June 25, 2020

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June 25, 2020

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Twelve Years of Community

VOLUME NO. 14 - ISSUE 26

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

ONLINE ORDERS ACCEPTED Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

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Congratulations to the MHS 2020 Graduating Class

Making a Splash

from the See Pages 5 - 8 for a list of the MHS 2020 Graduates

• • • •

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Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger ABOVE: Youngsters Kenzie and Logan enjoyed splashing at the Martensville Spray Park when it officially opened on Monday, June 22 with guidelines in place due to COVID-19. Learn more about Martensville’s plans to open the Aquatic Centre and sports fields on page 11.

Page 2 - JUNE 25, 2020 - martensville messenger

Shopping in Style Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

When French Immersion teachers Deena Simar and Abbie Ginther met, they formed an instant friendship and had a connection through teaching and style. They both enjoyed modeling confidence and style to a younger generation of women as teachers in high school.

“Since we both possess unique styles and different body types, we decided that every woman should be able to feel comfortable, current, confident and creative in her own skin and Belong Lifestyle was born. Our motto is Belong Lifestyle: Be seen. Be heard. Be you,” stated Ginther.

Class of 2020 3 - 239 Centennial Dr N Martensville 306-931-4525

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2020!

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They felt there was a need for a great shop for women at any age and stage.

Belong Lifestyle hit the internet as a small online women's clothing shop in January of 2019 and throughout that year, they grew their online community and new collection of clothing ABOVE: Co-Owner Abbie Ginther stands in front of their new Clothing in sizes XS to 3XL. Apparel Store - ‘Belong Lifestyle’. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit) “We provided free pick-up of apparel in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Warman, our home communities. We discovered that many women appreciated tips and tricks on styling their current closets so we began to offer online videos and fun through Instagram and Facebook.”

They also started offering high quality consignment apparel in addition to growing their new apparel collection, and now offer both online and in person clothing. Personal styling services, style presentations, pop-up sales and online style courses were also added to their services. “We developed and produced our first two seasons of our podcast, entitled 'You can Sit with Us' available on Spotify and Itunes. In short, we discovered that clothing is just a vehicle for an incredible community of women who want to feel great in their own skin so they can get on with all the responsibilities and gifts they are bringing to the world,” said Ginther.

After a year of growing Belong Lifestyle, this past winter they decided they would try out a physical and local space for women here in the valley area. “Thanks to the assistance of another incredible and generous local entrepreneur (Rochelle Wotherspoon owner of SoulPower Fitness), we were able to open our doors in Martensville this spring in the old SoulPower bay.”

Their plan was to open this physical space at the beginning of April, but when COVID-19 hit, they carefully postponed it to late May. “We are continually updating our COVID policies as the situation progresses, but currently provide hand sanitizer at the door, disinfect the store numerous times a day and set tried-on clothing and returns aside for 72 hours. We also maintain a limit of 10 customers in the shop at one time. We will be in this space until the end of August and may even continue long term after the summer.”

Their collection includes women's apparel that works for all body types and features jeans, rompers, tops, jackets, skirts and dresses as well as accessories and footwear. With arrivals coming in weekly they are excited to ABOVE: Co-Owner Deena Simar (L) with expand their kids and plus collection. employee Candace. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit) Their high quality consignment apparel has been a huge hit in Martensville, bringing in select designer pieces in addition to trendier deals.

Another feature they offer is having private parties of up to 10 women on Monday and Wednesday evenings by advanced booking. They are now open to the public at 117 Centennial Drive, Martensville (beside Dahlia Salon) with their hours being Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-8pm and weekends, 12-5 as well as online 24/7.

“We believe shopping should be fun, stress free and that the only problem you should encounter is having too many great options. We'd love to meet you in person soon. Stop by and say hello Congratulations anytime!” said Ginther.

You can also follow along Class of 2020! on Instagram @belonglifestyle We are Proud of you! or Facebook for daily deals on apparel pieces from their new collection as well as styling ideas and community fun.

martensville messenger - JUNE 25, 2020 - Page 3

Civic Services During the COVID-19 PandemicWhat 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. See more about the Reopening of City Hall on Martensville.ca Current Status of Public Facilities as of June 18th: Martensville Athletic Pavilion- Closed City Hall- Open Northridge Centre-Closed Heritage Centre-Closed Sports Centre-Closed Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre)- Office closed, Opens June 22nd for Curbside Holds Pick-up and Book Returns.

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.

Residents and Customers are requested 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.

Organics/Green Bin Program and Pick-ups

The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription only. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact City Hall to sign up for this service.

Pick up of the Green Bins has commenced with regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and running from May until the end of October Pick-up take place on Tuesdays. The pick-up schedule can be viewed at Martensville.ca For information or to sign up for this program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall

July Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule may be subject to change based around any potential new developments 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- July 14th Regular Council Meeting- July 21st The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers.

Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM.

Plans are currently being made to re-open City Hall to the public. A firm date will be provided soon.

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.

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies - should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

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

Protective Services - There are no changes in duty or status to Protective Services such as the RCMP, Martensville Fire Department, and Ambulance Service.

Still Plenty to Do! – Mood Boost / Schools Out / Outdoor Family Fun Kits

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 will not be able to enter resident homes at this time and private contractors should be considered. The City of Martensville will no longer charging interest on water and sewer accounts indefinitely to assist residents impacted by COVID -19 impacts.

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 will extend into May and the 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. Spray Park opened June 22nd. Sports Fields are closed but watch for updates.

Trails and passive park spaces remain open for use, but we continue to urge residents to incorporate safe practices.

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: • • • •

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.

Landscaping or Working on Your Property This Summer? - Things You Should Know Access to Private Property Through Open Spaces Bylaw Due to past damages and efforts to prevent damages to public spaces; the City has an ‘Open Space Access Bylaw’.

If you are looking at landscaping or working on your property, a permit is required if you need to access your property through parks, pathways, buffers and other ‘open spaces’.

For information on this Permit and Bylaw please contact City Hall or see the Bylaw on Martensville.ca

Thanks for everyone taking part in the Martensville Mood Boost Activities! Our weekly theme from June 22-26 is Water Week, and then from June 29-July 3 our last week for Mood Boost will be Science Week! Find more details on the City of Martensville Facebook Page, and our Mood Boost Group page to check out the daily activities!

We are very excited to announce our Summer School’s Out program will be taking place this year! It will now be an outdoor program and you can register on-line now!

More information is available on the City of Martensville Facebook Page.

New this summer we will be offering Outdoor Family Fun Kits. You can choose from 1 of 5 different kits; • Sports Kit • At Home Fitness Kit • Physical Literacy Kit • Outdoor Games Kit • Activity Kit There is no cost to borrow these kits and they will be available for a week at a time.

More information will be posted on the City of Martensville Facebook page when the kits are available.

Page 4 - JUNE 25, 2020 - martensville messenger

Saskatchewan Summer Vacation Ideas

Submitted by Dean Johnston

As you may have noticed, this summer is shaping up to look a bit different than usual. Considering pandemic concerns, travel restrictions and limited tourism opportunities, many people are going to be spending their 2020 summer vacation close to home. Most provinces – including Saskatchewan – are only allowing residents to overnight in provincial parks, which makes now the best time to explore these oft-overlooked gems. Over the years, we have focused on international travel but that hasn’t stopped us from exploring our own backyard from time to time. Lake culture is truly revered in Saskatchewan, so most people are quite familiar with the endless variety of outstanding water hotspots around the province.

However, there are also plenty of lesser known locations that also offer terrific and unique experiences. Here is just a taste of the many possibilities available right here in Saskatchewan:

Meadow Lake Provincial Park - This underrated park provides a little bit of everything when it comes to outdoor fun – camping, hiking, fishing and even a couple of the best golf courses in the province nearby. The renowned Boreal Trail is an epic long-distance trek that covers 120-kilometres of breathtaking northern scenery passing through 12 different picturesque camping spots along the way. Bring bug spray.

Lac La Ronge Provincial Park - With gorgeous island-filled lakes, stunning scenery and terrific fishing, La Ronge manages to somehow be both well-known and criminally underappreciated. Many rave about the houseboating on Lac La Ronge and Nistowiak Falls is another scenic highlight. Adventurous types should tackle the overnight backpacking hike to gorgeous Nut Point (30km round-trip).

