June 4, 2020

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A wind storm that went through Saskatchewan from Sunday, May 31 to Monday, June 1, brought winds up to 100km/hr. Throughout the province there were many homes that lost shingles, downed trees, power outages, lost property and more. A home located on Highway 12 a few miles from Martensville had a power line fall onto their house.

SaskPower was notified and rectified the issue.

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Jocelyn Ottenbreit/ MartensvilleMessenger Messenger

Page 2 - JUNE 4, 2020 - martensville messenger

Drive-In Theatre Coming to Martensville Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville Recreation Department has been working hard to bring options to residents to keep busy and have fun, while at the same time, continuing to remain safe through physical distancing. The newest event coming to the community is a Drive-In theatre, which will be taking place June 26th and 27th in the Martensville Athletic Pavilion parking lot.

The idea was brought to the City by a company that they have worked with in the past that is offering this drive-in experience. “He called and asked if we had any interest and we had been looking into some new ideas to bring something to Martensville outside of what we have already been doing. This was something that we were really excited about and we were happy to jump on board and get this off the ground,” Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Program Coordinator, explained.

A poll was done through the ‘City of Martensville’ Facebook page, where people could vote on the movie they would most like to see come to the community. Unfortunately, the movie that received the most votes was no longer available. “We really wanted to be able to create a family oriented event, so for both nights, we have a movie that the young kids will enjoy and the second movie is one that both kids and adults can enjoy if they want to stay for the double feature,” Reddekopp said.

The first movie will begin at 9:30pm both nights, with the second following afterwards at 11:15pm the first night and 11:30pm the second night. “We know that it is a late start, but the weekend that we chose is the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, so we have no choice but to start late. Regardless, we are really excited to do something again, and so far, we have had a great response.”

A total of 30 vehicles will be able to register, and as of Monday, June 1st, the day registration opened, all movies were almost fully booked. There is a possibility of that number increasing over the next few weeks; however, it is not a guarantee. If more room becomes available, there will be information provided on the City of Martensville Facebook page. Registration is available by going to martensville.ca, and clicking on “Program Registrations’ near the bottom of the page. Payment can be made online as no City facilities are currently open to the public.

“We are really excited that we have had this great of a response already and we are super excited to be able to organize and plan something for the community. People are looking for something to do and this is something that we are able to provide. There is a possibility of doing this again in the future, but nothing is set in stone as of yet.”

For those partaking, they are encouraged to bring snacks and they will also be provided with a large popcorn, which will be delivered safely to promote physical distancing. Reddekopp reminds people to stay within their vehicles, or close to them to continue physical distancing. “We want this to not only be a successful event, but a safe one as well.”

Discussion over bathroom availability is still taking place; however due to the current COVID-19 situation, there may not be an option available. More information will be provided as the event nears.

As for other community events, Reddekopp noted that the City of Martensville is currently waiting for information on Phase 4 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, and will make more announcements once more details from the province are available. “We do have some ideas in the works, but for now we just have to wait and see what we are able to do while following all regulations set in place.”

Reminder: Distracted Driving Still Against The Law Focus on the road; physically distance yourself from your phone while driving

In case you haven’t been driving much lately, here’s a gentle reminder from your friends at SGI: distracted driving is still against the law. That’s not “the new normal.” It’s just “the normal.”

“The June Traffic Spotlight on distracted driving coincides with Saskatchewan gradually re-opening; drivers can expect more traffic, along with greater numbers of motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians taking advantage of the nicer weather,” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “We encourage drivers to keep their focus on the road by avoiding their phones and other distractions.”

Feb. 1 may seem like a lifetime ago, but that’s when Saskatchewan’s penalties for distracted driving increased significantly.

In these uncertain times, here’s one thing to be absolutely certain of: holding, viewing, using, or manipulating a handheld cellphone while operating a motor vehicle will result in a $580 ticket, along with four demerits for a first-time offender, with even stiffer fines for repeat offences. That also applies to anyone getting a ticket for driving without due care and attention.

Distracted driving is one of the leading factors in collisions, injuries and fatalities on Saskatchewan roads. We’ve all spent the last several months looking out for each other.

