January 5, 2023 Digital Issue

Snow Removal this Winter – What You Need to Know

The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community.

Our crews strive to deliver excellent service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to promptly remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions. There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe

- Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans our street.

- Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves, and access to water in case of emergencies.

- Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging.

- Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures - this hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place.

- Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street.

-Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/lawn areas behind your walkway.

Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal - In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area).

Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks - Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle.

Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca.

POLICE BEAT

It’s been a year since Leslie “Les” Peesker was reported missing, and Rosthern RCMP continue to ask the public to report any information that may help bring him home.

Leslie, 49, was reported missing on December 22, 2021. He was last seen at a gas station off of Highway #11 at Rosthern, on October 14, 2021. Leslie is known to camp outdoors for extended periods of time, but his loved ones became concerned when he didn’t check in with them as he usually does.

Leslie was on a bicycle when he was last seen and his family reported he was planning to travel to Prince Albert. He had saddle bags attached to each side of his bicycle, and had a rolled-up sleeping bag attached to the handlebars.

A photo of Leslie, which also shows his bike, is attached. It has never been released and investigators are now sharing it in the hopes it may reignite a memory for someone who saw Les travelling on it.

Leslie is described as approximately 5’10” and 190 lbs. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.

“Saskatchewan RCMP continues – and will continue – to follow up on all information we receive about Leslie. Over the past year, we’ve searched areas where Leslie indicated he was travelling and have followed up on the tips we received from the public,” says Sgt. Aaron Kading from the Rosthern RCMP. “We’re still looking for information from the public – any small bit of information may help us locate him, so please report it. We want to hear about any potential sightings of Leslie. Keep in mind he was on a bike that’s pretty distinctive, as he had storage bags attached to it. We’d also like to know about any items or clothing that seem out of place along the route between Rosthern and Prince Albert. Leslie is an experienced camper, so this could include more secluded or forested areas.”

Anyone who has information on Leslie's whereabouts should call Saskatchewan RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Saskatchewan RCMP works with the people of Saskatchewan to gather tips to help us resolve missing persons cases. We keep all missing person investigations open until the person is brought home to their loved ones.

Recreation Update - Winter Program Registrations Open Now - Try the Lazy-Man Triathalon!

The Winter Program Guide Registration starts December 12th. Check out the variety of recreation and leisure programs available this winter. Register online or contact the MAP for information.

Lazy Man Triathlon- Registration is open! Can you complete a Triathalon over the course of a month? Starts January 2023.

Contact the MAP, visit Martensville.ca or Facebook for information on registration and what is coming up.

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

-Tax Notices were mailed out on April 29th. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Starting on August 1st, interest penalties on outstanding amounts begin to accrue.

Ways to Pay

- Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

- Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by E-transfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

January Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in-person but guests must wear a mask and should practice social distancing within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

Committee of the Whole - January 10th Regular Council - January 17th

The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM.

Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

Highway 11 Closed Following Three-Vehicle Collision on New Year’s Day

On Sunday, January 1st, at approximately 6:15pm, a portion of the northbound lanes on Highway 11 between the south and north entrances to the Town of Osler were closed following a three-vehicle collision. RCMP issued a notice to the public that detours would be in place as a collision analyst was on scene investigating the incident.

RCMP, Saskatoon RCMP, a Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, Corman Park Police Service, as well as local EMS, STARS Air Ambulance and Fire Departments were on scene.

Warman RCMP stated that the Highway 11 northbound lane was reopened at approximately 2:30am on January 2nd.

Seven individuals were involved in the collision, with one man and one woman from Warman, SK declared deceased at the scene. All involved in the collision were injured to various degrees, with several being transported to hospital by STARS.

The Osler Fire Department posted on social media that detours would be in place, and following the investigation they stated, “The Osler Fire Department would like to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers for all affected by last night’s horrible incident on the highway. All our members are trained for these situations, and with all the support from the community and Town of Osler, we have the tools to do the job.”

They also added a reminder to the public not to share comments and photos online of vehicles, or other scenes of accidents as family members of those involved don’t need to find out their loved ones have been in an accident on social media.

