July 2, 2026 Digital Issue

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Your City; Your Newspaper July 2, 2026

VOLUME NO. 20 - ISSUE 28

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

Over 14 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community

306-934-4888 www.martenswarman.ca

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

Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising

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Ready to Celebrate Canada!

Festive outfits, bright smiles and plenty of Canadian pride were on display during Martensville's Canada Day celebration on June 30th.

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WMBEXA 2017

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

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Page 2 - JULY 2, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

City Budget 2027 Survey

The City of Martensville is inviting residents to help shape the priorities for the 2027 municipal budget by completing a short online survey.

Your feedback will help Council and Administration better understand community priorities as they plan for future services, programs, infrastructure, and investments. Whether it’s roads, parks, recreation, public safety, or other municipal services, your input plays an important role in the budget planning process.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and is open to all Martensville residents. It will close on July 18th.

Take the survey today by visiting: martensville.ca/pages/city_budget_2027_survey.html.

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.

July 7– Committee of the Whole Meeting July 14 – 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.

Centennial Drive Road North Upgrade Project

Construction continues to progress on schedule along Centennial Drive, and local businesses in the construction area continue to operate as usual and are fully open to the public.

Customers can still reach the following businesses and services by accessing Centennial Drive from the north side and driving past the “Road Closed Ahead – Local Traffic Only” signage: Cherished Memories Funeral Services & Crematory Wrench Fitness Pal Tire Martensville Collective Health and Wellness Martensville Plumbing & Heating Ltd. K & M Autobody Smokehaus Meats We appreciate residents continuing to support these local businesses while construction is underway. Please observe all posted detours and construction signage when travelling through the area.

For updates and more information on this project, visit Martensville.ca.

Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) – Summer Hours

The MAP has moved to its summer operating schedule for July and August.

Summer Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 10:00pm Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Call 306-683-5576 or visit Martensville.ca for more information and schedules.

Upcoming Events

July 2 | Morning Lane Swim begins July 2 | Outdoor AquaFit begins July 3 | Forever in Motion begins July 4 | Set B Swimming Lessons begin July 5 | Special Swim: Adults Only Swim July 6 | Basketball Camp begins July 6 | USask Sci-Fi Camp begins July 6 | Body Sculpt begins July 6 - 11 | I Spy in the Library July 8 | Sportball T-Ball/Soccer begins July 8 | Barre begins July 8 | Immunization Clinic – Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre July 9 | Summer Storytime in the Park

Borrow & Play Packs – Equipment Lending Program

Make the most of summer with Borrow & Play Packs – ready-to-go equipment kits for a variety of activities. Borrow & Play Packs are available free of charge throughout the summer and can be borrowed from the MAP for one-week periods.

Packs Available: Fitness Pack Backyard Games Pack Multi-ball Sports Pack Racquet Sports Pack Nature Explorer Pack Water Play Pack Interested in borrowing? Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a pack, contact the MAP at mapreception@martensville or 306-683-5576.

City of Martensville Notice Bylaw #12-2026 Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1-2015, as follows: 1. The Zoning District Map referred to in Section 7 is amended by: (a)

Rezoning a portion of Parcel Y, Plan No. 62S21199 in NW ¼ Sec 27-38-5 W3, a portion of NW ¼ Sec 27-38-5 W3, and a portion of SW ¼ Sec 27-38-5 W3, from “FUD – Future Urban Development” to “R2 – Medium Density Residential” and “R3 – High-Density Residential”.

REASON: The proposed rezoning will provide for residential development in alignment with the proposed Lake Vista II Concept Plan. Rezoning will not be finalized until the Concept Plan has been formally adopted.

EXAMINATION OF BYLAW: This bylaw may be examined by interested persons at City Hall on any judicial day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Printed copies of the Bylaw and Notice are available at a cost of $1.00.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on July 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., in the City of Martensville Council Chambers via Zoom (link to be included in the Council Agenda), to hear from any person or group who wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the City Hall before July 7, 2026 Dated at Martensville this 22nd day of June 2026.

Taylor Cabalt Planner II

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JULY 2, 2026 - Page 3

Artistic Swimming Camp Coming Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource to Martensville This July Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger Centre Offers Full Lineup of The City of Martensville is partnering Free July Programs with Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming to bring a Mobile Sport Camp to the community this summer, offering local youth the opportunity to discover a unique sport that combines athleticism, creativity, and fun in the water.