Narrow Hills Provincial Park - Located about an hour and a half northeast of Prince Albert, this is as close as you can get to the remoteness of the true north without having to rely on a floater plane. There are many picturesque lakes and fun hiking trails, but the main highlight is the short but scenic Gem Lakes hike.

Duck Mountain Provincial Park - For some reason known only to government officials of yesteryear, rather than being designated an interprovincial park like Cypress Hills, Duck Mountain is simply divided into two separate parks – one in Saskatchewan and the other in Manitoba. Despite being easily accessed by a simple 4-hour drive from Saskatoon, Duck Mountain also features the kind of thick forests

and multiple lakes that make it feel like you’re in some remote corner of northern Saskatchewan. While this spring the park has been ravaged by some of the largest forest fires seen in the area since the 19th century, none of the main tourist areas have been affected. The 14-kilometre Sergeant Lake Loop trail is a fan favourite, offering tremendous scenery and easy hiking.

Grasslands National Park Switching from the far north to the deep south, Grasslands may just be the most underrated national park in the country. This impressive collection of spectacular buttes, maze-like badland canyons and expansive prairie vistas is split into two distinct blocks, each with its own unique features. Breathtaking views from the top of 70-Mile Butte and the extraordinary hoodoos of the Valley of 1,000 Devils Trail both deserve to be at the top of any list.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - Like Duck Mountain, Cypress Hills is also split in two, with one section located just south of Maple Creek and another that straddles the Alberta border, making it the only officially interprovincial park in the country. More surprising, with spots that reach nearly 1,400 metres above sea level Cypress Hills boast the highest point east of the Rockies. Flat prairies, indeed.

Conglomerate Cliffs and Bald Butte viewpoints, in particular, shouldn’t be missed. Avid hikers should also check out the 16-kilometre section of the famed 27,000-kilometre TransCanada Trail that passes through the park’s centre block.

Five Other Sort of Cool Spots

ABOVE: Badlands Parkway, Grasslands (Submitted)

1. Crooked Bush – Near Hafford, these wildly disformed trees look like something out of an animated

ABOVE: Cypress Hills (Submitted)

Halloween special, but without Ichabod Crane and his creepy Adam’s apple.

2. Popoff Tree – The largest and oldest tree in the province may owe its longevity to the somewhat hidden location down a quiet dirt road south of Blaine Lake.

3. Dukhobor Dugout House – Also located south of Blaine Lake, this obscure historic site showcases the diligence and inventiveness required to survive as an early settler on the Prairies.

4. Castle Butte – A short, steep climb to big views in Big Muddy Provincial Park west of Estevan.

5. Cochin Lighthouse – Yes, I know Jackfish Lake is not an ocean and, logically, does not require a lighthouse to steer ships away from danger.

Nonetheless…

Dean Johnston is the author of three travel books, including Roam: The 9 Greatest Trips on Earth.

He is currently gazing deep in thought at a bird outside the window, but while you wait you can read about all his travels at routinelynomadic.com.

martensville messenger - JUNE 25, 2020 - Page 5

Congratulations to the 2020 Martensville High School Graduates

Alexandria Adrian-Bergen

Ty Albrecht

Isabelle Amundson

Connell Austman

Dylan Babecy

Amanda Baldwin

Mackenzie Baldwin

Nathaniel Balilis

Brett Baycroft

Jessica Bolton

Kaylee Bolton

Cadence Buhr

Rian Burry-Cook

Joyce Ann Carino

Aaron Charpentier

Dawson Cote

Kaelyn Coulthard

Noah Cranford

Alyssa Cumming

Isaac Dagenais

Maryn Deschner

Abbey Dow

Owen Dunlop

Cole Duperreault

Brayden Dutkiewicz

Curtis Dutkiewicz

Carter Dyck

Gabe Dyck

Joshua Dyck

Martensville Great Canadian Oil Change & Touchless Car Wash would like to Congratulate all Graduates of 2020!

I would like to offer all graduates of this year a *FREE GOLD CAR WASH with the purchase of an Oil Change PLUS $10.00 OFF the oil change throughout the month of July 2020 (value of $25.00).

