July 27, 2023 Digital Issue

City Council Appoints New City Manager

City Council is pleased to announce Tanya Garost as the City of Martensville’s new City Manager effective September 18th. This announcement is the result of previous City Manager, Scott Blevin’s retirement last month. The extensive recruitment process was led by City Council with DHR Global, a national executive search firm.

Mayor Kent Muench noted, “We are excited that Tanya is joining Martensville as our new City Manager. My colleagues on Council and I know we have found an individual with extensive experience in municipal government and who is familiar with the challenges that growing communities face. We are eager to continue many exciting things happening in this community and look forward to the leadership and knowledge Tanya will bring.”

Basketball Summer Camp at the MAP

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville is offering a 3 Day Youth Basketball Summer Camp at the MAP starting Tuesday, August 22nd until Thursday, August 24th. This camp, run by Paul Humbert, will focus on personalized fundamental skill work and development, improving skills and learning new ones.

Boys and girls from grades 1 – 12 are welcome and the cost is $100. You can register at www.martensville.ca, or if you want more information about the camp, contact Angie Reddekopp at areddekopp@martensville.ca.

Martensville’s new City Manager Tanya Garost.

Garost has over 20 years of experience working in local government in senior leadership roles, most recently with the District of Lake Country, British Columbia as the Chief Administrative Officer. Tanya’s background and expertise are in finance and taxation, and she is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant. She has been recognized with the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting by Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) as well the Outstanding Contribution Award from the Government Finance Offers Association of British Columbia. She currently sits as the PresidentElect of GFOA US & Canada.

As the administrative head of the City, the City Manager is accountable to City Council and ensures all City operations are well maintained and managed effectively while providing leadership to the over 60 City of Martensville employees. The City Manager also leads the implementation of City Council priorities to build a sustainable future and meet objectives identified in Council’s Vision for Martensville.

“I am excited to take on this new responsibility and look forward to new opportunities for the City of Martensville”, said Garost. “The community and area offer so much for today and for the future and I look forward to working with the Mayor and Council, and all our staff to provide exceptional service and achieve our priorities for Martensville”.

With Garost’s official start date as September 18th, Director of Corporate Services, Leah Bloomquist will be serving as interim City Manager

ABOVE:

Residential Fire - Related Regulations

Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, 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 from combustible materials (fences, buildings etc)

- The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited

- Outdoor fires must be supervised and should be extinguished when finished

- Keep a garden hose, pails of water or a source to extinguish a fire nearby

- No permit is required for 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.

Organics/Green Bin Program is Underway

The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription.

Pick-up of the Green Bins will have regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and commenced in May and runs until the end of October Pick-up takes place on Tuesdays.

The pick-up schedule can be viewed at Martensville.ca

For information or to sign up for this program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall.

Property Tax Due July 31st - What you Need to Know

-Tax Notices were mailed out on April 28th. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Taxes are due July 31st, 2022 to avoid interest charges.

Ways to Pay

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

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

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

Golf to Support Mental Health

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This September marks the kick-off event for the Brighter Futures Fundraiser Golf Tournament, which will be held on September 15th at the Legends Golf Club in Warman. This annual event will help support youth mental health, with all proceeds going towards supporting the Possibilities Recovery Center’s Youth Intensive Outpatient Program and the Martensville Youth Connection.

The funding provided through events such as this help to ensure that youth are able to access these programs at no cost to themselves or their families, which gains them access to mental health supports that they might otherwise not have access to.

In 2022, the 16-week Youth Intensive Outpatient Mental Wellness program (YIOP) supported nine youth throughout the course of the year, with notable progress made since its inception earlier that same year. “To date, YIOP has seen a total of fifteen youth clients. This program allows for this who attend to overcome challenges with mental health and addiction in a safe and non-judgmental environment.”

Martensville Youth Connection is a non-profit organization that was created in 2022 as an after-school youth drop-in program to help provide local youth with education on mental health, connection to other youth within the community, as well as help them learn various life skills that they can use in the future. In its first year, MYC was visited 754 times and within the first five months of 2023, there had been 767 visits.

“Martensville Youth Connection is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, guidance, and recreational activities to the youth in our community. We firmly believe in empowering young individuals to develop their full potential and become future leaders,” Katharine Carter, Youth Connection Manager of MYC, stated.

Currently, the organizers of the golf tournament fundraiser are looking for individuals and businesses to get involved in a variety of ways, whether it be through sponsorship, donations of auction items or attendance of the tournament.

Donation items will be used for the silent auction, with funds from the auction going towards supporting the youth programming. Items can range from gift certificates, unique experiences, sporting goods, electronics, or any other products or services that businesses are able to provide.

There are numerous sponsorship opportunities available, from Title Sponsor ($5,000), Prestige Sponsorship ($2,500), Luxury Sponsorship ($1,500), Longest Drive ($2,500), Hole in One ($5,000), Closest to the Pin ($2,500) and more. Each option receives different levels of recognition leading up to, during and following the event, as well as tickets to the event.

You can also sponsor a ticket for $250, which sponsors a Possibilities Recovery Center client or client parents to attend the golf tournament.

“Your generosity will not only contribute to the success of our event but will also showcase your commitment to supporting our local youth,” Carter added.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the ‘Martensville Youth Connection’ Facebook page and look for the event post.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day – August 19th

The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 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 Visit Martensville.ca, under waste and recycling for a full list of items that can be disposed of at HHW Collection Day.

Landscaping or Working on your Property this Summer?Things You Should Know

To eliminate damages to public properties, the City has created the Access to Private Property Through Open Spaces Bylaw.

Permit required - Any person or business that will be driving a vehicle or equipment over city open space to access private property are now required to apply for a permit before gaining access. A permit is also required if the work will require storage of material or equipment in an open area.

If you require access to your property through a public space, buffer or park, please contact City Hall before doing so.

Please consult the Bylaw for more information or contact City Hall if you have questions before starting your project.

August Council Meeting Dates

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

August 8th – Committee of the Whole August 15th – Regular Council Meeting

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

Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details.

The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca

Reminder to Clean-Up after Our Pets

Please be reminded to clean up after our pets on the pathways and the off-leash dog park. The mess can be potentially harmful to other pets, exposing them to parvovirus and these public spaces are for everyone to enjoy. Remember to bring along a baggy or use one of the baggy stations located along the pathways and dispose of the mess properly

JUST THINK...

BELOW: The Sask Five Giants U13AA Crushers put up a good fight against the Prairie A’s in the provincial final this past weekend, losing by just one point. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

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RIGHT: The Sask Five Bombers brought home the silver medal following provincials this past weekend. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

One Year to go Until the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster

The one-year countdown has officially begun ahead of the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster, presented by Teine Energy. The biennial multi-sport event will take place in Lloydminster from July 21-27, 2024.

The 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster will see competition among upwards of 1,800 participants from across Saskatchewan in 15 different sports. These include Archery, Athletics, Baseball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Canoe Kayak, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Special Olympics - Bocce, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, and Wheelchair Basketball.

While each sport’s age classification varies, athletes participating in the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games will generally range from 11-18 years of age. Athletes can qualify for the Games through a tryout process, taking place in spring 2024 and managed by each sport’s Provincial Sport Organization (PSO). Coaches and managers can take part through an application process managed by each PSO. More information and details will be published on saskgames.ca in the lead-up to the Games, and FAQs are available at https://saskgames.ca/summer/getinvolved/faqs.

More than 1,000 community volunteers will be recruited to help stage the Games and showcase Lloydminster to the entire province. The volunteer drive is expected to get underway in early 2024.

These will be the first Saskatchewan Summer Games to take place since the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan. Lloydminster was previously set to host the Games in 2020, but the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. The most recent Saskatchewan Winter Games were held in Regina in February 2023 and marked the 50th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Games program, which alternates between summer and winter events every two years.

About the Saskatchewan Games First established in 1972, the purpose of the biennial Saskatchewan Games is to provide an opportunity for the province’s developing athletes, coaches and officials to participate in an exciting multi-sport event in preparation for a higher level of competition. Countless Saskatchewan Games alumni have advanced to competition at the national level and beyond, with Olympic champions such as Emily Clarke, Colleen Sostorics, and Lucas Makowsky counting the Saskatchewan Games as a key step in their journey to the highest levels of sport. The Saskatchewan Games also leave behind valuable legacies that benefit each host community for years to come. To learn more, visit saskgames.ca.

Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it.

Training is a Priority for All Levels of Skill at the Martensville Fire Department

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) brought in seven new recruits in January of this year, and since then, the new members have been working tirelessly to learn the skills required to serve this community to the best of their ability

One of the first things that they received training on was their First Responder, which has them already attending medical calls and now they are taking their Level 1 and 2 Firefighting training. Training consists of an online courses and then each Wednesday, members attend live-training exercises either at the Fire Hall, or on the training grounds.

“They do the online modules, and then come here to practice the skills that they have been taught online, whether it be forcible entry, hose lines, search and rescue, etc., so it gives them a chance to put that knowledge to use first-hand,” Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman explained.

Seven recruits is the highest number that the MFD has ever brought in at one time, and Brooman stated that they are very pleased with the dedicated and commitment that each of the recruits has shown throughout the past 6 months.

“They have taken in so much information during their time here and have come through each new skill with flying colours and each of them has succeeded at all of those courses,” Brooman added.

Recently, the MFD made an agreement with the province through Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency where members can make the choice to receive their level 1 and 2 firefighter provincially, or they can receive their certification through the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). “It is a good option and is fairly new to us. We are able to deliver some of the NFPA programs and then get certified through the province on it. It is good for us, and gives us more ability to provide a higher standard of training and a higher recognition of training.”

Not only are the new recruits undergoing training, but members that have been with the local department for years also receive regular training to ensure their skill level remains top-notch for any kind of call that may come their way

Members have annual mandatories for training to meet certain standards with both medical and fire, which includes everything from CPR, patient assessment, trauma, extrication, hydrants, ladders, fireground survival and much more.

“As a firefighter, you have to be a life-long learner. In my 28-year career, there have been so many new technologies, equipment, tactics and more, so we are always doing regular training here to ensure we are ready for anything. All of those things are constantly being met on a yearly basis and members have to be written off on them. It all gets tracked and we can see who has what. There is a lot of moving parts here when it comes to training.”

Each Wednesday, the MFD meets for training, which begins at 7pm and often, members are on-site until after 10:30pm throughout the summer months, taking advantage of the weather and daylight to pack in as much training time as possible. In the winter, more time is spent within the firehall and classroom working on training.

Members with the MFD are all paid-on-call firefighters, who have jobs outside of the department. “Members have jobs and families, so it is a huge commitment for them to be here and meet as much training as possible to keep with their credentials and attend calls. This community means a lot to us and we want to be able to provide the best service possible.”

There are currently 34 members on the MFD, and so far this year, they have attended 217 calls, which include 145 medical calls, 56 fire calls and 13 motor vehicle collisions. Members work on shifts, which alternate between five “squads” consisting of six members each. Squads take a rotating schedule and are on call from 10pm-6am throughout the week, and on weekends are on call from Friday night to 6am Monday morning. During the day, members that are available attend calls, and for larger calls, it is “all hands on deck” with all available members coming in and when needed, mutual aid from surrounding community’s fire departments.

Brooman added that with a paid-on-call department, you get the added expertise from members that have other jobs outside of the department such as construction knowledge from working in various trades, or medical knowledge with an ICU nurse on the MFD. “The knowledge that our members have from outside the department is such a huge asset to our team and we are very fortunate that way. One thing I can say for certain is that past and present, members have been beyond dedicated and are always there wanting to serve this community, whether it be through calls, giving tours of the fire hall, flipping burgers and pancakes, the bike helmet program or riding in the parade. We are grateful for this community and the people that live in it.”

OBITUARY

Anne Adeline (Kreklewich) Novakovski

Anne Adeline (Kreklewich) Novakovski, longtime resident of Martensville, SK., passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 8, 2023, at Cudworth, SK. She was a very devout Catholic, who was family-oriented, feisty, strong-willed, and kind-hearted. Anne was born on a farm in Melville, SK. on January 20, 1931, to George Kreklewich and Martha Woloschuk. It was there that she met and married her childhood sweetheart, Tony, on August 12, 1950. They were married 68 years.

Anne was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Tony (2019), her sons Terry (2014) and Blair (1996), her granddaughter Kelly (2005), as well as her brothers Albert, Andrew, Peter and sister Mary. Her sassy wit, generosity and warmth will be greatly missed. Many precious moments will be cherished forever in our hearts, minds, and souls by: her children Brian (Tanya), Darrell (Wendy), Cheryll (Pat), Lori (Jeff); daughter-in-law Wendy (late-Terry); 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; brother Joe (Marion) Kreklewich and sister Rose Walchuk; sister-in-laws Rosalie Woloschuk, Marge Sikora and Pat Stein-Jones; numerous nieces, and nephews, relatives and friends.

" See you in your office!"

A special thank you to all the Cudworth Nursing Home staff and administration, as well as Cherished Memories Funeral Services. Mass for Anne will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Martensville, SK. on August 12, 2023, at 2 pm, followed by an interment and lunch.

ABOVE: Firefighters at the MFD receive regular training on a variety of skills to ensure that no matter what call comes their way, they are prepared. (Martensville Fire Department)

Byelections a Big Test for the Sask. Party

Think of the long-awaited three provincial as a bit of a mini-general election - a test run for the October 2024 campaign to come. Of course, it’s not quite that. In fact, the results on August 10th the byelection votes won’t change anything now and probably won’t be a very good predictor of what Saskatchewan voters will do 15 months from now.

When the province’s 30th general election rolls around most are expecting to see what we’ve all seen after the last four elections; a comfortable Saskatchewan Party majority based on their lock-solid support in rural ridings and enough support from the cities.

Yes, it would be incredibly telling if any party other than the Sask. Party won Lumsden-Morse that has been vacant since March after the retirement of Lyle Stewart for health reasons, but that seems unlikely. The Sask. Party has won every rural seat for the last three general elections and has never lost a rural seat in a byelection since it came into being in 1997.

Regina Walsh Acres and Regina Coronation Park are more intriguing in that they are seats that were last represented by the Sask. Party MLAs in north Regina that has a long history of NDP representation in that area. Coronation Park became open when former speaker Mark Docherty announced his retirement in February and Walsh Acres became open due to the death of Derek Myers in March. Both were valued community MLAs that connected well with voters.

In fact, Docherty created quite a stir on a recent podcast when be said by the end of his tenure as a government MLA, he was struggling to explain to voters why they should continue to vote for the Sask. Party. It is here where the three byelections amounted to a minireferendum in advance of next year’s provincewide vote.

Losing one of both city seats will just not have much effect on the current political landscape. It’s arguably as crucial for new NDP Leader Carla Beck to regain both of the city seats her party once held. (The NDP held Coronation Park until 2011 and lost Walsh Acres in the 2020 elections). Expectations are high for the NDP, but for Premier Scott and his Sask. Party government, these current byelections are an interesting measure of how government is managing diverse challenges.

In Lumsden-Morse, Saskatchewan United Party (SUP) candidate Jon Hromek is running hard on family value issues, centred around the controversy in which Planned Parenthood brought into a Grade 9 Lumsden classroom age-inappropriate material into the school that was obtained by one of the students.

Education Minister Dustin Duncan has temporarily banned Planned Parenthood from providing any sex education lectures until a complete run of their material and curriculum is complete (both the school and Duncan himself acknowledge that there was nothing inappropriate about the actual presentation.)

Hromek and SUP say Moe and the Sask. Party are not taking the issue seriously enough; however, city voters seem more interested in local issues like jobs, homelessness and housing and inflation costs partly driven by increased utility rates.

It represents a healthy division between rural and urban people. In Regina and possibly Saskatoon, Moe’s hammering on the federal Liberal government and the NDP connection through their federal leader Jagmeet Singh doesn’t seem to be quite as effective.

That said, many rural people have similar frustrations about jobs and inflation and what may be shaping to a tough crop year hit by drought. Crop quality varies, even in the Lumsden-Morse riding where there has been a lack of rain on the west side of the riding and exactly how Moe and the Sask. Party balances off the wide-ranging issues and pressures from both the right and the left may turn into a good test run for the coming election.

Government Increases Seniors Income Plan Benefit

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing an additional $3 million in the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) this year, helping approximately 14,500 seniors with low income enjoy a better quality of life.

"I am proud to announce our government's continued commitment to making life more affordable for seniors," Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said. "This increase to the Seniors Income Plan represents an investment to support positive outcomes for Saskatchewan people."

On July 1, 2023, the maximum monthly benefit increased $30 per month from $330 to $360 for single seniors, and from $295 to $325 per month each for married partners for a total of $650 per month.

SIP provides seniors with financial assistance to help meet their basic needs, in addition to income they receive through the Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Eligible seniors automatically receive this benefit based on the filing of their most recent income tax return.

This fulfills the Government of Saskatchewan's three-year commitment to increase SIP benefits. This is also the eighth increase since 2008, when maximum benefits for single seniors were $90 per month.

For more information about SIP, please visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-socialsupport/seniors-services/financial-help-for-seniors.

Innovative Service Improves Access To Care For Saskatchewan Patients

The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding patients and providers of a free tool to increase accessibility of medical appointments. Up and running since June 2022, the Saskatchewan Virtual Visit Program allows patients to connect with their health care provider from home, or a location of their choice, using audio or video conferencing. Patients may also choose to have family members or support persons with them during the consultation.

Health care providers across Saskatchewan including physicians, nurses, mental health professionals and allied health care professionals (such as physiotherapists) can use the Saskatchewan Virtual Visit Program to connect with patients.

"Our goal is to ensure that Saskatchewan residents, regardless of where they live may easily connect with their health care providers," Minister of Health Paul Merriman said. "The program improves access to care, reduces the need to travel for patients in rural settings, and allows providers to treat patients in a more timely fashion, on a schedule that works for them."

The Virtual Visit Program is easy to use and will work on any mobile device via web browser or the dedicated mobile app, from anywhere in Saskatchewan, including in low bandwidth environments. The "Saskatchewan Virtual Visit" app can be downloaded on your mobile phone. The Saskatchewan Virtual Visit Program is free and patients are reminded that at no time will the provider ask for payment.

Patients who feel the Virtual Visit Program is a good option for them should speak to their health care provider to request a virtual visit option. Participating physicians will email an invitation that contains further instructions. The highest health industry standards with regard to privacy, security, and reliability are assured while using the program. Patients and health care providers can find more information on saskatchewan.ca.

Saskatchewan Now Offering Large Training Bursaries to Support Future Paramedics

The Government of Saskatchewan is now offering financial supports for individuals interested in pursuing a frontline paramedic career in Saskatchewan. Training bursaries will be available to students and new graduates of paramedic programs who commit to joining Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Saskatchewan. The bursaries will be administered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

"Having stable and reliable emergency medical services that meet patients’ needs in our communities is a priority of our government," Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said. "This includes training more paramedics to work in the Saskatchewan EMS field and supporting them with incentives, especially in rural communities."

One-time funding of $530,000 will provide a total of 58 bursaries to support paramedic training for EMS providers within the province. Bursaries will range from $5,000 to $10,000.

"These bursaries demonstrate a strong commitment to the development of our health care workforce and the provision of high-quality emergency medical services," Executive Director, Provincial Clinical and Support ServicesCommunity Care, Saskatchewan Health Authority Rod Mackenzie said. "Paramedics are a crucial component to the health care system and by investing in the education and training of paramedics, we are nurturing the next generation of dedicated health care professionals who will play a vital role in delivering critical care to our communities."

"This shows real progress in acknowledging paramedics as vital and trusted health professionals," Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan (PSCS) President Steven Skoworodko said. "Government's support to recruit and retain additional paramedics for the province is appreciated."

Paramedic training programs in Saskatchewan are primarily offered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatchewan's regional colleges. Medavie HealthEd also provides an Advanced Care Paramedic program.

To qualify for bursaries, candidates need to meet the following criteria; Be accepted into, or a new graduate of, a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program, Pass pre-employment screening process through the Saskatchewan Health Authority or a contracted EMS provider, Sign a return for service agreement for a minimum of two years employment with ground EMS in Saskatchewan, operated by the SHA or a contracted EMS provider, ACP candidates will need to sign the agreement with services currently designated as, or prioritized for, future Advanced Life Support designation.

For more details visit https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/careers-volunteering/careers/career-profiles/ emergency-medical-services/paramedic-training-bursaries

Primary Care Paramedic training seats at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatchewan's regional colleges were recently increased to 252. These seats are part of a major expansion of health care training opportunities with more than 550 new training seats in 18 high demand health occupations announced earlier this year. All new Primary Care Paramedic training seats will be available in fall 2023.

In 2023-24, nearly $100 million is being invested into Saskatchewan's Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care professionals. Details on health care opportunities, how to access them and more information on the province's HHR Action Plan are available at saskatchewan.ca/HHR.

306-244-4950 Martensville, SK

Tips on Staying Safe in the Heat

As the temperature is expected to climb in parts of Saskatchewan over the next few days, the Canadian Red Cross wants to remind everyone to take steps to protect themselves from the heat.

While the summer season is a favourite time of year for many, extensive exposure to extreme heat can result in serious medical conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

Children, the elderly, and those with certain health conditions are particularly susceptible, but these emergencies can happen to anyone who stays in the summer heat for too long. Check on friends and family members who may be isolated or unaware they are at risk. Symptoms of heat cramps typically include muscle contractions, usually in the legs or abdomen. Heat exhaustion symptoms include moist, red, or pale skin, nausea, and dizziness. The symptoms of heat stroke are more severe, including: red, hot, and dry skin; irritable, bizarre or aggressive behaviour; progressive loss of consciousness; rapid or weak pulse that becomes irregular; rapid or shallow breathing; and seizures.

A significant amount of water is lost through sweating, and that needs to be constantly replenished.

The Red Cross offers the following tips on keeping cool during hot weather: • Drink plenty of cool fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol. • Avoid being outdoors during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Instead, try going out in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong. Where possible, try to spend the hottest hours of the day in an air-conditioned environment. • Slow down activities that increase body temperature. People should work, exercise, and play in brief periods, while taking frequent breaks in cool or shaded areas. • Wear light, loose clothing, as well as a hat and sunglasses. • Wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor to protect your skin from sunburn. It is important for everyone enjoying the outdoors to know how to prevent heat emergencies, recognize when someone has been in the heat for too long, and be able to provide help when needed. Heat-related emergencies are progressive in nature and without proper treatment, a person’s condition can rapidly worsen. Provide immediate care to prevent the illness from becoming more severe.

Anyone demonstrating signs of heat-related emergencies should be moved to a cool location and given cool water to sip and to apply to the skin. Call 911 if someone shows significant signs of distress, loss of consciousness or if their symptoms become more severe. Learn more about how to help people in distress and how to get First Aid certification at redcross.ca.

Carter’s Counselling Celebrates Grand Opening at New Store-Front Location

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Carter’s Counselling has moved to their new location at 721 Centennial Drive South. This new space provides ample parking and will continue to provide the same exceptional mental health services.

A Grand Opening was held on Saturday, July 22 from 10am-12pm. Balloon Funn by Warren was there from 10-11am and coffee, muffins were served as people had a chance to meet a few counsellors that were on hand to answer any questions they had.

“Thank you to everyone who attended our grand opening. We are very thankful for the ongoing support of the community and to be able to serve Martensville and surrounding area with affordable counselling rates and direct billing. We now offer support all week long, days, evenings, and weekend for ages 4-80 years old. We also offer family mediation for separation and divorce,” said social worker and founder of Carter’s Counsellling, Katharine Carter.

They offer in person, phone and virtual appointments. Check out their website to book through their online booking system at https:carterscounsellingservices.ca/

ABOVE & LEFT: Carter’s Counselling, now located at 721 Centennial Drive South in Martensville, celebrated their grand opening on Saturday, July 22nd.