June 20, 2024 Digital Issue

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 form 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.

Landscaping or Back-Yard Project This Spring?What You May Need to Know

Property owners looking at landscaping or construction projects must secure a permit to access their property across public spaces or parks. The Access to Private Property Through Open Spaces Bylaw serves as a framework for property owners, allowing access to their property for home or yard projects while overseeing public areas to mitigate and address any potential damages or use of public spaces for project staging purposes.

Please contact City Hall for more information about this permit.

Property Tax Information- What you need to Know

Tax Notices have been mailed out. 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, to avoid interest charges.

Didn’t Get Your Notice? - If you have not received your tax notice or have questions, please contact City Hall directly and we will be pleased to assist.

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.

Don’t Get Missed on Garbage/Recycling Day

A few reminders to ensure you don’t miss your scheduled pick-up day:

• Have the cart curbside by 7AM on collection day

• Do not overfill carts. The lid must be closed to ensure contents cannot fall out of the bin, or spill onto roadways or against the garbage truck. Bins that are overfilled will not be picked up.

• Bag all trash and place inside the cart, bagged or unbagged garbage placed beside, in front, or on top of the cart will not be collected.

Green Bin pick-ups are now underway, alternating between North and South neighborhoods with pick ups scheduled on Tuesdays.

July Council Meeting Dates

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

July 9th -Committee of the Whole Meeting

July 16th – Regular Council Meeting

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

Those wishing to address or present 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

Sanitary Sewer Main Flushing is Underway

Sewer Main Flushing helps keep the sewer system operating efficiently and helps prevent future back-ups by removing built-up debris.

Sewer lines located North of Main Street started on Monday June 17th, typically this activity causes little to no disruption to homeowners, however, it is possible that small spills, odours or noises can come from plumbing systems in the home. This maintenance is scheduled for approximately 2 weeks.

Some precautions can be taken:

• Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use

• Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use

• If you have a backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly

• Cover or cap your basement floor drains.

• If odors are present in your home, it is advised to flush toilets, run some water through various drains (including floor drains) and open windows.

Visit Martensville.ca for more information, or contact City Hall.

Martensville Library Offers Wide Array of Activities This Summer

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This summer be sure to check out all of the fun activities and programs being offered at the Martensville Library.

Registration for the TD Summer Reading Club opens on June 24th and the club will run from July 1- August 31 for kids 12 and under. This is a great opportunity to keep up those reading skills while school’s out and also earn entries to win some amazing prizes through the local library or one of the Wheatland Regional Library grand prizes. Track reading minutes using paper trackers and/or the Beanstack App and then drop into the library to share your progress throughout the summer.

There will also be Adult & Teen Summer Reading Challenges taking place throughout July and August. Contact the Martensville Library for more details.

The local library will also once again be taking part in the Wheatland Reading Cup Challenge to see who among the Wheatland Regional Libraries can reach their community reading minute goal. Last year, the Martensville branch had a total of 655,409 minutes read.

There will be a Wheatland Storybook Trail located within Veterans Square during several weeks this summer. Stop in to walk the square and read the story panels. From June 17-22 you can see the story ‘Gigantic’ by Rob Biddulph about a small whale with a big heart. Other dates for Storybook Trails will be July 8-13, July 22-27 and August 12-17.

Storytime in the Park will take place at Andrea’s Park, across the street from the Civic Centre, on July 4, 11, 18 and 25, and August 1, 8, 15 and 22. Drop in to sing songs and listen to stories in the park, weather permitting.

Andrea’s Park will also be home to the I Spy Games, taking place June 28-July 5, July 22-27 and August 2-10.

There will also be a variety of take home activities and drop-in activities offered. Details can be found by visiting the ‘Martensville Library’ Facebook page, or contacting the library directly at (306) 956-7311 or martensville.library@wheatland. sk.ca.

