March 14, 2024 Digital Issue

A Reminder about Winter Safety in our Parks and on Pathways

Mild weather conditions, in combination with recent sleet and rain, have created potentially treacherous conditions within the City.

-We encourage residents to use extra caution over the coming days when utilizing the pathway systems.

-Pond conditions remain very uncertain due to warm temperatures and run off. Please watch for signs and barricades around neighborhood ponds.

- Snowmobiles are prohibited from being driven through our parks as well as drainage systems and streets. Riding can cause damage to trees and plantings as well as parks containing hazards such as rocks or equipment.

Spring Thaw and Runoff

Recent heavy snows and milder weather will produce pooling and runoff through the community. Crews will be working to clear pooling areas and open up drainage ways for water to clear off of streets and pathways as efficiently as possible.

Please be aware that there will be icy surfaces, please take caution and care at this time. This includes lowering your speed on icy roads and having proper footwear on the pathways.

Protecting your Property

Provided are some helpful tips and tasks to help prevent water from seeping into your basement or accumulating on your property.

- Extend downspouts at least two metres (six feet) from your basement walls. The further the water is from the foundation, the less chance that it will make its way into your basement.

- Consider moving snow away from the foundation of your home, to prevent a large degree of melting immediately adjacent to your foundation.

More tips available at www.martensville.ca/pages/tips_for_spring_thaw

March & April Council Meeting Dates

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

March 19th -Regular Council

April 2nd – Regular Council

April 19th – Committee of the Whole

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

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

Snow Removal This Winter – What You Need To Know

The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community.

Our crews strive to deliver excellent service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to promptly remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions. There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe

- Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans our street.

- Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves, and access to water in case of emergencies.

- Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging.

- Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures this hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place.

- Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street.

-Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/lawn areas behind your walkway.

Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca

More about Snow Removal – Safety Reminders

The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access for to goods and services in the community.

-Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal - In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area).

-Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks and Snow Removal Equipment - Sanding and Snow Removal Equipment make frequent stops or may change direction at any time. If you are near or behind the sanding truck or snow removal equipment you are reminded to stay back 15m to ensure heavy machinery can safely operate and sanders can spread materials in intersections without risk to your vehicle.

-Snow Dump Area is Restricted - The snow dump area located along 10th Avenue S, is a restricted area for city crews and contractors to dump and pile snow. This is not a recreational area and we ask that the public remain out of these areas due to potential hazards.

Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca

Council Discusses Demolition Request at Committee of the Whole Meeting

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council held their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, March 12 and the main item on the agenda was regarding a demolition permit for 31 2nd Avenue North, an area located with the R1A Core Area Residential District. The demolition permit is for a house and garage this March, and in order to facilitate the removal of these structures, affected trees will be required to be removed from the area.

A report to Council provided by City of Martensville Planning Manager Bonnie Gorelitza noted that this information is being provided to Council now due to time constraints for tree removal, and the fact that the City has not been provided information for future redevelopment at this time.

Future options for redevelopment at this location could include one to three units, and within the R1A Core Area Residential District, the zoning bylaw states that, “Existing trees should be protected wherever possible. Any trees which are removed should be replaced at a rate of at least two new trees for every existing tree removed.”

According to the report to Council, the trees located on the front and side on site appears to be elms; however, there could be maple trees as well. According to provincial regulations, pruning of elm trees are prohibited from April 1 to August 31 each year.

“Typically, administration collaborates with applicants to determine what trees are viable to save on site and will be of benefit to the proposed development and the neighborhood as a whole. As can be seen on the attached air photos, this site contains a significantly higher number of trees than are typically found on a residential site,” Gorelitza stated in the report.

Future plans for this development will impact the requirements going forward. If plans are for a single family dwelling, the property owner would be able to cut down every tree without going through the discretionary use process; however, if plans are for a multi-unit dwelling, the discretionary use process would be required.

“This was added as a result of consultation during the creation of the new R1A district. Residents at the time wanted to have a say when more than one dwelling was constructed on a site.”

