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Digging For Dinosaur Bones Kids participating in the City of Martensville’s School’s Out for Summer Fun Program dig for “dinosaur bones” at the Valley Manor School park on Thursday, July 23. See story about the program on page 5. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)
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Page 2 - JULY 30, 2020 - martensville messenger
City Holding Annual Hazardous Household Waste Collection Day
ABOVE: The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection day on Saturday, August 15, 2020 from 9:30am to 3:30pm. 20075DE0
The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection day on Saturday, August 15, 2020 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. The event will take place in the parking lot of the Sports Centre where collection points will be set up. Workers will ask residents what type of waste they have and will direct them to the appropriate collection points. We ask that all materials are brought in containers that will not spill or leak. All materials should be clearly labelled, and if possible, should be brought in the original packaging. Unidentified materials will not be accepted. Please note that this is only for household hazardous waste, no 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. Please see below for a detailed list of accepted materials. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic anyone who attends the HHW event will be asked to remain in their vehicles. If a participant must exit their vehicle, we ask that they maintain a 2 meter minimum distance from all staff.
List of Materials Accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Acid - battery acid, toilet bowl cleaner, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid Adhesives - contact cement, resin, glue, sealer, caulking Aerosols - hair spray, insect repellant, lubricant spray, furniture cleaner Automotive - used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, carburetor cleaner, batteries, fuel, windshield wiper solution, transmission fluid, brake fluid, empty oil containers and pails Batteries - alkali, dry cell, NiCad, lithium, lead-acid (automotive) Cleaners - floor, carpet, clothing, oven, glass, car wax, disinfectant, aluminum cleaner Cylinders - propane, helium, oxygen, acetylene, fire extinguishers Corrosives - drain cleaner, engine degreaser, ammonia, battery acid, sulfuric acid Fuels - gasoline, diesel, kerosene, oil/gas mixture Light Bulbs & Ballasts - fluorescent light ballasts (with or without PCBs), light bulbs Mercury - mercury, mercury thermometers Oxidizing Chemicals - chlorine, bleach, pool chemicals, fertilizer, hydrogen peroxide Pesticides & Fertilizers - pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fertilizer Pharmaceuticals - prescription drugs, medicines (no needles, sharps or biological waste) Propane Cylinders - barbeque cylinders (20 lb), camp cylinders (1 lb) Solvents – varsol, paint thinner, naphtha, acetone, toluene, xylene, alcohol, benzene Other Materials – asphalt & roofing tar, detergents, paint, photographic chemicals, pigments, dyes, hair colour, nail polish, nail polish remover, lead, mothballs, pet supplies, phenol, pine oil, scouring powder, spot remover, septic tank chemicals, shoe polish, wood preservatives Materials NOT Accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Asbestos Biologically Hazardous Materials - including sharps and needles Commercial, Industrial, or Farm Chemicals or Materials Compressed Gases - other than propane, helium, oxygen and acetylene cylinders, fire extinguishers and aerosols Explosives - including ammunition, explosives, guns and weapons PCB materials - other than fluorescent light ballasts Radioactive Materials - including ionization chamber-type smoke detectors Used Tires - automotive and bicycle Unknown Chemicals
martensville messenger - JULY 30, 2020 - Page 3
Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic- What you Should Know!
City Hall has reopened to the public, however with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Current Status of Public Facilities as of July 23rd: Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open, with occupancy limits City Hall - Open Aquatic Centre - Open, with occupancy limits North Ridge Centre - Closed Heritage Centre - Closed Sports Centre - Closed Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Office closed, Open for Curbside Holds Pick-up and Book Returns
Water Meter Read/Estimate Schedule - Normally the Read/Estimate Schedule that takes place from October-April would be completed and the entire City would have water meter reads completed by City of Martensville Meter Readers. However due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Water Meter Read/Estimate schedule continues to be extended into foreseeable future. Garbage and Recycling - Services remain in place and on schedule with no anticipated service delays at this time. Organics collection has also commenced. Road Maintenance - will continue as required and is not expected to change at this time. Playgrounds and Sports Fields - Playgrounds are currently open. The Spray Park is open. Sports Fields have reopened but users should continue to follow activity guidelines as may be provided under the Provincial Re-Open plan.