The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

Rosthern RCMP Continue To Search For Leslie Peesker, Reported Missing One Year Ago December 22

ABOVE: Leslie Peesker has been missing since December 22, 2021.(RCMP)

City Provides Senior’s Globe Walk in Partnership With Saskatoon Council on Aging

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville will once again be participating in the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) Senior’s Globe Walk, which will take place from January 1, 2023 to April 30, 2023. This initiative was created as a way to provide more physical activity and social opportunities for older adults throughout the winter months following consultations through the Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative that showed older adults were looking for more options.

“It is a fun way for those that are 50+ to get together and engage in physical activity, and challenge each other, during the colder months of the year,” Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Recreation Coordinator, stated.

Since 2015, the City of Martensville has partnered up with SCOA to provide this option for local residents, and each year, the number of local participants grows.

“We are so happy to once again be offering this option for our local residents. Being active can dramatically contribute to a healthy lifestyle and a good quality of life,” McCulloch said.

All types of physical activity count towards the Seniors Globe Walk, which could include walking, running, swimming, going to the gym, biking, shoveling, or even cleaning your house. Participants can count their exercise throughout the month and then submit their hours to their Team Captain, who will count it towards their team total. According to SCOA, 1300 steps equals one kilometer, and a half hour of exercise counts as two kilometers; however, all participants are required to do is record their steps, distance, or time, and the calculations will be completed for them.

Your Team Captain will provide you with a monthly calendar to track progress, and calendars are also available by visiting the SCOA Globe Walk website.

SCOA does encourage the use of fitness tracking devices, pedometers or cell phone apps to help track your efforts, and to help motivate you to help accomplish your goals.

The Globe Walk is free to participate in, and is a fun, motivational way to get more active. Those wanting to participate are required to sign up, which can be done by contacting the Martensville Athletic Pavilion in person, or by calling (306) 683-5576. Once registered, the MAP will be offering free walking on Tuesdays from 1pm-2pm until the end of April.

Many Local Options Available to Help Stay on Track With Resolutions

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Once January 1st hits, there is an influx of people that decide to make changes to their lifestyle in various ways, with one of the main changes being to get more active and live a healthier life. Within the City of Martensville, there are many different options to help you maintain this particular resolution.

The City of Martensville itself will be offering an assortment of fitness options; including Zumba, Yoga, AquaFit and more. To learn more about the available options, visit www.martensville.ca, or visit “The City of Martensville’ Facebook page.

There are also numerous gyms available within the community, with discounted rates available to celebrate the New Year. Forged Fitness is offering seven day free trials, along with 50% off drop-ins for the month of January. For those interested in personal training sessions, they are available for $40 per session for the month as well.

Soul Power Fitness is celebrating the New Year with a variety of free try classes which include Group Power (Strength), Soul Yoga (Gentle Yoga), Soul Ride (Cycle Class), Soul Centergy (Yoga/Pilates blend), Soul Pulse (Barre Fitness). In addition to this, they are also doing additional offers and giveaways for the month, so be sure to visit the ‘Soul Power Fitness Martensville’ Facebook page to learn more.

If none of these options fit your lifestyle, there are many more available within the community, which can be found on the City of Martensville website under the Business Directory in the ‘Recreation & Fitness’ category.

10th Anniversary

SCOA GLOBE WALK 2023 Celebrate movement around the globe

Stay active this winter!

HOW: Join as a team!

Globe Walk is free to

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.scoaglobewalk.net or phone: (306) 652-2255

A Helping Hand Over the Holidays With Hampers

The Martensville Fire Department wrapped up their annual Christmas Hamper Program on December 21, 2022, with an incredible 31 families from Martensville and the surrounding area receiving a hamper to help them through the holidays thanks to contributions from local residents, schools,

According to Captain James Taylor of the MFD, there were several challenges this year, which included a record number of families in need, as well as some last minute nominations for families in need of hampers.

“Despite many of these new challenges, a team approach ensured everything was ready for distribution night,” Taylor said.

Hampers included an assortment of non-perishable items, as well as fresh food items, presents and gift cards to local businesses.

The MFD received assistance from the 574 “Dakota” RCAF Cadet Squadron on Tuesday, December 20th to sort the non-perishable food items, and the hampers were delivered the following day.

