January 7, 2021 Digital Issue

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ABOVE: With household visits limited right now due to COVID restrictions, many residents are looking for ways to get outside and spend some time with their loved ones. One of the local options is located within Kinsmen Park, where a skating path has been created on one of the ponds. Other options include the local outdoor rinks, sledding or the ‘Winter Wonderland’ programming hosted by the City of Martensville. More information about ‘Winter Wonderland’ can be found on page 8 of this issue.

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Page 2 - JANUARY 7, 2021 - martensville messenger

Martensville & District Lions Club Fundraiser Helps Local Families Receive Guide Dogs Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

For 2020, Christmas and New Year’s was done a little differently for everyone; however, one thing that may remain the same is that your collection of cans and bottles increased slightly over the holidays.

If this is the case in your home, the Martensville & District Lions Club have a solution for you by offering contactless pickup or a Drop N Go option at SARCAN. All proceeds that the local Lions Club raises through this will be used towards helping bring two guide dogs to local families, which will include a hearing dog and a service dog.

There are several different types of dog guides that are provided through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, including; Canine Vision for people who are blind or visually impaired, Hearing for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Autism Assistance for children who have autism ABOVE: A photo from the 2017 Walk for Dog spectrum disorder, Service for people who Guides hosted by the Martensville & District Lions Club. This year, the walk is planned for have a physical or medical disability, Seizure May 30th, so be sure to mark your calendars Response for people who have epilepsy, and watch for more information about how to Diabetic Alert for people who have diabetes get involved. with hypoglycemic unawareness and Facility Support for professional agencies assisting individuals in traumatic situations.

Each year, the local Lions Club hosts the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides; however, due to COVID restrictions this year, the walk was done virtually instead, which unfortunately hindered the total amount that is typically raised through this event – bringing in only approximately 30% compared to other years, which was a similar scene nationwide. More information about the Walk for Dog Guides can be found by visiting www.walkfordogguides.com.

Since beginning the bottle drive in November of 2020, the Lions have managed to raise approximately $2000, but still have a long way to go. “Each dog guide about $25,000 to raise, train and place with a client at about two years of age. This year, virtual walks have not been as successful as the real walk, but we still have 300 dogs in training and waiting to be placed with clients as soon as restrictions are lifted,” Doug Ward, Martensville & District Lions Club Secretary, explained.

If you are interested in donating your bottles and cans to the Martensville & District Lions Club, contact Doug at (306) 481-8914 or Maria at (306) 290-6766. You can also donate through SARCAN Drop & Go using the name Martensville Lions Club or customer number 057302053.

“Thank you to Martensville and area for your support in the past and hopefully things will get back to normal soon. We want to wish everyone a happier and better year in 2021 and hopefully see you at our regular walk on May 30th this year,” Ward stated.

Upcoming Development of New Pathway Leads to ReLocation of Dog Park Entrance Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

For anyone that frequents along 10th Avenue South, which the Martensville Dog Park, you this new path will connect with would have noticed by now that and lead to the dog park. “We the entrance is not located in hope to keep these pathway the same spot that it once was. projects going as right now, Previously, to enter the dog park, we are very well connected all motorists would turn from 10th the way from North Hills Park, Avenue South into the parking through Kinsmen Park, along lot; however, the lot can be now 10th Avenue, down to the south accessed by turning from 10th end trail behind Glenview Cove.

Avenue South onto 8th Street This new portion will allow for South, and into the roadway even more connectivity.” beside Soul Power Fitness.

The City of Martensville

This move was planned has plans to add some lighting to accommodate a new pathway sections to areas that are currently that will be developed this spring not lit in upcoming years as well. or summer in the area. “The new

Schaeffer added that pathway will be adjacent to where this will be the permanent new the previous road leading into the ABOVE: entrance and with the closing dog park was. Essentially, that Signage is in of the previous entrance, it will would mean cars would be driving place reminding create more space for parking right beside where our pathway motorists of the as well. “I have been to the dog was, which we didn’t want for new dog park park quite a few times this winter, safety reasons. The intent was access. and there are a lot of people using to change the entrance location it, with up to 20 cars in there at at some point, so we went ahead and did times, so this additional space will come in it now so people could get used to it and handy,” said Schaeffer. then later this year, there will be a pathway At this time, there are no other that will go where the old entrance was,” major changes planned for the Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Dog Park; however, Schaeffer added that Services Ted Schaeffer, explained. there are plans to eventually install fencing

The new pathway will be an on the north side of the dog park, but this extension of the current pathways already in will be dependent on development of place. Last year, a pathway was developed commercial businesses within the area.