It was also noted that tree species and spacing does not appear to have been considered when planting, or the end goal was to create a shelter belt rather than having landscape trees.

ABOVE & BELOW: Images of 31 2nd Avenue North were provided to Council in regards to a demolition permit discussion at the March 12th Committee of the Whole meeting.

Trees were planted too close together to provide required spacing for full maturity and could become unhealthier in the future. Tree species could also create an added nuisance going forward by creating seed pods. Administration recommended that the property owner determine what can be saved to complement future plans and that if the property owner comes back to Council for discretionary use, they provide a full landscape plan.

Pop-Up Rescue Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Night

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

A Volunteer Appreciation Night was held on Tuesday, March 12th as a way to show gratitude to the many people that helped make the Pop-Up Rescue a success.

The Pop-Up Rescue began at the end of January when over 100 dogs were rescued from a northern Saskatchewan community to a temporary location in Martensville, where they were then moved to a rescue, a foster home, or adopted. In February, a second round of dogs were brought in from the same community, and in total, approximately 177 dogs were taken in through this process.

Without this intervention, these dogs would not have lived long enough to have a chance at a new life.

With an undertaking of this size, volunteers were a necessity to ensure that all of these animals were cared for, whether it be through walks, feeding, bathing, transporting, cleaning, and so much more.

Through this venture, not only did the dogs in the care of the Pop-Up Rescue receive a new chance at life, but the volunteers gained so much as well; through lasting bonds created with the dogs, through new friendships formed and the opportunity to be part of something incredible.

“We can’t even begin to explain how grateful we are to each and every person that stepped up to help throughout the past month. The amount of support that we received is nothing short of a miracle. We had so many people come in to help care for these dogs, drop-off donations, wash laundry, bring food for volunteers, help transport the dogs, and so much more. It is impossible to put into words how much of an impact each of these contributions had on this venture,” Kristine O’Brien of Paws Republic Centre for Pets, stated.

Although the majority of the dogs have already been moved into new locations, the work isn’t done. O’Brien explained that they plan to keep moving forward and providing support to the community the dogs were rescued from.

POLICE BEAT

Warman RCMP Stop 250 Vehicles During Safety Initiative

Warman RCMP held a proactive traffic safety check stop on Highway #11 between Warman and Osler, and also conducted proactive traffic patrols in Warman and Martensville. A total of 250 vehicles were stopped during the safety initiative.

Officers issued 20 tickets for offences like cellphone use and speeding, and one notice for a vehicle to be inspected for an observed deficiency. Officers completed 15 approved screening device tests, resulting in one driver having their license suspended for using cannabis before driving.

Battleford RCMP and the Dalmeny Police Service assisted with the check stop and patrols.

“We thank motorists for their patience as we conducted this proactive traffic initiative,” says S/Sgt. Jason Teniuk from the Warman RCMP. “We also thank the many drivers we observed being mindful of regulations – obeying speed limits, using seatbelts and driving without distraction. We’ll continue these proactive initiatives to help encourage road safety.”

There is currently a ‘Pop-Up Rescue Project’ Facebook page, which provides regular information about fundraisers being held to help support vet bills that have accumulated through this process, updates on the dogs and more. There is also a website currently being developed to help keep people updated on the process going forward.

Easter Geocaching is Back in Martensville

The first coordinates will be posted to the City of Martensville Facebook page on March 29th at 9am.

Those participating will use GPS coordinates to find the Easter eggs hidden around Martensville during the Easter Break.

If you find all the eggs, you will be entered to win the grand prize. All submissions can be sent to jmcculloch@martensville.ca. The winner will be drawn on Monday April 8th.

“Special thanks to our Community Sponsors, North Prairie Developments and CANWEST, as well as a thank you to Lakeview Insurance Brokers,” said Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II.

ABOVE: Volunteers of the Pop-Up Rescue gathered on Tuesday, March 12th for an appreciation night held at the Canalta Hotel thanks to Gary Hoffert.

