Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates
City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.
March 18th -Committee of the Whole
Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive.
Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm
If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you prefer to join from the comfort of your home, contact the City Clerk or check the online agenda at martensville.ca for the meeting link.
Organics/Green Bin Program and Pick-ups
The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription.
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.
Careful out There! Safety Reminders on our Streets, Parks and Pathways
The recent mild weather and runoff have created slippery and potentially hazardous conditions across the City. Please keep these safety tips in mind:
• Slippery Pathways: Pathways may have accumulating water, ice or frost. Residents are encouraged to use extra caution when walking.
Unstable Pond Conditions: Warm temperatures and runoff have made pond ice uncertain and inconsistent. Please respect all signs and barricades around neighborhood ponds.
• Icy and Rutted Streets: Melting has led to ice and rutting on streets. Please slow down to stay in control and avoid potential damage to your vehicle.
Snowmobile Restrictions: Snowmobiles are not allowed in parks, drainage systems, or on streets. Riding in these areas can harm trees, plants, and expose riders to hidden hazards like rocks or equipment.
• Pothole Alert: With the thaw, potholes may begin to form. Approach standing water cautiously as it could conceal potholes. You can report them to the City using the ‘Request for Service’ feature on our website.
Snow Removal this Winter – What you need to know
The City’s Snow Removal Program aims to keep roads safe, accessible, and clear for emergency services, vehicles, and pedestrians. While our crews work diligently, winter weather can be unpredictable, and snow-clearing activities may vary. Here’s how you can help:
- Avoid pushing snow onto streets - This creates ridges that obstruct plowing efforts and creates larger snow ridges at your driveway.
- Don’t pile snow on streets or hydrants - This can block emergency access.
- Clear driveways before plows arrive - This helps crews work efficiently and prevents ridges.
- Avoid parking on streets during snow clearing - Vehicles hinder operations and risk being blocked by snow.
- Watch for posted removal zones - Vehicles parked in these areas may be ticketed and towed.
- Stay back from sanding trucks - Keep a 15m distance to allow safe dispersion of salt and sand.
- Going on Vacation? - Consider removing your vehicle on the street in the event of snowfall and snow removal operations.
For more information and to view the City’s Priority Map, visit Martensville.ca.
Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca
In Case of a Water Line Freeze Up…
In the past, there have been areas in the community prone to water line freeze-ups.
If you experience a waterline freeze‐up or any other interruption in service, please call (306) 931‐2166 to report your issue. If this happens outside of regular business hours, please follow the prompts to be transferred to the emergency after‐hours contact.
Thank you for your co‐operation!
Martensville City Council Discusses Secondary Suites, Water Rate Changes, and Supporting Local Youth at March 11 Meeting
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council met on Tuesday, March 11th for the monthly Committee of the Whole meeting, which began with a public hearing regarding a request for the construction of a one-bedroom secondary suite in the basement of a single-family dwelling at 517 2nd Avenue South. This address is located within the MHR (Manufactured Home Residential) District, which is for the use of manufactured homes (mobile homes), single-family dwellings, and other compatible uses. Because this district accommodates the use of a single-family dwelling, that part of the construction is not part of the review; however, the secondary suite is classified as a discretionary use of the land and requires approval from Council to move forward.
Next, members of the local RCMP detachment presented an update to Council, with a comparison of January and February statistics from 2024 and 2025. In January, 2025 saw an increase in offences, up from 129 to 170, with the biggest increase in provincial traffic offenses. February saw a decrease from 215 offenses in 2024 to 92 in 2025, which saw provincial traffic offenses decrease from 130 to 39.
Council received a request to amend water rates for residents due to increases in SaskWater Quality Control & Transmission Rate (QCTR) and the City of Saskatoon Bulk Water rate. The combined increase is 4.6%, which will be passed on to consumers, raising the current consumption rate from $4.88 per cubic meter to $5.10 per cubic meter. With the average household using 19 cubic meters per month, residents will see an estimated increase of $4.18 per month or $50.16 per year.
The Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) requested that Council waive rental fees for their usage of the North Ridge Community Centre on Mondays from 3:00pm9:00pm and Venture Heights School on Fridays from 3:00pm-9:00pm until June 30, 2025. Initially, fees were waived until March, while the MYC worked on a Sponsorship Policy, however, the policy is still under development, therefore an extension was requested. Director of Recreation and Community Services Roxane Melnyk noted that “This request supports the City’s goal of partnering with service groups to enhance youth programming in the community, fostering inclusivity, engagement and skill development for local youth.”
