Honourable Terry Jenson – MLA for Warman, Honourable Jamie Martens – MLA for MartensvilleBlairmore, and Kelly Block – MP for Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek.
Numerous local business representatives attended the lunch, which was emceed and moderated by PSCC Executive Director Angela Steiert.
ABOVE: The Lunch with Leaders event provided an opportunity for local business representatives to meet with elected officials from the Martensville and Warman region, including (L to R) Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk, Honourable Terry Jenson – MLA for Warman, Kelly Block – MP for Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek, Honourable Jamie Martens –MLA for Martensville-Blairmore and Martensville Mayor Kent Muench. (City of Warman)
“The event was informative, engaging and inspiring, and we had a packed house. Thank you so much to all who attended, asked questions, and took part in the discussion. Thank you to our leaders for taking the time to come out and discuss how our region is being impacted by current events, share future plans and ideas, answer questions, and engage in meaningful discussion with your community,” the PSCC stated.
ABOVE: The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch with Leaders event on Friday, January 17th was well attended by local business representatives from the Martensville and Warman region. (City of Warman)
E S S E N G E R
Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Your City; Your Newspaper
Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.
www.martensvillemessenger.ca Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year
Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca
Budget Talk at the MAP
The City of Martensville is providing residents with an opportunity to join in on a community discussion regarding the 2025 Civic Budget. The event will take place at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion on January 22nd from 5pm-7pm.
“This is your chance to share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss what matters most to you. We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your input,” the City of Martensville stated in a post on social media notifying the public about the event.
Centre Bingo
Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, January 23rd at 7:00pm
Cash Prizes - 50/50 - Concession
Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend.
6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available! Martensville New Horizon’s Senior
Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!
Top Curlers From Saskatchewan Competing
in Kindersley for a Chance to
Represent Their Province
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
From January 21-26, the best curlers from throughout the province will be participating in the 2025 Viterra Prairie Pinnacle Women’s Championship and the 2025 SaskTel Tankard Men’s Championship in Kindersley.
A total of nine men’s teams and nine women’s teams will be competing at the same time in the same venue, with the finals taking place on Saturday, January 25th.
Earlier this month, men’s curling teams competed in Swift Current to claim the final three berths into the 2025 SaskTel Tankard, and those spots went to Team Laycock, Team Thomas and Team Derksen.
BELOW: The Martensville Marauder U13A Snipers won the B-Final this past weekend in a tournament consisting of 15 teams in Prince Albert. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)
Team Derksen (Dylan Derksen – Skip, Logan Sawicki – Third, Tyler Derksen – Second, Gavin Martens – Lead and Coach Brad Kennedy) and Team Ede (Logan Ede – Skip, Matthew Drewitz – Third, Dustin Mikush – Second, Brayden Heistad –Lead and Coach Patrick Ackerman) of the Martensville Curling Club will be competing against seven other teams this week at the Kindersley Tankard and the winner will be representing Saskatchewan at The Montana’s Brier on February 28 – March 9 in Kelowna, B.C.
Teams in the 2025 SaskTel Tankard Men’s Championship consist of; Team Kleiter, Team Knapp, Team Kalthoff, Team Jacobson, Team Moser, Team Laycock, Team Thomas, Team Ede and Team Derksen.
The nine women’s teams competing in the 2025 Viterra Prairie Pinnacle Women’s Championship are; Team Englot, Team Thevenot, Team Barker, Team Holland, Team Selzer, Team Martin, Team Campbell, Team McCartney, and Team Stevenson.
The Prairie Pinnacle champions will represent Saskatchewan at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Thunder Bay, Ontario from February 14-23.
ABOVE: Team Derksen is currently competing in the 2025 SaskTel Tankard Men’s Championship in Kindersley from January 21-26 for a chance to represent Saskatchewan at The Montana’s Brier from February 28 - March 9. (Martensville Curling Club)
and website for updates on upcoming events/programs. (Valley
Registration Now Open for Soccer Programs at the Martensville Recreation Centre
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Valley Soccer Association is currently accepting registration for their VAS Parents and Tots program, which will run on Mondays from 10am-11am at the Martensville Recreation Centre.
This program offers an opportunity to interact with other parents and children while being active and learning about soccer.
Register for a 6-week session, beginning February 3rd for $60. Register at https://www.rampregistrations.com/login?v3=def01252b2.
LEFT: Team Ede of the Martensville Curling Club is competing in the 2025 SaskTel Tankard Men’s Championship in Kindersley from January 21-26 for a chance to represent Saskatchewan at The Montana’s Brier from February 28 - March 9.
(Team Ede)
Also beginning February 3rd is the VSA Walking Soccer program, which is a non-contact sport that involves rule changes from the standard game to promote health and safety in a fun, recreational setting.
This program is designed for everyone to participate in, including all ages and backgrounds, as well as those with mobility issues.
Registration is $40/player for a 4-week session. Register at https://www.rampregistrations.com/ login?v3=def01252b2.
ABOVE: The Valley United Soccer Club’s (VUCS) second session of Valley Prospects at the Martensville Recreation Centre. Another opportunity to be a prospect will be taking place in April. Watch the VUCS’s social media
United Soccer Club)
POLICE BEAT
Saskatchewan RCMP’s WEST Working to Locate Escaped Prisoner
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) is actively working to locate 29-year-old Glen Halkett, who escaped from the Prince Albert Penitentiary on December 31, 2024. After fleeing from police on January 1, 2025, Halkett is charged with:
- one count, flight from peace officer, Section 320.17, Criminal Code; - one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code; and - one count, drive while prohibited, Section 320.16, Criminal Code.
He was previously charged with one count of escaping lawful custody, Section 145(1), Criminal Code and one count, being unlawfully at large, Section 145(1), Criminal Code, in relation to the escape from the penitentiary. The Correctional Service of Canada media release on Halkett’s escape is available here - https:// www.canada.ca/en/correctional-service/news/2025/01/escape-from-saskatchewanpenitentiary-minimum-security-unit.html
Halkett is described as 5'8" and 168 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He has a tattoo on his neck and under his left eye. A photo is attached but officers report his hair is longer than is depicted in it.
If you see Halkett, do not approach him. Report sightings and information to police immediately. Reach your local RCMP detachment by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Saskatchewan RCMP SERT Year in Review: 827 arrests and more than 1,000 charges laid in 2024
Saskatchewan RCMP data shows there are more victims of violent crime in the province and those victims are experiencing more severe forms of violence. To help keep residents across the province safe, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT) work with RCMP detachments and frontline officers to suppress criminal activity.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT – which includes Crime Reduction Teams (CRT), the Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit (HTCEU), Offender Management Unit (OMU), Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRT) and Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST) –targets criminal groups and offenders who threaten the well-being of Saskatchewan people.
ABOVE: RCMP seized 40 rifles, along with other firearms, and other illegal items in a March 2024 investigation. (Submitted)
As a result of criminal investigations across the province last year, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT: - made 827 arrests; - executed 392 judicial authorizations and search warrants; and - laid 1,015 Criminal Code and Controlled Drug and Substances Act charges in 2024.
Aiming to curb criminal activity, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT conducts targeted enforcement activities informed by intelligence, evidence-based policing, analysis of community crime trends and consultation with local leadership. Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT also works hand-in-hand with frontline RCMP officers at detachments to combat crime in the communities they serve.
Investigation uncovers firearm trafficking in Hudson Bay area - Early in 2024, RCMP officers with the Prince Albert CRT, in collaboration with Hudson Bay Detachment, began an investigation into firearms trafficking in the Hudson Bay area.
As a result of continued investigation, Prince Albert CRT and Saskatchewan RCMP's Critical Incident Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the Veillardville, SK area in March 2024. Officers located and seized: 40 rifles; two handguns; approximately 20 additional firearms in various states of disassemble; more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition; powder and rifle casings used to reload shells; boxes of prohibited high capacity rifle magazines; two crates of illegal cigarettes; mint coins and gold jewelry investigators believe are stolen; small amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
An individual was arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences including trafficking and possession of prohibited firearms. The suspect was also charged with possession of stolen property and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine.
Saskatchewan RCMP teamwork keeps communities safe - “By removing dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition from the illicit market, our teams prevented these weapons from potentially falling into the hands of criminals and gang members who could use them to harm and intimidate community members,” says Insp. Jeff Smoliak, Saskatchewan RCMP's SERT Senior Investigative Officer.
“This is a prime example of how Saskatchewan RCMP SERT and local detachments work together as the provincial police force to enhance community safety in Saskatchewan.”
What is SERT? - Saskatchewan RCMP SERT is made up of 108 RCMP officers and 31 civilian support staff. With different teams located in 10 Saskatchewan communities, SERT is readily mobile and able to quickly deploy to surrounding areas. Teams are also assisted every single day by over 1,500 RCMP employees, including more than 1,000 sworn officers at 80 plus detachments across the province.