Message From The Mayor Happy New Year all! I don't know if I've ever been more filled with hope for a new year than this one. Our community has shown incredible perseverance and support over the past several months and I know this will continue into 2021.

Although we likely have several more challenging months ahead, with hope on the horizon for better days, we can all certainly look forward to an even stronger and more vibrant community. I look forward to sharing 2021 with all of you.

ABOVE: To access the Martensville Dog Park, motorists must now turn from 10th Avenue South onto 8th Street South and into the alleyway located beside Soul Power Fitness.

martensville messenger - JANUARY 7, 2021 - Page 3

Snow Removal - Safety Reminders

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

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 and Snow Removal Equipment - Sanding and Snow Removal Equipment make frequent stops or may change direction at any time. If you are near or behind the sanding truck or snow removal equipment you are reminded to stay back 15m to ensure heavy machinery can safely operate and sanders can spread materials in intersections without risk to your vehicle.

Snow Dump Area is Restricted - The snow dump area located along 10th Avenue S, is a restricted area for city crews and contractors to dump and pile snow. This is not a recreational area and we ask that the public remain out of these areas due to potential hazards.

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

Snowmobiles In The Parks Are Not Permitted

The City of Martensville has received numerous complaints about snowmobiles being driven through city streets, parks, municipal reserves and drainage systems. The use of snowmobiles in parks is a safety concern as well as a maintenance issue due to the potential damage to trees, plantings and other landscaping. Snowmobiles operating in the parks are subject to fines under the Snowmobile Bylaw.

January Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend.

Committee of the Whole - January 12th Regular Council Meeting - January 19th 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 5PM. 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.

Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic- What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open, however with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall.

The City had implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, including extending the Property Tax deadline from July 31st to October 30th.

Property Taxes are now due with interest charges on overdue accounts now accruing.

Stay Informed! - The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates, and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca. Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Residents are required to wear non-medical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines. Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of January 5th, 2021 Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Drop in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance to changes in the Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan North Ridge Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Open Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time.

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies - should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Protective Services - There are no changes in duty or status to Protective Services such as the RCMP, Martensville Fire Department, and Ambulance Service.

Water and Sewer - These services remain unimpacted and unchanged, including water quality testing. Meter reading will continue to take place under the Read/Estimate schedule; however, staff will not be doing reads of meters located inside of homes or occupied buildings. In these cases, estimates will be taken or reads can be provided into City Hall. In respect to water and sewer emergencies, city staff may not be able to enter resident homes at this time and private contractors should be considered.

Water Meter Read/Estimate Schedule - The Water Meter Read/Estimate schedule is in place continues to be extended into foreseeable future. Visit Martensville.ca, ‘Reading Your Water Meter’ for schedule information or watch Facebook for reminders about submitting your reading.

Utility Accounts - Water service will not be discontinued due to non-payment or overdue account status.

Garbage and Recycling - Services remain in place and on schedule with no anticipated service delays at this time. Organics collection has now closed for the season and will recommence in May 2021.

Road Maintenance - will continue as required and is not expected to change at this time.

Playgrounds, Parks and Sports Fields - Playgrounds are currently open. Sports Fields have reopened but users should continue to follow activity guidelines as may be provided under the Provincial Re-Open plan. Trails and passive park spaces remain open for use, but we continue to urge residents to incorporate safe practices.

Page 4 - JANUARY 7, 2021 - martensville messenger

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Martensville High School Starts New Year with Level 3 Safe Return to School Plan

As we begin 2021, students are heading back to school; however, things at Martensville High School are set up a little differently as of Monday, January 4.