The next Martensville City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 18th at 5pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. For more information on Council, or to view meeting agendas, visit www.martensville.ca.
Martensville Council Approves 2025 Budget
Martensville City Council approved the 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets at the February 25th, 2025, Special Council Meeting. Over the past number of months, City Council has reviewed and deliberated over the budget with efforts to minimize property tax increases, manage rising costs, while maintaining services to the community being a top priority.
The City has budgeted for a 3.97% increase in total property tax revenue. The average homeowner in Martensville with a total assessed value of $337,200 will see an estimated increase in their municipal property taxes of $7.64 per month or $91.71 per year. Increases in property taxes are attributed to several factors for 2025 to improve services in the community, including the opening of the Martensville Recreation Centre, along with a number of new staffing requests intended to both maintain and enhance existing services provided by the City.
Growth in Martensville continues with property taxes from new assessment dollars estimated to bring in another $96,500. These new tax dollars will also assist in funding the new services noted previously.
Other increases to residents include a garbage and recycling rate increase of $10.00 per year and an increase to the consumption rate for water usage of 4.6%. These additional increases are due to rate increases from the providers.
In 2025, the City will invest just over $7.3 million in new capital projects including: $4.6 million in water and wastewater upgrades through the New Build Canada Fund; $1.0 million in roadway repairs and rehabilitation; $447,000 in civic facility condition assessments and upgrades; $375,000 on a new pool liner at the Martensville Aquatic Centre; $287,000 on upgrades at all water pump house and sewer lift stations throughout the City; and a $150,000 investment in a city-wide Drainage Master Plan.
Mayor Kent Muench commented, “We believe this budget reflects our commitment to opening the Martensville Recreation Centre, maintaining service levels, supporting key projects, and ensuring financial sustainability for our community. I commend this new Council for its valuable input during these budget deliberations and thank our administration for their dedicated work in preparing the budget.”
For more information on the 2025 Capital and Operating Budgets, along with departmental highlights, visit our website at: https://www.martensville.ca/pages/ budgets__finances.html.
March 17th Marks a Decade of Excellence for TEAM IRON elles Personal Training
TEAM IRON elles Personal Training proudly celebrates its 10th Anniversary, a significant milestone that reflects a decade of dedication and commitment to excellence in fitness and personal training. The team extends heartfelt gratitude to its loyal clients and supporters who have contributed to this journey.
Over the past ten years, TEAM IRON elles has had the privilege of working with numerous exceptional athletes, creating a vibrant community of fitness enthusiasts at Wrench Fitness in Martensville and through its on-line fitness offerings. The growth of the business can be attributed to the continued referrals from satisfied clients, which the team deeply appreciates.
In recognition of its commitment to outstanding customer service, TEAM IRON elles was honored with the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Customer Service in 2019, Micro-Enterprise Award in 2020 and was a finalist for the ABEX Service Award in 2021. These accolades underscore the team's dedication to exceeding client expectations and fostering a supportive environment for all.
As TEAM IRON elles commemorates their 10th anniversary, they reflect on the memorable moments they’ve experienced together, such as the body building competitions, Run for the Cure, Million Reasons Run, and the Push Up Challenge. These events have deepened their connections and highlighted their commitment to making a positive difference in our community.
As TEAM IRON elles looks to the future, it remains focused on its mission to empower clients through personalized training and exceptional service.
For more information about TEAM IRON elles Personal Training, please visit www.teamironelles.com or contact Leanne Kolbe at info@teamironelle.com
Martensville Lights Up the Ice
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, the City of Martensville hosted its annual Glow Skate event at the Martensville Sports Centre. Admission for those attending was set at $5 per person or $10 per family.
This family-friendly gathering transformed the arena into a luminous spectacle, attracting community members of all ages, and provided the community with one of the final public skating days of the season.
The event, which took place from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, featured dimmed lighting, glow sticks, and music curated by DJ Randy. Participants were encouraged to don bright-colored clothing.
Attendees left with smiles and memories, eagerly anticipating next year's glow-in-the-dark skating celebration.