It is so unfortunate that you aren't able to celebrate your Grad as normal.

I thought we would do a little something for you!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Congrats Class of 2020!

306.931.2266

Katana Eckes

Page 6 - JUNE 25, 2020 - martensville messenger

Sarah Edmison

Jada Egeland

Drayton Enns

Emma Ens

Brynna Evans

Rebekah Fehr

Victori Fehr

Kyler Fraser

Ian Frattinger

Caedmon Funk

Rylan Gabruck

Emberly Gawluk

Savannah Gibson

Cade Gillis

Carson Gordon

Rajwinder Grewal

Kody Gutek

Connor Hamelin

Bryston Herbers

Ethan Hooper

Nicole Housen

Kate Jalbert

Best of Luck Graduation Class of 2020!

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams

Happy Graduation and Best Wishes

801 Centennial Dr No Martensville 306.244.4950

Congratulations Class of 2020

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Nancy Heppner MLA, Martensville - Warman

306-934-0688

martensville messenger - JUNE 25, 2020 - Page 7

Olivia Johnston

Elijah Kallstrom

Conner Krahn

Payton Landman

Ethan Laughren

Tatyana Laviolette

Kara Leier

Ethan Leitch

Reid Lemaire

Hunter Lemieux

Teah Lennea

Liam Lussier

Tarane Machiskinic

Tyson Marshall

Taylor McDade

Spencer McLeod

Carlie Meikle

Kate Misskey

Emily Montay

Andreas Mork

Jaden Muenzler

Christina Muller

Kazia Nelson

Dallas Nicholson

Mia Novecosky

McKenna O’Neill

Isabella Oanta

Jaymie Okell

Gracie Paradis

Danae Pearson

Mackenzie Peck

Benjamin Pike-Klisowsky

Abigail Pilon

Jayden Landman

Page 8 - JUNE 25, 2020 - martensville messenger

To the Class of 2020 You did it!

congratulations

2020 CLASS OF

In these extraordinary times, apart but still together, we celebrate you. Be fearless and dream big.

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!!

GRADU

Kelly Block MP

Mackenzie Read

Noah Rebalkin

Olivia Pizzey

Kaleb Poulin

Jackson Reid

Nikolas Riemer

Macy Sackmann

Shamus Sawatsky

Lucas Silbernagel

Korissa Simons

Chadi Sinclair

Avery Smith

Jasmine Smith

Madelyn Smith

Juliet Tate

Morgen Tebb

Ethan Tellier

Kelsey Thiessen

Derek Wagner

Hannah Walton

Chantaya Ward

Grace Ward

Jeremiah Wiebe

Wave Windjack Zubrowski

CARLTON TRAIL—EAGLE CREEK

KELLY.BLOCK@PARL.GC.CA • KELLYBLOCKMP.CA

Message From the Principal

Brayden Woods

Nathan Yee

To the Grads of MHS: Thank you for all you have done to make Martensville High School a fantastic place! Your impact on our school is immeasurable. The talents you have displayed during your time at MHS will serve you well in your next steps after MHS. You will definitely be missed next year. From all of us at MHS, Congratulations and Best of Luck!

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LAND FOR SALE NOTICES Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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Page 10 - JUNE 25, 2020 - martensville messenger

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Bad Budget May Not Hurt Sask. Party

This was not a good provincial budget by any standards. The $2.4-billion deficit is the largest in our province’s history and that says a lot, given the decade of deficits under the former Progressive Conservative government.

One might argue that - in inflationary terms or as a percentage of the economy at the time - the 198687 budget with its $1.2-billion deficit was worse. But comparisons with the Grant Devine government are seldom positive and one might think the Sask. Party - a party rooted in the old Progressive Conservatives - would be sensitive to such comparisons.

The 2020-21 budget will now push public debt to a record $24.4 billion - more than $10 billion more than when the Devine government leaving provincial government teetering on insolvency.

Under the extreme circumstances of COVID-19, perhaps a big deficit is forgivable. The root cause of this mess is the extreme drop in revenue including a $350-millon reduction in tax revenue and a $753-million drop in natural resources revenue that would include a $409-million reduction in oil and gas revenue this year.