Celebrate Canada Day in Martensville

Jocelyn Ottenbreit,

The City of Martensville Canada Day Celebration on July 1st will have a few evening events starting at 6:30pm.

Come on down to the Kinsmen ball diamond for some grub and snacks provided by Hector’s Grub Hub food truck, or enjoy some ice cream at Cones, which will be open until 10pm.

The outdoor movie (possibly Mario Bros) is yet to be confirmed but it will be announced on the City of Martensville Facebook event page once this is finalized.

“Pre-registration is encouraged for each vehicle as we will park those who register online first. Go to martenville.ca under program registrations/community events,” said Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II.

“The fireworks show will be by the tennis courts so find your place to watch by the MAP parking lot, the outdoor movie area, 3rd Street North or main street to get the best views!”

“The event is sponsored by Martensville & District Kinsmen and is free for everyone to attend! Also thanks once again to SaskLotteries.”

Summer Market Opens June 22nd

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Summer Solstice will take place on Thursday, June 20th, and what better way to mark the official first day of summer than by having the opening day of the Martensville Summer Market (MSM) on Saturday, June 22nd?

The MSM will take place each Saturday from 10am-1pm in the parking lot of the Corner Store, located at 301 Centennial Drive North, until Saturday, September 28th.

There are currently 18 vendors signed up for the season, which includes both full-time and part-time vendors offering a variety of goods, including fruits and vegetables, baking, spring rolls, freeze-dried foods, soups, baby/toddler car seat covers, ponchos, 3D print, plant stands, glass, jewelry, candles, sewing, crochet, dog treats, cat toys, scents and more.

“There will be lots of products for customers to check out and admire that are made and/or grown by local people,” MSM Coordinator Marjan Petter said.

According to Petter, although there is a wide array of vendors already signed up, there is still room for more if anyone is interested. Ideally, Petter would love to see more vendors offering food options such as pre-made meals, meat, fish, or even a food truck come out.

The fee to take part as a vendor is $120/regular vendor and $20/day for a casual vendor. Vendors are expected to bring their own table/shelter, etc. The MSM is also open for groups, educational organizations, sports clubs, etc.

“If you have a business and would like to promote your products, the Martensville Summer Market is a great way to make yourself known to the public and it won’t break the bank for you,” Petter added.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a vendor, contact martensvillemarket@gmail. com. Food vendors are required to fill out a Saskatchewan Public Health form, which the MSM can provide.

There are plans to host a Kid’s Day, a Customer Appreciation Day, and invite some special guests this year. They will also be holding a weekly draw once again this year, with the winner getting a $20 voucher to be spent at the MSM. Each purchase made at the market will earn you an entry into the draw.

“The Market provides a great option for people to get their fresh products out there, and for the public to have the opportunity to meet the people behind the products they love.”

School’s Out for Summer Programs

Begin July 2nd

The City of Martensville’s School’s Out for Summer programs will begin on July 2nd and run throughout the summer months to help provide a variety of fun activities for kids to participate in.

Those interested in taking part can choose to join in for a few days here and there, a couple of weeks, or for the entire summer. The cost is $15/day.

There will be sport-themed activities, as well as recreational activities. Theme days will be:

Sports Weeks

• Week 1 – Golf, Epic Games, Basketball (July 2-4)

• Week 2 – Epic Games, Lacrosse/Hockey, Soccer (July 9-11)

• Week 3 – Volleyball, Tennis/Badminton, Epic Games (July 16-18)

Recreation Weeks

• Week 4 – Around the World, Beach Bash, Farm Fun (July 23-25)

• Week 5 – Superheroes Assemble, Lost in Space, Safari Season (July 30-Aug 1)

• Week 6 – Artistic Inspirations, Under the Sea, Martensville’s Got Talent (Aug 6-8)

• Week 7 – Escape Room, Nature Explorers, Camp Olympics (Aug 13-15)

Register online at www.martensville.ca, or call (306) 683-5576.