Martensville Summer Market Seeking Community Partners/Vendors
Submitted
The Martensville Summer Market welcomes you! It is a place for vendors, artisans, craftspeople and producers to come together to offer local goods in an outdoor market setting and a great opportunity to promote your business.
Everyone is invited to the Corner Store Parking Lot on Saturdays, starting in June and running from 10AM-1PM, come to visit the market and find plenty of homegrown or homemade products, specialty goods and direct sales items. Previous markets have had handsewn clothing, bags and woodwork, 3D printed items, honey, homemade spring rolls as well as fresh vegetables and baking. We are currently working on the 2025 vendor list.
The Market has been around for a number of seasons. The last couple of years have definitely been growth years since we settled into a day and time that provides the best opportunity for customers and vendors alike. The Summer Market and its vendors extend a huge THANK YOU!! to the residents of Martensville and Area for their support. You make the Market possible!
That said, there is always room to improve and we extend an invitation to new vendors to join the market. Full time vendors are preferred but we also accept part time. The fee is $25 per week or $175 for the summer. Vendors who attend regularly will receive a partial refund at the end of the season. The deadline for vendor applications is April 15/25. If you make, bake, grow or sell, come join us.
If you are interested in participating as a vendor, you can contact Martensville Farmers Market via facebook; www.facebook.com/Martensvillefarmersmarket, or email martensvillemarket@gmail.com.
We are also looking to partner with local businesses, community groups and agencies. Looking to promote your business? Recruit? Host a fundraiser? Let people know about your sport or recreational activity? We will make a spot for you. Contact us through the Facebook or email above.
See you at the Market! 2025 Market Dates and Times: Saturdays , June 21th to September 27th
Support Saskatoon’s Unhoused Community with Bridge City Warmth
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Bridge City Warmth (BCW) is a volunteer organization based in Saskatoon, dedicated to supporting the city’s unhoused population, particularly during the harsh winter months. Established in early 2025, BCW has rapidly mobilized community resources to provide essential items and support to those in need, such as jackets, blankets, essential items, food and more.
Currently, BCW is hosting an online auction to help raise funds to support the unhoused community, with the final date for bidding scheduled for March 14th. Funds raised will mainly be used towards distribution events and patrols where they hand out essential items to those in need of a little extra support.
“People can support and take part by joining our Facebook page under Bridge City Warmth auction and bidding on some amazing items. There is everything from an electric bike, concert tickets, jewelry, fashion items, experiences and so much more,” BCW volunteer Melissa said.
Donations for the online auction are still being accepted, including gift cards, experiences, items, etc., and items not utilized in the spring auction will be used in the auction planned for the fall.
The most recent patrol took place on Tuesday, March 11th from 5:30pm7:00pm, where BCW volunteers distributed many warm winter items, food, baking, snacks, drinks and toiletries to the unhoused community of Saskatoon.
The next distribution event is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at station west – 1120 20th Street West.
If you have items that you wish to donate, BCW has created multiple dropoff locations across Saskatoon, as well as in Martensville and Warman. Locations are available upon request.
BCW is always accepting new volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, or have any questions, contact bridgecitywarmth@gmail.com. You can also follow BCW on TikTok and Facebook for regular updates on their events, people they have helped support, donation requests and more.
SPORTS Bravo Dance Co Shines at Warman Cheer Classic
The Huskies hosted a volleyball tournament at Warman high school this past weekend. The CVVC U16 Aces and CVVC U16 Storm attended the event with the Aces winning the tournament. Mischa McCann #23 from the Aces team won the All-Star Setter of the Tournament award. Elsa Staudinger #8 from the Storm won the All-Star Libero of the Tournament award.
Martensville’s Bravo Dance Co participated in the Warman Cheer Classic, Saskatchewan’s biggest cheerleading and dance competition, which took place from March 7-9.
“We are so proud of your hard work, dedication and amazing performances. You represented your teams with passion and excellence,” Bravo Dance Co. – Martensville’ shared via social media, adding for teams to keep the momentum going, and take that energy into provincials.
Each one of the 11 teams from Bravo Dance that competed, placed in the top three of their categories.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our dancers and their outstanding performances at the Warman Cheer Classic,” Krista McCann, proud Bravo Dance Co. mom, stated. “Congratulations to all our dancers on an unforgettable competition.”