That’s a huge loss for any budget and certainly a psychological blow to a government on the cusp of presenting a balancing budget after three long years of austerity to deal with the 2017-18 budget mess.

Most of you will likely recall the nasty measures that were required to deal with what was then a $1.2-billion deficit that included hiking the provincial sales tax to six per cent and extending it to things like restaurant meals and on construction labour and shuttering the Saskatchewan Transportation Company.

It was a time when the government seemed to throw virtually everything at the wall to fight the problem, including a proposal for all public sector workers to take a 3.5-per-cent wage cut.

Today, we are facing a deficit twice as large, yet there’s really been no serious talk of reducing civil service costs in the lead up to the October 26th vote. About the only thing Finance Minister Donna Harpauer would say is that wage and hiring freezes would be considered if world markets didn’t recover.

Harpauer holds out hope for recovery through the three “f’s” that are the fundamentals of the Saskatchewan’s economy - farming, fertilizer (as in potash) and fuel (as in oil and gas).

Unfortunately, hope won’t pay for the additional $1.1 billion in spending in the 2020-21 budget.

Again, you could anticipate added spending to address the cost of a worldwide pandemic, but there was no new spending from three months ago and business people, unemployed people and the poor have consistently pointed out there hasn’t been enough dollars from the province.

One might think this does not bode well for the Sask. Party four months before going to the polls, but a recent Angus Reid polling shows the Sask. Party with a 25-percentage point lead over the NDP.

One has to seriously wonder if the real issue in play is the inability for Ryan Meili and his party to connect with the wide swath of voters. This has obviously been the NDP’s problem in rural Saskatchewan for decades now, but the Angus Reid poll numbers suggests the NDP aren’t likely making much headway in the cities, either.

Given the budget mess, one might think the NDP would be poised to regain its traditional urban base, but it’s clear that a majority of the electorate don’t see Meili and the NDP can offer an alternative that’s any better.

It raises an intriguing question: If the NDP can’t make political gains now, when will they every again make gains? That, in turn, raises a question for all of us: Who in the legislature will hold government to account for a budget that just wasn’t very good?

MLA Report With Nancy Heppner Report from the Legislature

On June 15th, Saskatchewan became the first province in Canada to table a budget that recognizes the impact of COVID-19. This is an historic time around the world, complete with new challenges due to the pandemic. Saskatchewan people, however, have faced this pandemic together. We are re-opening our province together, and we will rebuild and recover our economy together.

While 87 per cent of Saskatchewan businesses were able to stay open during the pandemic, our province is not immune to the financial hit that came along with COVID-19.

This year’s budget has dedicated over a billion dollars in spending directly related to the pandemic. As a result, we are currently sitting in a deficit position, but it is important to acknowledge that this is not a structural deficit; this is a pandemic deficit.

In fact, prior to the arrival of COVID-19, Saskatchewan was on track for balanced budgets both this year and last. As our province begins to re-open and our economy recovers, we will get back to a balance without having to cut programs and services.

Budget Highlights

Budget 2020-21 invests in health, education, social services, family, and communities. The Ministry of Health budget is $5.8 billion, which is an increase of 4.6 per cent from 2019-2020. This is the highest investment into health ever made that will ensure our health care system has the resources it needs to serve Saskatchewan people.

• $435 million to mental health and addictions services to fund critical initiatives including the development of an innovative crystal meth treatment program in Estevan. Funding will also be available for the development of a mental health program for Emergency Medical Service workers in the province.

• $2.6 billion for the Ministry of Education, which is an increase of $123.3 million to support Pre-K to Grade 12, early learning and childcare, libraries and literacy.

• $2.4 million increase from 2019-20 for Community-based organizations, including childcare centres.

• $715 million commitment to improve our provincial highway system.

Re-Opening Continues

This week, phase 4.1 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan began. This includes the re-opening of child and youth day camps, outdoor pools and spray parks as well as outdoor sports. Our children have sacrificed a lot through this so we are very happy that our health officials believe kids can safely get back to these activities. I ask that we all continue to do our part. Please continue to physically distance, wash your hands, and self-isolate if you are feeling any symptoms of COVID-19.

