Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day –August 22nd, 2026
The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9:30am to 3:30pm in the parking lot of the Martensville Sports Centre. This event will give residents of Martensville the opportunity to dispose of a variety of hazardous household waste and chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular garbage or recycling collection. Improper disposal of hazardous household waste can result in contamination of the environment, including waterways and greenspaces within the City.
Residents will drive up and provide their materials to the workers on site who will direct those materials to the appropriate collection points. If possible, please have materials clearly marked and identified in containers or original packaging that will not spill or leak.
This program is for only local, residential use. Commercial, industrial, or farm chemicals/ waste will be accepted. For used motor oil, no container larger than 20L will be accepted to a maximum of 60L per resident.
For a complete list of accepted and non-accepted materials, please visit Martensville.ca or contact City Hall.
Upcoming Events
July 23 | Summer Storytime in the Park
July 24 – 26 | Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming: Mobile Sport Camp
July 25 | Sutherland Automotive Speedway – Race for the Kids Superstock 100
July 26 | Special Swim: Millennials & Gen X Throwback Swim
July 27 | Set G and H Swimming Lessons begin
July 27 | Schools Out Summer Camp: Holiday Magic begins
July 27 – Aug. 1 | I-Spy at the Library
July 28 | Saskatchewan Science Centre – Free 3-Hour Science Program at the Library
July 30 | Summer Storytime in the Park
Construction Set to Begin on Major Martensville Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Construction is set to begin on the City of Martensville's major Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project, a long-term investment that will support continued growth, improve water and wastewater services, and modernize critical infrastructure throughout the community.
The approximately $21.5 million project is being funded through a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Martensville. Through the New Building Canada Fund, both the federal and provincial governments are contributing up to $6.72 million each, with the City funding the remaining costs.
Beginning the week of August 3rd, motorists can expect temporary traffic changes along 10th Avenue South as construction gets underway. Traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane for approximately two months, with temporary traffic signals directing vehicles safely through the work zone.
Access to the City's Lagoon and Yard Waste Site will remain open throughout construction. A dedicated traffic signal will assist vehicles entering and exiting the site, although oversized load restrictions will be in place during this phase of the project.
Preliminary work is scheduled to begin on July 20th, with crews preparing the area adjacent to the roadway. While no lane closures will be required during this initial work, reduced speed limits will be in effect, and motorists are encouraged to watch for construction crews and signage.
The project includes four major components designed to increase capacity, improve efficiency and accommodate Martensville's future growth.
The largest component focuses on upgrading the City's wastewater system by transitioning from the current facultative lagoon treatment process to a Class 4 treatment facility in neighbouring Saskatoon. The project will include the construction of a new sewage transmission main connecting Martensville to Saskatoon's system, allowing wastewater to receive a higher level of treatment while significantly increasing capacity for future development. The upgraded system is expected to support growth well beyond a population of 20,000 and will improve the quality of treated wastewater entering the South Saskatchewan River.
Additional work includes upgrades to Sewage Lift Station 3 on the south side of the city. The improvements will increase pumping capacity, modernize electrical and control systems, and better support future residential and commercial development while reducing strain during periods of heavy rainfall.
A new water main connecting Martensville directly to the City of Saskatoon will also be constructed. The direct connection will improve the City's water supply while freeing up capacity within SaskWater's regional pipeline system to better serve surrounding communities and industries.
The fourth component includes upgrades to Water Reservoir and Pumping Station 1, along with improvements to the City's automated water control systems. The completed upgrades will allow operators to remotely monitor and adjust water flows and pressure throughout the distribution network, helping reduce water main breaks, lower maintenance costs and improve overall reliability.
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.
August 18 – Committee of the Whole Meeting August 25 – 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’d 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.
Property Tax Reminder – Due July 31
As a reminder, 2026 property taxes are due by July 31. Payments received after the deadline are subject to a 1% monthly penalty, beginning August 1, until the balance is paid in full.
The City offers several payment options including:
In-person at City Hall
Interac e-Transfer®
Online and phone payments through your financial institution - TIPPS (Tax Installment Payment Plan Service)
- Mail, or after-hours drop box at City Hall
If you’re paying online, please allow 3-5 business days for processing to ensure your payment is received before the deadline.
For more information, visit the City’s website or contact City Hall at 306-931-2166.