Participating teams included: U8 Jazz Indigo –1st, U8 Pom Sky – 2nd, U8 Pom Tiffany – 3rd, U12 Jazz Aqua – 1st, U12 Jazz Crystal – 2nd, U12 Hip Hop Denim1st, U12 Pom Royals – 1st, U12 Pom Midnight – 2nd, U16 Pom Electric – 1st, U16 Pom Sapphire – 3rd and U18 Hip Hop Air Force – 1st.
The Team Sask Youth Pom team also had the opportunity to showcase their talents at the event, and the U16 Pom Electric team received judge’s choice for “Picture Perfect” in addition to their 1st place finish.
ABOVE LEFT & LEFT: Badminton is well underway at Venture Heights School. Athletes will compete throughout March in readiness for playoffs beginning April 7th.
Increased Tax Credit Provides Up to $24,000 to Support Post Secondary Graduates
Post-secondary graduates building their careers in Saskatchewan can now benefit from up to $24,000 in tax credits from the Graduate Retention Program (GRP). Saskatchewan has increased the lifetime GRP maximum by 20 per cent for students who graduate on or after October 1, 2024.
The GRP offers tuition rebates to graduates who live and file taxes in Saskatchewan after they complete their post-secondary program. Graduates receive the tax credits over a seven-year period and have up to 10 years after graduation to claim GRP or apply any unused credits.
"The Graduate Retention Program has been supporting post-secondary graduates for over a decade and we are proud to increase this incentive," Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Post-secondary graduates play a pivotal role in supporting Saskatchewan's Growth Plan and Labour Market Strategyand we encourage them to take advantage of this tax credit and build their lives here in Saskatchewan."
Eligible graduates will begin receiving the increased tax credit when they file their 2025 taxes in spring 2026.
A male graduate with blonde hair, smiling, wearing a black and gold graduation gown. Text reads "Graduate Retention Program - Recent post-secondary graduates can receive up to $24,000 in tax credits."
"Growing up in Saskatchewan has been a privilege, and as I prepare to graduate from USask's College of Engineering, I am excited about the many opportunities available to my peers and me," University of Saskatchewan student Arliss Sidloski said. "The 20 per cent increase to the Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program is a fantastic incentive for graduates to build their careers and families here. I encourage my fellow graduates to take advantage of this program and contribute to strengthening Saskatchewan's workforce and economy."
Individuals who graduated before October 1, 2024 may still be eligible to receive GRP up to the original $20,000 maximum. Individuals with a graduation date between October 1 and December 31, 2024, should claim GRP at the original maximum on their 2024 taxes and will receive a top-up certificate to file with their 2025 taxes.
For more information on the changes, visit saskatchewan.ca/grp. For questions on filing income taxes, contact the Canada Revenue Agency directly or talk to an accounting professional.
The GRP is the most generous program of its kind in Canada and has provided over $801 million in tuition tax credits to more than 85,200 graduates since 2008. Saskatchewan employers also benefit from the GRP as the program incentivizes graduates from both inside and outside the province to live and work in 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 333Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.
Saskatchewan to Halt United States Alcohol and Procurement
On March 5th, Premier Scott Moe announced that the Government of Saskatchewan has directed Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to stop purchasing US-produced alcohol and has directed that goods and services procured by the Government of Saskatchewan prioritize Canadian suppliers, with the goal of reducing or eliminating US procurement.
Any future government capital projects have been paused and for those projects in process, contractors will be asked to report on American products and reduce that amount.
“These extraordinary measures are a direct response to President Trump’s unjustified tariffs and a direct attack on the Canadian economy,” Moe said. “This decision was not made lightly, but the Government of Saskatchewan has always and will always stand up for Saskatchewan’s interests and protect our jobs, our economy and our residents.”
Liquor retailers will no longer be able to order USproduced alcohol, however they may still choose to sell their remaining inventory. This approach defends the interests of Saskatchewan’s economy while avoiding negative impacts on Saskatchewan’s liquor retailers who have already purchased US products.
Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan has been directed to source from other suppliers the $43 million of VLT and slot machines that are to be upgraded this year and are currently procured from the United States.