Let’s maintain that mindset when we get in the driver’s seat.

martensville messenger - JUNE 4, 2020 - Page 3

Civic Services During the COVID-19 PandemicWhat you Should Know!

At this time, all City facilities are closed to the public, including reception areas. 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.

Plans are currently being made to re-open City Hall to the public. In order for this to occur, physical changes will be required. A firm date will be provided in the near future.

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 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 closed and will remain closed until further notice. These facilities will have signage and be taped or quartered off with tape or barricades.

We ask that the public please remain out of these areas.

Contactless Payment Options - Utilities and Taxes The City of Martensville offers a number of ‘contactless’ payment methods including: • T.I.P.P.S The Tax Installment Payment Plan Service - offers equalized monthly property tax payments.

• Utilities Pre-authorized Payment Plan -authorize automatic withdrawal from your account from your financial institution to pay for your utility bill.

• Online & Phone - Please contact your bank for assistance in setting up online and phone payments.

• City Hall Drop-Box- Cheques can be dropped off at City Hall in the mail slot at the front of the building at your convenience.

See all ways to provide payments or to inquire about any of these services please visit Martensville.ca

Still Plenty to Do!- Martensville Mood Boost

There are still lots of fun activities to take part in around the community. The Martensville Mood Boost theme for the First Week of June is Recycle Week! For June 8th -12th the theme is Arts Week. Find more details on the City of Martensville Facebook Page, and our Mood Boost Group page to see what’s coming up!

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

June Council Meeting Dates

Sports Fields are also closed until at least June 30th. We want to limit areas where multiple people can contact the same surfaces as well as discourage potential congregating or contact.

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.

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

Committee of the Whole- June 9th Regular Council Meeting- June 16th

Utility and Property Tax Updates

The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers.

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

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.

• Business license renewal notices will be delayed until normal operations resume – all expired business licenses will remain valid until further notice.

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

2020 Tax Notice Error- Penalties

The Notices for the 2020 Tax Notices were recently delivered to property owners, however there is an error in respect to the ‘Penalties on unpaid current taxes’.

The 2020 Tax Notice should read, Penalties on unpaid current taxes will Commence November 1st at 1% per month.

We apologize for confusion around this error. If there are questions about this, assessment, taxation or ways to pay your taxes, please contact City Hall or visit us on Martensville.ca.

Street Sweeping Season Street Sweeping has commenced in the community with the emphasis on an initial sweep and a focus on the arterial and collector roadways.

Sweeping will commence in residential areas so please watch for signs and posts in your neighborhood. We ask that vehicles be removed from the streets on your ‘sweep’ day however tickets will not be issued, nor vehicles towed away.

Friendly reminder to please stay back from Street Sweeping equipment as crews work.

For more information about street sweeping contact City Hall.

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

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Great Plains College First To Offer Distance Learning Option For Commercial Semi-Drivers

Great Plains College is pleased to announce that it will be the first educational provider to offer a distance learning option for Saskatchewan drivers to obtain the mandatory standardized training requirements to acquire a Class 1 commercial license.

The distance learning option will provide the same curriculum standard that is available for those students attending the in-classroom theory training.

Drivers seeking a Class 1 commercial license in Saskatchewan to drive semitrucks are required to undergo a minimum standardized 121.5 hours of training (inclassroom, in-yard and behind the wheel) focusing on priority curriculum areas including basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, vehicle inspections and air brakes.

Since May 2019, the college has provided the 47 theory hours of in-class training that is required as a prerequisite to receiving the remaining 74.5 hours of in-yard and behind the wheel instruction.

“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, our in-class theory training sessions have been temporarily unavailable to the public,” stated Fritz Eckstein, region manager of Great Plains College. “In response to these challenges, the college will provide the theory segment in a distance learning format which would meet the ongoing needs of the population looking to achieve their Class 1 commercial license.”

“We are excited to be the first Saskatchewan educational provider to offer this option to future semi-truck drivers in our province,” added Eckstein. “The distance learning platform meets the curriculum standards developed by SGI to meet the legislated Mandatory Entry-Level Training program.”

Once meeting and completing the theory requirements of the training, the students have the ability to contact a driving school of their choice to complete the practical components of the training. The college’s certification of completion for the theory segment does not have an expiry date which allows the learners flexibility to take the practical training as they see fit.