Upcoming Traffic Changes – 10th Avenue South
Beginning the week of August 3, motorists can expect temporary traffic changes on 10th Avenue South as construction begins on the City’s Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project. This project is a partnership between the City of Martensville and the City of Saskatoon to install new regional water and wastewater infrastructure that will support continued growth and provide a reliable, long-term servicing solution for our community.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic for approximately two months, with temporary traffic signals in place to safely manage vehicle movement through the work zone. Access to the City’s Lagoon and Yard Waste Site will remain available throughout construction. A dedicated traffic signal will assist vehicles entering and exiting the site, and oversized load restrictions will be in effect during this phase of the project.
Preliminary work will begin adjacent to the roadway on July 20 to prepare for the upcoming traffic changes. No lane closures or traffic restrictions will be required during this initial work; however, reduced speed limits will be in effect. Motorists are asked to watch for construction signage and crews working near the roadway.
For additional project details, construction schedules, traffic impacts, and updates, visit the Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project page on the City’s website.
Work has already been completed at Water Pumping Station 1, where the facility was expanded to accommodate larger pumps, modern control systems and real-time water quality monitoring equipment. The upgrades also included inspection and cleaning of the underground reservoir and improvements to provide a safer and more efficient workspace for operators.
Once complete, the project will provide Martensville with a more reliable and sustainable water and wastewater system while creating the infrastructure needed to support the community's continued residential, commercial and industrial growth for years to come.
Centennial Drive North Upgrade Progress Continues as Local Businesses Express Concerns Over Lack of Communication Regarding Road Closures
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Construction on the City of Martensville's Centennial Drive North Upgrade Project continues to move forward, with crews making steady progress despite weather-related delays.
The City of Martensville thanked residents, businesses and motorists for their patience as road closures and detours remain in place during the project. Crews are currently focused on excavation work and installing the granular road base, helping prepare the roadway for the next phases of construction.
The City is also reminding the public that businesses along Centennial Drive remain open and accessible. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted detour signs and use the temporary access roadway to continue supporting local businesses throughout construction.
Business access and communication surrounding the project were also the focus of discussion during the July 7th City Council meeting. Local business owners Trent Ens and Anthony Nienhuis appeared before Council to express concerns about the closure of Centennial Drive North between 3rd Street North and Baycroft Drive. The pair said the road closure has negatively affected local businesses and voiced disappointment with the communication and advance notice provided before construction began.
According to the City's latest construction update released July 16th, excavation work continues on the west side of Centennial Drive, with crews removing excess material while installing granular road subbase and weeping tile. Additional gravel placed on the temporary access roadway last week has improved driving conditions, and regular inspections of nearby laneways will continue throughout the project.
The City also continues to work with the RCMP to monitor traffic and support enforcement efforts along the designated detour route.
Although the project remains slightly behind schedule because of earlier rainfall and poor site conditions, contractors expect to recover some of the lost time by completing granular installation while excavation continues. Work is expected to shift to the east side of the roadway as construction progresses.
An earlier update on July 9 noted that wet weather slowed excavation efforts and prompted crews to focus on improving site conditions by removing water and stabilizing the work area. Additional gravel was added to the temporary access road to address potholes, while access to a garage south of Smokehaus was widened to improve vehicle access. In response to public concerns about increased traffic volumes, the City also installed a temporary three-way stop at the intersection of 1st Avenue North and 6th Street North.
Phase 1 of the Centennial Drive North Upgrade Project began in late May and is expected to continue until approximately September 1, weather permitting. The project includes replacing aging roadway infrastructure, upgrading storm drainage systems, widening the roadway to five lanes with a centre turning lane, improving sidewalks and pedestrian connections, and supporting future commercial development along the corridor.
To help keep the project on schedule, crews will continue working on alternating Saturdays throughout construction, with no work planned on Sundays. The City says it will continue providing regular updates as the project advances.
Registration Opens for Martensville Skating Club's 2026-27 Season
Families can now register for the Martensville Skating Club's 2026-27 season, with a full lineup of programs available for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Registration is officially open for several programs, including PreCan for children ages three to five, CanSkate, CanHockey, PreSTAR, STARSkate, STAR Synchronized Skating and Adult Synchronized Skating.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The club is once again offering three Learn to Skate options designed to help young skaters build confidence and develop their skills at every stage.