Martensville Messenger

Help the Lions ‘Stuff the Trailer’ for Martensville Food Pantry

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville and District Lions Club is hosting a BBQ to help support the Martensville Food Pantry. This is the second year for this event. Last year saw tremendous support and they are hoping this year will be even better.

The BBQ will be at the Martensville Coop Food store on June 21 from 2pm – 6pm, and June 22 and 23rd from 10am – 5pm.

When you bring a non-perishable food item/ items or a monetary donation to the trailer, you will receive a hotdog or a burger which includes a drink.

Some food ideas are crackers, cereal, pork and beans, soup, children’s snack items (nut-free), and rice, to name a few.

The Martensville Food Pantry continues to help to provide food for families and individuals in Martensville and the surrounding area with weekly food hampers. In order to provide these hampers, the MFP relies on donations which are made by people, businesses, organizations, schools and more.

Regular donations are made by Martensville Coop and Buy-Low Foods in Warman which include dairy

POLICE BEAT

items, frozen items and meat; however, due to growing demand, the MFP is often in need of non-perishables such as tomato sauce, pasta, instant potatoes, and lunch snacks.

Each week, a dedicated group of volunteers comes together to sort and package the hampers, which include a variety of products including meat, vegetables, pasta & sauce, soup, crackers, cereal, children’s snacks, and dairy and eggs when available.

There are a variety of ways to help support the Food Pantry including individual donations, purchasing a Hunger Bag from Martensville Co-op, donating the money received from recycled cans and bottles at Sarcan Drop n Go in Martensville under the name ‘MFP’, or you can support them by purchasing items through the MFP Amazon Wish List which ships directly to them. The list can be viewed at https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ ls/19ZM88B64Q6M5?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR3IIJ 2xk9r97VTc1E9VOJRZRAgwYRzOSiny7cVJC954KP B3xvIldevA150.

If you want more information or how to request a hamper, contact the MFP at (306) 2801255, martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com or message ‘Martensville Food Pantry’ on Facebook.

Rosetown RCMP: Did You Speak To The Man Driving This Truck?

On June 8, 2024, between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., a dark-coloured GMC Sierra left the roadway and got stuck in a slough off of Highway 15, about three kilometres east of Sovereign, SK.

A single male occupant was seen with the vehicle. The male occupant was asking for people to pull him out. Police were called and by the time they arrived, the male was gone.

The truck and some of the property inside it were recently reported as stolen out of Alberta. Rosetown RCMP continue to investigate.

If you saw or had any contact with the male occupant of the truck, or have any information about the theft, please contact Rosetown RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Drugs and Stolen Firearms Seized During RCMP Search Warrant Execution

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Kindersley Detachment and Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed search warrants in relation to an ongoing investigation.

Two search warrants were executed in Kindersley and one in Netherhill, SK. Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team assisted.

Officers located and seized: 198 grams of cocaine; two loaded firearms; an imitation firearm; ammunition; drug trafficking paraphernalia; and a gold bar and a sum of cash.

Three adult males were arrested as a result of this investigation.

Continued investigation determined the firearms were reported as stolen following/as a result of a May 23, 2024 break-in at a business in Kindersley. A pick-up truck had also been reported as stolen in relation to the same incident; it was located, burnt, outside of Kindersley two days later.

As a result of continued investigation, 28-year-old Jeffrey Proteau from Coleville is charged with: one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code; one count, careless storage of a prohibited weapon, Section 86(2), Criminal Code; one count, unlicensed possession of a loaded prohibited weapon, Section 95(b), Criminal Code; one count, break and enter and steal firearm, Section 98, Criminal Code; and one count, theft of a motor vehicle, Section 333.1, Criminal Code.

Proteau is scheduled to appear in Kindersley Provincial Court on June 17, 2024 (Information 90534020).

