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.
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Upcoming Council 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.
• Committee of the Whole Meeting January 14
• Regular Council Meeting January 21
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.
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.
Seniors Globe Walk Kicks Off at the MAP this Month
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The City of Martensville will once again be hosting the Seniors Globe Walk Program this winter in partnership with the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA).
“During community consultations, older adults identified the need for more physical activity and social opportunities during the winter months. The Seniors Globe Walk is a response to that need,” Angela Reddekopp, City of Martensville Recreation Coordinator, stated.
This program is for all participants 50+ and provides a motivational, fun way to get in some extra physical activity. It is free to participate; however, you are required to register. In 2024, the City of Martensville had approximately 100 people register for this program.
There will be a dedicated space at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion on Tuesdays from 1:00pm – 2:00pm from January 7 – April 29 for those that are 50+ and registered to walk at no cost.
All forms of activity can be recorded and submitted. According to the SCOA Globe Walk website, 1300 steps equal one kilometre and a half hour of exercise equals two kilometres, which is the common accepted standard; however, all participants are required to do is record their steps, distance, or time, and the rest will be done for them. All forms of physical activity are eligible such as cleaning house, shoveling, walking, aerobics, etc. SCOA does encourage the use of fitness tracking devices, pedometers or cell phone apps to help track your efforts as well as motivate you to help accomplish your goals.
More information regarding the SCOA Globe Walk can be found by visiting www.scoaglobewalk.net. More information, as well as registration forms are available at the front desk at the MAP.
Field House Opens for Programming
January 2nd
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The community has been enjoying a large section of the Martensville Recreation Centre since October of 2024; however, the remaining section of the building, which consists of the Field House and batting cages is set to open this week, with the first rental on the field scheduled for January 3rd.
The 145,000 sq ft facility has been an exciting addition to the community and has already made an impact on all who have stepped inside. Since opening in October, the regulationsized arena, mini-leisure ice surface, climbing wall, lounge, indoor playground and more have made a lasting impression, and the Field House section is sure to do the same.
“The Martensville Recreation Centre has been a longtime dream of the community. Soon it will be completed and the residents of Martensville and surrounding communities will benefit from the dream that has become a reality,” Roxane Melnyk, City of Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Services, stated.
The Field House will include 61,570 sq ft of indoor soccer and turf area, in addition to 7,600 sq ft of baseball pitching and batting tunnels.
There will still be some ongoing construction taking place throughout January; however, it will not impact the facilities usage.
The MRC features a total of eight retail units available for lease, in varying sizes. Melnyk noted that there is work being done with multiple companies that are interested in commercial space; however, there is still space available for lease.
A grand opening is currently being planned, and once a date is finalized, a public announcement will be made.
Track Your Reading Minutes this Month For a Chance to Win Prizes
If you are looking for ways to motivate you to read more as we begin the new year, the Wheatland Regional Library will be hosting a Winter Reading Challenge from January 1st to January 31st challenging readers of all ages to read 300 minutes (five hours).
By taking part in this challenge, you can get a chance to win one of three prizes, with a prize available for each age group – children, youth aged 12-17 and adults aged 18+.
Prizes for the children category (0-11) are a $50 Mastermind Toys gift card, Bananagrams or “Dog Man: Guide to Creating Comics in 3-D”. Youth prizes include a $50 Etsy gift card, a 1000-piece puzzle, or a rechargeable reading light.
Reading minutes can be tracked through Beanstack, or a paper reading log that can be picked up at the local library, or on the Wheatland Library website. Track your reading minutes and return your log to the Martensville Library for your chance to win.
Visit https://wheatland.beanstack.org/ to register for Beanstack and follow the ‘Martensville Library’ for regular updates on challenges, programs and events taking place locally.
Get Your Rackets Ready for the January 11th Pickleball Tournament
Shanine Sealey,
Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Pickleball Tournament will be taking place on January 11th at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.
