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Your City; Your Newspaper July 15, 2021

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VOLUME NO. 15 - ISSUE 27

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Beat the Heat

As we head into another week of +30-degree temperatures, both humans and animals alike are looking for ways to cool down. Shanine Sealey/MM

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Page 2 - JULY 15, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Living with COVID-19

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

While the public health order is lifted, COVID-19 will continue to circulate, particularly among unvaccinated populations. Being fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and all residents will continue to be offered first and second doses through pharmacies and Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics.

City Hall is Open - Masks are no longer mandatory, but wearing a mask remains a reasonable precaution and individual choice.

There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available.

Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall.

The North Ridge Centre opened as an available vaccination centre hosting walk-in or appointment clinics. Please watch announcements regarding upcoming clinic dates and eligibility.

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.

A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine. Bookings for vaccination can also be accessed by calling 1-833-SASKVAX Please continue to watch for updates for vaccine clinics in the area and for when you may be eligible to sign-up.

Safe Fires for a Safe Summer The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a provincial fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, effective immediately. Municipalities examine the risk in their own area and there is no Fire Ban within the City of Martensville. During summer, Martensville residents may partake and enjoy more outdoor activities in their backyards and patios. Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, Wood Piles and Fireworks to ensure the safety of themselves and others in our community. Regulations include: - Fires must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge screen and be at least 3m form combustible materials (fences, buildings etc) - The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited - Outdoor fires must be supervised - No permit is required for a private fireworks display but those fireworks must be set off in a manner that would not create danger or nuisance to neighbors - No person under the age of 18 shall set off fireworks - Ensure you have the civic address of your residence prominently displayed in the event of fire or emergency, this is to ensure responders can clearly identify your home For a complete list of regulations please visit martensville.ca or contact the Fire Department.

July and August Council Meeting Dates Please Note: With the commencement of Step 3, under the Provincial ‘Re-Opening Roadmap’ and ease of restrictions, upcoming Council Meetings are set to resume in person. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk. Regular Council Meeting - July 20th Committee of the Whole - August 10th Regular Council Meeting - August 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 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.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of July 13th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions. Aquatic Centre - Open for the Season, capacity restrictions lifted, pre-registration no longer required or available. City of Martensville City Hall City Hall - Open Hours of Operation: North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Monday to Friday Sports Centre - Closed for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic 9:00Centre) AM to- Open 5:00 PM

(Excluding Statutory Holidays)

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

Business Property Tax and Utility Update

The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. 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.

2021 is a Revaluation Year - What Do You Need To Know About Your Assessment and Taxes?

The City and the Province set tax mill rates which are applied to the property assessment values to determine the tax levy for city and education property tax. Detailed information about the 2021 Revaluation, Assessment, Taxes and the 2021 Budget can be found at Martensville.ca under, ‘Services for Residents, Property Tax and Assessment’. Property owners may also view their property report and assessment information online for at MySAMA & SAMAView. More Ways to Pay! - The City of Martensville is now accepting Ineterac e-Transfer as a payment option for your Property Taxes as well as utility bill, and licensing fees. E-Transfers can be providing using payments@martensville.ca , please reference your roll number or account number when making payment. Avoid Penalties and Interest Charges - Property Taxes for 2021 are due July 31st Questions about Taxation can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166.

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martensville messenger - JULY 15, 2021 - Page 3

Canada Day in Martensville Made Possible Due to Contribution of Volunteers Submitted by the Martensville Information & Visitor Centre