“Despite the increased demand, the contributions from the community were also significant. Because of this, the MFD was also able to help support the Martensville Free Pantry restock their shelves with some of the food donated,” Taylor added.

service groups and businesses within the community.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: The Martensville Fire Department provided food hampers for 31 families within Martensville and the surrounding area this year. (Martensville Fire Department)

MYC Gets New Community Space

The community’s first and only charitable youth center, Martensville Youth Connection (MYC), is dedicated to improving the lives of local youth. MYC offers mental health and addiction education and programming which includes information, education, and skill-building opportunities for ages 10-16 years old. They also are involved in community projects and events such as community clean-up and cooking for seniors.

Since inception in 2021, the Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) has seen immense growth in their program and had reached capacity at their current location, with an average night consisting of ten youth. MYC has been searching for months to secure a location to be able to operate within a larger space in order to support more local youth.

Their hope came true over Christmas and thanks to the City of Martensville they are now able to continue their program five days a week.

As of January 10th, they officially have ongoing space in the following locations;

• Mondays – North Ridge Community Centre – 3pm-7pm for ages 12-16 years old.

• Tuesdays – PAWS Republic Centre for Pets – 6pm-8pm for ages 10-16 years old.

• Wednesdays – Valley Manor School Library – 3:30pm-7pm for grades 6, 7 & 8.

• Thursdays – Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) – Multipurpose Room – 3pm7pm for grades 9 – 12 starting February 2, 9 & 16.

• MYC will still be supporting local seniors every Thursday in January and more details on this can be found on Facebook or Instagram.

• Fridays – Venture Heights School Gymnasium – 3:30pm-7pm for grades 6, 7 & 8.

MYC has received many donations from community members and many businesses in the area this past year.

“Thank you to Offroad Exteriors Inc., Warman - Zak's Home Hardware Building Centre, Geransky Brothers Construction, Direct Fencing Supply, TELUS, Conexus Credit Union, Martensville Co-op, Brad Hyde - Boyes Group Realty Inc., Pharmasave Martensville, Boston Pizza Martensville, Haga Construction, the City of Martensville and so many more, thank you so much.”

“As we finish 2022 we are truly thankful for everyone who made this dream possible,” said Katharine Carter, volunteer Program Supervisor.

Provincial Indexation, Tax Credits Help With Affordability

The Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit (SATC) payment and indexation are among the government initiatives helping make life more affordable for Saskatchewan people.

Indexation of the provincial Personal Income Tax (PIT) system preserves the real value of personal tax credits, the income tax brackets, as well as benefits such as the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit.

Indexation will result in Saskatchewan residents seeing $94.5 million in annual income tax savings. The level of indexation in 2023 will be 6.3 per cent, which matches the annual average national inflation rate from October 2021 to September 2022. The combined effect of the indexation of the tax system from 2007 through the 2023 taxation year is saving Saskatchewan taxpayers a total of approximately $284.5 million on their 2023 taxes.

In 2023 through indexation, on average, an individual with an income of $25,000 will see $125 in savings, a family of four with a combined annual income of $75,000 will save $371 and a family of four with a combined annual income of $100,000 will save $362.

Saskatchewan has among the lowest personal taxes in the country. Since 2007 PIT exemptions have removed more than 112,000 people from the province's income tax roll. In total, PIT reductions since 2007 are providing over $720 million in annual income tax savings to Saskatchewan people.

In addition, a family of four pays no provincial income tax on their first $56,550 of combined income which is among the highest thresholds in Canada and more than twice as much as in 2007, when a family of four began paying income tax once their combined income reached just $26,150.

In late August, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced the Four Point Affordability Plan and in addition to the one-time $500 SATC payments, the small business tax rate reduction was extended by a year to further support small businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic and face inflationary pressures.

The plan also included keeping gym and fitness memberships and recreational activities for youth PST exempt. The province's strong finances allow government to reduce borrowing and retire up to $1 billion in debt, resulting in lower annual interest costs and allowing those savings to be invested into priorities such as health care, education and social safety nets.