Students with last names beginning with A-L will be in Group A and will attend school in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, while students with last names beginning with M-Z are in Group B and will attend inperson on Tuesdays and Fridays. All students will have online classes on Wednesday of every week.

This schedule is in accordance with Level 3 of the Safe Return to School Plan, which includes reduced in-class learning.

In a recent post to social media, Martensville High School noted that there were some minor adjustments made to these groupings to balance the numbers of students attending in-class each day, which were directly communicated to families.

For questions that relate to a specific class, parents and students are encouraged to contact their classroom teachers and other questions can be directed to mhs@spiritsd.ca.

For more information about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Safe Schools Plan, visit www.saskatchewan.ca.

ABOVE: Santa visited a group of excited kindergarten students at Valley Manor School leading up to Christmas. (Submitted)

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Winter Wonderland Comes to Martensville Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

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With the restrictions put upon everyone this past year and into the new year, one thing that has remained the same is being able to enjoy being outside (with a 10 person limit).

The City of Martensville came up with the idea to create something different for the community this winter season - the first event of it’s kind, which will offer a series of events and workshops for families over the new few months of the new year.

“Winter Wonderland was created with the idea to get families outside and enjoying our own community a little differently,” stated Jamie McCulloch, Program Coordinator for the City of Martensville. “Activities will include cross country skiing, ice fishing, tobogganing, snow shoeing, fort building, ice sculpting, and ice skating.”

Starting this Friday, January 8th until January 17th, the City of Martensville will have snowshoes available for rent at the MAP. Those who are interested are to contact McCulloch at jmcculloch@martensville.ca or call 306-668-5578 to work out a time for the rental. There will be no cost for renting, and it is all based on availability.

“On January 23rd from 1-4 in Kinsmen Park we will be hosting ‘A Day in the Park: Sledding Edition’ where we will be playing music, will have inner tubes available for use and if restrictions allow for it, hot chocolate available by donation.”

The next activity they will be hosting is cross country skiing workshops from February 6 - 13th to show people how to use and work with cross country skis. Again, martensville messenger - OCtOBer 1, 2020 - Page 5 they will also have skis available for rental during these dates at no cost and based on availability.

On Family Day, February 20th, there will be an afternoon full of fun and activities - from Little Chippers workshop to kick sledding, to ice blocks. They will also be hosting a Fire & Ice Creations workshop from or email 1-4pm. advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca McCulloch explains, “Little Chippers is an interactive 20 minute workshop for children and their adults to come and learn about ice carving from one of the wonderful carvers from Fire and Ice Creations. This workshop is designed for children 5 and up. We ask that adults stay with their children for the workshop. The coloured ice blocks are 3x3 inch blocks for children who are too young to participate in the Little Chippers to use, stack, and play with!”

Kick sleds will be available for use during the afternoon for all ages. This will be $2.00 per person and registration will be required.

March 6 and 13 (dates may change) there will be ice fishing equipment for families to come and try out ice fishing on the pond and some local experts will be there to teach families how it’s done.

All events will be following Saskatchewan Health Authority and Government of Saskatchewan recommendations and guidelines.

Keep an eye on the City of Martensville Facebook events page for more information regarding upcoming events throughout January, February, and March.

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martensville messenger - JANUARY 7, 2021 - Page 7

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

2020 Saw A Historic Sask. Party Win

In a year dominated by a global pandemic, it’s almost as if we’ve forgotten that we had a historic election this year. Yes, the Saskatchewan win on October 26 was historic…although it may not have seemed that way because everyone expected this history to be made.

No other political party in Saskatchewan has won four consecutive majority governments since the Tommy Douglas Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (the CCF that would later become the NDP) accomplished that feat in 1956. Douglas’s CCF would go to win a fifth term in 1960, resulting in 20 years of rule.

By the end of this term in 2024, the Brad Wall-Scott Moe led Sask. Party will have ruled for 17 consecutive years, surpassing the string of 16 consecutive years of the Roy Romanow-Lorne Calvert led NDP. It’s noteworthy, however, that one of the NDP’s four terms from 1999 until 2003 was actually a coalition government propped by Liberals who eventually defected to the NDP, so it was exactly a true majority.

