North Prairie Developments- CANWEST Winter FunFest 2025 is February 17th
Fun for the whole family! Winter FunFest is held on Family Day at North Ridge 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.
- 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.
- Going on Vacation? - Consider removing your vehicle on the street in the event of snowfall and snow removal operations.
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
Special Council Meeting Recap - January 23rd
Council authorized purchase of the lots 217, 521, 525, and 529 Centennial Drive South
This is a brief summary of the most recent meetings. For more detailed information and the official minutes, please visit Martensville.ca minutes are posted once approved.
City of Martensville Acquires Centennial Drive South Property
The City of Martensville is announcing its recent acquisition of properties located at 517, 521, 525, and 529 Centennial Drive South. The four lots make up approximately 1.42 acres. Formerly the site of Affordable Autobody & Collision Repair and Premium Select Auto Solutions, the land had been publicly listed on the MLS for the past five months.
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.
Regular Council Meeting Recap- January 21st
The approval for a discretionary use for a development of a two-unit dwelling at 514 5th Street South was deferred to a future meeting.
Council approved discretionary uses at 420 9th Street North for a trucking company and for a two-unit dwelling at 31 2nd Ave North.
Council approved the proposed Council Member Boards & Committees as presented at the Committee of the Whole Meeting
Western Municipal Consulting was approved for appointment as the City’s Board of Revisions.
Council passed the recommended listing for Municipal Reserves. This was based on the new Reserve Policy that establishes the purpose and guidelines for reserves and better aligns with municipal asset management.
Mr. Jim Johnstone was approved as the representative for the District Planning Commission’s Joint Member appointee.
An Economic Development Business Incentive application for IWL Steel was reviewed and approved for an expansion project on 9th Street North.
A report on recreational activity at the MRC and MAP was provided highlighting upcoming activity, current usage and a future outlook for special events.
The 5-year Capital plan was reviewed and discussed with approval being provided to fund capital replacement (pool liner) at the Aquatic Centre and moving the Communications Specialist position to a full-time position.
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!
Submitted by the City of Martensville potential and development opportunities. By owning the land, the City gains control over its future use, ensuring it aligns with the community’s evolving needs and priorities.
“Opportunities to acquire land with such strategic importance are rare,” added City Manager, Tanya Garost. “Council carefully deliberated before making an
There was support by City Council to begin preliminary investigation into the property in September 2024. Further review, and discussions of the property by Council in December led the City to enter into negotiations for its purchase. The decision to enter into negotiation was influenced by the property’s strategic location on Centennial Drive, adjacent to key civic amenities, including the Fire Department, Police Station, and Recreation Department -Parks Shop.
“We typically do not pursue land acquisitions unless there is a clear, strategic benefit for the community,” said Mayor Kent Muench. “With anticipated community growth and increasing demand for services, Council determined acquiring this property allows us to plan proactively and ensure its optimal use for the benefit of our residents.”
In the short term, the City plans to clean up the lot to enhance its appearance following a fire incident in December 2023. Additionally, the property may be used temporarily for parking at the RCMP building or for staging and parking City equipment.
The City will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the property to determine its long-term
The $775,000 land purchase will be initially funded through the use of short-term borrowing.
BELOW: A fire in December of 2023 destroyed the structure that was previously located at 517, 521, 525 and 529 Centennial Drive South in Martensville, land which was recently purchased by the City of Martensville. offer, ensuring the purchase was feasible, responsible and advantageous for Martensville’s future.”
Domino’s Pizza Looks for Community Input in Business of the Week Appreciation Program
Shanine
Sealey, Martensville Messenger
One of the many things that residents love so much about living within Martensville is the community spirit that resonates throughout the city. This is exemplified in many ways; through local service groups, through parents volunteering their time to coach a local sports team, through businesses stepping up to support community events and so much more.
Recently, the Martensville Messenger experienced this community spirit when Domino’s Pizza reached out to provide us with a free lunch as part of their Business of the Week Appreciation program.
Each week, Domino’s Martensville provides lunch to a local business to show them their appreciation for all that they do within the community. Previously, lunch was provided to Paws Republic Centre for Pets, SARCAN in Martensville, and Humboldt Ink Martensville.