“The United States has always been Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner, but when they attack our economy, we have to push back,” Moe said. “Our exports lower the cost of living for millions of Americans and support jobs on both sides of the border. Our goal is to end these tariffs and retaliatory measures as soon as possible so that we can resume our long standing, mutually beneficial relationship.”
The Government of Saskatchewan will also expect school divisions, municipalities and post-secondary institutions to adopt similar procurement policies that prioritize Canadian goods and services.
Increased Risk of Overdose in Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) are alerting the public to a heightened risk of overdose and death from illicit drugs in the Saskatoon area.
Over the past week, the Saskatoon Fire Department has responded to an average of 19 overdoses per day. The latest Drug Alert issued by the Ministry of Health indicates that the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to 37 overdoses from March 5 to March 6.
This suggests an unusually potent and potentially lethal substance is circulating in the Saskatoon area.
The Ministry of Health and SHA are in contact with Saskatoon Fire officials as they work to ensure there is a collaborated response to the overdose situation in Saskatoon.
No illicit drug is safe and anyone who uses illicit drugs is at risk of overdose. Anyone who uses illicit drugs, or who has a loved one who uses illicit drugs, is strongly urged to take precautions.
Illicit drugs can be tested for unknown contaminants. Drug checking strips are available free of charge at Saskatoon Public Health for at home testing. There are also drug checking spectrometers available at Prairie Harm Reduction in Saskatoon and Access Place in Prince Albert for staff-assisted drug testing. The spectrometers have the capacity to rapidly detect and quantify the amount of a variety of substances.
Additionally, anyone can sign up for provincial drug alerts. The alerts warn about any elevated risk of overdose in a community. Sign up information is available at saskatchewan.ca/drug-alertsOpens in new window or text JOIN to 1-833-35-B-SAFE (352-7233).
Addictions treatment services are available at over a dozen locations in the Saskatoon area. Information on overdose prevention and addictions treatment can be found at saskatchewan.ca/overdoseOpens in new window.
Anyone who witnesses an overdose is encouraged to call 911 knowing that the federal Good Samaritan Act provides protection from simple possession charges for people who seek help with an overdose for themselves or for others.
Free Take Home Naloxone Kits are available at more than 450 locations across the province. A list of sites can be found at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/ health/accessing-health-care-services/mental-health-and-addictions-support-services/ alcohol-and-drug-support/opioids/take-home-naloxone-program-sites.
Saskatoon Police Respond to Numerous Bear Spray Incidents
Police are continuing to respond to incidents of bear spray being produced and/or discharged in public.
At around 3:30 p.m. on March 5, 2025, police were called to a bus terminal in the 200 block of 23rd Street East for a report of bear spray being discharged. Upon arrival, officers learned that several youths believed to be responsible for the bear spraying had boarded a stationary city bus. As officers entered the bus, a male matching the suspect’s description was located; canisters of bear spray were also found both on his person and outside the bus on the ground.
As a result, a 16-year-old male has been charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace and unauthorized carry of a concealed weapon.
Later that evening, at around 8:30 p.m., police were called to an establishment in the 900 block of 22nd Street West for a report of an altercation between a group of people that resulted in bear spray being discharged. Upon police arrival, a man standing outside the establishment was identified as the person who had discharged the bear spray; upon search of his person, police located two canisters of bear spray and a large knife.
As a result, the 30-year-old Saskatoon man was charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x2) and unauthorized carry of a concealed weapon (x2).
Then, at around 3:00 a.m. on March 6, 2025, police were called back to the same establishment in the 900 block of 22nd Street West for a report of a person who had been bear sprayed. Upon arrival, officers located a woman suffering from mild effects of bear spray; Medavie Heath Services West provided her with medical assistance. The suspect had fled the area and was not located but police are continuing to investigate.
Charges Laid Following University Bomb Threat
A 17-year-old female has been arrested following a threat of an explosive device on the university campus yesterday.
Shortly before 6:30 p.m. on March 5, 2025, police were called to the 100 block of Clinic Place for a report of a threat of an explosive device in a University of Saskatchewan building. Upon police arrival, the U of S Protective Services were evacuating the building. Following continued investigation, a suspect was identified and it was determined that there was no threat to public safety.
Police then attended to a residence in the 500 block of Egbert Avenue and effected the arrest of a 17-yearold female. She was charged with public mischief and breaching court-imposed conditions as a result.