Taking place July 24th to 26th at the Martensville Aquatic Centre, the camp is designed for children ages six and older who enjoy activities such as dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, or theatre.

Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of artistic swimming through a combination of in-water and dryland training sessions.

Artistic swimming blends elements of swimming, dance, strength, flexibility, and teamwork into choreographed routines performed in the water. Organizers say the camp provides an excellent introduction to the sport while helping participants build confidence, coordination, and teamwork skills in a fun and supportive environment.

While no previous artistic swimming experience is required, participants should be comfortable swimming in deep water.

The camp schedule includes a Friday evening session from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on July 24th, followed by sessions on Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th from 11:00am to 1:30pm.

The camp will be held at the Martensville Aquatic Centre, located at 927 3rd Street North.

Registration costs $50 per participant. Interested families must complete the online registration form through Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming and submit a signed waiver by email before the registration deadline. Registration closes on July 17th.

With a focus on learning new skills, building friendships, and gaining confidence in the water, organizers hope the camp will introduce more young people to the exciting world of artistic swimming and inspire a lifelong love of aquatic sport.

For more information or to register, visit Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming at saskartisticswimming.ca or email cadd@saskartisticswimming.ca.

Borrow and Play Packs Return to Martensville for Another Summer of Fun

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Families looking for fun, free activities this summer will have plenty to choose from as the Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre plans for another busy month of programming in July.

Operated by the YMCA of Saskatoon, the centre offers a wide variety of programs for children from infancy to five years old, while also creating opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect, learn and build community.

Returning favourites include Sip & Chat, where parents can enjoy a break, meet other caregivers and hear from guest speakers covering topics such as parenting, nutrition and overall wellness while childminding is provided.

Families with babies can take part in Tummy Explorers, which encourages early developmental milestones through guided activities, while Mat's Moms offers a welcoming space for expectant mothers and parents of babies up to 12 months old to share experiences, ask questions and support one another.

Children ages three to five can get hands-on with programs like Lil' Scientists, Practical Life Skills and Sensory Exploration, while Little Yogis returns with fun, agespecific yoga sessions designed just for young children.

The July calendar also includes several special events, including Messy Play at the Dalmeny Spray Park, a Risky Play Workshop with ECIP at Prairie Oasis Park in Warman, Story and Craft sessions at both the Martensville and Hague libraries, and a registered family trip to Wander's Tiny Farm. Admission for the farm visit is covered by the resource centre, with families responsible for their own transportation.

Other activities throughout the month include Water Sensory Play, Messy Babies, an immunization clinic, a Stuffie Adoption event in Warman, and a Dayhome Drop-In for local childcare providers.

All programs are free to attend, although some require advance registration.

Families looking for more information or registration details can visit the MartensvilleWarman Early Years Family Resource Centre website or follow the centre on social media.

July Sunday

mweyfrc@ymcasaskatoon.org Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre martensvillewarmaneyfrc

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1

5

Messy Play at Dalmeny Spray Park 10:00-11:30

6

Parent & Baby (0-3) 1:30-4:00

12

13

Little Yogis 18-36 mons: 9:00-9:30 3-5 years: 9:45-10:15

Sensory Exploration (3-5) 2:00-3:00

19

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Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Families looking for affordable ways to stay active this summer can once again take advantage of the City of Martensville’s Borrow & Play Packs, a free equipment lending program designed to get residents outdoors and trying something new.

Available through the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP), the packs can be borrowed free of charge for one week at a time, with rentals running from Wednesday to Wednesday.

Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program features a variety of themed activity packs suited for all ages and interests.

Those looking to get moving can check out the Fitness Pack, which includes equipment such as a stepper, resistance bands, exercise mat, jump ropes, agility rings, hop sacks, cones, an ab roller and fitness dice for creating fun workouts at home or in the park.

Families planning a backyard gathering can borrow the Backyard Games Pack, featuring favourites like cornhole, ladder toss, bocce ball, Spikeball, bucket ball and volleyball, while the Multi-Ball Play Pack provides basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, a softball, bats, bases and a tee stand for a variety of classic sports.