41-year-old Alex Smarch from Kindersley is charged with: one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code; one count, careless storage of a prohibited weapon, Section 86(2), Criminal Code; and one count, unlicensed possession of a firearm, Section 92(2), Criminal Code. Smarch appeared in Kindersley Provincial Court on June 13, 2024 (Information 90534019).

48-year-old Arthur Cisna from Kindersley is charged with one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Cisna is scheduled to appear in Kindersley Provincial Court on July 16, 2024 (Information #90534018).

Kindersley RCMP and Prince Albert CRT continue to investigate. Anyone with information should call Saskatchewan RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Saskatoon Police Investigating Numerous Weapons Related Calls

The Saskatoon Police Service responded to numerous weapons related calls over the weekend.

One man is recovering in hospital following a weapons offence on Saturday. At around 8:30 a.m. on June 15, 2024 police responded to reports of an injured person in the 100 Block of Avenue F South. The call stated a man had accidentally shot himself.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim suffering from injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. A firearm and multiple knives were also located on or around the victim. The victim was transported to hospital with what were believed to be non-lifethreatening injuries.

Upon further investigation, officers also found the victim to be in possession of ammunition, methamphetamine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl.

As a result, the 43-year-old man is facing numerous weapons related charges, possession of instruments suitable for breaking and entering, and possession of a controlled substance (x3).

The Saskatoon Police Service is investigating following a firearm being discharged Saturday evening.

At approximately 6:10 p.m. on June 15, 2024 police responded to a firearms complaint in the 100 Block of Avenue P South.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the caller who explained she was sitting in her living room when she heard a pop and saw a bullet hole through the window.

Saskatoon Police continues to investigate and asks anyone with information that may assist in this investigation to please contact police at 306-975-8300 or submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

One male has been arrested after a weapons offence Saturday night. On June 15, 2024 at around 9:10 p.m. police were called to the 200 Block of Avenue V South for reports of a male with a gun knocking on a door.

Upon arrival, the suspect was no longer on scene; however, officers were able to obtain a vehicle description. Shortly after the vehicle was located at a business near 20th Street West and Avenue P South. The suspect was located and arrested and a black air pistol, as well as a hatchet were found inside the vehicle.

As a result, the 17-year-old is facing charges relating to possession of a weapon (x2), as well as failure to comply with court-ordered conditions.

Renewed Request for Public Assistance from Saskatoon Police in Historical Homicide of 20-Year-Old Donna Kasyon

The Saskatoon Police Service is renewing its request for public assistance in the 2002 homicide of Donna Kasyon.

On June 15, 2002 at approximately 12:40 a.m. police responded to reports of an injured person in the 3100 Block of Laurier Drive. Responding officers located a woman, identified as 20-year-old Donna Kasyon; Donna was taken to hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Two days later, the SPS Major Crime Section confirmed the suspicious death was a homicide.

Donna was last seen between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. on June 14, 2002 in the 1900 Block of 22nd Street West. Police are trying to determine Donna’s whereabouts between then and when she was found on June 15, 2002.

The investigation into this historical homicide remains open and police believe members of the public may have information helpful in solving this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saskatoon Police at 306-975-8300 or submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Your information may help bring answers to Donna’s family.

SPORTS

VSA Offers Two Summer Camps in August

Jocelyn Ottenbreit,

Martensville Messenger

The Valley Soccer Association (VSA) is excited to be running two camps this summer for the soccer players of the Valley.

Starting August 5th-30th, sessions are 60 minutes each from 6-7pm, or 7-8pm.

The Rec Camp, which will be a fun, recreational camp is for U5-U11 and has two options; 4 weeks for $125 or 2 weeks for $75 each and will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Skills Camp for U11 and up is more technical and skills-based training, offering one week for $75 or $250 for all four weeks. The days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Each week is categorized as below;

Week 1 – Finishing

Week 2 – Ball Mastery

Week 3 – 1v1s

Week 4 – GK Camp

For more information or details about the camp you can contact technical. director@valleysoccer.ca, or go to their Valley Soccer Association Facebook page and click on the links provided to register.