PreCan, geared toward children ages three and four, will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 7:00pm. CanSkate, the club's Learn to Skate program, will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15pm to 7:00pm, while CanHockey for U7 and U9 players will be offered Thursdays from 6:15pm to 7:00pm. Full hockey equipment, including sticks, is required for CanHockey participants.
All Learn to Skate programs will be held at the Martensville Recreation Centre throughout the October to March season. Families can choose to register for one skating day per week or both Tuesdays and Thursdays to provide additional ice time and accelerate skill development.
Skaters registering between July 12 and August 15 can take advantage of an early bird promotion, saving $50 per program. Regular registration fees will take effect beginning August 16.
Program schedules for STARSkate, PreSTAR, CanSkate and synchronized skating are available on the Martensville Skating Club website.
For more information or to register, visit skatemartensville.ca.
New Ukrainian Dance Class Coming to the Area
Families looking for a fun way to stay active while introducing young children to music, movement and culture will soon have a new opportunity with the launch of a Grown-Up & Child Ukrainian Dance class.
Designed for children ages 2 to 5, the new program offers a relaxed, low-pressure environment where little dancers can participate alongside a parent, grandparent, guardian or another special adult. Organizers say the class is focused on creating lasting memories while encouraging movement, play and an appreciation for Ukrainian culture.
The standalone program welcomes families of all backgrounds, with no previous dance experience required.
Participants do not need to be registered in any other Ukrainian dance programs, and the class is not subject to the organization's standard fundraising commitments.
Classes will be led by Kelsee Douglas, a certified youth coach and experienced Ukrainian dance instructor.
Two eight-week sessions are being offered at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex. The first session runs from October 6 to December 3, 2026, while the second takes place from January 12 to March 2, 2027. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
Families who register before September 30 can take advantage of an early bird rate of $90 per session, a savings of $30 off the regular $120 registration fee.
Class sizes are limited to ensure a comfortable experience for young participants and their grown-up dance partners.
Registration is now open. Families can register by scanning the QR code or by visiting ssud.weebly.com.
ABOVE: Congratulations to the 15UAA Giants, who earned a silver medal in their inaugural season in the SPBL. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)
LEFT: Congratulations to the 11UAAA Seals, who brought home a silver medal from the Baseball Saskatchewan Provincial Championships in Estevan. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)
LEFT: The 11UAAA Seals celebrate a silver medal finish at the Baseball Saskatchewan Provincial Championships in Estevan. Connor Walker was named Player of the Game in the championship final. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Highly Toxic Black Henbane Found Near Lake Diefenbaker
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Residents and visitors to the Lake Diefenbaker area are being urged to use caution after Black Henbane, a highly poisonous invasive plant, was discovered along the shoreline and extending into nearby grasslands within the RM of Victory No. 226.
According to the RM, all parts of the Black Henbane plant (Hyoscyamus niger), including its leaves, flowers, stems, seeds and roots, contain toxic compounds that can pose a serious risk to people, livestock, pets and wildlife.
Anyone who encounters the plant is advised not to touch it with bare hands. If handling is necessary, protective clothing, including gloves, long sleeves, long pants and eye protection, should be worn. Residents are also advised to avoid inhaling dust from dried plants or seeds and should never burn the plant, as the smoke and airborne particles may also be hazardous.
The RM is reminding residents to keep livestock and pets away from infested areas and to closely supervise children, teaching them never to pick or eat unfamiliar plants. Any clothing, tools or equipment that come into contact with the plant should be thoroughly cleaned, and hands should be washed immediately after handling.
Symptoms of Black Henbane poisoning in people can include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, dilated pupils, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, flushed skin, confusion, agitation and hallucinations. In severe cases, poisoning can lead to seizures, coma or death.
Animals exposed to the plant may experience excessive thirst, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, weakness, staggering, tremors, difficulty breathing or collapse. Severe poisoning can also be fatal.
Anyone who suspects that a person or animal has ingested Black Henbane should seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.
Residents who discover additional patches of Black Henbane around Lake Diefenbaker or elsewhere in the RM of Victory No. 226 are encouraged to report the location to Weed Inspector Mathew Hanke or contact the RM office at 306-859-2270 or rm226@sasktel.net.
The public safety notice was issued by the RM of Victory No. 226 with information provided by Outlook Veterinary Clinic.
Lumsden Fire Department Releases Details Following Fatal Highway 11 Collision
The Saskatchewan RCMP has released additional information about the fatal two-vehicle collision on Highway 11 that claimed the lives of Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker and team captain Jayden Dalke and a Regina man.