For racquet enthusiasts, the Racquet Sports Pack includes pickleball paddles, tennis racquets, badminton racquets, whiffle balls and scoop ball paddles, while outdoor adventurers can explore nature with the Nature Explorer Pack, complete with butterfly nets, binoculars, bug magnifiers, a critter case, chalk and an exploration book.

With warmer weather in full swing, the Water Play Pack offers reusable water balloons, a slip-and-slide, water blasters, beach volleyballs, sand pails and frisbees.

Residents can also borrow Disc Golf Sets, which include two sets of discs, a map of Martensville’s disc golf course, pencils and scorecards.

Whether it’s keeping the kids entertained during summer holidays, trying out a new hobby or simply taking advantage of the warm weather, the Borrow & Play Packs offer an easy and affordable way to make the most of the season.

To reserve a pack, contact the Martensville Athletic Pavilion by calling 306-683-5576 ext.

0 or emailing mapreception@martensville.ca.

Closed for Canada Day

Thursday

2

Sip & Chat 9:30-11:00

Lil Scientists (3-5) 2:00-3:00

(0-12 mos) 7 Mat Mom’s 9:30-11:00

8 Immunization Clinic

9 Sip & Chat with Jill

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 1:30-4:00

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 1:30-4:00

Water Sensory Play (0-5) 2:00-3:30

9:15-11:15

Tummy Explorers (0-12)

9:30-11:00

Risky Play Workshop with

14with L.C Brenda Corman 15 ECIP @ Prarie Oasis Park in 16 Warman 9:30-11:30

9:30-11:00

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 1:30-4:00

Parent & Baby (0-3) 1:30-4:00

Sip & Chat 9:30-11:00

mwfamilycentre.ca

Friday 9:30-12:00

Practical Life Skills (3-5) 2:00-3:00

10

11

Closed for Staff PD

17

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 1:30-4:00

Dayhome Drop-In 9:30-3:30

and a Craft at the 21 Tummy Explorers (0-12 22 Visit to Wanders Tiny 23 Sip & Chat with Michele 24 Lil Scientists (3-5) 20 Story Martensville Library mos) 10:30-11:30

9:30-11:00

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 1:30-4:00

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 1:30-4:00

Little Yogis

27 18-36 mons: 9:00-9:30 3-5 years: 9:45-10:15

Stuffie Adoption in Warman @ Prarie Oasis Park (0-5)

1:30-3:00

28

Tummy Explorers (0-12 mos) 9:30-11:00 Practical Life Skills (3-5) 2:00-3:00

(LC/ Nutritionist) 9:30-11:00 Messy babies (0-3) 1:30-3:30

Farm 10:00-2:00 *Registered Event*

29

Story and a Craft at the Hague Library 10:00-11:00

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 1:30-4:00

30

Bonding thru Play (0-5) 9:30-12:00

Closed for Centre change around

Saturday

3 Bonding thru Play (0-5) 4

10:00 -11:00

Closed for Staff PD

31

Closed for Centre change around

18

25

Page 4 - JULY 2, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Saskatchewan Moving Towards Swifter, More Effective Penalties for Impaired Driving

The Government of Saskatchewan is moving towards the use of administrative penalties for impaired driving as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen road safety across the province. This approach would give law enforcement additional tools to hold impaired drivers accountable and remove them from Saskatchewan roads quicker.

"Our government continues to strengthen Saskatchewan's response to impaired driving by making consequences more immediate, certain and effective," Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. said. "The changes we are moving towards would give police an additional tool to act quickly at the roadside, while preserving their discretion to proceed with Criminal Code charges in serious cases or whenever criminal prosecution is warranted. This approach supports public safety, helps reduce unnecessary pressure on the justice system and allows police, prosecutors and courts to focus resources where they are needed most."

Potential changes being considered to The Traffic Safety Act would mean drivers who fail a roadside breath test face stronger, more immediate administrative penalties, such as Immediate driver's licence suspension, Immediate vehicle impoundment, Immediate requirement for ignition interlock, Immediate impaired education courses, and Immediate safe driver recognition penalties (demerit points and financial).

Impaired drivers would also face new, immediate financial penalties: First offence: $1,000 fine, plus a 30 per cent victim surcharge, Second and subsequent offence: $2,000 fine, plus a 30 per cent victim surcharge.

"Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious collisions in our province, and Saskatchewan continues to have some of the highest alcohol-impaired driving rates in Canada. That must change," Legislative Secretary to the Minister Responsible for SGI Travis Keisig said. "We are grateful for the work of the Impaired Driving Advisory Committee and our partners in helping shape this approach, which represents an important step toward reducing impaired driving and protecting people in Saskatchewan."

Offences resulting in fatalities, injuries, property damage or involving passengers under 16, and drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample, would continue to be dealt with strictly through Criminal Code charges.

Law enforcement and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are supportive of the changes being considered, recognizing the role immediate roadside penalties can play in deterring impaired driving.

"Administrative penalties are an effective way to reduce impaired driving," MADD Canada Chief Executive Officer Steve Sullivan said. "They empower police to remove more impaired drivers from the roads and provide immediate sanctions to hold drivers accountable. We applaud the Saskatchewan Government taking this important step to strengthen impaired driving laws, protect the public and reduce the burden on the justice system."

This approach would provide police with additional options to remove impaired drivers from the road faster and allow police to spend less time completing paperwork and more time protecting Saskatchewan people on our highways and in our communities.

"The Saskatoon Police Service welcomes the proposed changes to the Traffic Safety Act aimed at stronger consequences and greater education around impaired driving in our province.

On top of providing our officers with the increased penalties to utilize, it also offers additional deterrence which would ideally reduce the number of impaired drivers in our city and the number of families affected as a result."

"The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police supports administrative penalties for impaired driving. One of the greatest deterrents for law enforcement is not simply the severity of a penalty, but the certainty and immediacy of it," Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police President Chief Patrick Nogier said. "Administrative penalties allow officers to impose consequences in real-time, rather than months later, while maintaining criminal investigations and prosecutions where circumstances require it. This strengthens the overall response to impaired driving in Saskatchewan and should serve notice to those thinking of drinking and driving."

Valley Soccer Association Opens Registration for August Summer Camps Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Valley Soccer Association (VSA) is now accepting registrations for its August Summer Camps, offering young athletes an opportunity to develop their skills, stay active and have fun before heading back to school.

Running from August 10 to 21, the camps are designed for a variety of ages and skill levels, with recreational, skills-based and goalie-specific programming available.

The Recreation Camp is geared toward players looking to enjoy the game in a fun, supportive environment. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the two-week period, with four sessions in total. Camps are available for players in the U5-U7, U9-U11 and U13+ age groups. The cost is $75 per player.

Players looking to take their game to the next level can register for the Skills Camp, which runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for a total of six sessions. During the first week, participants will focus on dribbling and ball mastery, while the second week shifts to finishing and shooting techniques. The Skills Camp is $125 per player.

VSA is also offering a Goalie Camp for players aged U9 and older. The camp will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays over two weeks and provides specialized training focused exclusively on goalkeeping. Registration is $100 per player.

The association says the camps are designed to provide affordable, engaging programming for Valley families while helping young players continue developing their soccer skills in a positive environment.

Families interested in registering are encouraged to do so soon, as spaces are filling quickly.

For more information or to register, visit the Valley Soccer Association or contact technical.director@valleysoccer.ca.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JULY 2, 2026 - Page 5

Martensville Graduate Receives Saskatchewan Polytechnic Outstanding Citizenship Award Before being accepted into the Veterinary Technology program, MacKenzie Ariel MacKenzie, a Martensville High School upgraded some of the high school science graduate, recently received one of Saskatchewan classes she needed. As it turned out, the Polytechnic’s top student honours. subjects she had been nervous about became MacKenzie, who graduated from the Veterinary some of the ones she enjoyed most. “It turns Technology program, was named the recipient of the out I actually really like Outstanding Citizenship Award, science.”

“Go with your instincts. If which recognizes students for During her time at volunteerism, leadership and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, something keeps pulling community involvement.

MacKenzie served you back, it’s probably right For MacKenzie, the as the student liaison for you. And don’t feel like recognition came as a bit of a on the Saskatchewan you have to have everything surprise. “I really didn’t think I Association of Veterinary figured out right away. It’s was going to get it,” MacKenzie Technologists’ Board of said. “I looked at the criteria Directors and volunteered okay to take your time.” and thought I’d apply, but I was with Northern Engagement - Ariel MacKenzie definitely shocked when I found and Community Outreach, out.” also known as NECO. The program helps MacKenzie was raised in Martensville and spent provide veterinary care to northern and much of her younger years involved in the community. underserved communities.