Numerous Martensville 15AA Marauders Drafted to the SJHL

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) held the 2024 draft on June 11 in Regina. Twelve teams took part in the draft, including; Notre Dame Hounds, La Ronge Ice Wolves, Yorkton Terriers, Nipawin Hawks, Kindersley Klippers, Estevan Bruins, Weyburn Red Wings, Melville Millionaires, Battleford North Stars, Humboldt Broncos, Melfort Mustangs and Flin Flon Bombers.

The draft consisted of eight-rounds, with two rounds of selections for players born in 2009 and six rounds of selections for 2008 birth-year players.

A total of eight players from the Martensville 15AA Marauders were drafted into the SJHL, including;

Easton Woytiuk (F) – 1st overall by the Battleford North Stars

Austin Root (D) – 3rd overall by the Yorkton Terriers

Corbin Nieman (F) – Notre Dame Hounds

Brenden Jones (F) – La Ronge Ice Wolves

Broden Wotherspoon (F) – Yorkton Terriers

Rylan McConnell (D) – Melville Millionaires

Change Regush (F) – Melville Millionaires

Wyatt Fleischhacker (G) – Humboldt Broncos

ABOVE: The Valley Soccer Association hosted the U15 VCT from June 14th to June 16th, which included seven teams from the area, including Langham Vikings, Rosthern Rebels, Hepburn Hawks, Waldheim, Osler Predators, Big Sky Thunder and Osler Twisters. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, the finals had to be cancelled on Sunday. (Valley Soccer Association)

Hockey Saskatchewan Recognizes Local Volunteers for their Contributions

Hockey Saskatchewan recently held their annual awards for outstanding individuals following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

These awards are held as a way to recognize the amazing volunteers that help ensure each season is a success.

Following the nomination process, the recipients were chosen which included Trisha Girard of Martensville for Volunteer of the Year – North, Mike Lamontagne of Regina for Volunteer of the year – South, Chris Gates of Dalmeny as Coach of the Year and Midale Minor Hockey for the MHA of Distinction Award.

“These awardees have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the sport, and their contributions have had a significant impact on their communities. Your unwavering support and tireless efforts help make hockey the thriving and vibrant sport that it is today,” Hockey Saskatchewan stated in a news release.

Volunteer of the Year - North - Trisha Girard (Martensville, Sask.) embodies the spirit of dedication and community engagement, making her the welldeserved recipient of the Northern Volunteer of the Year Award. The mother of three active children manages to juggle the demands of her personal life, including owning and operating four businesses, with her relentless efforts to enhance the hockey experience for young athletes. As the team manager for the Under-13 B Martensville Pirates this season, Girard’s philosophy of treating all players equally, regardless of their skill level, ensures that every child has the opportunity to develop and thrive. Her dedication extends beyond the rink as she coordinates meaningful volunteer opportunities. This season, Girard spearheaded a collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), organizing a bottle drive that raised over $1,000 to buy toys as a donation. This initiative not only provided essential support to families with children receiving health care but also instilled a greater sense of community spirit in the young Pirates. The team personally delivered toys and toured the Saskatoon RMHC facility, learning the importance of the charity organization and giving back. Her ability to balance numerous responsibilities while continually prioritizing the well-being and development of young athletes sets her apart as an outstanding volunteer.