City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time.
Trails and passive park spaces remain open for use, but we continue to urge residents to incorporate safe practices.
Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall.
Utility and Property Tax Updates - The City has implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, currently in place:
After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies - should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1. Protective Services - There are no changes in duty or status to Protective Services such as the RCMP, Martensville Fire Department, and Ambulance Service. Water and Sewer - These services remain unimpacted and unchanged, including water quality testing. Meter reading will continue to take place under the Read/Estimate schedule; however, staff will not be doing reads of meters located inside of homes or occupied buildings. In these cases, estimates will be taken or reads can be provided into City Hall. In respect to water and sewer emergencies, city staff may not be able to enter resident homes at this time and private contractors should be considered.
Still Plenty to Do! – Summer Camps at the MAP/ Outdoor Family Fun Kits/ Public Swimming Pre-Registration The Martensville Athletic Pavilion is now open! We will be running youth basketball and volleyball camps at the end of August. Registration is now open online - visit the City or Martensville Program Registration page. Outdoor Family Fun kits are now available to borrow! To secure your kit email specialevents@martensville.ca You can choose from 1 of 5 different kits; • Sports Kit • At Home Fitness Kit • Physical Literacy Kit • Outdoor Games Kit • Activity Kit The Martensville Aquatic Centre is open!! We are happy to see so many residents taking advantage of our public swimming pre-registration! For more information on public swimming pre-registration phone 306-683-5576.
August Council Meeting Dates
Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend. Committee of the Whole Meeting August 11th Regular Council Meeting- August 18th The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers. Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM. Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca
• • • •
Interest charges on utility bills will be suspended until November 1, 2020. Water service will not be discontinued due to non-payment or overdue account status. The deadline for property tax payments will be extended from July 31 to October 30, 2020. All interest charges on property tax owing will be suspended until November 1, 2020.
Stay Informed! - The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca. Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
Help Keep Our City Clean; a Reminder in Respect to Boulevard and Lane Maintenance
- The owner or occupier of property adjacent to a boulevard or lane shall ensure that the portion of the boulevard or lane adjacent to the property, up to the centre line of the lane, is kept free and clear, at all times of weeds, uncontrolled growth of grass, plants and tree/shrub overgrowth. - No owner or occupier of property adjacent to a boulevard or lane, or any other person, shall deposit or cause, suffer or permit the deposit of any garden, vegetation, waste materials or tree branches on or upon a boulevard or lane adjacent to the property, up to the centre line of the lane. - No owner or occupier of property adjacent to boulevard or lane, or any other person, shall deposit or cause, suffer or permit the deposit of household furniture, building materials or tires on or upon a boulevard or lane adjacent to the property, up to the centre line of the lane. Questions about Boulevard or Lane Maintenance can be referred to City Hall or consult the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw at Martensville.ca
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Martensville Farmer’s Market Sees Success In New Location Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Farmer’s Market is once again in full swing and will be taking place each Wednesday from 10am to 2pm until September 30th in the parking lot of the Martensville Corner Store at 301 Centennial Drive North (across from Dollarama). Marjan Petter, who has taken on the organization of the Martensville Farmer’s Market this year, said that the new location has proven to be quite successful. “So far things are going really good and the market has been quite busy each week for the whole time it is open. We are seeing quite a bit of traffic, so we are pleased that we decided to move it for this year.” With this being Petter’s first year running the market, she started everything from scratch and currently, none of the same vendors from the past year are attending; however, there is an average of 8 to 10 vendors participating in the market each week. “We currently have about 5 steady vendors, with more popping in each week. It is nice to see the variety of items being offered and we are always looking for new vendors to come take part in the market,” Petter stated.
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A wide variety of items are available at the market each week such as; fruits and veggies, pottery, cinnamon spread, refurbished furniture, dry soups, soaps, candles and more. Petter noted that one thing that they would like to be able to provide regularly is fresh baking, so they are looking for someone to take that on. Each week, Petter said there are new options available, and starting on Wednesday, July 29th, Country Style BBQ will be attending and offering a variety of food options for customers at the Martensville Farmer’s Market. “We are really excited to be able to offer a lunch option for people in the area and they are planning on being there for the whole market season, so that is something else that we can look forward to each week.” With COVID-19 still a very much real threat around us, Petter said that the vendors are taking precautions by spacing themselves and providing hand sanitizer; however, she reminds customers to be aware of physical distancing and to take the proper precautions. For more information on how to become a vendor, contact Marjan Petter at 306260-7395 or email petterfarms@gmail.com. “We are always welcoming new vendors and have spots available. The more, the merrier,” Petter said.
Building
COVID-19 Numbers on the Rise in Saskatchewan
With COVID-19 numbers going up in Saskatchewan, it reminds us that we need to continue to be vigilant in our lives in order to keep ourselves and the ones we love safe. As of Tuesday, July 28th, the total number of cases in Saskatchewan sits at 1218, with 9 new cases being announced that day. Of these cases, 294 are considered active, with a total of 907 people recovered and 17 COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded. Many of the rising number of cases are coming from colonies in the south, central Saskatoon and north regions, and Premier Scott Moe noted during a media conference on Monday that the province is working closely with community leaders to address this situation. “We are working together to ensure anyone with COVID symptoms and anyone who has been in contact with someone who recently had COVID immediately seeks and receives a test. In the coming days, public health officials will visit every Hutterite community in the province to inspect compliance with the public health orders, to offer testing in the community and to offer any other supports in the community, much like we have in other areas of the province. We will be ensuring that the public health order limits gathering sizes to 30 people is being followed in all instances and we will also be ensuring that any affected communities are restricting all non-essential travel into and out of the community,” Moe said On Monday, July 27th, a total of 92,796 COVID-19 tests have been performed within Saskatchewan and as of July 25, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 67,297 people tested per million population. The national rate was 101,145 people tested per million population. Moe also noted that the rising numbers can serve as a reminder to all of us as to how quickly this virus can spread. “Many of us have probably been a little less careful as of late than we were back in the Spring. That may be why we are seeing case numbers creep up again in some areas of the province. I don’t think it’s any cause for alarm just yet, but it is a clear reminder that the risk of COVID-19 is still here.” It has been more than four months since COVID-19 arrived in Saskatchewan. It’s understandable that many people are tired or frustrated with the continued state of cautiousness. If you are feeling well or don’t know anyone who has gotten sick, it is easy to think that you do not need to be careful. However, the recent surge in COVID-19 in all regions of Saskatchewan shows that we cannot become complacent. There is no region in Saskatchewan without active cases. Personal protective measures protect you, your friends and family. There is a risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 anytime you go out in public or meet with friends. Saskatchewan residents know what needs to be done to reduce transmission: wash your hands often, keep gatherings small and with the same group of people, maintain a physical distance of two metres and wear a mask anywhere that you cannot maintain physical distancing. It is also crucial to stay home if you are sick. The Re-Open Saskatchewan plan provide guidelines for precautions in various activities. Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www. saskatchewan.ca/re-open. If we all do our part to keep ourselves and others safe, we will be able to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan again. COVID-19 testing is now available to anyone who requests it, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not. A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811. Since introducing universal testing, there has been an increase in requests to be tested with the corresponding increase in provincial testing numbers. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is working to ensure responsive service timing. Contact your physician’s office if you are experiencing worsening symptoms. If you require urgent care, call 911.