Protecting Firearms Ownership

Finally, I want to highlight one of the legislative changes that we will be working on. The Trudeau government has continued to change gun ownership rules by stealth over the past several weeks and would also like to give municipalities the option to ban handguns. Your Saskatchewan government believes we need clear rules, not a patchwork of regulations across the province, especially regulations that do not actually address crime and instead needlessly target legal gun owners. Therefore, we are amending The Miscellaneous Municipal Statutes Amendment Act to clarify that banning firearms does not fall under municipal jurisdiction. We have received support from many municipal leaders across the province on making this clarification and I thank them for their support. We will keep working to focus on criminals instead of further restricting legitimate firearm owners.

Council Approves Campground and BMX Pumptrack in Projects to Be Completed Through Provincial Funding Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Earlier this month, Martensville City Council approved a list of projects within the community to be completed using finances received through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) provided by the province. This funding was provided to communities on a per-capita basis as an economic stimulus during these difficult times due to COVID-19. Projects that are approved through the MEEP Funding must be completed by March 31, 2022.

The City of Martensville received just under $1.4 million through the MEEP Funding, and from there put together a list of potential projects to present to Council, so they could in turn decide and prioritize which projects they wanted to include in the application. Some of the projects that were approved will be completed this year, with others that require further research more likely to be tackled in 2021.

One of the projects slated for this year will include upgrading a section of the Kinsmen Park pathway along 10th Avenue between Main Street and 3rd Street North from crusher dust to asphalt. “Once the contractor comes in and we have timelines in place, we will give the public notice and they will shut down sections of the pathway as they work on it,” Ted Schaeffer, City of Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Services, said.

Another project that is planned for this year is the paving of the outdoor rink located at the Martensville Sports Centre. “We will be putting asphalt in which will allow this surface to be used for multi-season use that we can use for a number of activities,” Schaeffer added.

A larger project that is part of the Kinsmen Park Master Plan is the addition of a BMX Pump Track near the Kyle Syrenne Skatepark. This project is planned for next year, as the City is currently re-looking at the master plan to see what the best location would be for this, as they originally had it placed south of the skate park; however, Schaeffer noted that they may look at a spot east of the skate park in order to potentially make it larger.

The Kinsmen Park Master Plan also includes a campground, which is planned to be located north of the Aquatic Centre. “We have a schematic as part of the master plan, but now is the time to move forward and see what will be involved in implementing that.

We need to look at size, what it will cost to do services for it and more. This is scheduled for 2021 because there is a lot of planning that will be going into it before we can start any construction on it.”

Installing lights at Mocon Field is another project earmarked for this year. In doing this, it will open up the ball diamonds for additional use. “Basically, this will help us to attract different tournaments, attract provincial championships and other events that we don’t have the capacity to host right now,” said Schaeffer.

Other items included in the MEEP Funding are the paving of the south end of the Sports Centre parking lot and the purchase of two additional all-purpose vehicles for parks worker transportation.

To learn more about the Kinsmen Park Master Plan, visit https://www.martensville.ca/pages/reports.html.

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 on Track With Re-Open Sask Plan

martensville messenger - JUNE 25, 2020 - Page 11

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Government of Saskatchewan has been making announcements regularly regarding the phases of their ReOpen Saskatchewan Plan, with the first part of Phase 4 coming on Tuesday, June 16th. This announcement included the opening of child and youth day camps, outdoor pools and splash pads along with outdoor sports and activities on Monday, June 22.

Since March, public facilities within Martensville have been closed to the public, and administration with the City of Martensville have been vigilant in working towards the re-opening of facilities within the community as the phases are announced.

Recently, City Hall opened to the public once again, with guidelines in place to ensure the safety of the public and employees. “As things re-open, we have to adapt to the new rules that are in place with the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan such as rules around physical distancing, limited access to areas of the building to the public and encouraging residents to utilize our online tools if possible. We will have the same things in place as other facilities start to open as well,” Ted Schaeffer, City of Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Services, said.