"Saskatchewan is forecast to lead all provinces in economic growth this year and next, and strong revenue from our resources has allowed us to help individuals and businesses with higher costs due to inflation, while paying down debt. That's growth that works for everyone," Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said.

Also helping with affordability, families in Saskatchewan with children enrolled in sports, arts and cultural activities will continue to be able to claim the Active Families Benefit on their 2022 taxes.

The benefit was reinstated in 2021 and provides a refundable tax credit of $150 per year, per child, to eligible families. Families of children with a disability will receive an additional $50, for a total tax credit of $200 per year, per child. Parents who enroll their children in sports, arts and cultural activities are reminded to keep their receipts so they may claim the benefit with their annual tax filings.

"Our government recognizes that costs have risen due to inflation, and we are committed to taking steps to help keep life affordable for Saskatchewan people," Harpauer said.

ABOVE: Saskatchewan’s Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville’s Hockey Day in Saskatcheawn Kicks Off January 16th

In less than two weeks, Martensville will be the host community for the 15th edition of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, which will take place from January 16 to 22. The event will include a wide variety of fun events throughout the week, with something for everyone.

Some events include spotlight games, which will bring some high profile teams to the community to compete, including; a Junior B Feature Game with the Saskatoon Royals and Delisle Chiefs, a U18 AAA Female Game with the Saskatoon Stars and Swift Current Innovation Credit Union Wildcats, a U18 AAA Game with the Warman Wildcats and the Yorkton Maulers, as well as an SJHL Headliner Game that will bring the Humboldt Broncos and the Battleford North Stars to the ice.

There will also be a Hockey Day in Saskatchewan Banquet & Cabaret taking place on Friday, January 20th at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion with guest speaker Darren Dutchyshen of TSN.

Learn more about the upcoming festivities at http:// www.hockeydayinsask.ca/, or by visiting the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan Facebook page.

New Saskatchewan Female Junior Hockey League to Begin Play in Fall 2023

The Hockey Saskatchewan Board of Directors has proudly approved the creation of a new Junior hockey league for Female players in the province.

This new Under-22 (U22) league will be up and running next year and a Hockey Saskatchewan AAA/AA Task Team is working on the process that will be put in place to seek applications from communities to be a part of the inaugural 2023-24 season.

A virtual call was held in September 2022 with individuals from Minor Hockey Associations to discuss the formation of a Provincial Female Junior Hockey League. Over a dozen communities showed interest, and a vast majority were enthusiastic about putting the idea into motion.

“An update on our AAA/AA Task Team is that they have already begun looking at the review of female hockey and a female structure at AAA and AA. One item I’d like to announce is the Hockey Saskatchewan Board of Directors has endorsed the creation of a Provincial Junior Female Hockey League to begin in the fall of 2023,” Hockey Saskatchewan General Manager Kelly McClintock said.

“With Under-13 AA this year within the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League, we've seen that league grow to well over 100 teams. Adding a Junior (U22) option for young ladies is something that's going to be exciting as well.

“Our Task Team is creating the process to recommend to the Board how teams can apply, how teams will be selected and how the league will be administered. It is a great initiative for us.”

Members of the Task Team are creating the process for communities/teams to apply and how the league will be administered. As per guidelines, the Membership will be advised of any recommendations made by the Task Team that are approved by the Hockey Saskatchewan Board of Directors, and what action will be taken.

Membership can expect another announcement regarding this initiative in January 2023.

The emergence of a U22 Provincial Female Junior Hockey League aligns with objectives outlined in Hockey Saskatchewan’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan. To view the plan’s Roadmap, click HERE.

For questions about the league, please contact Hockey Saskatchewan General Manager Kelly McClintock (KellyM@HockeySask.ca).

Team Derksen Goes Undefeated

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

From December 28 to 30, Team Derksen Curling out of the Martensville Curling Club participated in the SaskMilk U18 Provincials, which took place at the Callie Curling Club in Regina.

The team, which consists of Gavin Martens (Lead), Tyler Derksen (Second), Logan Sawicki (Third), Dylan Derksen (Fourth) and Coach Brad Kennedy, went undefeated and won the title of U18 Provincial Champions. Coach Brad Kennedy also received the Coaches award.