This tournament will consist of round-robin play for mixed doubles, with no tiering. Players will have three categories to choose from for play, which are 54 and under, 55+, and all ages advanced category.
Players register as individuals and will switch partners and opponents each game. Everyone is guaranteed to play four games, with the top players moving on to the finals.
The Pickleball Shop will be the Game Ball Sponsor for the event, and Supplement World Warman will be the Lunch Sponsor.
Games will begin at approximately 9am, and registration is open until January 6th. Register by visiting Martensville.ca and clicking ‘Program Registrations’, or by calling (306) 683-5576.
Delisle Man Wins
$100,000 on Poker Lotto
Melvin Ouellette is Saskatchewan’s latest POKER LOTTO winner – taking home $100,000 on the November 21 draw!
The Delisle winner said he was surprised to see the win and immediately called his sons to share the good news.
“They were super happy,” he said. “I’m sending them some money! One is in in B.C., and one is in Manitoba.”
After spoiling his sons, Ouellette is planning to upgrade his vehicle and take a few trips.
“I’d love to take a vacation, visit my sons, and even head to Yuma and see my friends,” he smiled. “I have a lot on my bucket list!”
“I’m quite happy,” he continued. “I’ve never won this big before and it feels great!”
Ouellette purchased his winning POKER LOTTO and ALL-IN ticket from Delisle Esso at 200 Main St. in Delisle. He won his prize by matching all five cards drawn in the November 21 nightly draw: five of spades, ten of spades, nine of heart, seven of clubs, and nine of diamonds.
Sask Lotteries is celebrating 50 years as the main fundraiser for more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups in communities across the province! Since 1974, through an agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, lottery sales in Saskatchewan have been used to provide more than $1.4 billion to support athletes from the grassroots level to the international stage, connect youth to artistic experiences, help residents experience the beauty of the parks that cover the province and so much more. Learn more about lottery beneficiaries, as well as games, jackpots, winning numbers and more at sasklotteries.ca.
Santa Spreads Joy at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital
Santa’s visit is one of many festivities of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) Project Holiday Joy initiatives, aiming to bring children and families in hospital the opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer as they receive care at Saskatchewan’s only dedicated children and maternal hospital.
As many young patients at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) eagerly counted down the number of sleeps until Santa’s arrival, the jolly man himself decided to stir up holiday excitement for Saskatchewan children as he arrived at JPCH with gifts in a bright shiny red truck to visit the children and families receiving care.
Everyone in JPCH could hear Santa’s ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ as he headed toward the Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone. Santa was eager to explore the festive activities the incredible team had organized through the Mosaic Child Life Program.
Saskatchewan children and families visited with Santa while receiving a special holiday gift and a keepsake photo to commemorate their visit, thanks to the generosity of Graham Construction.
JPCHF’s Project Holiday Joy activities included cozy holiday movie nights throughout December in the JPCH Family Theatre, festive songs and stories, ornament making & decorating, holiday bingo, sugar cookie and gingerbread house decorating, as well as a Holiday Market that allows patients, families, and caregivers an opportunity to shop for a special present for each other when they aren’t able to leave the hospital.
“Santa’s visit is a truly magical moment, bringing immense joy to young patients and their families in the hospital,” shared Brynn Boback-Lane, President & CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Project Holiday Joy embodies the true spirit of giving, and we are deeply grateful to our dedicated sponsors and donors for helping create cherished memories during the holiday season. Together, we are making meaningful differences in the lives of these courageous children receiving life-changing and life-saving care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.”
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation expresses its gratitude to the sponsors of Project Holiday Joy: Graham Construction, Viterra, McDougall Gauley, JS Truckmart, SGI, Decora Homes Ltd., Wyle Coyote Farms Inc., and Drs. Matt Johnson and Desiree Rouleau.