“Sometimes, its not about business – its about giving back and spreading a little joy in our community,” Dominos.Martensville. Warman shared via Facebook.
Domino’s Martensville is looking for recommendations from the community on which business they should provide lunch for next. Visit them on Facebook at ‘Dominos.Martensville.Warman’ and comment on what local business you think is deserving of a delicious pizza meal as a thank you for everything that they do.
& BELOW: Both
Martensville and Paws Republic
for
recipients of the Business of the Week Appreciation program provided by Domino’s Martensville. Nominate your favorite local business on the Dominos.Martensville.Warman Facebook page. (Dominos.Martensville.Warman)
Buster Days Committee Seeking New Members
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Buster Days in Martensville and the Buster Days Committee is looking for new members to join in on the fun of planning this monumental event.
Buster Days will take place from June 6-8 and already has a number of fun things planned such as a Princess and Prince Tea Party, a pancake breakfast, Dr. Von Houligan’s Family Extravaganza and more.
In order to ensure Buster Days is a success, and that as many events as possible can take place, the committee is looking for people to fill a variety of roles, including Swim Night Coordinator, Money Pit Coordinator, Door Prize Coordinator, Fun-for-All Coordinator, and Bingo Coordinator.
If you are interested in getting involved in one of Martensville’s biggest events of the year, the responsibilities would include a 1.5-hour long meeting once a month; help make decisions about entertainment, budget, and other event details; assisting throughout Buster Days; and be responsible for coordinating your event. More details on event coordinator requirements are available on the ‘Buster Days: Martensville’ Facebook page.
As a committee member, there is an opportunity for flexible hours both leading up to and during Buster Days, Fun-for-All wristbands for your kids, an opportunity to meet other community-oriented individuals within the community, and a Buster Days T-shirt.
There is currently a contest taking place to help design the 40th-anniversary t-shirts and hats for Buster Days this year.
“From now until February 24, submit your designs that feature your favorite Buster Days things! It could be anything from an activity, favorite food, saying, slogan, or fav memory from previous Buster Days events too,” the Buster Days Committee said via social media.
After the contest closes, the community will have a chance to choose their favorite design and the winner will be rewarded with their design being displayed on t-shirts and hats available for purchase at Buster Days, and their own t-shirt. Submit designs to busterdayspresident@gmail.com
If you are interested in joining the Buster Days Committee, call (306) 6835575 or email busterdayspresident@gmail.com.
ABOVE: Domino’s Martensville provided the Martensville Messenger with a free pizza lunch as part of their Business of the Week Appreciation program. Visit them on Facebook to nominate another local business that you think should be treated to lunch.
Venture Heights Elementary School is familiar with hosting tournaments that see numerous schools participating; however, they typically do this for volleyball tournaments. This experience paid off when VHS hosted their first-ever 2025 Junior Basketball Extravaganza on Friday, January 17th.
“Typically, Venture Heights runs three massive volleyball tournaments throughout the year, so this was a new endeavor for us, but the concept was the same, which was to have a largescale tournament, so lots of kids get the chance to play,” VHS Principal Ron Biberdorf said.
KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD
When the idea for the tournament was first suggested, Biberdorf explained that they reached out to the athletic directors within the Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) before Christmas, and the response was immediate, with 16 teams signing up quickly.
The January 17th extravaganza took place at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP), and the Martensville High School, with grade 8 and 9 players from Martensville, Hague, Waldheim, Dalmeny, Clavet, Langham, Allan, Valley Christian Academy, Prairie Christian Academy, Stobart, and Aberdeen competing in the event.
The tournament was split into two separate pools, with the ‘A’ Division consisting of the more competitive teams, and the ‘B’ Division for teams that are in the beginning stages.
Dalmeny High School was undefeated for the ‘A’ Division in the tournament, playing VHS in the final game, where they defeated VHS by a score of 39-26. In the ‘B’ Division, the final match saw Stobart Community School and Aberdeen School go head-to-head.