While attending Martensville High School, she served on MacKenzie said one of her most memorable the Student Representative Council and also volunteered volunteer experiences was travelling with NECO to alongside her family through local organizations and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, an area that she already felt church initiatives. connected to through time spent in the area at the family Her love for animals started early, and for many cabin. years, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. “I loved “It wasn’t just about vaccinating animals or doing animals, even the weird creatures. I was the kid who exams,” she said. “It was about meeting people, learning would go out and rescue worms off the driveway after it about their community and building relationships. That rained so they wouldn’t dry out,” she said. really stood out to me.”

Although she had always been drawn to working The experience also gave her a better with animals, MacKenzie said she initially talked herself understanding of the barriers many pet owners face when out of pursuing veterinary medicine because she didn’t it comes to accessing veterinary care. think she would be able to handle the science and math “Some people have to travel long distances involved. just to see a veterinarian,” she said. “Some don’t have After high school, she briefly attended university transportation or the financial means that others do. It before leaving and spending several years working in the really changed my perspective and showed me how hotel industry. Eventually, she returned to school and found important it is to meet people where they’re at.” herself once again thinking about veterinary technology. “I MacKenzie hopes receiving the award will help kept coming back to it over and over again,” MacKenzie bring more attention to outreach programs that support said. “Finally I thought, ‘You know what? Let’s do it.’” animal health in northern and remote communities.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville Fire Department Rewards Safe Riders Through Annual Bike Helmet Program

“These programs always need volunteers and support,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize that you don’t have to be a veterinarian or veterinary technologist to help.”

MacKenzie is now preparing to begin her career at City Park Veterinary Clinic in Saskatoon, where she hopes to continue growing her skills while also staying involved in outreach work.

Looking ahead, she said she is interested in surgery and radiology, and is excited by the many different opportunities available within the veterinary technology field.

“There are so many different paths you can take in this profession,” MacKenzie said.

For other young people who may be unsure about their future, MacKenzie said her advice is to trust their instincts and not feel pressured to have everything figured out right away.

“Go with your instincts,” she said. “If something keeps pulling you back, it’s probably right for you. And don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out right away. It’s okay to take your time.”

MacKenzie said she is grateful for the support she received from her teachers, instructors and mentors along the way.

“I’ve had so many teachers, instructors and mentors who helped me get to where I am,” she said.

“I’m just really grateful for all of them.”

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

With school out for the summer and children spending more time outdoors, the Martensville Fire Department (MFD) has once again launched their annual Bike Helmet Safety Program to encourage young riders to stay safe while enjoying the warmer weather.

Throughout the summer, firefighters will be out in the community looking for children who are wearing their helmets properly while riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, e-bikes and other wheeled equipment.

When firefighters spot a young rider setting a good example, they'll stop to hand out a coupon that can be redeemed for a cold treat at one of the program's local sponsors.

The initiative has become a summer tradition in Martensville, rewarding children for making smart ABOVE: Throughout the summer, members of the Martensville Fire Department will be choices while also helping reinforce the out in the community rewarding children who importance of wearing a properly fitted are spotted wearing their helmets while riding helmet every time they ride. bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheeled According to the Canadian equipment with coupons for a cold treat from a Automobile Association (CAA), an local business. average of 74 Canadians lose their lives in cycling collisions each year, with nearly three-quarters of those fatalities involving a motor vehicle. Statistics also show that most cycling-related injuries and deaths occur between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., when many families are out enjoying the outdoors.

The department hopes the program serves as a fun reminder that wearing a helmet is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of serious injury while cycling or participating in other wheeled activities.

The Martensville Fire Department extends its thanks to this year's program sponsors, Martensville Co-op and Martensville A&W, whose support helps make the annual campaign possible.

Firefighters remind families that members participating in the program will always be travelling in clearly marked Martensville Fire Department vehicles.