LEFT: Melvin Ouellette from Delisle won an early Christmas present of $100,000 on POKER LOTTO in the November 21st draw. (Sask Lotteries)
MFD Concludes Another Successful Christmas Hamper Program
The Martensville Fire Department held their annual Christmas Hamper Program once again, and thanks to the generous contributions from local residents, schools, organizations and businesses, they were able to help 28 families in the community.
The Christmas Hampers were distributed throughout the community on December 18th, just in time for the holidays.
The MFD shared a message on social media, thanking everyone that helped make the program a success, including the 574 “Dakota” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, the Martensville Marauders, Martensville & District Kinsmen Club, Martensville & District Lions Club, Pharmasave Martensville, Martensville Co-op, Ecole Holy Mary, Martensville High School, Lake Vista Elementary School, Venture Heights Elementary School, Valley Manor Elementary School, Dominos Pizza, Bubble Bee Coffee, Wrench Fitness, Aspen Pointe Estates, Smokehaus Meats, the Martensville and District Kinette Club and the community in general.
This program has been a part of the holiday season in Martensville for over 25 years, and continues to provide food, hygiene products, toys, and more to approximately 25-30 families each year.
“There is a growing need in Martensville as it continues to grow, but it is incredible to see how the community steps up every year and it never ceases to amaze me. People are always willing to help and the support is so appreciated,” MFD Deputy Fire Chief James Taylor said.
Any extra items that were not used within the Christmas Hampers, will be provided to the Martensville Food Pantry to help restock their shelves after the holiday season.
“This is something that we do once a year as a tradition, but the other organizations, like the Martensville Food Pantry, where they have an array of volunteers that are doing this work year-round deserve so much credit for everything they do for the community,” Taylor added.
MFD Remind Residents to Use Caution When Utilizing Local Ice Surfaces
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Throughout the winter months, the Martensville Fire Department does regular testing on local ponds to determine ice thickness to help ensure residents within the community are safe.
On December 21st, they conducted ice thickness testing and found an average depth of 14” across the community with variances between 13” and 19”.
“We do not recommend going on the ice behind Stone Terrace, near the dog park, as this pond measured the shallowest at 13”. Ice conditions on this pond change rapidly and is known to have open holes that can be hidden by snow,” the MFD shared via social media.
As a reminder to residents, the MFD noted that caution should always be taken when going on any ice surface, as ice thickness can change quickly with the fluctuating temperatures and heavy snowfalls.
For updates from the MFD, follow the ‘Martensville Fire Department’ Facebook page.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
POLICE BEAT
Have you Seen William Bird?
Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP continue to search for 45-year-old William Bird, who was reported missing to them in June 2024.
It’s been more than a year since he was in touch with loved ones, who say he was last known to be in the Prince Albert area.
William is described as approximately 5’6” tall and 130 lbs. He has brown eyes, black hair and a goatee. William has a triangle tattoo on his left arm.
William is known to travel to the Montreal Lake, La Ronge and Prince Albert areas, but his current whereabouts are unknown.
If you have seen William or know where he is, contact Montreal Lake 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.
Rosetown RCMP Investigates Fatal Collision on Christmas Eve
On December 24, 2024 at approximately 8:30 p.m., Rosetown RCMP received reports of a collision on Highway #7, west of Rosetown.
Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined two semis jackknifed on the road. An SUV struck one of the semis, while other vehicles left the roadway while trying to avoid them.
A passenger of the SUV was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. She has been identified as a 25-year-old from Calgary. Her family has been notified. The adult male driver was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature. No other significant injuries were reported to police.
Highway #7 was closed during initial investigation, but has since re-opened. Rosetown RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Saskatchewan RCMP
Saskatoon RCMP Respond to Fatal Collision
On December 20 around 11:30 a.m., Saskatoon Detachment received a report of a collision on Highway #5 east of St. Denis, SK – a westbound SUV and an eastbound truck collided.