Saskatoon Police Respond to Multiple Bear Spray Incidents
Members of the Saskatoon Police Service responded to several recent reports involving bear spray.
On January 16, 2025, at 5:15 p.m., it was reported to Police that two teens were observed fighting in the 400 block of 33rd Street West. One individual is said to have deployed bear spray at the other in front of a store before fleeing. Neither the victim or the suspect was located upon Police arrival.
Approximately one hour later, SPS Communications received a call that six to seven youth had deployed bear spray inside a store in a shopping centre in the 300 block of Confederation Drive. No injuries were reported. The group fled prior to Police arrival.
Later in the evening, at approximately 8:30 p.m., an officer patrolling downtown was flagged down by a man in the 100 block of 2nd Avenue South. He reported that two unknown individuals entered a business wearing masks and discharged an unknown spray into the air before fleeing on foot. The spray was an irritant, but not believed to be bear spray. No injuries occurred during this incident. No further suspect description is available.
On January 17, 2025, at 4:45 a.m., Patrol officers were dispatched to a weapons call in the 1700 block of 20th Street West. Upon arrival, an agitated man was waving his arms holding a can of bear spray. He was arrested without incident and officers seized the bear spray. The 30-year-old was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He is charged with Possession of a Dangerous Weapon and Breach of Probation.
Calling all Hunters! Hunter Harvest Survey Deadline Reminder
It's the time of year when the Ministry of Environment needs help from hunters: please complete your hunter harvest surveys before the deadline on your licences.
The results of the survey provide critical information to help wildlife biologists better understand game populations and determine management strategies.
"We want to keep excellent hunting opportunities available for the people of Saskatchewan, and the hunter harvest survey provides valuable information for quota and season setting for the upcoming year," Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. "As a hunter, I know it is my duty to fill out my hunter harvest survey every year, and as the Minister, I can tell you this data helps manage game in Saskatchewan and provides valuable information for quota and season setting."
Senior man wearing a orange hat and orange vest holding a rifle in the woods. The ground is covered with white snow.
The deadline for the Big Game and Game Bird hunter harvest surveys is January 20, 2025; the Fur Bearer survey deadline is April 30. Hunters are required to complete a survey for each licence they purchase, regardless of if they hunted or not. To fill out a survey, visit your HAL account, use the SK Hunt and Fish App or call 1-888773-8450.
The ministry has conducted the hunter harvest surveys in various forms for more than 50 years. Hunters answer a series of questions about their hunting experiences, and the collected data is analyzed over multiple years to identify long-term trends. The results help set harvest quotas, assess recent management strategy changes, and pinpoint areas where different management approaches may be needed.
For more information on the hunter harvest survey, or to access previous survey results, visit: Hunter Harvest Survey | Hunting | Government of Saskatchewan.
If you have questions about hunting in Saskatchewan, contact the Ministry of Environment's Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224 or centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.
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.
More Opportunity For Saskatchewan High School Students In The Oil & Gas Industry
Three additional energy companies are partnering with Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) and Teine Energy to support the creation of new online oil and gas high school courses with work placements.
Cenovus Energy, Vermilion Energy and Whitecap Resources have joined Teine Energy's commitment to provide support and industry expertise to Sask DLC's development of new Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 20 and 30-level online courses.
The four energy companies, each with operations in the province, are providing a combined total of up to $160,000 over two years to support the creation of the new courses and to fund a coordinator position to facilitate student work placements and industry engagement opportunities.
"The energy sector is an important part of our province's strong and growing economy - both locally and globally," Minister Responsible for Sask DLC Everett Hindley said. "It is exciting to see Saskatchewan students will be able to learn about the career opportunities that exist here in our province and gain the skills and knowledge they need to have a successful future in the oil and gas industry."
Starting in Semester 2 of this school year, students will be taking Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 20 as part of the pilot of this new online course with work placements. Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 30 will be available to students starting in the 2025-26 school year.
In the 20 and 30-level elective courses, students will take 50 hours of online theory to learn about the industry, safety and career paths available to them as well as 50 hours of hands-on learning through an industry work placement. Registration for these classes is limited to ensure all students are matched with the work placement required for course completion.
These new online courses are based on the Ministry of Education's existing Energy and Mines curriculum and are available to full-time Sask DLC students or high school students attending local schools throughout the province, to supplement their in-person learning.
Beyond the financial support of the course development, Teine Energy and Whitecap Resources have also agreed to host student work placement hours at their locations throughout Saskatchewan to supplement student learning.