The distance learning delivery option will be presented by experienced instructor Bill Martens who also provides the in-class theory sessions to students. Martens is a certified SGI instructor with a wealth of knowledge as an experienced truck driver, trainer and licensed examiner. Students will also benefit from a series of electronic presentations and resources, videos and interactive training software during the learning process.

The first distance learning course option is scheduled to begin on June 15 space will be limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information about the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program, delivery options, funding opportunities or to register, visit www. greatplainscollege.ca/MELT. Questions can also be directed to safety training coordinator Angela Kazakoff via phone 306-778-5461 or via email at info@greatplainscollege.ca.

Building

Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation ‘Golf For A Cause’ Presented by Con-Tech

By Kari Dean, Fund Development Manager, Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation

Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation was created to encourage and facilitate community and corporate support and involvement in public education. In working closely with the Prairie Spirit School Division, the funds raised through our charitable Foundation are used to promote and foster enhanced learning opportunities for all Prairie Spirit students.

We have been fortunate since our Foundation’s start to build strong support and continued commitment from our local businesses, many of whom are members of our communities and have children who attend schools in our Division. We are also fortunate to have the support of businesses and partners within Saskatoon who serve our communities and truly believe in our Foundation and its purpose. It was our intent this year, in addition to our Love of Learning Fundraising & Recognition Reception held this past February at Martensville High School, to host our Annual Golf Classic, however as a direct result of COVID-19 a decision was made to postpone the in-person fundraiser.

Without the valuable funds raised through our golf tournament we were concerned our Annual Student Learning Grants and additional learning initiatives provided to the students in our Division for the upcoming school year would significantly be impacted as a result of COVID-19. Since February 2017, our Student Learning Grants Program alone has contributed $136,000 to Prairie Spirit schools and students. For the 2019/20 school year, as a result of our fundraisers, like our annual golf tournament, we were able to provide over $34,000 in learning grant funds to students in: Blaine Lake, Dalmeny, Delisle, Hepburn, Leask, Warman, Martensville, Duck Lake, Pike Lake & many of the learning initiatives encompassed schools and students in the entire School Division!

Like the students in our Division, the Foundation is innovative and it was our goal to develop a new and inventive way to raise funds to support our students and thus our ‘Golf For A Cause’ fundraiser was created. We are excited to share that our community and business partners will still have the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf and support the Foundation and our students through our newest fundraising initiative - ‘Golf For A Cause’ presented by our dedicated, longtime partner and title sponsor Con-Tech, and promoted through continued support from our media partner Saskatoon Media Group! From June 1 to September 30 2020, purchase and participate in a 'Golf For A Cause' round of golf at the Legends Golf Course in Warman (at a date and tee-time that is chosen by you!) and support enriched learning opportunities for students in our Division. Plus receive one complimentary* round of golf with each paid registration and a small welcome package from Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation with your 'Golf For A Cause' registration! To learn more about ‘Golf For A Cause’, to register and get on the golf course ASAP visit the Foundation’s website at www.prairiespiritschoolsfoundation.ca!

Book your ‘Golf For A Cause’ round of golf today and show your support for the students of Prairie Spirit School Division!

Business & Professional

601 Centennial Dr. S. 601 Centennial Dr. Martensville, SK S. Martensville, Phone: 306-934-6610 601 Centennial Dr.SK S. Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 Martensville, SK 601 Centennial Dr. S. 306-934-6602 601 Centennial Dr. S. E-Mail: Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SKFax:mbhs@sasktel.net Custom Window Packages available, Martensville, SK E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 Labour Included!

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Computer Services

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martensville messenger -JUNE 4, 2020 - Page 5

Martensville Author Provides Online Workshop Opportunity For Writers Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Local author Dianne Young will be offering writers a chance to learn from someone who has experienced the path to having a picture book published. An online workshop will be available on Tuesday, June 9th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm via Zoom. This will be available to writers at any stage of their career.

Participants will be provided with an opportunity to submit questions for Young to answer when registering. Registration will be limited to ten individuals, and Wheatland Regional Library residents will be given priority. Those interested are advised to register early be emailing ProgramManager@wheatland.sk.ca or visit https://www.wheatland. sk.ca/dyoung. The deadline for registration is June 4, 2020.