With the announcement of Part 1 of Phase 4 for June 22nd, Schaeffer noted that he put together a summary to Council regarding the Martensville Aquatic Centre re-opening and what that would potentially look like. Upon opening, there will be additional rules and regulations in place regarding capacity and physical distancing. Registration for swimming lessons began on Tuesday, June 23 at 9:00am and those interested can register online or by calling (306) 683-5576. Class numbers have been reduced in order to accommodate provincial guidelines.

The Spray Park located within Lions Park opened on June 22nd and as part of the re-open plan, there will be guidelines in place and signage within the park with information on how to ensure public safety. “The spray park will run similar to how the re-opening of our parks and playgrounds was. We do not have the capacity to have them staffed at all times, so we count on the public to be respectful of the rules and guidelines around using those facilities,” Schaeffer explained.

Sports fields within Martensville, including ball diamonds and soccer pitches will also be opening soon, with Schaeffer anticipating an opening for this week, weather permitting. Once again, the province has guidelines in place for the public and the user groups that will be utilizing these fields.

Although the summer camp programming that was scheduled to run this summer by the YMCA out of Saskatoon will not be taking place, the City of Martensville will be running their ‘Summer School’s Out’ program, which will operate from July 7 to August 13. Each week will feature a different theme and will operate outdoors with provincial guidelines being followed. “Once our indoor facilities open, we can look at revamping for some indoor activities as needed. We will have to see what rules and regulations will be in place and determine how we can offer our programs.”

For more information on the re-opening of facilities in Martensville, visit www.martensville.ca, or follow ‘City of Martensville’ on Facebook for regular updates. “Once we are notified of the updates, we look at it and see what we can open and how we can re-open safely for everyone,” Schaeffer said.

The date for the second part of Phase 4 has been set for June 29 and this will include indoor pools, rinks, libraries, museums, galleries, movie theatres, casinos and bingo halls. More information can be found at www. saskatchewan.ca.

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Page 12 - JUNE 25, 2020 - martensville messenger

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306-244-4950

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

MCRP Finds Unique Way to Raise Funds

Submitted by Jesse Reis of the MCRP

It’s an exciting time in Martensville for our community and the MCRP has identified an opportunity to build and sell a unique house in Martensville, with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the house going to the new recreation facility fund.

Only 9 Units Left Open House Sunday 1:30-3pm 131 135Beaudry BeaudryCrescent Crescent Martensville Martensville

Martensville Custom Finishing

Heated Grade Level Parkade Elevator - 9' Ceilings Concrete Floors for Superior Sound and Fire Proofing 2 & 3 Bedroom Units Available

This is a home Martensville will be proud to call one of its own. Our real estate expert, Blaine Wotherspoon, has identified the build specs, layout, and large lot combination that differentiates this house from any other on the market. The MCRP has secured a key lot through our partnership with the City of Martensville on the Northwest Corner of 4th Street South and MacCormack Road. The 1800 sq/ ft two story house with an attached four car garage is located within walking distance to Valley Manor School.

We’re grateful for the community’s support over the past five years that have gotten us to this point. Preliminary conversations with many local trades prove there is already considerable support for this project. Given optimal building season is upon us, the time for this community build is now.

The proposed timeline for this project is: June – August 2020 - Request and confirm in-kind donation of trades and materials required Exclusively Sold Through for the house build Rob Friesen August 2020 - Begin construction (7 – 10 months projection) Spring 2021 - Place house on real estate market 306-221-9350 We truly want this project to engage the wider community and are hopeful this project will involve many local businesses donating in-kind services of labour and or www.realestatesk.ca materials. Therefore, we want to invite you to consider supporting this community house rbfriesen1@gmail.com build.

If you are interested in being a part of this project, contact the MCRP at info@mcrp.ca or check out our website at www.mcrp.ca

u/s roof 117'-2 7/8"

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u/s garage truss

109'-1 3/4"

108'-4 1/2"

T/O MAIN FLR SHTG 100'-0"

t/o garage slab 96'-10 1/2"

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u/s roof 117'-2 7/8"

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t/o garage slab 96'-10 1/2"

RIGHT ELEVATION 1/8" = 1'-0"

ABOVE: The MCRP will be using funds raised from the sale of a newly constructed home to go towards funding the new multipurpose recreation facility for Martensville. (Submitted)

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