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.
April 1 - Council Meeting
April 8 - Committee of the Whole Meeting
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.
Council Recap- March 18th Council Meeting
Please Note: This is a brief summary of the most recent meeting. For more detailed information on the agenda and the official minutes, please visit Martensville.ca. Official minutes are posted once approved.
A Public Hearing for the District Official Community Plan was held for the amending of zoning of NE 35-35-05-W3 Ext. 1 from Urban Commercial/Industrial land use to Rural Commercial/Industrial land use. This was read and passed into bylaw further into the meeting.
A discretionary use for the construction of a one bedroom secondary suite in the basement of a single family dwelling was approved.
A request to waive facility fees for the Martensville Youth Connection was approved.
A bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan was considered by Council for lands located at Main Street and 16th Ave N from ‘Arterial Commercial’ to Residential.
The Water and Waste Water Rates and Administration Bylaw was amended to reflect new increased water rates.
Reports from Administration were reviewed and discussed.
An Application under the Economic Development Business Incentive Bylaw was discussed and considered.
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
Don't Prune Elms from April 1 to August 31
The annual ban on pruning elm trees in Saskatchewan begins April 1 and runs until August 31. The ban is in place to help stop the spread of Dutch elm disease (DED).
DED is a fatal tree disease caused by a fungus spread by elm bark beetles. As the weather warms, the beetles become more active and are attracted to fresh cuts on trees. Pruning during this time increases the chances of an infection and puts your elms at risk.
Pruning trees before or after the ban period helps keep them healthy and better able to resist all kinds of diseases, including DED. Pruning also removes the dead and dying wood where elm bark beetles breed, reducing beetle numbers.
Pruning incorrectly can damage your trees and spread diseases. If you hire someone to prune your trees, check their qualifications. Anyone who prunes elm trees commercially must have completed a recognized training program or be supervised by someone who has.
It is allowed to completely remove an elm tree during the ban period, but it's important to dispose of all elm wood properly, as soon as possible. Contact your local municipality to find out where the designated wood disposal site is in your area. Because transporting wood can also spread DED, as well as other insects and diseases, it's illegal to use, transport, store or sell elm firewood. Provincial regulations also restrict the use, transport, storage and sale of elm logs.
For more information, contact your municipality, the Ministry of Environment's Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224 or visit: saskatchewan.ca/forestry
Warman Fire Rescue Issues Warning After Vehicle Falls Through Ice at Clarkboro Ferry Crossing
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Warman Fire Rescue (WFR) issued a public warning this week, urging motorists not to attempt crossing the South Saskatchewan River ice at the Clarkboro Ferry crossing.
The notice followed an incident on the morning of Monday, March 24, when a vehicle broke through the ice while attempting to make the crossing. “The annual ‘Spring car through the ice’ at the ferry crossing happened early this morning,” WFR stated in its post.
Fortunately, the driver was uninjured and managed to escape safely, reaching the Aberdeen side of the river. However, the vehicle was not as lucky, with WFR sharing a photo of it partially submerged in the icy water.
In a later update, WFR addressed public inquiries regarding the incident. They explained that the driver had stopped upon spotting open water ahead but went through the ice after hitting the brakes.
WFR emphasized that this crossing is illegal and not recognized as a formal route, noting that warning signs are clearly posted on the riverbank. “All ice crossings on moving water are dangerous,” WFR cautioned. They added that one day, there can be three feet of ice; the next, it can be eroded down four inches.
They strongly advised motorists to take the safer alternative—the nearby Chief Mistawasis Bridge - adding, “Just take the extra ten minutes.”
Additionally, WFR reminded residents to stay off local ponds and urged parents to warn their children about the dangers of thin ice.
Requests for Easter Dinner Hampers Now Being Accepted
The Martensville Food Pantry will once again be offering Easter Dinner Hampers for those living in Martensville and rural areas within a radius of 50km (excluding Saskatoon) who need a little help.
This year they are welcoming donations of hams, potatoes, carrots, gravy mix, jello, canned corn and applesauce which they will need by April 8 so they will know how much more food they will need to order.
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
If you are in need of an Easter Dinner Hamper, please send your requests to 306-280-1255 by Wednesday, April 9.
“Kindly provide your name and the number of adults and children. The pick-up will be on Thursday, April 17,” Linda Ward, volunteer, stated. “Monetary donations are always welcome. We issue tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.”