Coach of the Year - Chris Gates (Dalmeny, Sask.) has set a great example behind the bench of the Under-15 Dalmeny Sabres, making him an exemplary candidate for the Coach of the Year Award. He has been a steadfast presence in the Dalmeny hockey community for 11 years, coaching 21 teams, including 12 as the head coach. Gates’ coaching philosophy centers on personal and team development. He focuses on winning moments in each game and practice rather than just the final score. The Sabres head coach’s effective communication with both players and parents ensures a cohesive team environment, where everyone feels valued and heard. His guidance extends beyond the rink, shaping the players into respectful, accountable, and community-minded individuals. A highlight was when NHL legend Jarome Iginla practiced with the team in April 2024. This extraordinary ice time was due to winning a Western Canadian contest prize for the Sabres’ outstanding community service, including Christmas caroling and teamwork initiatives. Gates emphasizes that there are only two things they can control: their effort and their attitude. This approach has cultivated a positive and inclusive team atmosphere, where all players interact and build strong bonds. For these reasons, Gates is a deserving recipient of the Coach of the Year Award.

No Benefit in Placating Extremists

Unlike most things in life, politics is perhaps the one area where people don’t get better as you grow older and more experienced. Maybe you get more skilled at the craft, but if the skill is only about finding new ways to keep getting re-elected, it doesn’t seem the kind of thing that benefits us.

When the job evolves into doing what’s best for the politicians rather than what’s best for all the people, it doesn’t seem as we’re seeing improvement.

Consider Premier Scott Moe, whose troubles of late are not necessarily because of any unfortunate downturn in the economy or because of emerging opponents better at their jobs or proposing better ideas.

The problem of late for Scott Moe; who, it can be argued, has grown his political skills since first being selected as premier in 2018; is that it seems he has become increasingly concerned with the politics revolving around getting re-election instead of providing the kind of leadership we sometimes need.

Of course, this would hardly be unprecedented. By the end of its tenure, the 16-year NDP Saskatchewan government had long abandoned its brand of fiscal prudence. It, too, had lost most of its brightest people and became consumed with hanging on to power.

The NDP lost, because it lost sight of key issues to Saskatchewan people like growth, stagnant population, health care access and high taxes adding to cost.

While this is not to suggest that the same fate awaits Moe and his Saskatchewan Party, this all likely sounds familiar.

It also begs the question: Are politicians doing a better job of serving us if they see their job as placating everyone just to win votes?

It can surely be argued that Scott Moe was a much better leader in the first year and half of the COVID-19 that began in March 2020 when he demonstrated strong leadership in imposing restrictions to stop the spread and then encouraging Saskatchewan people to get vaccinated.

Well, fast forward to today where COVID-19 conspiracy theorists now freely intermingle with antiTrudeau Freedom Convoy types and the problem for Moe; or at least where he seems to have become slightly worse at his job as leader than he was four years ago; revolves around his eagerness to placate those peddling bizarre, conspiracy-driven drivel out of fear that they will move to an even further right option.

Consider Moe’s two and a half hour meeting in April in Speers. What might have otherwise been a town-hall in his Rosthern-Shellbrook constituency quickly morphed into a forum for those eager to spew conspiracy theories.

“It is extremely important we are not dictated to by the unelected, unaccountable. What is your position on the WHO (World Health Organization) pandemic treaty and will you denounce the WHO pandemic treaty?” asked one man.

“I should look at it a little closer,” replied Moe. “Whether it’s the United Nations or WHO or what’s the other one; the World Economic Forum; they put forward these thoughts and treaties, and you’re right, they’re unelected bodies and I can tell you don’t have people in this room’s best interests (at heart),” Moe added.

Asked by another conspiracy theorist: “Why is the Saskatchewan Health Authority instituting the COVID pandemic with a delivery system for biological weapons that’s designed to look like a random outbreak that came from the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) who are subject to high treason complaints?”

To the notions about the CDC or SHA spreading disease, Moe responded: “I’ll read your document.”

One gets that politicians need to be polite or that they sometimes get trapped with irrational people, but placating conspiracy theorists doesn’t help anyone and if Moe now thinks that is the job, he isn’t doing his job as well as he once did.

Saskatchewan Leads the Nation in Building Construction Investment

Saskatchewan's Month-Over-Month Building Construction Investments

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan ranks first in the nation in building construction investment with a 9.7 per cent increase in April 2024 compared to March 2024 (seasonally-adjusted). These figures highlight the province's thriving economic landscape and its commitment to fostering growth and development.