This year marked the 13th annual Canada Day in Martensville celebration organized by the Martensville Information & Visitor Centre, and although COVID restrictions were still in effect at the time, there was a wide variety of activities available for all ages. This event would not be possible without the generous contributions from sponsors including: Major Sponsors: Martensville & District Kinsmen, Martensville Messenger, City of Martensville & Saskatchewan Lotteries, Fresh Air Cinema, Government of Canada - Canadian Heritage Celebrate Canada, SGI Community Grants, and The Wireless Age Sasktel Dealer Advanced Sponsors: Lakeview Insurance Brokers Canada Day Special Sponsors: U of S Huskies Thank you to Kristee Lynn Adrian for all her organizing efforts and overseeing the entire event. We also appreciate the assistance from our office support Alexandria Adrian – Bergen; all of her time invested to make sure advertising, media support and our virtual celebrations were a go was more than we can thank her for. Thank you to the Martensville Information & Visitor Centre volunteer board of directors Jaylene Philips and Crystal Campbell for their continued support of the Centre; for all of their help behind the scenes and for all of the day's contributions. We cannot say thank you enough for the support that we get from our volunteers: Chris, Lex, Emmett, Scott, Adilyn, Lennox, and Bobbi. Thank you so much to Scott Campbell for setting off this year's fireworks display. We appreciated the use

City Hosting Line Dance Party Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

of the fireworks boxes that Wayne leant us and the extra buckets to fill with water. Special thank you to the Fire Department for being on site for the fireworks display!! Thank you to all of the volunteers that make this event a great success. Thank you to the Martensville Information & Visitor Centre for providing Canada Day cupcakes for those in attendance to have complimentary. We are thankful to those who joined us virtually and those who joined us in social distance to celebrate our nation's birthday. Thank you to Mayor Kent Muench for providing the community a special Canada Day message. Thank you to U of S Assistant Offensive Coach Evanisky for the great Sports Safety presentation, U of S Huskies players for helping hand out goodies and to Andrea for helping us coordinate with such a great program collaboration. Thank you to all of those who attended our 13th annual Canada Day celebrations in Martensville. We want to hear from you, if you have any feedback about Canada Day 2021 please contact us by phone at (306) 242 – 0362 or email martensvilleinfo@sasktel.net We need your help for Canada Day 2022!! WE cannot make this event happen without community support. If you are interested in helping plan our community’s celebration with festivities for our nation’s birthday, join the Canada Day Committee. We will start meeting in early fall. Please contact us to have your name added to our volunteer list or watch Facebook for updates https://www.facebook.com/CanadaDayInMartensville.

The City of Martensville will be hosting their first Line Dance Party of 2021. The event is from 6-9pm on July 22nd and will take place at the MAP. There are 50 spots available, and it is open to everyone. “The event was created to get people excited about Saskatchewan reopening and celebrate all the hard work everyone did to get to this place. The event is all about celebrating, socializing, having fun, and line dancing,” said City of Martensville’s Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II. They will be offering Ultra Beginner to Intermediate dance levels. Bring your water bottle and dancing shoes (no outside shoes allowed on the hardwood floor). You can pre-register by calling the MAP at 306683-5576, or register on line at www.martensville.ca Facial Masks are optional. There will be physical distancing and hand hygiene is recommended.

BELOW: A crowd anxiously awaits for the annual Canada Day Cinema Under the Stars that featured a new animated family movie. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Blue Lights and Burgers Event Brings Awareness to Emergency Vehicle Safety Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On Wednesday, July 8, an event was held in the parking lot beside Martensville A&W to showcase the importance of slowing down when passing emergency vehicles. The ‘Burgers and Blue Lights’ event was held to help showcase the importance of slowing down when passing emergency vehicles and also as a memorial to fallen operators. The event, which is hosted by Brad’s Towing and sponsored by the Roadside Responders Association of Saskatchewan, was open to the public to see the emergency vehicles and speak to the drivers that operate them. In 2017, the Government of Saskatchewan permitted tow trucks and other vehicles providing roadside assistance to use blue lights in conjunction with amber lights. This addition was made to help increase visibility from further distances on highways. These changes were implemented following the death of tow truck operator Courtney Schaefer who was killed in a collision during blizzard conditions in March of 2017. The legislation for the addition of the blue lights was introduced and passed

within one day, which is not only a rare occurrence, but also requires the unanimous support of the Legislature. These changes made Saskatchewan the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce a two-colour lighting combination for tow trucks. Be sure to watch for emergency vehicles on the highways and if you do encounter one, remember to slow to 60km/hour when passing to ensure the safety of everyone.