Biberdorf noted that basketball coaches Angela Reddekopp and Lance Roberts were essential in making this tournament a success, and as the VHS team prepares for playoffs to begin next week, he is confident in the team, and the coaches.
“The team is looking strong for the playoffs, and we are certainly hoping for the best. We have a ton of kids playing, and they are competing at a good level, as they were able to beat high school teams in the January 17th tournament,” Biberdorf said.
One of the biggest obstacles the basketball program is currently facing is a lack of referees. For the January 17th extravaganza, VHS contacted the head of officiating with the PSSD, and created an official’s training opportunity through the tournament, where young officials had the chance to referee games with experienced officials. Through that opportunity, Biberdorf is hoping to generate a larger list of available referees for the future.
Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance Hosting Unique Fundraiser
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance first began in 1982, and since then, has spent the past 43 years teaching Ukrainian Dance to people of all ages. There are currently 33 dancers, ranging in age from 3-39. A total of 22 different families participate in the program, with some of the adult dancers sharing their love of dance with their children. There are also several mother/daughter duets, as well as family dances.
The season begins in September, with festival season taking place in March, and a recital to end the season on the first Saturday in May. Some of the dancers also attend events throughout the year, such as Ukrainian Day in the Park and CNUF in Dauphin, MB.
One of the main fundraisers for the club; the Mock Wedding Dinner and Dance; will be taking place on March 8th at the Brian King Centre in Warman. This family-friendly event has been taking place since 2021 and sells out each year. Those attending will be treated to an authentic Ukrainian meal, dances by the club, and live music.
According to Mock Wedding Coordinator Erin Duff, “the event will mimic the hospitality one might expect from a Ukrainian wedding on the prairies, but in this case, the bride and groom eloped and left!”
Upon entering, you will be welcomed by Senior dancers with traditional braided bread (Korovai) and salt, a symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill, as well as live music. There will be a bar, raffle items and a silent auction available. Sonia’s Dancers will perform prior to dinner, which will then be served buffet style, followed by cake. The meal will consist of perogies, cabbage rolls, sausage, buns, salads, and borscht, made by a catering group from Nestor’s Bakery consisting of newly landed Ukrainians.
The live band, Nova Mria will kick-off the dance portion of the event at 8pm, and during the dance, Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble will perform. At 10pm, the 50/50 winner will be announced, and the silent auction will close.
“Then it is time for Kolomeyka, the Ukrainian version of a dance battle where a circle is formed on the dance floor and everyone gets to take turns showing off their tricks and turns. Night lunch of luncheon meats, cheese, buns, and donuts from Nestor's Bakery will also be served at this time. Last call is 12 AM where you don't have to go home but can't stay here,” Duff said.
This fun-filled event is already selling out fast, so be sure to get your tickets soon! Dance-only tickets are also available for after 8pm.
For more information, visit ‘Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance’ on Facebook.
The Martensville Curling Club will be hosting their annual Ladies Bonspiel from January 31-February 2nd.
A total of 19 teams will be competing in this event, with teams split between competitive play and recreational play.
The Competitive Division will have their first draw on Friday, January 31st at 6:30pm, and the Rec Division will have their first draw on Friday, January 31st at 9:00pm.
The theme for this years
encouraged to come
Martensville Curling Club Hosts Annual Ladies Bonspiel
bonspiel is Mrs. Ropers Romp so participants are
dressed as Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company and don their most fabulous kaftan, housedress, mumu & jewellery. Supper will be provided on Saturday thanks to the support from Lakeview Insurance Brokers.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Coaches Lance Roberts and Angie Reddekopp interact with players during the January 17th Junior Basketball Extravaganza. (Submitted)
ABOVE: A total of 16 teams from around the region took part in the 2025 Junor Basketball Extravaganza at the MAP on January 17th. (Submitted)
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Business Students Transform Learning into Real-World Success
One of the great benefits of a polytechnic education is applied learning - a method where students take what they learn in the classroom, shop or lab and apply it in a real-world setting. Instructors at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship embrace the concept and are expanding opportunities for students to connect their program learning with partner organizations, business and industry before they graduate.
Academic chair Kirsten Downey has been tracking applied learning initiatives in the school and is pleased to see such variety across a wide range of courses.