LEFT: Hank is one of the few dogs remaining that is in need of a foster home.

Martensville Team Honours Rink Workers

The Martensville Marauder 15AA team is currently number one in the North Division, with 25 wins, one loss, one tie and one OT loss in their first year. This success has been earned through hard work, dedication and team work, and with this, the team also appreciates all of the work done behind the scenes within the rink to ensure operations run smoothly. Because of this, the team decided to take a moment to honour the rink workers through a ceremonial puck drop at their Saturday, March 10th game against the North West Stars. Captain Braden Wotherspoon took the draw on behalf of the 15AA Marauders.

“The rink attendants provide the personality of our rink and have been tremendously accommodating to our team all year,” Coach Ron Biberdorf stated.

The team is currently competing in the playoffs where they moved on from Round One with two wins against the North West Stars. They will now move into the Division Final against Bridge City.

SPORTS

Martensville U18AA

Move to Round 2 of Playoffs

SPORTS

Martensville Curling Club Has Busy Week

The Martensville Curling Club has a busy schedule this week, with events to celebrate the success of local teams, as well as the Biktrix Senior Women’s Provincial Curling Championship, which will be held from March 14-17.

On Tuesday, March 12th, the club hosted a celebration for Team J. Pomedli Curling from 8pm-10pm as they will be heading to the U20 Nationals in Fort McMurray this month. Local curler Melissa Remeshylo plays third on the team and regularly practices at the Martensville Curling Club with her teammates. An official Team Pemedli send-off celebration will be held on March 20th at the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon.

On Wednesday, March 13th, a celebration was held for Team Derksen, who were the 2024 National U18 silver medalists, hailing from the local curling club. They will also be competing in the U20 Canadian Championships from March 23-31 in Fort McMurray. The team consists of Skip Dylan Derksen, Third Logan Sawiski, Second Tyler Derksen, Lead Gavin Martens and Coach Brad Kennedy. The Biktrix Senior Women’s Provincial Curling Championship will take place throughout the weekend at the Martensville Curling Club and will consist of eight teams.

Learn more about the Martensville Curling Club by visiting martensvillecurlingclub. ca, or by following them on social media.

ABOVE: Team Derksen, consisting of Skip Dylan Derksen, Third Logan Sawiski, Second Tyler Derksen, Lead Gavin Martens and Coach Brad Kennedy will be competing in the U20 Canadian Championships from March 23-31. (Facebook)

NDP Aim At More Than Teachers’ Issues

What’s been intriguing about the first few days of the Saskatchewan spring sitting is that it hasn’t all been about teachers. Sure, a lot of it was about teachers. They came to the legislature in the hundreds on the opening day. Wave after wave of them encircling the entire building in the post-storm cold.

If you were in Regina, they were hard to ignore, but most Saskatchewan people aren’t in Regina; something that sometimes gets lost among those who live or work within the shadow of the legislative and those who work in that building.

It has been a problem for all governments. One might not think this wouldn’t be as big a problem for the current Saskatchewan Party 16-year-plus administration where a majority of its members are from rural areas.

That said, its members spend a lot of time in Regina and at the legislature; especially its longest-serving members with cabinet portfolios. Many such influential members have moved to Regina and have gotten far too used to the entitlements and the trappings of the place; however, it’s perhaps an even bigger problem for the NDP Opposition for both similar and different reasons.

Except for Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette, all NDP MLAs are from either Regina or Saskatoon, so they already suffer from what it’s commonly known as “Marble Palace Syndrome”, where they see any issue brought or frequently discussed at the legislature to be of inflated importance.

This is not to say that the teachers’ contract issues isn’t of huge province wide importance., but the very fact that the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation had to define its foremost issue as classroom “composition and complexity” is a bit telling.

The STF prefers to frame it this way because “classroom size” (a term you’ll hear a lot, but mostly from city teachers) tends to be a city issue where a growing population means overcrowding in schools and the “complexity” of English as a second-language students.