This win earned the team their first green jacket win as a team, and this was the second green jacket win of the season for Dylan, as he previously won the Saskatchewan Canada Games Mixed Doubles Trials with his partner Melissa Remeshylo in November of 2022.

The team will now be competing in the 2023 U18 Curling Championship this February in Timmins, Ontario.

ABOVE: Team Derksen out of the Martensville Curling Club was undefeated in the SaskMilk U18 Provincials that took place from December 28-30 in Regina. (Martensville Curling Club)

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

It May be Hard to Repeat 2022 in 2023

There are some things we saw this past year that perhaps we should thankfully not expect to seen in 2023. For example, don’t expect to see Colin Thatcher in the legislature again. Don’t expect him to get another invitation to attend or the bungled explanation as to why it was okay to invite him in the first place.

The Saskatchewan Party government made a lot of such silly mistakes, but there were good things, too; although whether we will see them again is questionable.

To its credit the government did try to rectify some problems; even ones it didn’t necessarily cause. While this government bears responsibility for failing to address issues at the University of Saskatchewan and reducing nurse training seats in Regina, it did commit $60 million in September to recruit and retain more health care workers.

It came after the summer’s explosion in rural communities like Kamsack where local MLA Terry Dennis and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley were met with angry protests over the closures of emergency care and lab and x-ray technician services due to staffing shortages.

Governments face constant demands to do more, but there were even more such demands of Premier Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government as we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond the strain on the health system caused by the virus, what was likely a postponed flu outbreak and other issues, there would be challenges with a recovering economy and there would be challenges for the rest of us to simply keeping up with the rising costs of everything.

It finally got around to addressing some of the highest inflation we’ve seen in decades by handing out $500 cheques to everyone.

It didn’t meet the greatest collective needs facing a province that in 2022 struggled with health care, homelessness, mental health and addictions, but it certainly struck a chord.

It was an amount helpful to those most in need, but not so little that those less desperate could see it was insignificant. It was truly a one-time resource windfall for everyone.

Alas, herein lies the challenges for 2023 - things we experienced in 2022 that we shouldn’t necessarily expect the near record $1.1-billion surplus again.

You may recall that Finance Minister Donna Harpauer’s 2022-23 budget initially predicted a $463-million deficit and added the provincial sales tax to concert and sporting event tickets and even gym membership, but about the time Harpauer was introducing her budget, Russia invaded Ukraine.

That caused already surging natural gas and oil prices to rise. A spike in potash prices because of the boycott in trading with Russia and Belarus would follow.

So would an increased demand for wheat and canola because of the damage the war was doing to Ukraine’s wheat and sunflower market. Many Saskatchewan farmers were further aided by a crop year like few had previously experienced.

All of this combined for a economic and budgetary turnaround unlike anything Saskatchewan has ever experienced.

We saw near-record year-over-year job creation numbers coming out of the pandemic and we certainly saw record population grow - or at least, record growth since the federal government began keeping quarterly statistics in 1971.

Admittedly, that growth was largely driven by new Canadians arriving here as people began relocating after the pandemic. Saskatchewan is still losing population to those looking for greener pastures in Alberta and B.C. This is one of the many reasons why we shouldn’t necessarily expect a repeat of 2022 in 2023.

All the factors fell into place this past year; something we shouldn’t come to expect. Moreover, unsolved problems will still be with us, but for now, let’s enjoy our good fortune and hope for the best in the coming year.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Looking Back on 2022

The last twelve months will be remembered for years to come. Saskatchewan found a way to stand fast when faced with post-pandemic challenges. A positive business climate and increased private investment have laid the groundwork for a spectacular 2023.

Saskatchewan's population has surpassed 1.2 million for the first time in history. We have the second lowest unemployment rate in the country, with a new overall employment record of 574,300 people employed. Our real Gross Domestic Product is forecast to increase by 1.9 per cent in 2023, the highest growth among the provinces. Our government can invest in programs and services thanks to the expanding economy, and we are on track to balance the budget, with a $1.1 billion surplus at mid-year.