ABOVE & BELOW: Warman Fire Rescue posted a warning reminding motorists of the dangers of crossing the ice of the South Saskatchewan River at the Clarkboro Ferry Crossing this time of year after a vehicle went through the ice on Monday, March 24th. (Warman Fire Rescue)
BELOW: The Valley Soccer Association wrapped up their indoor programming for the 2024/25 season last week with the final Thursday U7 group. Visit them online to learn more about spring and summer programs. (Valley Soccer Association)
SPORTS
Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Bingo
Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, March 27th at 7:00pm
Cash Prizes - 50/50 - Concession
Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend.
3-Up, 6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available!
Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!
Fletcher Cup Raises Over $11,000 for Hendrix Goss
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The third annual Fletcher Cup took place in Rosthern this past weekend, bringing together young athletes, families, and community members for a heartwarming cause. Held on March 22 and 23, the annual U9 hockey tournament was dedicated to supporting Hendrix Goss, a grade two student at Valley Manor School.
Hendrix has complex structural facial abnormalities linked to conditions such as Goldenhar syndrome and Hemifacial Microsomia. He underwent multiple surgeries to address airway obstructions and other health issues. The tournament aimed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with his medical care.
Through a variety of fundraising efforts, including raffle tables, a 50/50 draw, chuck-a-puck, and a special raffle featuring a Yeti cooler donated by Hytech Drilling and memorabilia from Jessica Campbell, who is currently an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, and made history as the NHL's first full-time female coach, adding a special touch to the tournament’s fundraising efforts. In total, the event successfully raised an impressive $11,235, a new record for the fundraiser.
Twelve U9 teams from seven different communities competed fiercely over the two-day event for the coveted Fletcher Cup. After a series of intense and exciting matchups, the Saskatoon Wild Rebels emerged victorious, defeating Moose Jaw in a thrilling 4-3 final.
Beyond the competition, the Fletcher Cup was a testament to the power of community and generosity. “It’s an overwhelming experience to be a part of this. It is refreshing to see the good in people, and all of the smiles on the parents, children and family members faces,” event organizer Travis Sorenson said.
Sorenson also expressed a heartfelt thank you to all the donors, supporters, players, coaches, parents, fans, and volunteers who played a role in making this event a success.
For more information and updates, visit the ‘Fletcher Cup’ Facebook page.
ABOVE: Players from the Fletcher Cup champs, the Saskatoon Wild Rebels with Hendrix. (Submitted)
ABOVE: Hendrix (in orange) celebrated with the Fletcher Cup winners, the Saskatoon Wild Rebels. (Submitted)
SPORTS
BELOW: Skate Martensville held their annual ice show on Sunday, March 23rd at the Martensville Recreation Centre. This year was extra special, as the group celebrated 40 years as a club in the community. To highlight this, they took attendees on a journey through the music, style and memories of the club’s very first season, which took place in 1984-1985. Congratulations on 40 successful years of providing opportunities to Martensville residents. (Skate Martensville)
Skate Martensville Celebrates 40 Years
Submitted by Nicole Gryba - President, Skate Martensville
Skate Martensville is proud to celebrate the conclusion of its 40th season—a year filled with incredible achievements and exciting milestones for our club. With over 110 skaters registered, we continue to thrive, providing opportunities for skaters of all ages and skill levels to develop their skills, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the sport.
Our STARSkaters represented Skate Martensville with pride at three competitions at both the regional and provincial levels, achieving personal bests, earning podium finishes, and showcasing their dedication to the sport. We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work, determination, and passion for skating. In addition, our 15 STARSkaters successfully passed 37 Skate Canada tests, demonstrating their commitment to personal growth and development.
This season also saw fantastic enrollment in our CanSkate program, thanks in large part to our dedicated coaches, Sam and Teah. Their enthusiasm and commitment to creating a fun, engaging, and supportive environment have been truly inspiring. Our CanSkaters collectively earned over 200 ribbons and 45 badges—an incredible testament to their progress and excitement on the ice.
We were also thrilled to expand our synchronized skating program this year, welcoming skaters onto three teams: STAR 4, Adult II, and Adult III. Each team delivered strong performances, with STAR 4 earning three medals and our Adult III team bringing home silver! Beyond competition results, it has been amazing to see the camaraderie and team spirit grow among our synchro skaters. We look forward to watching this program continue to flourish in the years ahead.