In rural areas where stuffing two and sometimes three grades into a single classroom in small school, “complexity” can mean something quite different. This is why we saw those teachers who came from all over the province and brave the -30 C windchill to demand language in their contract that would ensure the government sets aside budget money each year to address these specific issues.

About the same time teachers were trudging past their windows at the legislature, Sask. Party MLAs were tweeting out a prepared tweet saying the union has been requested to return to the bargaining table 14 times; highly misleading given that the union is not there because the government has refused to give its negotiators a mandate to discuss classroom size and complexity at that bargaining table, but as important as these issues, they aren’t the only ones in the province. In fact, classroom issues only directly affect voters for a short period of their lives while their kids are in school, so they are seldom top of mind.

For that reason, it was politically wise for NDP leader Carla Beck and other issues. There were the socalled “scandal” issues including Regina Northwest MLA Gary Grewal profiting off inflated room rates his hotels have been charging social services clients. And there is new issue of Crown Investment Corp. Minister Dustin Duncan charging taxpayers $3,500 for a chauffeur service he used on a Paris business trip to at least partially go sightseeing, but Beck and her NDP MLAs seem as focused on meat and potato issues like demanding Premier Scott Moe suspend the province’s 15-cents-a-litre fuel tax and the 21-per-cent reduction in rural nurses and the need for more rural nurse practitioners advocated by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

As important as the teachers issues are, it’s smart for the NDP to acknowledge there are other issues as important.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Largest Increase for Education Funding in Saskatchewan History

Later this month, the new provincial budget will deliver the largest ever increase in school operating funding and a record new commitment to address classroom size and complexity. Premier Scott Moe recently took the unusual step of announcing part of the education budget prior to budget day, to clearly demonstrate our government’s commitment to address teachers’ concerns around classroom supports.

The 2024-25 provincial budget will include the largest increase in school operating funding in Saskatchewan’s history. There will be $180 million of increased funding, up nearly 9 per cent, to $2.2 billion. This increase will include over $356 million that is specifically allocated to classroom supports, an increase of over $45 million or about 15 per cent since last year.

In light of these significant new commitments, we are asking the STF to pause their job action so that teachers and students can return to their classrooms, and the teachers’ union can return to the bargaining table.

New Labour Market Strategy Introduced

Our government recently introduced the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, outlining how the province will ensure Saskatchewan people benefit from the jobs our economy is creating and that Saskatchewan employers have access to the workforce needed to succeed. The strategy outlines how the province is preparing people for both current and emerging jobs in Saskatchewan and aligning training opportunities in post-secondary institutions to the needs of industry.

A strong labour force drives healthy economies and successful communities, and this strategy is our roadmap to secure a labour force that keeps pace with growing demands and opportunities of our economy. Through strategic investments that align the workforce with the needs of industry, we are ensuring that investment in to our province is supported and that growth translates into a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people.

Large Increase in Agricultural Exports

Our province’s growing labour force is supported by a growing economy. Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector continues to experience growth, further fuelling a strong provincial economy. Agri-food exports to India have increased in volume by over 71 per cent from 2022 to 2023. Exports of Saskatchewan lentils and peas to India, the province's largest pulse market, experienced significant growth by the end of 2023.

Our government ensures Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry can continue to grow through strategic investments that support the industry. Details of the 2024 Crop Insurance Program have recently been released, building on the existing suite of Business Management Programs offered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).

All producers are encouraged to take a proactive approach to tailor their coverage to further manage and mitigate their risk. March 31, 2024, is the deadline for Saskatchewan producers to apply, reinstate or cancel their Crop Insurance contract. Producers must select insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes by this date. Producers can speak to their local SCIC office to make any changes or coverage will remain the same as the previous year.

New Breast Health Centre Announced

A strong and growing economy ensures investments can be made in key services, such as health care, as well. Saskatchewan is investing in several breast cancer and screening initiatives to support substantial detection and treatment enhancements for patients.

A new Breast Health Centre in Regina was just announced, which will provide diagnostic imaging, consultation with specialists and surgeons, and patient education, support and navigation. It will also provide on-site access to post treatment care, such as therapies and rehabilitation.