“All of our students should have the chance to take the concepts they learn from their instructors and apply them to see actual results,” she says.
Ashley Hatley, who teaches marketing, guided her class on a market research project initiated by the City of Moose Jaw. “Students presented their findings to City of Moose Jaw representatives in early December,” reports Hatley. “The project gave students an in-depth look at economic development opportunities and then allowed them to practice presenting what they learned in front of an actual client.”
Human resources instructor Genelle Payant connected her class with Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association. Without dedicated human resources expertise, Thunder Creek’s job descriptions were out of date. Students created new job descriptions and used them to write job postings. Executive director Chad Topp was pleased with the work, saying, “The ideas and drafts we received helped us to make attractive and enticing postings. We had been using job descriptions as postings, and this project helped us understand how the two are different and what makes for a great job posting.”
Payant notes she has done similar exercises in the past but this was the first >me working with a real organization. “Knowing they were working with an actual client made it exciting for the students as they knew they had to deliver,” she explains.
Instructor Megan Moulding’s business insurance students had an opportunity to work with Saskatchewan Insurance Professionals. Students took turns staging a social media takeover, where they created videos about an insurance-related topic or about themselves and why they chose insurance, then posted them to the organization’s social pages. “The students really enjoyed the assignment and used a lot of creativity,” shares Moulding.
The results were impressive, with one takeover post generating more than 1,000 impressions and the daily average for all student posts close to 550. “For a small organization, that’s real reach,” says Moulding.
Practicing what you have learned by doing it before entering the workforce is key to making connections, notes Downey. Some opportunities are part of instructors’ curriculum and others are add-on opportunities that require students to apply.
Two students specializing in Sport Management were selected to travel to the 2024 Grey Cup Festival in Vancouver, where they assisted with the Sask Polytech and Canadian Football League’s Player Association (CFLPA) partnership activation. Robyn Dutertre and Joshua Grant helped with a kickoff party
Business Pathways Start at Medicine Hat College
Taylor Hicke chose Medicine Hat College (MHC) for its small size, welcoming community and proximity to his hometown of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, but the connections he made and the opportunities he had led to his decision to stay.
“The biggest highlight of my experience was the relationships I was able to build through my two years at MHC,” says the Sport & Event Marketing and Management graduate from the School of Business. “Some of my instructors became mentors and that was a big part of my success within the program.”
MHC’s School of Business is deeply connected to Southeast Alberta, providing real world learning experiences for students across all of its programs. In addition to specialty programs like Sport & Event Marketing and Management and Service Dog and Canine Management Studies, the school offers a robust Business Administration diploma program with majors in accounting, financial services, management and marketing, plus pathways to further education like degrees and professional designations. A diploma in Administrative Office Management and certificate options for Administrative Office Professional, Advanced Accounting, Intermediate Accounting and Marketing (new for Fall 2025) are also available.
As Taylor discovered, students in MHC’s School of Business don’t
just study. They engage in immersive experiences, learn directly from seasoned industry professionals, delve into real company case studies, and, in select programs, participate in transformative workplace integrated learning. For Taylor, that meant hands-on group work to create marketing campaigns for local businesses, provide support for sporting events, and fundraise for community causes.
Now Taylor is putting his education to work as a member of the marketing team at South Country Coop’s Business Support Centre.
“My studies at MHC really prepared me for my career and everything I am doing on a daily basis like marketing plans, sponsorship and graphic design,” says Taylor. He also continues in his role as basketball game night lead for Rattlers Athletics, utilizing his event management skills and keeping him connected to MHC.
“We’re here to help students discover their passions,” adds Dr. Morgan Blair, dean of the School of Business and Continuing Studies. ”Through rigorous coursework, networking opportunities, and enriching extracurricular activities, students cultivate the professional they aspire to become.
Connected. Confident. Capable. When you enroll with us, you're not just starting a course or program – you're launching your career.”
Get started today! Visit www. mhc.ab.ca/welcomeSK.