26072AR0

Page 6 - JULY 2, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Expanded Child Health Clinic Final Phase of Saskatoon Freeway Planning Gives Services Now Available in Saskatoon Starting the week of June 28, additional evening appointments and newly introduced clinics will be available for families in the Saskatoon area for Child Residents a Closer Look Health ClinicSaturday services. These clinics are also an opportunity for public health nurses to provide screening, support, and information to families to further promote healthy at Future Route growth and development.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The final phase of planning for the proposed Saskatoon Freeway is giving residents and businesses a better picture of what the future transportation corridor could look like and how it may affect the surrounding area.

The Government of Saskatchewan recently launched the final public information session for Phase 3 of the Saskatoon Freeway Functional Planning Study. The virtual open house runs until July 3 and allows residents to review the recommended designs for the western section of the proposed freeway before the functional planning process is completed.

Phase 3 covers the approximately 16.5-kilometre section of the future freeway between Highway 16 West and the Highway 7/Highway 60 intersection northwest of Saskatoon. The study is focused on confirming the freeway's location within the proposed corridor, selecting preferred interchange designs, identifying future land requirements and updating project cost estimates.

The recommended plans include proposed interchanges at Beam Road, Claypool Drive, Highway 14 and Highway 7. The study is also examining how the freeway can be integrated with existing infrastructure, including the CNR and CPR railways, SaskPower transmission lines, SaskEnergy pipelines, SaskWater infrastructure, the Saskatoon International Airport and nearby industrial operations. Environmental considerations, including the West Swale, drainage systems, wildlife habitat and heritage resources, are also being assessed as part of the planning process.

The Saskatoon Freeway has been in the functional planning stage since 2019.

Once complete, the proposed four-lane divided highway will stretch approximately 55 kilometres around the north and east sides of Saskatoon, connecting Highway 11 south of the city with Highway 7 to the west. Plans also call for 17 interchanges, five railway overpasses, several flyovers and a new crossing of the South Saskatchewan River. The freeway is intended to improve safety, reduce congestion and move commercial traffic around Saskatoon instead of through it.

Officials say the concepts now being presented reflect feedback gathered during public engagement sessions held in late 2025.

This marks the final public information session planned as part of the functional planning study. Once Phase 3 is complete, residents and businesses along the proposed corridor will have a much clearer understanding of where the freeway is expected to be located and how future development may affect their properties. The project remains in the planning stage, and the province says there is currently no timeline for detailed design or construction.

Residents can review the proposed plans and provide feedback through the virtual open house until July 3 at https://saskatoonfreewayvoh.ca/home-2026.

M

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-270-6156/306-361-3040 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

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"Parents want the best for their children, and keeping immunizations up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect their health. These additional clinic hours provide families with greater flexibility and help ensure more children receive their vaccines on schedule said Dr. Vivian Onaemo, a SHA Medical Health Officer.

The SHA provides routine childhood immunizations, free of charge, at Child Health Clinics (CHCs) across the province, for children beginning at two months of age.

Vaccines remain one of the safest methods to protect against many serious diseases, and they are most effective when given on schedule, before exposure occurs.

Children who are up to date on their vaccines are less likely to become ill and can help reduce the spread of disease to others in the community, including people who cannot receive immunizations.

For information on booked and drop-in CHCs in Saskatoon, including updated clinic hours, please visit Children's Health - Immunizations | SaskHealthAuthority To find public health clinic locations, view clinic hours, and learn which immunization services are available at all locations, visit Immunizations - Services and Locations | SaskHealthAuthority

Saskatchewan Protecting Health IT Infrastructure With $43M Investment

e H e a l t h Saskatchewan will invest $43.6 million in information technology (IT) capital and operational purchases in the coming year. This 2026-27 budget funding will allow eHealth to invest in new projects and initiatives that enable connected and accessible health care in the province while maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.

"Having the right technology in the right place at the right time makes it possible to deliver on our Patients First Health Care Plan, by ensuring reliable and secure technology is there to support everything from a routine appointment to a medical emergency," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "IT infrastructure creates vital connections that ensure patients and providers can access information and services from anywhere, including rural and northern areas."

This investment supports the health system by expanding access and improving efficiency. It provides secure and flexible digital health infrastructure that helps enhance service availability and improves communication support for patients and providers.

Examples of planned work include: • Investing in network infrastructure and clinical technology for new facilities currently in construction, including the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre and La Ronge Long Term Care facility, as well as renovations including technology enhancements at existing health facilities.

• Providing rugged IT devices for emergency responders in ground and air ambulances.