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martensville messenger - JULY 30, 2020 - Page 5
School's Out Fun at the MAP Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Saskatoon Kart Racers held their first races at the Martensville Speedway with a double-header on July 18th and 19th. This race came after almost ten months of waiting due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. The next race will take place Sunday, August 9th. (Submitted)
The City of Martensville once again has been offering their School’s Out for Summer program which started the week of July 7. The program runs for six weeks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am - 12pm until August 13th. Kids have the option to join this Day Camp for a few days here and there, a couple weeks, or for the whole summer. The first two weeks and the last two weeks of the program are run by the Sportball Organization. This multi-sport activity focuses on physical literacy for kids with a specific activity every day such as lacrosse, tennis, volleyball, soccer, basketball and baseball. Instructor Kayla Heck is currently helping with the next list of activities with themes that include ‘Nature Day’, ‘Science Day’, and ‘Outdoor Play’. “Some of the activities we have done so far include pond exploration, forest exploration, scavenger hunts, park play, science experiments, dinosaur bone digging, volcano building in the sand, chalk, bubbles, water play, group walks, and more. The first week was fantastic,” said Heck. There are a maximum of 15 students attending the program each day, with herself and a helper. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program had to reduce their numbers from 30 to 15 this year. They followed strict rules to keep the students in a safe environment. Students were asked to sanitize when they arrived, and throughout the day. The city also provided enough materials for each student to use their very own shovel, bubbles, chalk, etc. so that the students were able to avoid cross contact on materials needed for planned activities. “Students were also able to bring their own materials from home which worked out nicely. We promoted safe distancing whenever possible, and kept all materials clean for each new day,” stated Heck. As an instructor, Heck noted that she was pleased to hear that people are eager to enroll in these classes. “Most of these students have not been around groups of children this large since they were in school because of COVID isolation, so it gives them some sense of their old normal, with all the new safety guidelines. At the end of each day, when we have time, we do a "Spotlight Circle", and each day I have heard from a few students that their favorite part of the day was "meeting new friends", and that is what it is all about. It is meant to be fun, with some structured activities, and it gives everyone a chance to meet new people!” said Heck.
ABOVE & LEFT: The students do scavenger hunts and science experiments at the Schools Out for Summer Program. (Submitted)
Page 6 - JULY 30, 2020 - martensville messenger
Provincial Politics with
Murray Mandryk
Government Can’t Relax on COVID-19
We all love the Canadian Football League and love the Saskatchewan Roughriders even more. Short of a lemon yellow canola field under a living sky of blue, it’s doubtful you will find a Saskatchewan image more iconic than green pantone of the ‘Riders’. Saskatchewan is a small province. We have no other professional team and, really there are few truly unifying things in a place often divided between rural and urban and left and right. The Riders bring us all together. Moreover, its election year when political parties rally around positive and unifying symbols. So it might have seemed a no-brainer for Premier Scott Moe to make a case for Regina and Mosaic Stadium to be the CFL hub city, should there be a CFL season. To not do so in Saskatchewan - to not send the message that this province is as good as anywhere else, at least when it comes to the CFL - would have left some grumbling. Within hours of hearing Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister - who presides over the home of the rival Blue Bombers - was putting up $2.5 million for that province’s hub city bid, we heard Moe was willing to pony $3 million for Regina’s bid. But what about the pandemic? Many suspect Winnipeg secured the tentative hub city bid weeks ago because the hotels and indoor facilities surrounding Winnipeg’s stadium along with the larger International Airport made it the preferred choice of the CFL players’ association. If this was the case, was it a wise choice of government’s time to be messing around with this bid in the middle of a pandemic when there are surely other priorities? But if it was a serious attempt and not a political ploy, was it our best expenditure of money? With all that is going on; including a $2.4-billion 2020-21 deficit in which this government seemingly doesn’t have much money for anything; could $3 million be put to better use? How should we spend it now? Surely, there are better things we could do with the money than throwing it into the infrastructure pot so we can put a new layer of pavement on roads - pretty much what governments always do before every election. If we do have a few extra coins to throw around, wouldn’t it be better to put it towards making sure teachers had masks and that schools were clean and ready to accept students returning to classes this fall? In fairness, to Moe and his government, it has tried to be responsible in its spending and has been criticized by some for being too slow in re-opening Saskatchewan. Three million dollars isn’t much in the context of a $16-billion annual provincial budget. Moe explained that the CFL hub city bid - supported by the City of Regina and local hoteliers - would have been a step towards recovery with some 600 CFL players moving here for two or three months, but COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan increased by about 160 cases a week and a half in the middle of this month - an average of 15 or so a day instead of one or two. Quietly, this is the second-biggest outbreak since the rapid spread in La Loche and while it is true that most can be traced to outbreaks on Hutterite colonies, that doesn’t make what’s going on right now any less serious. Now is not the time for government to lose sight of the problem at hand. Now is not the time to relax what’s been a vigilant approach by the Sask. Party government in the COVID-19 fight and now is certainly not the time for a government to be distracted by politically popular notions when this pandemic requires our full attention.