Photo supplied by Medicine Hat College
USask to Offer Nursing Education in Ten Saskatchewan Communities
By: Kylie Kelso, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist, University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing
“I found this to be such a great opportunity to attend the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and have access to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program right in my community of La Ronge,” says USask College of Nursing BSN student Leandra McLeod.
McLeod is completing her third year of the BSN program at the USask College of Nursing distributed nursing site in La Ronge.
Since 2012, USask College of Nursing has been offering the undergraduate BSN program at a number of locations throughout Saskatchewan.
Currently, students can complete their entire BSN degree in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, La Ronge, Île-à-la-Crosse, Yorkton, Lloydminster, North Battleford, and Muenster.
Beginning September 2025, students from Swift Current and Weyburn will also have the opportunity to complete their entire nursing degree in their community.
“We listened to the people of Saskatchewan and over the last two years announced our expansion to four additional locations in the province where students previously did not have access to the BSN program,” said USask College of Nursing Dean Dr. Solina Richter (DCur).
“It is important our program offering is inclusive of rural and remote areas of Saskatchewan. When the students at the distributed nursing sites complete their nursing degrees, they will help to fill unmet registered nursing workforce needs in rural Saskatchewan. We are decreasing the likelihood of these communities experiencing a registered nursing shortage, as the students will likely practice in the community once becoming licensed.”
“Becoming a nurse was something I knew I always wanted to do, but as a single mother, moving away from Prince Albert to complete my nursing degree was not realistic,” says USask College of Nursing student Desiré Hoare, who is finishing her fourth year in the BSN program at the USask Prince Albert Campus.
Both McLeod and Hoare say the opportunity to learn where they live has been a wonderful experience.
“The small class sizes in La Ronge and the additional help you get from instructors when needed means there is a lot of one-on-one time,” says McLeod. “I would recommend the BSN program to anyone who has an interest in healthcare.”
It took McLeod six years to take the leap, but watching a number of peers go through the BSN program in La Ronge ultimately motivated her to apply
The College of Nursing Learn Where You Live model has proven successful at distributed sites like La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse. Since the first students entered the BSN program in La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse, 68 nursing students have completed their degree in northern Saskatchewan.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to study nursing in Prince Albert,” adds Hoare.
For more information on the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, please visit https://admissions.usask.ca/ nursing.php.
ABOVE: University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing student Leandra McLeod from the La Ronge distributed nursing site. (Credit: Megan Heyhurst Photography)
New Services Launch at Select Pharmacies Across Saskatchewan
Patients to Benefit From Strep Throat Testing and Ear Infection Assessments a physical assessment only. The pharmacist can then prescribe and dispense medication if required.
Families around the province now have another option to get tested and treated for strep throat and ear infections. The Government of Saskatchewan is launching new services in multiple communities across Saskatchewan, allowing pharmacists to provide one-stop testing for strep throat and ear infections. They will also be able to prescribe and dispense medication to treat those conditions as needed.
Eleven pharmacies have been selected to conduct testing for strep throat and assessment for ear infections, while another 37 sites have been chosen to offer ear infection assessments only. A list of pharmacies and communities is attached. For more information, visit the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals website.
"We are pleased to launch this project, one of the first in Canada, which allows pharmacists the ability to offer patients greater access to health care services by providing testing and treatment in one visit," Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. "With this expanded scope of practice, pharmacists can make greater use of their skills and education, directly benefiting Saskatchewan residents."
In September 2024, the province announced its investment of over $700,000 to expand the ability of pharmacists to offer more care for patients with training that allows them to assess and test for strep throat and ear infections. With this new training, pharmacists can perform rapid testing for strep throat where a sample is collected and tested on site, with results available in approximately 10 minutes. Ear infections require
Retail Trade Remains Strong in Saskatchewan
Province Ranks Second in Year-Over-Year Retail Trade Growth
Latest data released by Statistics Canada shows retail trade sales in the province increased by 5.1 per cent from November 2023 to November 2024 (seasonally adjusted), reaching $2.2 billion. This ranks second in terms of percentage change among the provinces.
"Saskatchewan's nation leading retail trade numbers demonstrate the strength of our provincial economy," Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. "This key economic indicator is reflective of our province's thriving local business sector, supported by our strong and stable leadership. The growth we are experiencing is creating new jobs and opportunities for all those who call Saskatchewan home."