Family physicians and nurse practitioners will be able to refer patients directly to the new centre, helping to reduce wait times. The new centre will be located at Regina Centre Crossing on Albert Street and will be open within the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The province is also making changes to the screening age eligibility from the current 50 and older to include women aged 40-49. In addition, new 3D breast imaging and breast tumour localized “seed” technology will enhance breast cancer detection, result in fewer delays and cancellations, and offer less discomfort for patients. Our government is committed to continuing to make targeted investments in health care so you can receive the care you need when you need it.

As our government continues to move through the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly and prepares for the presentation of the provincial budget on March 20, we look forward to hearing from you! Please reach out to my office to share any comments or concerns. You can reach me at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.

Recent Snowfall Improves Spring Runoff Forecast

On March 12th, the Water Security Agency (WSA) issued the Spring Runoff Forecast for 2024. A near normal runoff is expected in the Saskatoon area and west toward Biggar, as well as in the eastern portions of the grain belt along the Manitoba border. The remainder of the province is expected to experience below to well below normal runoff this spring.

As of March 4, 2024, snowpack generally ranges from below to well-below normal across the province. Recent snowstorms in early March brought up to 40 cm of snow to much of southern and central Saskatchewan, which has improved runoff potential for the province.

"Although, the recent snowfall will help our situation and our producers this spring, we as a government will still be prepared to help those areas with dry conditions," Minister Responsible for Water Security Agency David Marit said. "More moisture will be needed as temperatures continue to stay above zero. WSA will still be taking as many proactive measures as possible to prepare for changing conditions."

This runoff forecast report updates the preliminary report issued in February 2024, with the inclusion of data from snowpack surveys.

Over the winter, WSA took action with conservative operating plans focused on retaining water supplies that has helped keep water levels at most major reservoirs at or above normal levels for this time of year.

In some southern areas, including the Big Stick and the south-central area of the province, persistent drier than normal conditions may lead to drier than normal conditions and localized water supply shortages this spring.

The spring runoff is dependent on fall soil moisture, snowpack water content, and how quickly the snowpack melts.

Although drier conditions persist, most major water supply reservoirs in southern Saskatchewan are at or above normal levels; however, reservoirs such as Avonlea and some in the southwest (e.g., Altawan and Cypress) may experience surface water supply concerns due to the depleted snowpack.

WSA continues to work internally and across other government agencies to identify opportunities and programming to support communities and producers who may be facing challenges from dry conditions.

WSA continues to monitor moisture conditions and forecasted weather patterns in preparation for the spring runoff and will issue updates to the runoff report throughout the runoff period.

New Initiatives to Enhance Utilization of Nurse Practitioners

Premier Scott Moe and Health Minister Everett Hindley joined MLA Terry Jenson in Warman on March 12th to announce new initiatives to enhance and expand utilization of Nurse Practitioners throughout the health care system.

To enhance the role of Nurse Practitioners, the Ministry of Health will work to pilot a new model for independently operated, publicly funded Nurse Practitioner clinics. These clinics will improve access to primary health care by providing a new avenue for patients to seek care.

"Access to primary health care is a high priority for our government," Moe said. "By creating more opportunities for Nurse Practitioners throughout the health care system, we can improve access to primary health care services for Saskatchewan patients and their families."

Additionally, the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will explore further opportunities to expand the areas of service for Nurse Practitioners, including in settings other than primary health care.

To improve access to primary health care in rural, regional, and northern communities, 25 new Nurse Practitioner positions will be created over the next year under the SHA, including in SHA clinics and as part of primary health care teams.

"Our Health Human Resources Action Plan is showing success in a number of rural, regional, and northern communities," Hindley said. "We are grateful to the Nurse Practitioners who have been part of this success, and we are pleased to be creating more opportunities for Nurse Practitioners across our province."

The ministry will work collaboratively with the SHA, the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners and other primary care stakeholders toward implementing these initiatives.