In this workshop, Young will discuss standard formats, plot and dialogue, relatable characters, use of rhyme, illustration and more. She will also discuss how important it is to read picture books if you want to write them. This lesson will help those interested to be able to share good storytelling with a limited number of words.

Young, who has been writing since 1986 has published five picture books, which include four fiction and one non-fiction, and an early chapter book. The book Dear Flyary, illustrated by John Martz, won a 2014 Saskatchewan Book Award.

In 2018, Young published Grampa, Will You Tell Me a Story?, with the creator of the Pickles comic strip Brian Crane.

Young has also published an anthology of letters written by widows to their newlywidowed self and is working on another book with letters from women who have experienced the death of a child.

Her current work-in-progress is an account ABOVE: Dianne Young of the 60 new things she did in the last year as a celebration of turning sixty. She also photographs birds and maintains a bird list, and butterfly and moth list, on her website “Young at Heart.”

Local Community Groups Run Bottle Drives to Help With Funding Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

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Last week, the Martensville & District Kinette Club held a bottle drive throughout the community to help raise funds due to the cancellation of previously planned fundraisers amidst the COVID-19 situation.

Kinette President Jodi Martens noted that “the bottle drive was a great success, and we still have people contacting us with more donations.”

This week, on Thursday, June 4th from 6pm to 8pm, the 574 Dakota Air Cadet Squadron will be doing a bottle drive in Martensville and Warman to help raise money for their organization.

Locations within Martensville that will be collected from include; 1st Avenue North, 2nd Avenue North, Anna Crescent, 3rd Avenue North, 4th Avenue North, 5th Avenue North, Manor Bay, Baycroft Drive, Reddekopp Drive and the area south of Venture Heights School. Bags can be left on the front step to ensure proper physical distancing ABOVE: A bottle drive done by the Martensville & District is taking place.

Kinette Club last week saw much success. (Submitted) There are many sports groups, organizations and service groups that have lost funding due to cancelled fundraising opportunities, which has forced them to look into alternate options for raising these funds.

HEARD ANY GOOD NEWS LATELY? Submit your stories to The Martensville Messenger news@martensvillemessenger.ca

Page 6 - JUNE 4, 2020 - martensville messenger

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Moe Must Continue to Remember His Roots

More so than just about any business you can think of, politics is all about knowing whom you are and where you have come from. The problem; however, is that it’s quite easy to forget all that, even under normal circumstances and with the stakes so high in this COVID-19 crisis, it’s likely even harder for our leadership to remember the fundamentals of this province.

As such, Premier Scott Moe had some mixed results in being able to do so. There is one area in which Moe has been rather successful in remembering where he has come from and reminding all of us in Saskatchewan of exactly who we are.

The Premier recently wrote: “Hats off to our farmers for perseverance and hard work this season” to congratulate that seeding was at the five-year for this date.

In a world where nothing seems normal Saskatchewan lost a staggering 53,000 jobs in April agriculture saw a 1.4-per-cent increase in employment in April as seeding got into full swing.

It’s done so without receiving anything resembling the federal subsidies other business are getting. So far, only $252 million has been made available to farmers across the country to deal with effect of COVID-19 very little of which has made its way to western farmers and ranchers. Moreover, it’s only one-tenth of what the Canadian Federation of Agriculture requested.

Yet farmers are demonstrating what Moe aptly described as “perseverance” in carrying on with seeding that will be an estimated 37 million acres this year. Some of them have had to leave last year’s crop in the field because of horrific harvest conditions last fall.

Agriculture is simply soldiering on, pumping millions into the local economy as farmers buy seed, fertilizers, chemicals and fuel. The net result is that Saskatchewan has seen an increase in exports in the first quarter of 2020, largely due to canola, pulse, agricultural machinery, oats and soya beans sales.

It is important for Moe and others to acknowledge what we are - especially, in these tough times when the impact of the pandemic is taking its toll on all of us; however, Moe and his government hasn’t always been quite so successful at remembering its roots. As was demonstrated by the recent Saskatchewan Health Authority - driven decision to temporarily close 12 rural hospital emergency rooms as part of the SHA's pandemic readiness plan.

One gets the need to prepare health staff everywhere in the province for the potential impact of a COVID-19 outbreak, but the simple fact of the matter is that there has been no more than one active COVID-19 case in all of central and southern rural Saskatchewan for a month. To even “temporarily” completely close rural ERs during seeding poses a very real problem.

That it comes from a government that represents all 29 rural seats is even more bizarre. It took a letter from 21-year Arm River-Watrous MLA Greg Brkich to the SHA and to his own cabinet before the Sask. Party administration seemed to realize this.

In his letter, Brkich expressed frustration over the temporary closure of the Davidson Hospital ER - the only hospital between Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Outlook. "Local folks are being short changed again in rural Saskatchewan” by being left without quality emergency care, Brkich wrote.

Given the history of the closure of 52 rural hospitals by the former NDP government 27 years ago, it’s especially strange that the Sask. Party government would have missed the significance of what it was doing.

To his credit, Moe took responsibility for the “communication” problem and offered assurances the closed ERs would be re-opened in mid-June, but it does seem to demonstrate how important it is for politicians to remember where they come from.

MLA Report With Nancy Heppner Report from the Legislature

As our province continues to feel the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am happy to report the province is seeing the results of our collective actions to reduce the spread of this virus. Together, we have done what was needed to keep each other safe and now we can move into the next phases of re-opening Saskatchewan.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all our essential workers from across this province. From those battling the pandemic on the front lines to our community grocery stores, your commitment to public safety and service has not gone unnoticed. I am grateful for your efforts.

By remaining physically distant we most certainly have come together for the future of our province. As we cautiously continue to re-open our economy, we must continue these important health practices and follow the restrictions set out by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

As the Legislature reconvenes on June 15, our province is well-positioned to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

We will continue to work for our constituents in these coming weeks on ensuring that our families, communities, and economy can remain strong.

Economic Stimulus

Recently, our government announced a two-year capital plan to stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19. This $7.5 billion economic booster shot balances the need for smaller, short term projects to jump-start the economy with longer-term projects to provide the services and supports our families and communities require. Investments will be made in schools, highways, hospitals, Crown utility projects, and municipal infrastructure and will get Saskatchewan people back to work.

Municipalities can access additional funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP).

This investment of $150 million can be used for shovel ready infrastructure projects and initiatives. Funding is allocated on a per capita basis and must be used over the next two years. This means local communities such as the City of Martensville will receive around $1.4 Million.

Also included in this stimulus plan is $10.3 million for renewal projects across the provincial park system. Major highlights include significant campground upgrades, accessibility improvements at picnic sites, the construction of dayuse pavilions at various provincial parks around the province.

Our government is also investing in our post-secondary institutions, with $17 million in projects at the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus. These projects will improve campus usability and safety in both academic and athletic pursuits.

Re-Open Saskatchewan

Our government introduced a methodical phased-in approach called Re-Open Saskatchewan to lift restrictions slowly and responsibly on our businesses and services. The first phase focused on re-opening previously restricted medical services and allowing for some outdoor activities such as the operation of golf courses, parks and campgrounds. The second phase included re-opening retail and select personal care services.

Our government has set a target date of June 8, for Phase 3 as part of our Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. This phase will include the reopening of: • remaining personal services; • restaurants and food services at a 50 per cent capacity limit; • gym and fitness facilities; and • places of worship.

The size of indoor public and private gatherings may be increased to 15 people, and outdoor gatherings will increase to 30. Physical distancing and good health hygiene must continue to be practiced for our province to continue its plan to re-open. Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.

If you are looking for support as we move into the next phase, I urge all constituents to please utilize our government resources listed on Saskatchewan.ca. Our government has expanded capacity within our healthcare system to allow for more individuals to qualify for a COVID-19 test. I want to thank our Saskatchewan Health Authority for their hard work and guidance as we cautiously Re-Open Saskatchewan.

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.

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Council Discusses Grad Celebration and Allocation of $1.4 Million MEEP Funding From Provincial Government Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council hosted the first meeting of the month on June 2nd and it was once again held virtually via Zoom. This will continue to take place until other announcements are made.

For those interested in attending any upcoming meetings, contact the City Clerk at (306) 931-2166 for more information.

The meeting began with a delegation from the Martensville High School Grad Parent Committee.