A highlight of the season was our annual ice show on Sunday, March 23, where we welcomed nearly 500 spectators to celebrate 40 incredible years of Skate Martensville! This year’s theme, 1984-1985: Back to When It All Began, took audiences on a nostalgic journey through the music, style, and memories of our very first season. More than 80 skaters lit up the ice with their energetic, 80s-inspired performances, bringing passion, excitement, and plenty of fun. From bold costumes to incredible routines, it was truly a celebration to remember!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to offer Spring Ice for the first time, giving skaters from Skate Martensville and surrounding clubs the opportunity to continue their training from April to June. The extra sessions will take place at the Martensville Recreation Centre and will accommodate dozens of local skaters who would otherwise have to drive into Saskatoon for ice time.
As we reflect on this milestone season, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our skaters, coaches, families, and supporters in the stands - your involvement is what makes Skate Martensville such a vibrant and welcoming community.
ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U15 Bandits brought home the gold from the Alberta Showdown Tournament in Forestburg, AB this weekend. (Martensville Minor Hockey Assocation)
ABOVE: Congratulations to the U11 Maven Marlies who won the ‘A’ final, bringing home the banner as March Ice Champions. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)
Record $4.6 Billion Capital Budget Delivers Essential Infrastructure for Saskatchewan People
The 2025-26 Budget delivers the largest total capital budget in Saskatchewan history at $4.6 billion.
Funding from this year's budget will invest in capital projects throughout the province to deliver essential infrastructure for Saskatchewan families and communities. This includes nearly $1.9 billion in capital projects across Executive Government and nearly $2.8 billion in capital projects by the province's commercial Crown corporations.
"Thanks to this government's continued investment in infrastructure, we are on track to meet our Growth Plan goal of investing $30.0 billion by 2030 to serve the growing infrastructure needs of families and communities," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said.
The 2025-26 Budget includes the largest investment in health capital at $656.9 million, an increase of just over $140.0 million compared to the previous year. This record investment will help deliver a number of ongoing major projects, including:
• $322.4 million for construction of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital redevelopment project;
• $24.4 million for construction of the Weyburn General Hospital replacement project;
• $33.8 million for construction of the La Ronge long-term care (LTC) project;
• $40.0 million to complete design and begin construction on the Regina LTC specialized beds project; and
• $10.0 million for construction of the Grenfell LTC project.
This year's budget invests $191.3 million in school infrastructure, including:
• $140 million to support ongoing projects, including 21 new or consolidated schools and three major renovations in Balgonie, Regina and Swift Current;
• $28.5 million for the Relocatable Classroom Program to support enrolment growth;
• $15.3 million for minor capital renewal projects that allow school divisions to address structural repairs and renovations to prolong the life of schools across the province; and
• $7.5 million in funding to begin preplanning for one new replacement school and four new schools.
"We will continue to deliver on important infrastructure for Saskatchewan people," Marit said. "Through strategic investments in health and education projects, we continue to support safe and accessible spaces for communities across the province."
The 2025-26 Budget invests $41.0 million in Saskatchewan's post-secondary infrastructure, including:
• $24.6 million for maintenance and upgrades to help meet the needs of students and staff;
• $7.0 million to support new domestic health care training programs (occupational therapy and speechlanguage pathology);
• $5.6 million for further expansion in health care training programs;
• $2.0 million for planning work for the new Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus;
• $1.0 million for the Carlton Trail College Trades Building Expansion; and
• $720,000 for planning future initiatives.
The 2025-26 Budget invests $435.7 million in transportation infrastructure, providing $421.4 million to improve more than 1,000 km of Saskatchewan's provincial highway network. This includes continued construction and design of passing lanes and twinning projects to increase safety and improve traffic flow, as well as repairing or rebuilding 18 bridges and more than 100 culverts around the province.
The budget provides $14.3 million in capital funding to support economic growth and safety through partnerships with rural and urban municipalities. Approximately $13.8 billion has been invested in highways infrastructure since 2008-09, which has improved more than 21,800 km of highways across the province.
This year's budget provides $249.9 million in transfers to municipalities for infrastructure projects through several programs, including the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Canada CommunityBuilding Fund and the New Building Canada Fund.
• $73.9 million in various water-related infrastructure projects;
• $24.6 million for courts and correctional facilities and equipment;
• $14.2 million for housing capital to repair and renovate provincially owned housing and develop new supportive housing units with third-party organizations; and
• $12.5 million for capital projects throughout the parks system to improve visitor experience, including:
• Completion of a new service centre at Nut Point Campground in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park;
• New backcountry camping sites at Moose Mountain Provincial Park; and
• Improvements and upgrades at Narrow Hills, Makwa Lake, Buffalo Pound, Greenwater Lake and Danielson Provincial Parks.