Increased revenue has allowed our government to support those facing financial pressure due to inflation and the federal carbon tax. The Four Point Affordability Plan delivered a one-time Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit cheque, changes to PST on fitness memberships and other youth recreational activities, and we extended the small business tax rate reduction. We increased the maximum monthly benefit through the Seniors Income Plan by $30 per month, with a second $30 increase for 2023/24. These measures, along with some of the country's lowest utility costs and income tax levels, have helped Saskatchewan residents with inflation.

In the fall, we launched the Health Human Resource Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health professionals across the province. Adding 1,000 new healthcare staff will directly support the ability to perform more surgeries. This fiscal year we set an aggressive target of performing 97,000 surgeries, the highest number of surgeries ever completed in one year.

We are making Saskatchewan safer with new initiatives like the Saskatchewan Marshall Service, increased funding for the Crime Reduction Team, and the Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team. Over $23 million in additional funding has been committed to enhancing and expanding agencies that will ensure public safety, respond to emergencies and support programs already in place.

We believe Saskatchewan is the best place to work, live and raise a family. The business climate continues to be supportive and draws new ideas to our province. This economic success allows for further investment into the things that matter to the Saskatchewan people. Things like healthcare, education, better roads and highways, and safer communities.

As we look back on the last year, our province has faced challenges and celebrated success. Saskatchewan will start the new year with one of the best economies in the country, allowing for even more growth in 2023. Forecasters are watching with great interest as we continue to support new opportunities, fresh investment and job growth. We are blessed to live in a bountiful province.

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.

Longtime Telemiracle

OK Corral Owner Passes Away

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Ray Kneeland, previous owner/operator of the OK Corral and longtime supporter of TeleMiracle, passed away on December 19th. To say that Ray Kneeland was well-known in the area is an understatement. Ray was a man that stood out, in all the best ways possible.

I had the honour of interviewing Ray many times over the past decade for his dedication to TeleMiracle, and that was an interview that I always looked forward to. For a man that put countless hours into raising money for the annual provincial fundraiser, he was always very humble and commented each and every time that he couldn’t do what he did without the support of the people that contributed, adding in the occasional, “Aw, shucks”.

Kneeland grew up on a dairy farm near Stettler, AB, and in an interview in January of 2021, he explained that he attended a local rodeo with his father as a kid,

and from there, a dream had been born. Kneeland knew that he wanted to be a part of the rodeo world, so in 1983, Kneeland opened the OK Corral, a 40-acre property located north of Martensville and in the years that followed, the property saw numerous additions, hosted countless events and created a 4H Club, and a Family Riding Club.

“It was my dream world and it means the world to me when I hear people say how much it meant to them. Thank you to everyone in the community for their support over the years. Shucks, I appreciate it,” Kneeland said during the 2021 interview.

Since the mid 70’s Kneeland raised approximately $460,000 for TeleMiracle through a wide array of fundraisers such as trail rides, rodeos, gymkhanas, raffles, selling chocolate covered almonds and much more.

In 2013, Kneeland was presented with the Hal Rogers Fellow Award by the Kin Canada Foundation at TeleMiracle 37, joining the ranks of others that received this incredible honour such as Wayne Gretzky, Celine Dion, Pinball Clemons and Bob McGrath. Additionally, in 2019, Kneeland was presented with a “Friends of TeleMiracle” award for his significant contributions and commitment to TeleMiracle and the people of Saskatchewan.

When asked about his favorite TeleMiracle memories over the years, Kneeland gave an answer that you can only expect to hear from a real cowboy. “Well shucks, I so enjoyed it all. I just had a real hayday with all of it.”

Kneeland also played a major role at the Canadian Western Agribition and in 2016, he was inducted into the Canadian Western Agribition Hall of Fame in honour of the many years of service that he spent doing hoof trimming.

Throughout the years, and the numerous interviews with the Martensville Messenger, Ray remained steady stating each time that, “I have never worked a day in my life because I always thoroughly enjoyed what I was doing.”

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ray Kneeland on Saturday, January 7th at 1pm at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville, which will be an informal drop-in-social, where those attending can share their memories of Ray. Memorial donations can be made to TeleMiracle.

ABOVE: Kneeland with Beverley Mahood in January of 2022.