This investment in durable devices designed specifically with emergency vehicle usage in mind will allow easy sharing of electronic records between services and providers through a newly improved records management platform, improving communication and supporting continuity of care.

• Maintaining secure and reliable access to information and systems by replacing laptop and desktop computers across the health system on a regular cycle. Proactive replacement reduces unplanned downtime that may interfere with patient care.

• Making ongoing enhancements and expansions to strengthen the IT infrastructure that is the foundation for access to safe and timely care. This includes routers, WiFi connection points and more to enable access to health records, support informed decision making and maintain communication throughout the system. eHealth Saskatchewan is a Treasury Board Crown Corporation that provides IT services to patients and health care providers, as well as partners such as the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. eHealth takes a provincially managed, locally delivered approach to providing IT to support patient focused delivery of health care in Saskatchewan. eHealth is guided by its vision of "connected health care, accessible to everyone, everywhere."

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.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JULY 2, 2026 - Page 7

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Saskatoon Man Charged Following Child Exploitation Investigation

A 29-year-old Saskatoon man is facing child exploitation-related charges following an investigation by the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.

On June 25th, members of the Saskatchewan ICE Unit executed a search warrant at a Saskatoon residence. Investigators examined electronic devices at the scene and seized additional devices as part of the investigation.

As a result, Sourabh Sourabh, 29, was arrested and charged with: • Luring of a Child • Extortion Sourabh made his first court appearance on June 26th in Saskatoon Provincial Court, where he was released under court-imposed conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court again on July 21st at 9:30am.

The Saskatchewan ICE Unit is a specialized team made up of investigators from the Saskatchewan RCMP, Saskatoon Police Service and Regina Police Service.

The unit is responsible for investigating crimes involving child sexual abuse and child exploitation material.

The investigation remains before the courts.

Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm Seizure and Weapons Charges Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

What started as a routine traffic stop for an obscured licence plate led to the seizure of a firearm, weapons, cannabis and unstamped tobacco.

At approximately 1:00pm on June 26th, a Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) officer stopped a black GMC Sierra travelling on Highway 16 near Township Road 374 after noticing the vehicle's licence plate was covered in mud and could not be read.

While speaking with the occupants, the officer noticed an infant in the vehicle did not appear to be properly secured in a car seat. The officer offered to help the parents properly secure the child, and they agreed.

When the rear door was opened, the officer saw what appeared to be a firearm under the back seat beside a machete.

A CPPS supervisor with firearms expertise attended the scene and confirmed the weapon was a real .22-calibre firearm.

The male occupant of the vehicle was arrested for possessing a firearm while prohibited. Police say he has been under a lifetime firearms prohibition order since 2021.

The firearm and machete were seized. A search of the vehicle also turned up a large quantity of cannabis and unstamped tobacco, while a search of the accused resulted in officers locating a Karambit knife.

The accused was taken to the Martensville RCMP Detachment for processing before being released on an Appearance Notice. He is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Saskatoon in August.

CPPS says the incident is another example of how routine traffic enforcement can uncover more serious public safety concerns. Police say officers remain committed to addressing everything from unreadable licence plates and child passenger safety to impaired driving, weapons offences and other risks on local roadways.

Saskatoon Police Arrest Wanted Man Sought in Two Provinces Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Two men are facing numerous charges after Saskatoon police located a man wanted on multiple warrants from British Columbia and Alberta.

According to the Saskatoon Police Service, officers were notified by the Vancouver Police Department that a wanted 27-year-old man was believed to be in Saskatoon. The man was wanted on 16 outstanding warrants issued by the Vancouver Police Department, Calgary Police Service and Cochrane RCMP. At approximately 5:30pm on June 23rd, members of the Tactical Support Unit arrested the 27-year-old man and an 18-year-old man at a residence in the 200 block of Barrett Street.

Following the arrests, members of the Crime Reduction Team executed a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act at the residence.

Police seized: • Approximately $12,145 in Canadian currency • 57 grams of powdered cocaine • 58 grams of crack cocaine • Two shotgun shells • A knife • Assorted items consistent with drug trafficking In addition to the 27-year-old's outstanding warrants, both men are jointly facing 10 new charges related to drug trafficking, proceeds of crime, weapons offences and breaching court-imposed conditions.

The investigation remains before the courts.

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