The lone occupant of the SUV – a 69-year-old female from Humboldt Detachment area - was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The lone driver of the truck – a 45-year-old male from Saskatoon Detachment area - was transported to hospital with what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.
Saskatoon RCMP and RCMP Collision Reconstruction continue to investigate.
Saskatchewan RCMP: Search Continues for Dallas Fulton Who
is Wanted in Relation to October 24 Robbery
Saskatchewan RCMP continue efforts to locate 28-year-old Dallas Fulton. This includes continuing to check places he is known to visit and following up on all information received about his potential whereabouts.
“This investigation remains active. On Friday, December 13, we conducted an aerial search of the Thunder Rapids area by plane as part of these efforts. Officers did not locate any sign of Dallas Fulton during this search,” says Insp. Ashley St. Germaine from Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “We continue to urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to report it to police.
While Dallas Fulton is wanted, he has also been reported missing by his family. It’s important that we are able to confirm his well-being.”
Officers also have not been able to make contact with Brody Lebel. Brody Lebel has been reported as missing to Prince Albert Police Service.
If you have information about either of their whereabouts, report it to your local police of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Encountered
3,700 Drivers Who Recently Consumed Alcohol and/or Drugs in First 11 Months of 2024
Leading into the holiday season, the Saskatchewan RCMP put out a notice to the public, urging them to make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking notifying people that their loved one has been seriously injured – or worse, has passed away – as the result of a motor vehicle collision,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “It’s even more tragic when you know it could have been avoided if someone had made a more responsible decision.”
In the first 11 months of 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP officers encountered over 3,700 drivers who had recently consumed alcohol and/or drugs. Those interactions resulted in approximately 1,400 Criminal Code charges and 2,300 roadside suspensions.
Charges laid and roadside suspensions issued during December safety campaigns - December 1 to 7 was Canada Safe Driving Week. During the seven-
Saskatoon Police Investigate City’s 15th Homicide
At around 7:30 p.m. on December 18, 2024, members of the Saskatoon Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Unit, were executing a search warrant at a residence in the 1700 block of 22nd Street West. Upon entering the residence, officers located a deceased male. Three men and one woman were taken into police custody for further questioning but were later released without charges. Police are continuing to investigate the city’s 15th homicide.
Members of the Major Crime and Forensic Identification Sections are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information believed to be relevant to the investigation is asked to call police directly at 306-975-8300 or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Drug Trafficking Investigation Leads to Arrests
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at around 3:30 p.m., investigators from the SPS Crime Reduction Team, with assistance from the SPS Tactical Support Unit, carried out enforcement action at a business in the 1200 block of Baltzan Boulevard. Two men, ages 28 and 34 suspected of trafficking illicit narcotics, were arrested. Further investigation led to two search warrants being served at residences in the 100 block of Horner Crescent and the 200 block of Akhtar Bend.
The following was seized as a result of the investigation: 771.6 grams of cocaine, 111 x 8mg hydromorphone tablets (Dilaudid), 432 x 1 gram packages of illicit cannabis products (shatter/butter): Charged under the Federal Cannabis Act., 2 x knives (switchblades), Brass knuckles, Cellular devices, Packaging material, digital scales and other indicia consistent with drug trafficking, Jewellery, designer sunglasses and designer luggage and a 2014 Honda Civic.
A total of 11 charges including weapons offences, drug trafficking offences and possession of proceeds of crime over $5000 were laid.
day enforcement campaign, Saskatchewan RCMP and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan officers checked over 1,400 drivers.
They identified 57 who had recently consumed drugs or alcohol prior to driving. Six were charged under the Criminal Code with impaired driving and 51 were issued roadside suspensions.
Of the roadside suspensions, 21 were found to have blood alcohol content of .04 to .08, 29 tested positive for cannabis consumption, and one tested positive for cannabis and cocaine consumption.
December 7, 2024 was National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day. CTSS officers were on patrol throughout the province, and determined that 36 drivers had recently consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving. Of these, 12 were charged under the Criminal Code and 24 received roadside suspensions.
Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Increase Accessibility Funding to Child Care Facilities
On December 20th, the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada have announced that regulated child care facilities across the province will now receive up to $3,200 per month for every child eligible under the Enhanced Accessibility (EA) Grant, an increase of $1,200.
The EA Grant assists regulated child care facilities in covering the additional costs associated with offering services to children who have intensive needs across various areas of development.
"We are listening to the sector and hearing their challenges on being able to offer specialized care," Education Minister Everett Hindley said. "This increase in funding will allow Saskatchewan child care facilities to continue providing safe, inclusive child care for families of children with special needs."
The grant is provided directly to a regulated child care facility and can be used to assist with the cost of additional staffing required to care for children with exceptionally high needs.
The number of children supported with the EA Grants can vary over time as more children enter regulated child care and require additional supports.
"This additional funding is a huge step to support our inclusive environments for children of all abilities," Natural Wonders Early Learning Centre Executive Director Sheila Paradis said. "The increased demand for early learning services in our community has also increased the demand for inclusive services. This is a much-needed change and this increase will help us hire suitably educated inclusion supports who help children overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, impact educational outcomes and significantly influence life long success."
The ministry is committed to supporting child care facilities in building their capacity to meet the needs of children with intensive needs. Supports include access to a tuition-free Autism Certificate of Achievement, tuition-free inclusion micro-credentials, the Building Inclusive Practices initiative and numerous online resources and learning modules in the ministry's Early Learning Portal to support inclusive practices.
"A high-quality, affordable, and flexible child care system must also be inclusive, so every child in Saskatchewan, and across the country, can thrive," Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds said. "We are making it easier for families to access services that meet the diverse needs of every child."
A one-time Accessibility Rating Grant is now available to child care centres to help identify barriers and create accessible spaces for all children using the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) assessment. The RHFAC is a national rating system that measures and certifies the level of meaningful access to buildings. The $12,500 grant will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to child care centres with an accessible entryway and experience supporting children with intensive needs.
The Accessibility Rating Grant is a commitment made under Saskatchewan's Action Plan for the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund, which provides $19.1 million to Saskatchewan from 2023 to 2026, to help build more inclusive and accessible child care spaces across the province.
Funding for both the EA Grant and the Accessibility Rating Grant is available under the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The agreement, which was signed in August 2021, supports an early learning and child care system in Saskatchewan based on principles of affordability, accessibility, quality and inclusion.
Letter to the Editor
As Minister of Agriculture, a landowner and cow-calf producer, I personally appreciate concerns surrounding illegal foreign ownership of farmland in Saskatchewan. Ensuring there is no unauthorized foreign land ownership is a top priority for me and the public should be assured the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to protecting Saskatchewan farmland.
Through The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, the Farm Land Security Board monitors 40,000 farmland sale transactions annually in the province to ensure purchases are by either a Canadian or Canadian resident. It can issue exemption orders for non-Canadian-owned entities, typically when in the province’s best interest. For example, many agribusinesses in Saskatchewan require an exemption. While the legislation provides enforcement tools regarding entities not in compliance, we are exploring options to enhance them.
As stated in the recent Auditor’s report, no illegal ownership was found in all sale transactions sampled. While the Auditor found that Board staff did not request statutory declarations in nine of the 18 out-of-province corporate transactions, each of the nine instances the purchasing corporation was Canadian. Most often these are family corporations and, where this was unclear, a declaration was requested. While declarations may not be mandatory given the numerous tools available to the Board, the Board is now requesting declarations from all out-of-province purchasers. Most of the Auditor’s 10 recommendations were already a priority for the Board and implementation has begun.
If you have information about a foreign land ownership concern in Saskatchewan, please reach out to inquiries.ag@gov.sk.ca or 306-787-5047.
Sincerely,
Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison
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.