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ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

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Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

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ABOVE & BELOW: The ‘Burgers and Blue Lights’ event was held to help showcase the importance of slowing down when passing emergency vehicles on highways. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Meet Your Fire Department

In this week’s get to know your firefighter, MFD would like to introduce Michael Gawletz. Michael is currently working on his third year with the department as a firefighter and first responder. Michael has shown an eagerness to learn and has taken several opportunities to take extra training offered to him. Michael’s favourite part about MFD is the fun, yet intense training, the camaraderie, and playing a major role in helping his community. Outside MFD, Michael is no stranger to the public service as he works as a Deputy Sheriff with the Province of Saskatchewan. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with family, gardening, camping, and cooking smoked meats.

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

Law Enforcement Focused On Construction Zone Speeders

After a year of no plans, it probably feels like you’re being pulled every which way this summer! But wherever your summer plans take you, you are likely to come across a construction zone at some point while getting there. That’s why SGI and law enforcement want to remind drivers to #SlowTo60 and be mindful of workers while travelling through construction zones in the coming weeks. “We know you’re excited to start your vacation plans and possibly see folks you haven’t in a long while,” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “Your summer vacation coincides with construction season, so remember that the work being done to improve roads in our province makes travelling safer for all drivers. Keep workers in these areas safe by slowing down and obeying all signage and any flag person you see.” “Drivers are required to slow to 60 km/h or the speed that’s posted when passing a highway worker, flag person or highway equipment with warning lights flashing,” said S/Sgt. Patrick Barbar of the Saskatoon Police Service. Fines for speeding through construction zones are significantly more expensive than a regular speeding ticket; it will cost you more than $1,000 if you’re caught going 100km/h in a 60 zone. Don’t risk it - law enforcement and cameras will be present to ensure everyone travelling through slows down. Pro tip: Make sure you are well-rested before starting a big road trip. Remaining alert while behind the wheel helps keep highway workers safe and helps to keep your money in your wallet. That way, you can best react to potential hazards and you don’t miss any important signage. Another pro tip? Planning! - “Check the route you plan on taking for potential construction, and adjust your departure time accordingly,” said Shantel Lipp, President of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. “Trying to buy back time by speeding through a work zone will both endanger workers and likely make you even more late when you get pulled over for breaking the law.” There is one perfectly legal tactic that will help you get through a construction zone quickly and efficiently. Use a zipper merge when two lanes become one. Fill up both lanes, and alternate in a zipper-like fashion when the lane ends. It’s as easy as navigating a double-lane drive-through. Additional focus on commercial vehicles - The work being done on roads and in construction zones across the province involves the use of big trucks and heavy-duty machinery. So this month, SGI and law enforcement are also focusing on commercial vehicles. Law enforcement will be looking for commercial vehicles driving with excess weights, ensuring proper registration and cargo securement, checking for completed trip inspections, and keeping an eye out for other traffic infractions this month. “It’s important that we remove dangerous vehicles and drivers from our highways, and we want to remind professional drivers, and really everyone on the road, that traffic laws and regulations are in place for a reason” said Acting Sergeant Craig Gelsinger of the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol. Did You Know? • In 2020, there were 101 collisions in work zones around the province, resulting in 35 injuries and one fatality. • In 2020, there were 1,187 collisions involving commercial vehicles. These resulted in 184 injuries and 14 fatalities.

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POLICE

BEAT

All Drivers Sober in Long Weekend Checkstop

On July 4th Corman Park Police Service joined the Martensville RCMP who were conducting a high visibility check stop on Highway 12 just south of Martensville. Over a thousand vehicles passed through the check stop and all drivers were found to be sober. Members would like to thank the public for enjoying the long weekend responsibly.

martensville messenger - JULY 15, 2021 - Page 5

RCMP Warn Business Owners of Credit Card Fraud

Saskatchewan and Alberta RCMP Crime Analysts have identified a recent trend that all business owners should be aware of: a number of businesses across Western Canada have been victims of similar high-dollar frauds in the last six months. What’s been happening? Someone calls the business to make a large transaction using multiple credit cards to pay. In these recent files, all contact is by phone and the caller asks to use several credit cards to make up the total purchase price. Only after the company has shipped the items are they alerted that the credit card has been reported stolen or the true cardholder gets the charge reversed. Although several of the victims have been tire and vehicle parts businesses, any type of business could be targeted in the same way. Red flags for businesses include: • New customers from outside the trading area asking to ship products long distances, often to another province • Only a phone number and generic email information are provided (not a business email) • Multiple credit cards are used and some cards may be declined but others go through

Charges Laid After Five Hour RV Park Standoff

Members from Patrol, the Tactical Support Unit, the Crisis Negotiation Team and the Canine Unit worked together to peacefully resolve a five-hour stand-off with a barricaded person on July 6. At approximately 9:15 p.m., July 6, 2021, Police responded to an altercation at an RV park near Highway 16 and 71st Street West involving three individuals in possession of weapons. Two men and a woman were located outside of a motorhome upon arrival; two of them were taken into custody without incident. The third suspect, a 52-year-old man, refused to comply with officer commands and barricaded himself inside the motorhome. It was believed that he was in possession of a firearm. The suspect acted in an aggressive manner towards Police, threatening them and at one point, threw a knife at officers. Police successfully deployed a conducted energy weapon (CEW) and took the suspect into custody without further incident. He was assessed on scene by paramedics before being transported to SPS Detention. A rifle was located inside the motorhome. To ensure public safety, individuals camping nearby were evacuated from the area during the incident. No one was injured. A 52-year-old Langham, SK man is facing four firearms-related offences and is charged with Assaulting a Police Officer and Causing a Disturbance. A 40-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man, both from Saskatoon, are also charged with Causing a Disturbance. The incident will be reviewed in accordance with SPS policy.

Blaine Lake RCMP Investigating Suspicious Church Fire

On July 8, 2021 at approximately 12:55 p.m. Blaine Lake RCMP was called to a structure fire at a church on Petrofka Road. It is believed the fire had been burning for some time before police were called. Upon arrival, the church had already been destroyed by fire. Officers confirmed the church was no longer in use prior to the fire and no one was injured by the fire.

Blaine Lake RCMP and Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency fire investigators are investigating. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but initial investigation has determined that it is suspicious in nature. Anyone with information about this fire should call the Blaine Lake RCMP at 306-497-3600. If you wish to report a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

ABOVE: RCMP are looking for information regarding a fire that destroyed a historic Catholic Church near Redberry Lake. (Lynn Swystun/Facebook)

Businesses should make efforts to protect themselves by being aware of potential frauds, educating their employees about fraud and by having good fraud protection policies. Business owners may also wish to discuss potential strategies with credit card companies or payment specialists to prevent such crimes. In some cases, it appears the suspects use online platforms or other methods to recruit individuals to pick up items from the selling business, warehouse or other legitimate businesses. The individual meets the suspect in an area with no surveillance cameras, hands over the product and gets a small cash sum for their assistance. This way, the fraudster is never seen by the business making the sale and does not appear on any CCTV. If you see an offer like this, ask yourself if there might be stolen goods involved and use caution. Anyone with information regarding similar offences should report it to their local RCMP detachment or police service. To submit information anonymously, one can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a tip online using the P3 App (https://www.p3tips.com/206) or at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Warman RCMP Investigating Fatal Single Motor Vehicle Rollover

On July 10, 2021 at approximately 4:50 p.m., Warman RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover near the intersection of Valley Road and Range Road 3052 in Corman Park. Initial investigation has determined that a vehicle was travelling eastbound on Valley Road when it left the roadway and rolled. The driver, a 44-year-old male from Saskatoon, was declared deceased on scene. His next of kin has been notified. There were no passengers in the vehicle. Warman RCMP and a RCMP collision reconstructionist continue to investigate.

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martensville messenger - JULY 15, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Phased Re-Opening Underway

Finally, Some Reasons to Celebrate We can now go out and celebrate in Saskatchewan … that is, if we still remember how. After 16 months of COVID-19 restrictions, we may have forgotten how to party. Moreover, the cost of the pandemic combined with the residential school gravesite now casts pallor over the province’s mood, but if you look around Saskatchewan of late, you can easily find plenty of reasons to celebrate. Let us begin with getting rid of the masks last weekend and being able to gather in large groups like at ‘Rider games’. It is sometimes worth having a party simply because you haven’t had one in a while. That said, recent COVID-19 numbers, themselves, are cause for celebration. Our daily case counts are in the low-double digits and, as of the writing of this, we have so far only seen one death in the month of July. These are numbers this province hasn’t seen since early October, showing that vaccines finally appear to be winning the war with new and more deadly variants of COVID-19. Sure, Saskatchewan could be doing a lot better at getting people vaccinated. We have stalled at around the 70-per-cent mark when it comes to eligible people over 12 years receiving a single dose — last in the nation, but we are leading or near the top of the heap when it comes to the percentage of people who are fully vaccinated. Half of those eligible in the province are fully vaccinated. And with the new variants requiring two doses to be effective and with the legitimate concern of a sudden spread after we open things up, the importance of having fully vaccinated people cannot be underplayed. Moreover, the removal of restrictions will improve economy — great news for the current Saskatchewan budget that comes after news that the 2020-21 budget wasn’t quite as bad as we thought it might be. One might rightly question whether we should be celebrating final numbers for the 2020-21 budget that still show a $1.3-billion deficit — especially given that the 2021-22 Saskatchewan budget will be dangerously close to double that amount. Moreover, Saskatchewan budgets now appear to be structural problems largely due to excessive capital spending. Remember: We aren’t going to see a balanced budget this term. That said, recent good economic news is offering new hope. Oil is again hovering around $75 US a barrel. Saskatchewan agriculture was a huge success story in 2020 with a record $16.9 billion in exports and comparative fewer crop insurance payouts. No one can guarantee similar success on the farm this year, but it is important to note that income tax numbers in 2021-22 budget will be better because of the farm revenue from the 2020 crop. This is translating into other good news —606,800 Saskatchewan people working people in May, which are 24,600 more than a year ago. It’s still 4,300 fewer people working in May 2019, but it surely is a sign of recovery. Sadly, all this is now happening as this province and the country as a whole grapples with the re-discovery of gravesites like the possible 751 graves found at the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School at the Cowessess First Nation. We are all struggling with the best way to atone for a history that we didn’t personally create but one that has clearly had a lasting effect on First Nations communities and people. Last week’s announcement at Cowessess of a twoyear, $38.7 million support from the federal government to take over child services seems a good start to righting this historical wrong. It is a reminder that child and family services are costly. There will likely be administrative and other issues as First Nations families will continue to struggle, but the first-of-its-kind announcement at Cowessess offers new hope. It’s one more thing surely worth celebrating in Saskatchewan this summer.

Summer is always an exciting time in Saskatchewan and with our province leading the country’s economic recovery, a great Saskatchewan summer awaits. Since so many of you have been vaccinated in the fight against COVID-19, Saskatchewan is on track to lift all public health orders. As vaccination numbers have gone up, case numbers have trended down, as have hospitalizations, making Saskatchewan a much safer place. On Father’s Day, Saskatchewan entered Step Two of our Re-Opening Roadmap, with in-person gathering limits increasing across various sectors, as well as for private gatherings. On July 11, Step 3 of our re-opening plan saw the removal of all public health orders, including mandatory masking and limits on events and gathering sizes. While those who wish to continue wearing a mask will be free to do so, that will be up to them. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you are still at risk and should make it a priority. Appointments are available at a variety of drive-thru, walk-in and pop-up sites around the province, as well as local pharmacies. You can also book appointments through the Saskatchewan Health Authority by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829). Thank you all for following the restrictions and guidelines these past 15 months and for doing your part to protect yourself and those around you. Let’s finish the job, Stick It To COVID, and have a great Saskatchewan summer. Improving Broadband Infrastructure for Rural Saskatchewan SaskTel recently announced that over 30,000 more rural residents and businesses will gain access to advanced fibre optic broadband infrastructure allowing them to fully utilize the latest digital tools and technologies to connect, learn and pursue business opportunities. Originally announced in December, the Rural Fibre Initiative is a multi-phase program that will bring SaskTel infiNET service to over 40 rural Saskatchewan communities by the end of 2023. SaskTel has finalized the communities to be connected in the first three phases of the initiative. The list of affected communities can be found at www.sasktel. com. Upon completion of this initiative, SaskTel estimates that approximately 75 per cent of the population of the province will have access to its fibre optic broadband network. SaskTel is also investigating partnership opportunities that would enable it to connect more communities beyond those included in the Rural Fibre Initiative. Plan Your Travel Using The Highway Hotline After the events of the past year, we’re all excited to explore and enjoy Saskatchewan. In doing so, please remember that this is going to be a busy construction season. I would encourage you to plan your travel using The Highway Hotline and urge you to slow down and obey signage in work zones. This includes slowing to 60 km/hr, even when workers aren't present. For updates, visit The Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline. Highway information is also available by phone by dialing 511. As always, if you have questions, comments, concerns, or require assistance with provincial government programs or services, please contact our Constituency Office.

Major Pipeline Investment In Saskatchewan First project completed under the Oil Infrastructure Investment Program On July 7, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the first completed, in-service pipeline project under the provincial Oil Infrastructure Investment Program (OIIP). Husky Midstream's Saskatchewan Gathering System Expansion project will accommodate new shipping capacity of up to 48,000 barrels per day of crude oil production, with 62 kilometers of new pipeline and 12 kilometers of replacement pipe. The $82 million investment near Spruce Lake will support oil production growth and broader access to export markets. The project also created about 450 construction-related jobs at peak. "Our government will continue supporting the development of oil infrastructure in our province to create long-term sustainable growth for our energy industry," Premier Scott Moe said. "This project is a step toward meeting our Growth Plan targets to increase oil production by 25 per cent to 600,000 barrels per day by 2030." The OIIP, first introduced by the Ministry of Energy and Resources in 2020, offers transferable oil and gas royalty/freehold production tax credits, at a rate of 20 per cent of eligible costs, for qualified projects that significantly increase provincial pipeline capacity.

“We want to foster greater energy independence in Saskatchewan, particularly in light of the federal government’s anti-energy policies and cancellation of major pipeline projects in recent years,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “This pipeline expansion will increase Saskatchewan’s producers’ access to processing and export infrastructure, support growth and decrease trucking volumes on our highways.” "The Oil Infrastructure Investment Program helps attract investment to the province, especially in times where economic uncertainty means companies are re-evaluating their capital spending," CEO of Husky Midstream Duane Rae said. "It will help companies like ours invest in new transportation infrastructure that supports customers developing new production opportunities." Husky Midstream’s project, as well as other anticipated new and expanded pipeline infrastructure, will help alleviate record level demand for rail and truck transportation for oil and, at the same time, reduce emissions and transportation costs for the energy sector. Increased pipeline capacity will also potentially generate increased royalties and revenues for the province. Husky Midstream is operated by Cenovus Energy. The Government of Saskatchewan will be accepting applications under the OIIP program until March 31, 2025.

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.

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Hot/Dry Conditions Causing Issues Across the Province Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

With another week of 30-degree temperature forecasted for Martensville and area, many residents across the province are looking for ways to escape the heat. Not only is the heatwave uncomfortable, but it is also causing much stress for farmers. Saskatchewan has seen very little rainfall combined with long stretches of hot temperatures and this is causing significant damage to many crops across the province. According to the most recent Saskatchewan crop report, crops are stunted, thin, yellowing in colour and are prematurely drying down in many areas of the province due to the heat stress and lack of moisture. The report also noted that significant rainfall is needed soon to allow crops to properly fill and avoid irreparable crop damage. Additionally, the hot/dry conditions have created perfect conditions for wildfires in the province. This week, smoke from these fires made it’s way to the area causing a special air quality statement to be issued due to reduced visibilities and poor air quality. As of Wednesday, July 14, there were 120 active fires in Saskatchewan with 31 of them being suppressed, but expected to grow in size. Residents from numerous northern communities have been evacuated due to the forest fires. On July 2nd, the Government of Saskatchewan issued a province-wide fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District due to extreme fire risk. This ban includes open fires, controlled burns and fireworks. Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office. People can find the latest fire risk maps and municipal fire ban map at www.saskatchewan.ca/fire.

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