Erin Leier was in attendance via Zoom to provide some information to Council about the proposed Grad Procession that the committee would like to hold to celebrate this year’s graduates. This idea was first discussed at the May 19th Council meeting and has since received approval from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, with required guidelines set in place.

According to the plan, the procession would take place on the original grad date of June 26th, and would assemble at the MAP/High School parking lot at 5:30pm. From there, the procession would move through 3rd Street North, Baycroft Drive, 1st Avenue North, 4th Street South, 10th Avenue and end at North Ridge Community Centre.

No roadways would be closed to the public, and instead, motorists would be encouraged to move to the side as the procession moves through.

Additionally, the group would like to set off ABOVE: The Martensville High School Grad Parent Committee a fireworks display the evening of Thursday, June is looking for ways to celebrate this years Graduates by holding a 25th, and asked that Council sponsor the fireworks. procession on June 26th. Council was asked to approve this request Council discussed the topic and was in favour of at their June 2nd meeting. having a celebration for the grads, and discussed re-allocating funds that were originally set to go towards Buster Days, to help support the fireworks display for the 2020 MHS Grads. Mayor Muench noted that Council does not typically provide funding to the Grad Committee; however, due to the circumstances in place this year due to COVID-19, they have the funding available to put towards this event.

The next item on the agenda was regarding the Municipal Economic Enhancement Fund (MEEP), provided by the Provincial Government. The funding allocated to Martensville will be just under $1.4 million, and will be used to fund infrastructure projects within the community such as: - Kinsmen Park pathway paving, which would see the upgrade of approximately 1000 metres of pathway from crusher dust to asphalt. Estimated cost for this project is $140,000.

- Paving of the outdoor rink located at the Sports Centre. This would create a multi-season use for this area. Estimated cost is $80,000.

- A BMX Pump Track constructed for BMX biking activities beside the Kyle Syrenne Skatepark. Estimated cost $150,000.

- The construction of a serviced campground in Kinsmen Park, which would be located between the Martensville Aquatic Centre and Mocon Baseball Diamonds. Estimated cost would be $750,000.

- Installation of lights on one Senior/18U baseball diamond at the Mocon baseball fields. Estimated cost $200,000.

- Paving the south end parking lot at the Sports Centre.

Estimated cost $50,000.

- Purchase of two all-purpose vehicles for parks worker transportation.

Estimated cost $20,000.

The next item on the agenda was a motion for Council to approve the RCMP municipal police service plan for the community through April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026. This 5-year plan is created by the RCMP “F” Division and reflects the ongoing cooperation between the RCMP and the City of Martensville and helps with forecasting and strategies throughout that course of time. The report consists of cost projection within; Human Resources, Accommodation, Equipment and Infrastructure and Division Administration and other operational expenditures.

Council then discussed a request that was made to re-name the park located on MacCormack Road, beside the Ranch House to Molly’s Park in honour of Molly Olivia Dunville, who sadly lost her battle with cancer on April 17, 2020. On May 27th, the Naming Committee reviewed the request and felt that it did not align with the points within the current policy that is in place. Members of Council felt that this particular situation was unique, and therefore the item will be brought back to the June 16th Council meeting to further discuss having Molly’s name added to the list for naming options in Martensville.

Council will meet on Tuesday, June 9th for the monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. More information on meetings and agendas can be found at www.martensville.ca.

COVID-19 CASE UPDATE JUNE 2, 2020 COVID-19 CASES IN SASK COVID-19 CASES IN AB

COVID CASES IN B.C.

COVID CASES IN MB

646 - (1 new) 47 active 588 recovered 4 in hospital 2 of these in ICU 11 deaths 48,272 tested

2,597 (24 new) 225 active 2,207 recovered 32 in hospital 5 of these in ICU 166 deaths 146,432 tested

295 (0 new) 10 active 278 recovered 0 in hospital

7,044 (34 new) 400 active 6,510 recovered 53 in hospital 6 of those in ICU 143 deaths 263,074 tested

CASES BY REGION IN SK TOTAL ACTIVE 32 256 Far North 4 112 North 0 12 Central 6 169 Saskatoon 4 80 Regina 1 17 South

7 deaths 44,692 tested

MAP DATA FROM THE GOVERNENT OF SASKATCHEWAN

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