MLA Report With Nancy Heppner
Update on COVID-19 Restrictions After months of isolation and social distancing, people across the province are starting to return to more regular routines. Almost everything is open again, most of us are back to work, and we are finally able to enjoy many of the activities we love while continuing to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recently, a number of COVID-19 restrictions were revised or lifted from various amenities in the province. These include: • Drive-in theatres: reducing distance between vehicles to two metres, down from five metres. • Retail guidelines, libraries and places of worship: reducing the length of time that returned or donated items must be held to 24 hours, down from 72 hours. • Fitness facilities: permitting 24-hour access to fitness facilities, and ensuring registration of guests to facilitate contact tracing, if required. • Campgrounds: laundry facilities are now able to open following new guidelines for safe operation. Yard and garage sales, as well as door-to-door canvassing and sales are now permitted. Social distancing and frequent hand hygiene are encouraged and there should be no sharing of common materials including pens, pencils, and promotional materials. Getting Saskatchewan Back to Work Saskatchewan had one of Canada’s strongest rates of job growth in June as more of the economy re-opened and our province continued its recovery from the impact of COVID-19. Another positive sign is the Canadian Federation of Independent Business business barometer index for small business confidence which ranks Saskatchewan’s business confidence above the national average and second-highest among provinces. Subsidies and supports are available to employers and employees who may need them. For example, the Saskatchewan Temporary Wage Supplement Program provides a temporary wage supplement to eligible workers helping Saskatchewan's most vulnerable citizens through the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, I would encourage you to visit www.saskatchewan.ca. Recently, our government approved its first parcel of work packages to be completed through the Accelerated Site Closure Program (ASCP). The first parcel of work packages includes around 300 well and 300 flowline abandonments, 75 facility decommissions and 700 other activities. This will engage up to 50 service companies across the province, helping one of our most hard-hit industries, the oil and gas sector, and help to develop a program that gets Saskatchewan companies back to work. Continued investment in agricultural technology will be a driving force in our economic recovery and growth. That is why applications are now being accepted for the new $1 million AgTech Growth Fund – the first program of its kind dedicated to the development of agricultural technologies in Saskatchewan. Investments in local projects and initiatives will also be key to job creation. 303 new projects totaling more than $16.6 million of provincial investment under the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020 were recently announced. The $150 million program is part of our plan to build a strong province and stimulate its economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about the program at saskatchewan.ca/ municipal-economic-enhancement. Provincial Park Improvements Major infrastructure projects are planned and being completed to improve campsites and visitor experiences in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks. Recently, a brand-new pool opened at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. This year our government announced $10.3 million in improvements to our provincial parks as part of our governments $7.5 billion two-year capital plan. Parks are now welcoming visitors for recreation and relaxation. Health restrictions in response to COVID-19 remain in place and we ask that visitors comply within the guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. As we continue to ease restrictions and reopen our economy, it is important to monitor symptoms and encourage testing to prevent any further outbreaks. Universal testing for COVID-19 is now available, even in the absence of symptoms. A referral for testing can be made by contacting the Healthline at 811. If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage you to visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
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 30, 2020 - Page 7
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WMBEXA 2017
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Local Chamber Joins Movement to Help Support Local Business Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce joins Canada United to support local businesses and accelerate small business recovery Created by RBC in collaboration with the national network of Chambers of Commerce and over 50 corporate partners, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses as part of the nationwide movement. Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce announced it is joining Canada United, a national movement to support local businesses in communities across the country. As part of the movement, RBC has brought together more than 50 of Canada’s leading brands, Business Associations and the national Chamber network to rally Canadians to “show local some love” by buying, dining and shopping local. “The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Canada United movement and help bolster businesses in and around our community. Small businesses are the backbones of our local economies and key to thriving communities,” says Jaimie Malmgren, Executive Director, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for businesses in the Warman and Martensville region and across the province. We need to continue to support SMEs who create jobs, drive innovation, and generate wealth for communities across Canada – they will play an integral role in helping the province bounce back. Canadians are invited to join the Canada United movement by buying and dining local, including celebrating and supporting local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30, 2020. Canadians are also encouraged to watch the Canada United videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited on social media and use #CanadaUnited to demonstrate their support. For each of these actions until August 31, 2020, RBC will contribute 5 cents up to a maximum contribution amount of $2 million to the new Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, while working with government and corporate partners to source additional contributions to the fund during the course of the campaign. The Fund will provide small businesses with
grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE) renovations to accommodate reopening guidelines and developing or improving e-commerce capabilities. Small Canadian businesses across the country will be able to apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding. The program intends to support small Canadian businesses of all kinds from across the country. The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network. Small business owners who are interested in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited. ca to learn more about grant application details, including eligibility criteria, and to apply. “We are excited to welcome Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce to Canada United to help local businesses and Canada’s economy come back strong,” said Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, Royal Bank of Canada. “Canada United was created to kick-start an economic rebound by rallying consumers to give local businesses the support they need to re-open during these uncertain times. By bringing together government, business associations and corporate Canada, we are looking to start a movement to get Canadians to buy local and support businesses across the country. We are genuinely excited by the energy all of our partners are bringing to this effort.” “If there has been one silver lining in all the tragedy and sacrifices of the current crisis, it has been the spirit of collaboration and unity of purpose that has been evident between levels of government, across provinces and across sectors,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce “We are calling on that same unity of purpose with Canada United. Small, local businesses are the heart of our communities, our Main Streets and our economy. Together, it is time to show local some love.”
Great Plains College Prepares To Welcome Students For Fall 2020 Great Plains College’s preparations for the fall 2020 semester will welcome students into a blended learning environment. Students will be offered a combination of inperson and distance/online learning environments, with the delivery model varied between specific programs and courses. All of the college’s locations will be open and will provide a full complement of programming and services. The college is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Ministry of Health and other post-secondary institutions in the province to develop plans that will emphasize the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff and the general public. “Within the context of COVID-19 and any provincial health guidelines which will apply, our management and staff will be working hard to provide students with the best on-campus experience possible under these circumstances,” said David Keast, president and CEO of Great Plains College. “One of the major highlights of our fall re-open plan is that our blended model includes the provision of an on-campus face-to face learning environment for students. Given the applied nature of college programming, this is a welcome development that we feel provides students an optimal experience within the safety parameters necessary.” Keast also acknowledged the college’s preparations have included the development of contingency plans in the event that COVID-19 challenges re-appear. “Contingency plans will allow programs to quickly pivot to alternative delivery mediums should the need arise,” added Keast. “We have made investments in alternative delivery platforms and the faculty who would utilize them to provide for a seamless transition that would allow students to complete their education and training.” The college has recognized that COVID has created some unforeseen challenges, one of which relates to student finances. To that end, the college has imposed a ‘freeze’ on all tuition, ancillary and other student fees for the 2020-21 school year. As well, the ability to apply for scholarships was previously extended an additional two months (to June 30) to allow for more students to take advantage of the monies available. Registrations for the 2020-21 academic year are still actively being welcomed. The college encourages all prospective students to visit www.greatplainscollege.ca/programscourses to review all of the opportunities available. Individuals looking for more information on the blended learning model and how it applies to various programs are encouraged to contact a student adviser via email at info@greatplainscollege.ca or by calling toll-free 1-866-296-2472.
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MARCH 9, 2017
VOLUME NO. 11 - ISSUE 10
Your City; Your Newspaper
MFD Respond to Minor Mishap
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensvlle Messenger
Early Start From Stop Sign Leads to Martensville Accident At approximately 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th RCMP were called to a two-vehicle collision located at the intersection of Main Street and 10th Avenue where members of Martensville’s Fire Department (MFD) were also on scene. Thankfully, no injuries occurred as a result of the accident. A 36 year-old Martensville woman who was headed north on 10th Avenue was charged under the Traffic Safety Act for Proceeding from Stop Sign Before Safe to do so.
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