What we witnessed on October 26 is the creation of the third-longest serving government in the history of a province. By the end of this term, only that Douglas CCF government from 1944 until 1964 and the original Liberal government from 1905 to 1929 will have served the province longer.

But the historic nature of Scott Moe’s 48-13 majority win (exactly where the Saskatchewan legislature was at when all its seats were last occupied prior to 2019 federal election) wasn’t only about the longevity of the Sask.

Party government.

The history in the making was also about the magnitude of both the win the popularity of this party that has supplanted the NDP as the province’s natural-governing party.

For the third consecutive Saskatchewan election, the Sask. Party swept every rural seat - something no other party had ever previously done.

But what has made the Sask. Party more than just the “rural party” that couldn’t form governments in its first two elections under Elwin Hermanson is its broad-based appeal.

Also for the third consecutive election, the Sask.

Party received more than 60 per cent of the popular something that simply cannot be overlooked or downplayed.

Yes, the Sask. Party won 29 “rural seats” (those outside the four largest cities and including the two northern seats that have always gone NDP) with huge numbers that pumped up its overall Sask. Party popular vote. These strong seats were why the election was never in doubt.

It went into this campaigning having won at least 31 seats by at least 2,500 votes in the previous election. Only six times in the history of our province has a party ever lost a seat it previously won by 2,500 votes or more.

But let us not forget that this election occurred in the middle of a pandemic. The Sask. Party had to run on 202021 budget with a record $2.1-billion deficit, record public debt and the biggest drop in employment since the federal government began accurately recording the statistics in the mid-1970s.

If there was an election where the Sask. Party might have suffered a major fall, one might have thought it would be this one.

But the simple reality is that the Sask. Party has never really experienced a major setback.

Like every general election since its inception in 1997 via four Liberal MLAs joining four Progressive Conservative MLAs to form one, single right-wing alternative to the NDP, the Sask. Party won as many seats as it previously held.

This supposed “rural party” swept Moose Jaw and Prince Albert, and took away seats in long-time NDP strongholds in north Regina and even Saskatoon Riversdale, was occupied for decades by Romanow and Calvert.

The big political story this year was a dominate Sask. Party election night win.

Perseverence Powered Through a Challenging 2020

Well people, we did it. We made it through 2020 - although sadly, there was no magical surge that took place at midnight on January 1st, 2021 that made the events of the past year disappear. But we still managed to make it here, so that is something to celebrate.

There isn’t a single person that was not impacted by the effects of 2020 and many were hit worse than others.

Too many families lost loved ones last year and also lost out on the chance to host a funeral to honour their loved ones life. Too many people struggled financially and had to constantly worry about where their next meal was going to come from. Too many individuals struggled with their mental health and in many cases turned to substance abuse or taking their own life as a solution. There is no sugar coating the tragedy that came for many last year, and continues into this year.

The year 2020 consisted of many sad stories and scary situations that had all of us on edge at some point, but if anything, the past year proved that humans can persevere through trying times. We can adapt quickly to new circumstances and although there were and still are horrible things happening in our world, we have proven that good can overcome.

Jocelyn and I, along with many other business owners had a ton of concerns as to how COVID would affect our business. There were sleepless nights and many conversations that took place; however, for us, and for so many of our local businesses, we are still here because of the support from this community. The residents of Martensville and area are truly incredible and show this every day by stepping up for one another, helping complete strangers by providing food and hygiene items, donating money to local organizations, supporting local businesses regularly and so many other ways.

Most years, we kick off our first issue with a look back at the previous year, and although there were many events and positive moments from 2020, we have decided that this year, instead of looking back, we will look forward.

We are so excited to see what this year will bring and are inspired at how our local residents and businesses have adapted in order to continue on.

Thank you to each and every one of you that supported not only us at the Martensville Messenger, but our community. There has been a saying that has been used many times in recent months that really does stand out and that is, “We are not all in the same boat, but we are in the same storm.” So keep supporting one another, keep sharing positive stories on our local social media pages, help our local businesses continue to provide services in the community, say thank you to the incredible health care workers and teachers that are working tirelessly through this pandemic, smile with your eyes as you walk past a stranger while wearing a mask and keep on persevering!

Shanine Sealey & Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

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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.

Page 8 - JANUARY 7, 2021 - martensville messenger

City of Martensville Partners With READ Saskatoon to Offer Programming to Local Residents Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Since 1997, READ Saskatoon has been delivering family literacy programs locally and in the past several years, they have partnered with Saskatchewan Odyssey, through which they have attended events in Martensville schools.

For those who have not heard of READ Saskatoon before, they offer a wide variety of options for all ages and are constantly looking at new opportunities to extend learning into the community by reducing or removing as many barriers to participation as possible. Some options offered include; an adult tutoring program, which provides strategies to improve literacy skills; a financial literacy program to provide access to better navigate complicated financial systems; a family literacy program which provides opportunities for families to acquire new skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening which is steeped in shared learning, providing a safe place for families to learn and grow together.

“Our literacy programs help people solve the challenges they face in their daily lives and assist them to live in harmony with a rapidly changing environment. Literacy is the foundation of all skills and the prerequisite for economic development. READ Saskatoon addresses and supports the advancement of literacy and learning in our community. We provide a range of literacy services for adults and families through the work of staff, trained volunteers, and community partners,” READ Saskatoon Executive Director Sheryl Harrow-Yurach, explained.

Now, being the first time that the family literacy programs for children aged 3-5 and their caregivers have moved online, these programs are available in Martensville and many other communities throughout the province.

Martensville residents are invited to register for one of three family literacy programs starting this month. 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe, Criss Cross Applesauce, and Romp ‘n’ READ run throughout the year and can be registered for on our website. “Post COVID, we welcome the opportunity to plan family literacy programs with organizations in Martensville who work with families,” said Harrow-Yurach.

With Family Literacy Day taking place on January 27th, READ Saskatoon has partnered with the Saskatoon Public library, as well as Wheatland Regional Library for a family-fun activity, which will take place between January 14-28. To participate, visit any Wheatland (including Martensville) or Saskatoon Public library to pick up a postcard for your family, or you can download your copy online at www.readsaskatoon. com starting January 11. Once completed, the postcard can be mailed to READ Saskatoon and the first 100 families to return the completed postcard will be directed to the closest local branch to pick up a book for your home library.

“READ Saskatoon’s program options are growing and expanding across the province. I would encourage the people of Martensville to stay tuned to our website to view the opportunities in our adult, financial, and family literacy programs,” HarrowYurach added.

Santa Claus Parades The Streets Of Martensville Submitted by he Martensville & District Kinette Club

The Martensville and District Kinette Club had the absolute privilege of parading Santa around the streets of Martensville prior to Christmas. It was a safe way for the young and young at heart to come out in front of their homes to see Santa during this challenging year.

Santa and his elves were heart warmed to see the smiles on all the faces of the good girls and boys.

The Kinette Club had an amazing response for pre-arranged stops and also made random stops

for physically distanced pictures with Santa and all for a great cause. A huge Thank You to the residents of Martensville as over $3,000.00 was raised for Telemiracle.

Another huge Thank You to Santa’s truck and trailer pilot Ken Symak and co-pilot Bill Zubrecki for the safe parade of the streets.

Follow the Martensville and District Kinette Club facebook page to keep up to date with the Kinette’s events throughout the year and for Santa’s return visit next year!

Local Kinette Club Adopts Seven Local Families For Christmas

In addition to bringing Santa to the community, the Martensville & District Kinette Club also collected donations from local individuals and ABOVE: Santa parades the streets of Martensville businesses, which helped them to over the holiday season. (Facebook) adopt a total of seven local families this past Christmas, providing them with food, hygiene items, toys for children, gift cards and much more.

Initially, the plan was to adopt two families for Christmas, one from Martensville and one from another local community. As donations began coming in, the support from the community made it clear that more would be able to be included. The seven families that were provided with items had a total of 18 children between them.

“There are not enough words to express the gratitude and shock of the families we met. Martensville, you made it so families had food on their tables this Christmas and for that, everyone should be so very proud.”