The four companies also have the opportunity to provide a representative to the steering committee that is providing valuable industry feedback to the Sask DLC course developers currently creating these new online courses.
"Teine looks forward to continued collaboration with Sask DLC on the Oil & Gas program and providing opportunities to students with hands-on experience within our field operations," Teine Energy Vice-President of Production and Operations Tyler Homan said. "The future of our Canadian industry and energy economy relies on bright and talented young minds and workers driving their own success and sharing the prosperity across our communities."
"Cenovus relies on the ingenuity and talent of our people to drive our success," Cenovus Energy Vice-President, Lloyd Thermal and Conventional Heavy Oil Operations Nicolas Zaher said. "By providing students with accessible courses, Sask DLC is developing a strong pipeline of talent for our company, equipped to take on the energy jobs of today and tomorrow and advance our industry in this important region."
"At Vermilion, our people are our strength," Vermilion Energy Inc. President and CEO Dion Hatcher said. "That is why we are excited to work on this collaborative initiative to help students gain valuable skills to help them find a fulfilling career in the energy industry."
"Whitecap Resources is very pleased to support this initiative, which will give students an opportunity to gain an understanding about the oil and gas sector that provides economic prosperity and energy security to the Province of Saskatchewan and the entire country, and in turn, further economic security of individuals who choose to work in the industry," Whitecap Resources President and CEO Grant Fagerheim said. These new courses complement similar hands-on learning and work placement opportunities available to students through Sask DLC, including:
• Agriculture Equipment Technician;
• Autobody;
• Construction & Carpentry; • Electrical;
• Mechanical & Automotive; • Parts Technician; • Power Engineering ; • Precision Agriculture;
Tourism; and • Welding. You can learn more about the online courses available through Sask DLC at saskDLC.ca.
One Year Anniversary of Pop-Up Rescue Project
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
It has been approximately one year since the Pop-Up Rescue Project oversaw the rescue of almost 200 dogs from a northern Saskatchewan community. These animals, many of which are now integral members of their new families, would not be alive today without the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers; donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals; and support from numerous animal rescues across several provinces.
Although there were, and still are, many people involved in the Pop-Up Rescue Project, Kristine O’Brien, owner/operator of Paws Republic Centre for Pets, spearheaded the rescue and managed to organize an army of kind-hearted individuals to ensure the dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages, were bathed, exercised, obtained the medical attention they required, and found homes to receive the love that they were so deserving of.
“Looking back, I can’t believe that we actually did this. The amount of support that we received was unimaginable and I could not be more grateful to each and every person that contributed in some way to make this possible. But we still need support. With all of those dogs comes a lot of medical expenses that we are still working our way through,” O’Brien stated.
Currently, Paws Republic is organizing an online auction, with proceeds going towards supporting the Pop-Up Rescue Project vet bills. The ‘Forever Home Online Auction will take place from January 27th – February 2nd and can be found on the ‘Pop-Up Rescue Project’ Facebook page.
A wide variety of items have already been added to the auction thanks to the generous donations from supporters and businesses, and items are still being added.
There are many ways to help support this incredible cause, such as; bidding on items in the auction, donating an item for the auction, sharing the auction with friends and family, or you can make a monetary donation. Every amount helps!
“While we appreciate every ounce of help we have received throughout this journey, we really couldn’t have done this without the support of the Martensville Veterinary Hospital. They have been instrumental in ensuring that all of these dogs can live long, healthy lives,” O’Brien added.
If you are interested in donating an item or making a monetary donation to the Pop-Up Rescue Project medical expenses, contact Paws Republic Centre for Pets at info@pawsrepublic.ca. Donations can also be made directly to Martensville Veterinary Hospital.
Franny (LEFT) was a new mom and extremely malnourished when she was rescued last year. Now she gets to enjoy the comfortable life!
ABOVE: Venture Heights Elementary School
some special guests last week. Saskatchewan Roughriders players Jorgen Hus and Logan Ferland stopped by the local school for the Win with Wellness and Rider Reading programs. Students were excited to spend some time with the CFL players, thanks to the contributions of Mrs. Heroux for making it possible. (Venture Heights Elementary School)
ABOVE: Wheezy (LEFT) is living his best life after being rescued last February. The Pop-Up Rescue Project helped Wheezy get surgery to improve his quality of life as he was diagnosed with a rare condition that affects his breathing.
LEFT:
RIGHT: Meet Charlie!
Although Charlie was one of the last dogs from the Pop-Up Rescue Project to be adopted, his day finally came and he is now celebrating his new life with his forever family.