"Saskatchewan's building construction sector is seeing record investment," Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "This investment does not happen by accident, it is a result of our government's commitment to building a competitive and stable business environment and reducing unnecessary regulatory burden. This investment is leading to new jobs and more opportunities for people across Saskatchewan."

Increase 9.7 Per Cent

In April 2024, building construction has also seen a 21.8 per cent year-over-year increase in this category over April 2023 (seasonallyadjusted), placing the province 3rd in terms of percentage change among the provinces. Non-residential building construction (seasonally-adjusted) also increased by 3.5 per cent in April 2024, compared to March 2024, and residential construction increased by 13.3 per cent in this period.

Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province.

The provincial economy continues to see substantial growth recently. Exports are experiencing significant growth, totaling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous twoyear period of 20202021, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports.

Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers also indicate that Saskatchewan's 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.2 billion, or 1.6 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

The province recently released "Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy," in conjunction with the launch of the investSK.ca website. These initiatives are positioned to amplify growth in Saskatchewan, serving as pivotal instruments in driving further development. To learn more, visit: investSK.ca.

Martensville – Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre Begins Operation Out of Temporary Location

Did you know that Martensville and Warman have been working towards creating an early year’s family resource centre for the past year as a way to better support local residents?

The development for this was announced last year, and since then, there has been a lot of work going into planning and preparing for this program.

Recently, the Martensville – Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre began operating out of a temporary space within the Warman High School, located at 201 Central Street and are now available to work with local families that have children ages prenatal to five years old.

There is currently programming available at the temporary space, as well as at the parks surrounding Warman and Martensville and once in their permanent space, there are plans to offer a wide range of services, which will include pre/post natal support, professional resources for children and more.

The centre provides free programming for families with support in the development of children through programming, services, parent education and literacy programming.

For more information, you can contact them through the ‘MartensvilleWarman Early Years Family Resource Centre’ Facebook page, or email mweyfrs@ ymcasaskatoon.org.

Valley Manor SCC Looks to Create Accessible and Inclusive Playground for All

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Valley Manor School Community Council is currently working hard to fundraise to help bring more inclusivity to the school playground by building something that is accessible to all children.

There have been many fundraising events and opportunities provided to date, and now the SCC is looking to the local business community for help making this dream become a reality by investing in this chance to ensure that the children of Martensville will have a playground they can enjoy for years to come.

“Playgrounds are a place for fun and learning that support a child’s cognitive, emotional, physical and social development. The play that happens on a playground is transformative for both the brain and body, teaching us how to interact with one another, how our bodies move and figuring out how to master new skills,” a letter from the SCC stated. “These benefits of play are not exclusive to typically developing children – adults and children of all abilities need the opportunity to experience all the benefits that play has to offer developmentally.”

The addition of an all-inclusive playground would ensure that individuals with disabilities such as speech or language impairment, autism, developmental delay, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, hearing impairments, orthopedic impairments, traumatic brain injuries, blind/visual impairments, specific learning disabilities and more could participate and benefit.

“An inclusive playground design includes a balance of play experiences that are beneficial to children of all abilities, at all stages of development and at all levels of sensory engagement. When playgrounds are built with everyone in mind, it sends the message to the community that everyone is meant to be there, that everyone matters and that everyone is meant to play.”

Donations of any amount can be made, and gifts of $2000 or more will receive recognitions through a letter and tax receipt (if required), a thank you phone call, the Valley Manor and Valley Manor SCC Facebook pages, the VMS Blog, the VMS Edsby feed and business logo signage at the playground.

Donation cheques can be issued to Prairie Spirit School Division, if a donation receipt is required, or to Valley Manor School.

If you have any questions, contact Valley Manor School Principal Brett Reis at brett.reis@spiritsd.ca or at (306) 931-2233.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger