The City’s Snow Removal Program aims to keep roads safe, accessible, and clear for emergency services, vehicles, and pedestrians. While our crews work diligently, winter weather can be unpredictable, and snow-clearing activities may vary. Here’s how you can help:
- Avoid pushing snow onto streets – This creates ridges that obstruct plowing efforts and creates larger snow ridges at your driveway.
- Don’t pile snow on streets or hydrants – This can block emergency access.
- Clear driveways before plows arrive – This helps crews work efficiently and prevents ridges.
- Avoid parking on streets during snow clearing – Vehicles hinder operations and risk being blocked by snow.
- Prevent driveway snow buildup – Place snow in yard areas rather than at the driveway edge.
- Watch for posted removal zones – Vehicles parked in these areas may be ticketed and towed.
- Stay back from sanding trucks– Keep a 15m distance to allow safe dispersion of salt and sand.
For more information and to view the City’s Priority Map, visit Martensville.ca.
Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca.
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!
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.
January 14th- Committee of the Whole January 21st- Regular 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.
Ice Conditions on Neighborhood Ponds
The Martensville Fire Department conducts regular ice measurements of the ponds in Martensville to ensure conditions are safe for recreational use. Measurements will be reported through the Fire Departments and the City of Martensville’s Facebook pages as well as reported on Martensville.ca.
Ice is measured until thickness is above 12 inches.
Please pay attention to signs or barricades about ice conditions near ponds. Engaging in activities like skating on ponds is entirely at your own risk.
Ice should be avoided that: -looks slushy
-has thawed, then froze again
-is near moving water
-is layered, caused by sudden temperature changes
-has structures on it, such as pressure ridges.
Recreation Program Update
North Prairie Developments- CANWEST Winter FunFest 2025 is February 17th Fun for the whole family! Winter FunFest is held on Family Day at Northridge Community Centre and is full of winter-themed activities! We guarantee a day of family fun that will give you and your family some amazing memories.
Watch for updates in the coming weeks. We look forward to offering you a great day of Winter Activity and Fun.
Did You Receive a Deposit of $36.29 From MNP?
Residents throughout Saskatchewan, B.C., Manitoba, Labrador, and Newfoundland may have recently noticed an Interac e-transfer going into their account in the amount of $36.29 from MNP.
This is part of a settlement for Facebook’s Sponsored Stories class action lawsuit, which is a case claiming that Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly known as Facebook Inc.) was allegedly using people’s names and photos in ads without consent.
The settlement, which was approved in early 2024 and took over a decade to end, saw more than 900,000 claims and approximately $51 million CAD to be shared throughout those eligible within the class action lawsuit. The money was distributed to residents that lived within the applicable provinces (listed above) between January 1, 2011 and May 30, 2014, who had their names or photos used within Sponsored Story ads.
New Year Offers New Program Opportunities at the Martensville Library
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
As everyone settles back into regular life following the holidays, the Martensville Library is providing a variety of options to help you get out of the house and have some fun with the kids this month.
Wiggles & Giggles
Toddler Storytime will be taking place on Fridays at 10:30am at the Martensville Library. This is a drop-in program for ages 1-3 and their caregivers that includes a short story, songs and playtime following the program. The next Wiggles & Giggles will take place on Friday, January 17th.
Storytime at the Martensville Library will be taking place on Mondays and Thursdays (beginning January 23rd and 27th) at 10:30am. The same program will be held both days, but the Martensville Library wanted to offer an additional option for those that may have pre-school programs to work around. Storytime is best suited for ages 3-5; however, all ages are welcome. This drop-in program will consist of 3-4 stories, songs and a craft.
Another popular program, Books & Babies will begin starting Tuesday, January 14th and run for five weeks. An additional option was offered for Wednesdays; however, that is currently full. This program is for babies up to one year of age and their caregivers and helps to develop early literacy skills through rhymes, stories, songs and socialization. Registration is required for this program, which can be done by calling the Martensville Library at (306) 956-7311 or emailing Martensville.library@wheatland. sk.ca.
Go to ‘Martensville Library’ on Facebook for more information on upcoming programs and events at the local library
Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, January 9th at 7:00pm
Martensville Food Pantry Grateful for Community Support
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Food Pantry is a staple to numerous local families that rely on the program for food hampers and free food options located in the hallway of the Civic Centre. Items on the shelves in the hallway are available to anyone that needs it, and the MFP also provides food hampers with an assortment of non-perishable food items, meats, dairy and fresh food.
The Food Pantry is busy year-round but the Christmas season is an extremely busy time for this group of dedicated volunteers.
“We had 57 requests for Christmas Dinner Hampers which was more than we have had in the past. We had tremendous support from our local community this Christmas season,” said volunteer Linda Ward.
“We receive continued support not only at Christmas, but all year from many businesses, churches, individuals and clubs through fundraisers, and donations such as, City of Martensville, Martensville and District Lions Club, Kinettes, and so many individuals too numerous to name.”
There were many fundraisers, community clubs and individuals that contributed especially throughout the season.
The Martensville Food Pantry would like to thank all those who helped make this past year a success in any way including Hy Tech Drilling, Affinity Credit Union, Lakeview Insurance, Co-op Grocery, Geransky Brothers, and Smokehaus Meats, who is a yearly supporter.
Currently, they are in need of certain supplies such as toilet paper, juice, canned fruit and cereal.
If you can donate, or are in need of a hamper, contact the MFP via Facebook Messenger, email martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com, or call/text (306) 280-1255.
Martensville’s Yard Waste Site Accepts Christmas Trees
The holiday season is over, and it is time for the Christmas decorations to come down, but now the question is, what do you do with your Christmas Tree post-holidays?
Trees can be taken to the yard waste site along 10th Avenue South in Martensville. Please remember to remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel from Christmas Trees.
Nominations Are Open for 2025 Prairie Sky Business Excellence Awards
The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce is ready for another successful year of supporting local businesses and offering a variety of programs, events and opportunities for businesses to take part in.
This month, the PSCC will be hosting their annual ‘Lunch with Leaders’ on Friday, January 17th at Sky Chef Lounge in Warman. There are still seats available for those interested in attending.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
There will be local, provincial and federally elected officials in attendance, including Martensville Mayor Kent Muench, Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk, Honourable Jamie Martens – MLA for Martensville-Blairmore, Honourable Terry Jenson – MLA for Warman and Kelly Block – MP for Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek.
“This event offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to engage directly with their elected representatives, ask questions, and learn about future plans that will impact the region,” the PSCC stated in an email.
Additionally, the nomination period for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards is now open, so be sure to show support to all of your favorite local businesses by nominating them for one of these prestigious awards. Nominations will close January 31st. Categories include; New Business Award, Community Involvement Award, Customer Service Award, Business Marketing Award, Small Business Award, Employer of the Year Award, and Business of the Year Award.
The 2025 Prairie Sky Business Excellence Awards will take place on Friday, May 23 at the Brian King Centre in Warman.
For more information about upcoming events, and to learn more about the PSCC, visit prairieskychamber.ca.
Martensville Youth Connection Seeking Community Feedback
Jocelyn Ottenbreit,
Martensville Messenger
Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) is a safe drop-in support for youth aged 10-18 years old that provides education on mental health, as well as a variety of fun, engaging activities and socialization opportunities.
They offer programming on Mondays at the North Ridge Community Centre and Fridays at Venture Heights Elementary School from 3:30pm-7:00pm, as well as provide cooking for seniors at Sunset Villa every second Wednesday.
MYC is currently seeking feedback from the community regarding their program and asking local residents to complete their annual survey.
“We want to make sure we are meeting your needs and finding ways to improve our services. Please take five minutes to complete the survey, as your input is greatly appreciated,” a representative from MYC stated via social media.
The link to the survey can be found by visiting the ‘Martensville Youth Connection - MYC’ Facebook page, or by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SXT DC3H?fbclid=IwY2xjawHqSchleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYpYPYaIc2MihbcJ_9OMcfJ cC03NuwyXO2u-NIfoGoBPhW-TUUjg3ZfEHw_aem_uIJ_MBCjqg5vIOxeosCm4w.
To continue offering as many options as possible for local youth, the MYC is also asking for supplies to help make this year a success. Items that are most-needed at this time include self-care kits (such as facemasks, foot masks, nail polish, eye masks, etc.), board games suitable for ages 10 – 17, gift cards for local stores such as Dollarama, markers, activity kits, lip gloss, lotion, LEGO, sewing supplies, craft supplies, bingo supplies, and journals.
If you are able to donate you can email them at myc@possibilitiesrecovey.ca, or call 306-370-2107.
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SPORTS
Local Coaches Get Presented With Coaching Awards
The 2024/2025 U18 Girls Provincials, as well as the 2024/2025 U18 Boys Provincials took place in Prince Albert from December 27-31, with representatives from Martensville hitting the ice.
For the Boys Provincials, three out of six teams were representing the Martensville Curling Club, including Team Derksen (Tyler Derksen, Gavin Martens, Hudson Heistad and Matthew Olson –Coach Corey Martens), Team Robson (Jax Robson, Carter Grindheim, Kade Comfort, and Nolan Steckler – Coach Mike Steckler), and Team Kitsch (Joel Kitsch, Dominic Barlow, Samuel Schmeiser-Weggel, and Lucas Robinet – Coach Rhonsa Kitsch).
In the Girls Provincials, local curler Lindsay Miller was representing Martensville with Team Semeniuk, as well as Coach Don Miller.
Local Soccer Organizations Celebrate Opening of MRC Field House
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Valley Soccer Association and Valley United Soccer Club held a joint soccer drop-in event at the Martensville Recreation Centre (MRC) on January 4th to kick off the opening of the Field House portion of the newest addition to the community.
A large portion of the MRC, including the arena, climbing wall, indoor playground and more, has been open since October; however, the Field House still required some construction before it could be accessed by the community.
Community groups are now able to utilize the new facility, and they couldn’t be happier, which was clear at the January 4th event.
“We had booked one half of the field, but we ended up getting so much interest and participation for the event, that we needed to go to the front desk and book the other half as well. We filled the whole field,” Cam Houle, Valley Soccer Technical Director, stated.
Leading up to the opening of the Field House, much anticipation took place within the community, and local sports organizations were counting down the days for it to open.
“Watching the facility come together has been fairly surreal, and getting to step onto the field recently for the first time was a bit of a dream come true. Being raised in the Valley myself, our winter soccer programming was always sorely lacking for my entire life, and even when we did finally start to create the programming in our own communities, we were held back by our facilities,” Houle said.
For approximately the past five years, VSA and VUSC operated out of gyms and hard court spaces, and on the turfed court at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion. Although appreciated, Houle noted that in order to play soccer properly, more space is required.
“This new facility will not only enable us to offer more and better programming and fun, but it will also enable us to develop talent and foster growth like we've never been able to before.”
Houle stated that this new facility will improve the way the local soccer groups operate and how soccer is offered within the region.
“I expect this new building will keep our numbers growing even faster than they have been in recent years and make us all better players, coaches, referees and fans of the game. The impact the MRC will have on the sport within the Valley cannot be overstated, and we at VSA and VUSC cannot wait to take full advantage of that impact.”
ABOVE: Valley Soccer Association held their first Girls’ League Night at the newly opened Field House section of the Martensville Recreation Centre. According to the VSA, the new space is amazing to play in, and all of the girls had a blast. (Valley Soccer Association)
ABOVE: A Drop-In Soccer Kick Off celebration was held at the Martensville Recreation Centre on Saturday, January 4th, which offered an opportunity for all ages of Valley United Soccer Club (VUSC) and Valley Soccer Association (VSA) players and their families to come and check out the newly opened Field House. (Valley United Soccer Club)
ABOVE: The Martensville Maruader U11 D Maven Maidens had a successful weekend, where they won the B-Final at their tournament in Prince Albert. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)
ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U11 Maven Marlies attended the U11 Bobcat Icecaps Tournament over the past weekend and came home as ‘A’ side Champions. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)
Coaches Corey Martens (Team Derksen) and Don Miller (Team Semeniuk) received Provincial Coaching Awards at the U18 Provincials. These awards were voted on by peers.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Provincial Indexation and the Saskatchewan Affordability Act Will Make Life More Affordable in 2025
The Saskatchewan Affordability Act and ongoing annual indexation are two ways the Government of Saskatchewan is taking action to ensure the province remains the most affordable place in Canada.
"Every year our government adjusts the provincial income tax brackets and basic tax credits to protect Saskatchewan citizens from the rising cost of inflation, which is also known as indexation," Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter said. "This provides safeguards against the inflationary pressures that would otherwise push taxpayers into higher tax brackets and reduce the actual value of tax credits. Given the current affordability concerns, it is important we take these steps to help make life more affordable for the people of Saskatchewan."
The level of indexation in 2025 will be 2.7 per cent, which matches the annual average national inflation rate from October 2023 to September 2024. In 2025, Saskatchewan residents will see $40.5 million in annual tax savings from indexation.
“A family of four will not pay any Saskatchewan income tax on the first $63,200 of their income, the highest tax-free threshold for a family of four in Canada,” Reiter said. “We have more than doubled this tax-free amount during our time in government, which continues to provide significant savings for people throughout the province and helps make life more affordable.”
Indexation was also incorporated into The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, which was recently passed in the Legislative Assembly. The Act reduced personal income tax in Saskatchewan by increasing rates for the basic personal, spousal and child exemptions, as well as the seniors supplement, by $500 a year for the next four years on top of annual indexation adjustments.
The Act provides significant benefits to pensioners and others who are on fixed incomes by indexing and increasing the rate of the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit, while persons with disabilities, as well as their caregivers, will also benefit from increased tax credits.
The commitments in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act are in addition to the more than $2 billion in affordability measures already included in each and every provincial budget.
New Recruits Join The Saskatchewan Police College
On Monday, January 6th, the Saskatchewan Police College (SKPC) welcomed 40 new recruits who are taking their first step toward a career in policing. For 50 years, the SKPC has been the official institute for the provision and coordination of training and education for municipal and First Nations police officers in Saskatchewan.
This group of recruits represents the 90th class trained at the SKPC since its inception in 1974.
Training at the SKPC, located at the University of Regina, is delivered by experienced police officers, legal experts and staff with backgrounds in education and instructional design. Training for new recruits includes (but is not limited to): communication, de-escalation, use of force techniques, comprehensive legal studies, cultural and diversity awareness and officer wellness and mental health. The program is designed to help recruits develop the knowledge, skills and abilities required to excel as police officers.
"Congratulations to the new recruits starting their career at the Saskatchewan Police College, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. "The College has shaped generations of police officers and prepared more than 2,100 officers for frontline policing positions since 1974. We thank the Police College staff, management and recruits for their commitments each year to the safety and security of our province."
The SKPC continues to evolve to support the ever-changing needs of recruits, policing services and communities. Initially, training for new recruits was delivered over 16 weeks, but it is now delivered over 21 weeks to cover a wider range of topics to better serve citizens in Saskatchewan. The SKPC also offers ongoing training to both sworn and civilian municipal police service personnel to ensure they remain up-to-date on the latest advancements and best practices in law enforcement.
"As policing needs change, so does the training we provide to our recruits," Saskatchewan Police Commission Executive Director Brent Penner says. "The curriculum undergoes a thorough review process following each training class to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with the needs of our communities."
This fall, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $11.9 million to hire approximately 100 new municipal police officers as part of its safer communities and neighbourhoods initiative. In addition, SKPC will receive $2.5 million over three years to help fill these positions with outstanding officers who understand the concerns facing our communities.
In 2023-24, the SKPC provided ongoing training for 508 sworn officers and 64 recruits, with the latest class of 31 recruits graduating on December 13, 2024.
Complaints About People Not Wanting to
Clean Their Room, Littered Ice Cream and a Mean Cat are Some of the Calls to Police that “Missed the Mark” in 2024
With 367,707 calls for service, Saskatchewan RCMP's Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) had another busy year in 2024, taking calls ranging from 911 mis-dials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety.
“Our annual list is fun, but it’s important to realize that DOCC officers play a really important role during emergencies. We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from police. We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them,” says Lee Rosin, Recruiter and Training Facilitator for DOCC. “It’s important that these lines remain open for those who reach out for help through 911 or 310-RCMP.”
Here are the top 10 calls that "missed the mark" in 2024:
10. Who are you? - A concerned individual called 911 to advise that they didn’t recognize someone on their social media friend list.
9. Spick and span - A frustrated individual called to complain that their parents were forcing them to clean their room.
8. Stop stressing meowt - A caller advised that a fox was wandering the neighbourhood and scaring a local cat.
7. To bee or not to bee - 911 dispatchers received a call from a person saying that they had a problem with bees in their home.
6. Tech support - A concerned individual called 911 to ask for help unlocking their cell phone.
5. Litter bug - An individual called 911 to report that someone had thrown their ice cream on the ground.
4. Cut the cat-itude - A caller advised that their cat was being mean to them and they were hoping an officer would come and help with the situation.
3. Loads of fun - 911 dispatchers received a call from a person who was having trouble with their washing machine.
2. I’m counting on you - An individual called 911 asking for help on a math equation as they didn’t want to fail their test in the morning.
1. Party’s over - 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual saying that their tambourine was taken from a party they attended.
Please remember: whether you’re frustrated with your washing machine, trying to unlock your phone or suspicious of a fox – calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress.
Saskatchewan RCMP would like to remind the public that there are ramifications for those who misuse 911. Not only is there a chance of preventing someone with a lifethreatening emergency from getting help, there is also a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act with fines up to $2000.
Two Killed in New Year’s Eve Collision Near Martensville
Two lives were lost on New Year’s Eve following a collision between a semi and an SUV on Highway #12, just south of the Highway #305 intersection.
Emergency crews were notified of the two-vehicle collision on Tuesday, December 31st at approximately 5:20pm.
Warman RCMP, the Martensville Fire Department and Medavie Health Services West responded to the call, where the two individuals of the SUV, a 29-yearold female, and a 40-year-old male, both from Saskatoon, were declared deceased on scene.
The driver of the semi was medically assessed by members of the Martensville Fire Department and paramedics with Medavie Health Services on scene for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Highway 12 was temporarily closed while the RCMP investigated the collision, with the Martensville Fire Department staying on scene to assist the RCMP.
The MFD cleared the scene at approximately 10:00pm on December 31st.
Members of Warman RCMP continue to investigate this collision with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Rosthern Man Missing Since December 2nd
Rosthern RCMP continue to search for 68-year-old Kirk Brayford, who was reported missing to Rosthern RCMP on December 2. He was last in touch with friends in midNovember, and hasn’t been in touch since – something out of character for him.
Kirk may be driving a white 2012 Mazda 3 with Saskatchewan license plate 447 HBS, which also has not been seen since he was reported missing.
Kirk is known to travel between Rosthern and Waskesiu. He’s an avid outdoorsmen and sometimes visits area trails. If you live in the Rosthern-Prince Albert-Waskesiu areas and notice any sign of Kirk or anything out of place on your property, please report it to police.
Report information by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Corman Park Police Service Reminds Public of Rules Regarding Snowmobiling
Corman Park Police Service received numerous complaints regarding AllTerrain Vehicles throughout the summer, and snowmobiles during the winter months and because of this, CPPS took to social media to remind the public about some of the rules regarding snowmobiling.
- Saskatchewan requires that all snowmobiles being operated on public roads (including the ditch) have a certificate of registration, or a registration permit obtained from SGI.
- Anyone operating a snowmobile must hold a valid class 1,2,3,4 or 5 driver’s license, or be at least 16 years old and have completed an operators safety course. Those between the ages of 12-16 must have completed an operators safety course and be accompanied by someone holding a valid drivers license on either the same snowmobile,
or another within close proximity.
- All snowmobile operators, passengers and any passengers of any towed conveyance must be wearing an approved helmet.
- Snowmobiles must only use the traveled portion of public roadways to cross and when crossing, snowmobiles must come to a complete stop, yield to traffic on the public roadway and cross in the most direct route possible.
- It is an offense to operate a snowmobile on private property without obtaining permission of the property owner and can lead to a $580.00 fine.
- If signaled to stop by police, the snowmobile operator must stop, and failure to do so is a criminal code offence.
- Never consume drugs or alcohol and operate a snowmobile.