Saskatchewan's Crown corporations will spend approximately $2.8 billion on capital projects this year to support economic growth and maintain and improve utility infrastructure. This includes:
• Approximately $1.7 billion investment in SaskPower's electricity system;
• $510.3 million through SaskEnergy for the province's natural gas transmission and distribution system; and
• $590.5 million through SaskTel, SGI Canada and Auto Fund, SaskWater, SaskGaming and Crown Investments Corporation.
Over the next four years, the Government of Saskatchewan will invest approximately $10.5 billion through the Crown sector to ensure Saskatchewan families and communities have access to safe, reliable and high-quality services.
The 2025-26 Budget invests $292.9 million in government services infrastructure, including:
Saskatchewan RCMP Warn of Fraudulent Telephone Scams Circulating in Central
Parts of the Province
In December 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP received multiple reports of a fraudulent telephone scam circulating in central Saskatchewan, particularly in the Outlook and Warman detachment areas.
In these reports, a fraudulent caller – reported to be male – contacts victims and tells them their loved one is in legal trouble, such as being in jail or in a car accident. The caller either misrepresented themself as a lawyer or replicated the voice of the loved one in trouble (ie son or grandson). The fraudulent caller then instructed the victim to send them a large sum of cash to help cover legal fees, requesting payment by e-transfer, bitcoin ATM, or in person drop-off. These calls were not from a lawyer, nor the victim’s loved one; they were a scam.
In March 2025, Outlook RCMP received a report of a similar fraudulent telephone scam.
A fraudulent caller, reported to be male, contacted the victim saying that the victim had been hacked. In order to protect themself, the fraudulent caller instructed the victim to withdraw cash from their bank so police could come pick it up and put it in a safe account. The fraudulent caller provided the victim a secret code that they used each time they spoke and told the victim they were not to tell anyone about this interaction to ensure their safety. The caller misrepresented themself; they were not connected with police.
If you receive a similar phone call, hang up immediately. Do not provide any information to the caller or follow through with their request.
Saskatchewan RCMP encourage members of the public to take the following steps to prevent being a victim of telephone fraud:
• Be careful; scammers can spoof telephone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source.
• Slow things down. Scammers create a sense of urgency when they call. If you are unsure if a phone call is a scam, hang up and reach out to your relative with a number you know and trust.
• Never agree to meet with someone who called you asking for money.
• Never give out personal information like your name, address, SIN or banking information over unsolicited calls or emails.
• If you are unsure if an incoming call is from your banking institution, a lawyer, police or a fraudster, hang up and call the agency back using a familiar phone number to confirm the information you were told is accurate.
• Don’t be afraid to say no! Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics or requests to send money right away. Walk away or hang up the phone.
• Remember, anyone can become a victim of fraud – you are not alone. Fraudsters can be very convincing, they are relentless in achieving their goal, and they target people’s emotions and kindness.
If you receive a similar telephone call, please contact your local police at 310RCMP. Report the scam call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through its website at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Rosetown RCMP Investigating Damage to Religious Building in Rosetown
On March 18, 2025, Rosetown RCMP responded to a report of mischief on the 800 block of Highway 4 North in Rosetown, SK.
Investigation determined unknown individual(s) damaged windows at a religious building some time between the afternoon of March 16 and the evening of March 18.
Rosetown RCMP are looking for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity in the area during this period. Police are also asking anyone who lives in the area, or who drove through between the afternoon of March 16 and the evening of March 18, to check home security cameras or dash cameras which may have recorded possible suspects. If your device captured video of suspicious activity, please report it to Rosetown RCMP.
If you have any information about this or any other crime, please contact Rosetown RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit Seize 1 kg of Cocaine During Traffic Stop
On March 18, 2025 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit were making proactive patrols and conducted a traffic stop on Highway #1, west of Regina. The traffic stop involved an SUV.
During subsequent investigation with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP police service dog, officers located and seized approximately one kilogram of cocaine inside the vehicle. A photo is attached.
An adult male, who told investigators he was travelling from Alberta to Manitoba, was arrested at the scene.
41-year-old Jalil Wahab from Calgary, AB is charged with:
• one count, trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Jalil Wahab is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court on May 29, 2025 (Information #90547720).
Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers with the Provincial Protective Services Branch and Regina Police Service assisted in this investigation.
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