The Monthly Retail Trade Survey compiles data on sales, including e-commerce sales, and the amount of retail locations by province, territory and selected census metropolitan areas from a sample of retailers.
Infographic showing two women shopping, with the text "Saskatchewan ranks 2nd in retail trade."
Retail sales is a measure of total receipts at stores, or establishments, that sell goods and services to final consumers.
The province continues to see economic success across several key indicators. Saskatchewan exports totalled over $102 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is an increase of more than 52 per cent from the previous two-year period, and the highest export numbers in the province's history.
Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan's 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.77 billion, or 2.3 per cent from 2022. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 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 unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth - Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy last year. 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.
To learn more, visit: investSK.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.
Increasing Access to Care; New Services in Select Pharmacies. Pharmacists can access and treat ear infections and/or strep throat in a single visit. Image of a pharmacist using an otoscope to examine a patient’s ear.
"Providing pharmacists the ability to test and prescribe for strep throat and ear infections ensures patients have timely and appropriate access to care," Rexall Drugstore in Moose Jaw Pharmacy Manager Chad Miskiman said. "Additionally, this progressive change optimizes both physicians' and pharmacists' roles, allowing pharmacists to practice utilizing their full scope of knowledge."
More than 140 pharmacists taking part in this program have been trained to meet competency requirements as established by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP) and follow mandatory guidelines.
"As the provincial regulator for pharmacy practice, the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals is committed to ensuring pharmacists have the skills and training necessary to provide safe and effective care to the people of Saskatchewan," SCPP President-Elect Scott Livingstone said. "The launch of strep throat testing and assessments for ear infections represents a significant step forward in enhancing timely access to care for patients across Saskatchewan."
Based on the results of an evaluation, the program may be expanded to additional pharmacies in the future.
Saskatchewan pharmacists were first granted the authority to prescribe for three minor ailments in 2012. Since then, the list has grown to 31 conditions. The full list of conditions is available at the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals website.
This program flows from pharmacists' scope expansion and training announced in September 2024 and is guided by the province's Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care workers in Saskatchewan. There are almost 1,300 practising pharmacists in more than 430 licensed community pharmacies in Saskatchewan. In many communities, pharmacies are the primary - if not the only - access point for health care services.
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GELBVIEH
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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
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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
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Taylor Cabalt Planner
Bear Spray Incidents
Several people have been arrested in relation to separate reports of the deployment of bear spray.
Occurrence #25-9203: At approximately 3:30 p.m., January 19, 2025, police responded to a shopping centre in the 3300 block of 8th Street East after two individuals reported being the victims of a bear spray deployment and attempted stabbing. The suspects were located on a City of Saskatoon Transit bus, and arrested. One suspect was found to be in possession of bear spray and is charged with Assault and breach of court-imposed conditions. (Court Info # 991292653)
Occurrence #25-9622: At approximately 7:00 p.m., January 20, 2025, Patrol responded to a robbery at a business in the 300 block of Cope Lane. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, an employee of the store, suffering from the effects of bear spray. Three teens reportedly entered the store with their faces covered and deployed bear spray at the victim. Various vape products were taken by the suspects before fleeing.
Occurrence #25-9991: Shortly before 7:00 p.m., January 21, 2025, Patrol officers responded to the 200 block of 23rd Street East after it was reported that several youth had boarded a bus with bear spray and an imitation firearm. Further investigation revealed a second group of youth, on a different bus, were also in possession of bear spray and an imitation firearm. One adult and five youth are facing charges in relation to this incident. (Court Info #'s 991292867, 991292870, 991292872, 991292874, 991292875, 991292876, 991292877).
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact Saskatoon Police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Arrest - Drug Trafficking Investigation - Cash, Cocaine Seized
Members of the Saskatoon Police Service Crime Reduction Team (CRT) have concluded a drug trafficking investigation with the arrest of one man.
On January 22, 2025 at around 6:45 p.m., officers initiated enforcement action in the south alley of the 700 block of 5th Street East on a man believed to be involved in a dial-a-dope drug trafficking investigation. Upon effecting his arrest, members of the CRT located cash and multiple cell phones; packaged cocaine was also located on the ground a short distance from his person.
Continued investigation led to a search warrant being executed at an address in the 100 block of Edmund Park. The following evidentiary seizures were made; $4,360 CAD, 10 grams of powdered cocaine; package for sale, 3x cell phones.
As a result, a 33-year-old Saskatoon man is facing charges relating to drugs and possession of the proceeds of crime.
POLICE BEAT
Saskatchewan RCMP investigated 38 homicide files in 2024 (January 1-December 31) with 40 victims, making it the highest year on record for homicide files in RCMP jurisdiction in the province. There were 27% more homicide files and 33% more homicide victims in 2024 than 2023. 2024 also marked the second-highest year on record for number of homicide victims in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. 22 of the 2024 homicide files and victims were reported in Saskatchewan RCMP’s North District.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigated*:
• 2020: 30 homicide files with 31 victims
• 2021: 31 homicide files with 35 victims
• 2022: 33 homicide files with 43 victims (including all victims of the mass casualty)
• 2023: 30 homicide files with 30 victims
• 2024: 38 homicide files with 40 victims
• 2025 to January 27: 2 homicide files with 2 victims
*Note: Saskatchewan RCMP provides response and investigative support to other Saskatchewan police services; these investigations are NOT included in the above totals.
Last year there were also four instances where RCMP Major Crimes investigators were called to three or more homicide investigations within a seven-day period. These homicide “clusters” involved multiple, unrelated investigations in different locations in the province and occurred in February, August, September and December. For example, between February 1-5, 2024 five separate homicides occurred.
“These clusters especially put significant pressures on frontline RCMP detachments and investigative resources as multiple, specially-trained teams are required to deploy immediately to these calls for service,” shares Superintendent Josh Graham, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes.
LEFT: Members of the Saskatoon Police Service Crime Reduction Team seized over $4000, cocaine and cell phones during the execution of a search warrant as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
A 33-year-old Saskatoon man is facing charges.
(Saskatoon Police Service)
“Concern for the wellness of our investigators and having the capacity to continue investigating unsolved files – including both recent and historical ones – is significant when our deployment numbers are high.”
For reference, according to the most recently available 2023 Statistics Canada data, police services in Canada reported 778 homicide victims overall, resulting in a national homicide rate of 1.94 homicides per 100,000 people. In 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction experienced a rate of 7.2 homicide victims per 100,000 people. In 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP’s North District experienced a rate of 14.8 homicide victims per 100,000 people.
36 charged in relation to last year’s homicide investigations - Through intensive investigations, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes teams laid charges against 36 individuals in relation to 2024’s homicide investigations. Of those charged, 25 were male and 11 were female. Major Crimes also investigated two homicide files that occurred in File Hills Police Service jurisdiction in 2024 and continued investigations into at least 28 unsolved homicide or suspicious death files from previous years.
“We want to provide answers to victim’s families and the reality is, we only have so many specially-trained investigators. We can’t dedicate the time we need to complex, unsolved investigations when faced with deployments to so many new ones,” said Supt. Graham. “When you consider just ten years ago – in 2014 – we investigated homicides where there were eight victims in total and in 2024 there were 40 victims in total – there is a marked increase in violence and, sadly, more families losing their loved ones.”
Nearly half charged in 2024 homicide files on court-ordered conditions at time of offence - Analysis to date shows that of those individuals charged with homicide by Saskatchewan RCMP last year, 45% were subject to court-ordered conditions or supervision at the time of the offence and two were wanted on outstanding warrants. This does not include six accused who were already in custody at the time of one homicide, which occurred in the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. This is similar to RCMP data released last year: from 2019 to 2023, 44% of people charged with homicide were on conditions, bail, parole, or probation at the time the homicide was committed. Increases in violent crime and crime complexity have led to homicide rates in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction that exceed national rates. Policing is only one part of the solution. As the provincial police service, community safety remains a top priority for the Saskatchewan RCMP and we will continue to work with our partners and help advocate for further resources to combat the root causes of crime.