Lumsden RCMP received a report of the collision at approximately 9 p.m. on July 18 on Highway 11 between Lumsden and Regina. Emergency crews, including the Lumsden Fire Department and EMS, responded to the scene.
According to RCMP, the initial investigation determined that a silver SUV travelling northbound in the southbound lane collided head-on with a black SUV. Officers also located alcohol and cannabis inside the silver SUV. Police say autopsies and toxicology testing will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
The drivers, who were the sole occupants of their vehicles, were both pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS. RCMP have identified the driver of the black SUV as 22-year-old Bhishma Rajyaguru of Regina, while the driver of the silver SUV was identified as 30-year-old Jayden Dalke of Leduc, Alberta. Both families have been notified.
Earlier, the Lumsden Fire Department released details of its response, stating firefighters arrived to find one vehicle in the centre median and the other in the southbound ditch. One victim had been removed from a vehicle by bystanders before firefighters took over CPR efforts, while the second victim remained trapped in the other vehicle. Both were declared deceased at the scene.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders confirmed Dalke’s death in a statement released Sunday, describing the linebacker and team captain as a “relentless warrior” and extending condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones.
Following the collision, the Lumsden Fire Department also urged the public to avoid speculation on social media, noting that much of the information circulating online is inaccurate. The department asked residents to respect the privacy of the victims’ families and the first responders who remained on scene until approximately 3:30 a.m., encouraging the community to show patience and kindness during this difficult time.
The collision remains under investigation with assistance from a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Victims Identified in Fatal McTavish Lake Bear Attack
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Community Safety has confirmed that a bear was involved in the tragic wildlife incident near McTavish Lake that claimed the lives of two people.
La Ronge RCMP were called to the McTavish Lake area on July 15 after receiving a report of a suspected wildlife-related incident. During the investigation, officers located two deceased individuals. Authorities have not released the victims' identities as the investigation remains ongoing.
Following an extensive investigation, conservation officers located and euthanized the bear believed to have been involved. The animal has been transported to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where a necropsy will be conducted as part of the investigation.
The Ministry of Community Safety has extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
While the RCMP assisted in the initial response, officials say the deaths are not considered suspicious. Responsibility for the investigation has now been transferred to the Saskatchewan Conservation Officer Service and the Coroner's Service.
The Conservation Officer Service's Wildlife Human Attack Response Team remains involved in the investigation.
The ministry is reminding residents, cabin owners, visitors and anyone enjoying Saskatchewan's outdoors to remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid wildlife encounters.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further updates are expected at this time.
ABOVE: Jay and Deb MacDonald have been identified as the victims in the fatal bear attack that occured at McTavish Lake in northern Saskatchewan. (Facebook)
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Saskatchewan Leads in Housing Starts
On July 16th, latest data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows that Saskatchewan's housing starts increased 100.3 per cent from June 2025 to June 2026, ranking second among the provinces.
"Housing starts are an important indicator of how many people and families are choosing to invest in Saskatchewan," Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. "New home construction is great news for our construction sector, creating jobs across the province and strengthening our economy."
In June 2026, housing starts on single family dwellings increased by 29.7 per cent, while multiple units increased by 146.6 per cent, compared to June 2025.
Housing starts are a measure of the number of new housing builds where construction has begun.
Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan's 2025 real GDP reached an all-time high of $85.4 billion. This was an increase of 2.2 per cent, putting the province well above the national average of 1.7 per cent.
Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 12 per cent to $13.6 billion, ranking first among provinces. Efforts behind the province's Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy are driving that momentum.
For more information visit: InvestSK.ca.
PDAP Regulations Increasing Assistance and Expanding Eligibility for Claimants
On July 16th, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) announced updates to the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) regulations to increase assistance to those affected by disaster and provide communities support for mitigation and resiliency. These changes will expand eligibility for individuals, small businesses and other eligible claimants.
The regulatory changes improve municipal and community recovery supports and mitigation incentives, aligning the program more closely with updated federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements, resulting in a stronger and more equitable program.
The regulations apply retroactively to April 1, 2026, allowing recent claimants, including those affected by the May 2026 and more recent flooding, to be assessed under the framework.
"Our government is here to help and support our communities in the face of disasters," Community Safety Minister and Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency Michael Weger said. "The recovery process after an incident can be challenging and long. The changes announced today will lessen some of that burden and improve resiliency for communities recovering from disasters."
The regulatory changes include:
• Increasing the maximum assistance for individuals from $240,000 to $500,000.
• Increasing the maximum assistance for small businesses from $500,000 to $3 million.
• Compensation is now based on standard replacement value, not depreciated value.
• A new municipal incentive, allowing local authorities to lower their deductible by meeting emergency management and preparedness criteria.
• A new maximum deductible introduced for larger municipalities, tied to federal thresholds, making costs more predictable and manageable.
• Additional assistance up to 25% of a claim's value available for projects that reduce future disaster risk, subject to program rules and funding.
"These improvements are an important step toward making sure RMs and their residents can count on more responsive, predictable assistance when they need it most," SARM President Bill Huber said. "SARM has been hearing from councils across the province about the challenges they are facing after this year's flooding, and we appreciate the Province's efforts to improve the program in ways that will better support rural Saskatchewan."
PDAP is an emergency management recovery program that helps residents, small businesses, agricultural operations, First Nations, non-profit organizations and communities recover from natural disasters. The program reimburses the cost of uninsurable essential losses, cleanup, repairs and temporary relocation.
The intent of the program is to provide claimants with essential needs in extraordinary circumstances. It is not designed to replace insurance, compensate a claimant for minor losses or to "fully" restore a claimant to a pre-disaster state.
Individuals who were impacted by the recent flooding need to work with their community leadership to access the forms necessary to make a claim. The Government of Saskatchewan and the SPSA have launched an online information portal to help Saskatchewan residents, municipalities, businesses and agricultural producers access timely information and supports related to spring flooding and flooding caused by heavy rains. Developed by the SPSA's Recovery Task Team, the portal is available on the saskatchewan.ca website. View the portal at: Flooding Support | Emergency | Government of Saskatchewan.
Aster Yellows – A Common Garden Disease
By Jill Thomson
If you find a plant with strange growth in your garden, it may well have aster yellows disease. This disease was first identified on aster flowers many years ago. The responsible organism is a minute piece of virus-like genetic material called a phytoplasma, primarily transmitted by leafhoppers. When a leafhopper feeds on an infected plant, it sucks up phytoplasma particles and its salivary glands become “infected”. When feeding on healthy plants, 10-14 days after initial infection of the insect, the leafhopper injects phytoplasma into the phloem and disease symptoms will appear in the plant 10-40 days later. There is no cure for aster yellows and infected plants should be removed as they become reservoirs of infection, capable of increasing the amount of disease present. The disease has an extremely wide host range including many ornamentals such as aster, delphinium, coneflower, calendula, zinnia, chrysanthemum, petunia and snapdragon. Vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, carrot, pumpkin, tomato, celery and coriander can also become infected.
Disease symptoms can be very variable depending on the host plant. In many cases plants become stunted and very yellow looking (chlorotic), but occasionally the plants are taller than normal and stand out from the rest of a crop of healthy plants as is the case in canola and coriander fields. Another obvious symptom is flowers do not develop normal petals. Instead, the flowers typically look like a cluster of abnormal, yellowish-green, bladder-like leaves. This can be seen in delphinium, echinacea, calendula, aster, and even dandelion.
Carrots are a common host if the leafhopper population is high. The first sign of carrot infection is bronzing of the leaves followed by a dense growth of small, chlorotic leaves at the top of the carrot. When the carrots are pulled up, a mass of small roots has usually developed on the main carrot root, and the carrot will have a bitter flavour. Disease symptoms may differ depending upon what host species is infected. For example, while carrot roots may be bitter and hairy, lettuce may show pink or tan spots and have twisted inner leaves. Several years ago, there was a very high population of leafhoppers, and a pumpkin patch at the University of Saskatchewan was affected. The infected pumpkin plants were very obvious as they were extremely chlorotic, the leaves were abnormally shaped and no flowers developed. Obviously this had a severe impact on yield as none of the infected plants could produce pumpkins.
Occasionally, similar symptoms can be caused by infection with other viruses, or accidental exposure to herbicide. In the latter case, plants sometimes recover and symptoms disappear. This does not happen with aster yellows infection.
Management strategies to help control the disease:
1. Remove isolated specimens of infected plants. Early diagnosis and prompt removal of infected specimens help reduce the spread of the disease. Also, infected vegetables can be harvested early which is helpful in reducing the reservoir of infection.
2. Reduce leafhopper numbers. This can be difficult, however. Susceptible crops, or individual plants, can be covered with fine mesh cloth to keep leafhoppers away from the plants.
3. Remove weeds that may provide an early source of infection for feeding leafhoppers. Dandelions can survive our winters even when infected, and leafhoppers feeding in the spring can pick up the phytoplasma and transmit it to healthy garden plants.
4. Plant less susceptible species such as geranium, impatiens, nicotiana, salvia and verbena. This is helpful if you are having difficulty with aster yellows infection in the flower bed.
Jill Thomson is a plant disease specialist (retired) who enjoys gardening in Saskatoon with her family, including the grandchildren and dogs.
This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (SPS; saskperennial@hotmail.com). Check our website (www.saskperennial.ca) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/saskperennial) for a list of upcoming gardening events.
ABOVE: Infected calendula (Submitted)
Stolen Trailer Recovered and Drugs Seized Following Search in RM of Corman Park
A stolen travel trailer has been recovered and more than $14,000 worth of illegal drugs seized following the execution of search warrants in the RM of Corman Park.
Early Wednesday morning, members of the Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) and Vanscoy Police Service, with authorization and coordination from the Saskatoon RCMP Detachment, executed a search warrant at a property near Highway 219 as part of a multi-week investigation into a travel trailer stolen from Melfort on June 24.
During the search, officers recovered the stolen travel trailer, as well as a flat deck trailer. Police also discovered evidence consistent with drug trafficking, prompting investigators to obtain a second search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, GHB and fentanyl with an estimated combined street value of more than $14,000. Officers also seized packaging materials and records believed to be related to drug trafficking.
A 47-year-old woman has been charged with multiple offences, including possession of property obtained by crime and possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.
Police say the investigation was supported through overtime funding provided by the Saskatchewan Government's Small Town and Rural (STAR) Policing Grant, which helps enhance policing efforts in rural communities.
The Corman Park Police Service also acknowledged the assistance and cooperation of the Saskatoon RCMP Detachment throughout the investigation.
Saskatoon Police Investigating Series of Weekend Stabbing Incidents
Saskatoon Police responded to four separate stabbing-related incidents across the city over the weekend, resulting in one arrest and several ongoing investigations.
The first incident occurred on July 17 in the 200 block of Avenue K South, where officers arrested a 25-year-old man after a 40-year-old victim was stabbed. The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The accused has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon, and two counts of breaching court-imposed conditions.
Three additional incidents were reported on July 18 and 19. On Saturday evening, a man was stabbed in the area of 21st Street West and Avenue I South, with police believing the incident occurred in the 300 block of Avenue M South. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
On Sunday afternoon, officers responded to a report of a stabbing near 20th Street and Avenue H South, where a 40-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Earlier that same day, police were called to the 200 block of Avenue U South after receiving reports of an attempted stabbing. Investigators say the victim had asked the suspect to leave the property before being assaulted. The suspect fled before officers arrived and remains outstanding.
Police continue to investigate the three unsolved incidents and are asking anyone with information to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police Warn Public About Ongoing Traffic Violation Text
The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) are reminding residents to remain aware of a fraudulent text message scam claiming to involve traffic violations continues to circulate.
Police say the scam sends text messages claiming recipients have received a provincial court traffic summons or traffic violation. The messages often appear urgent, threatening legal consequences such as a bench warrant, driver's licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, or wage garnishment if immediate action is not taken. Recipients are then directed to click a link to resolve the matter by paying a fine.
The attached example, which has recently been reported to police, falsely claims to be a "Provincial Court of Saskatchewan – Mandatory Traffic Summons" and includes fabricated names, badge numbers, case information and a payment link designed to steal personal and financial information.
The Saskatoon Police Service reminds the public that it will never send text messages requesting payment for traffic violations or court matters. Likewise, the Corman Park Police Service advises residents not to click on any links or make any payments through the website included in the message.
Anyone who receives one of these texts should delete the message, report it as spam or a scam through their mobile device or service provider, and avoid providing any personal or financial information.
If you have received one of these messages but have not been victimized, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you have provided personal information or suffered a financial loss, contact your local police service or report it to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306-975-8300. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Police encourage residents to share this warning with family and friends, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to scams, to help prevent others from becoming victims.
ABOVE: An example of the fraudulent text that is currently being circulated was provided via social media by Corman Park Police Service. (CPPS)
