Raised

In SLGA Retail Auctions

The auctions to sell the permits associated with Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) Retail Inc. stores have concluded, with bids totaling $45,077,800.

"We are pleased to see these auctions come to a successful conclusion," Minister Responsible for SLGA Lori Carr said. "The incredible amount of interest means that we will have additional revenue to put toward the high-quality public services we all enjoy."

Auctions for the 35 permits were conducted online through McDougall Auctions, beginning February 6 with the final auctions closing February 24. Final bids for the permits ranged from $450,000 (Carlyle) to $3,270,000 (La Ronge).

Winning bidders will now begin the application process for the retail store permit. Prospective retailers must meet all SLGA licensing requirements to hold a permit. The timelines for issuance of permits will vary, depending how soon prospective retailers submit and meet all application requirements, secure locations, hire staff and make other preparations to open for business. Successful bidders have 18 months to obtain their permit and open their business. Bid amounts must be fully paid before a permit is issued.

Twenty seven of SLGA Retail Inc.'s liquor stores have now closed. The final seven will close at the end of business March 11.

Adding up all the reasons it’s important to #BuckleUp

447 tickets for seatbelts and car seats in January

In January, SGI reminded the public that there are a million reasons why everyone should buckle up. Results from the January Traffic Safety Spotlight added another 78,225 reasons. Where does that number come from?

Well, last month, police issued 447 tickets for improperly restrained drivers or passengers, including; 380 tickets to drivers not wearing a seatbelt, +47 tickets to passengers not wearing a seatbelt, +20 tickets to drivers for children not restrained in the correct booster or car seat and 447 tickets.

Each of those tickets cost $175, which is 447 x 175 = 78,225 more reasons they should’ve buckled up. (Seatbelt tickets also come with three demerit points, which can lead to additional financial penalties or loss of insurance discounts under the Safe Driver Recognition program. Even more reasons!)

Of all the reasons you should wear a seatbelt, the most important one is the fact that it significantly increases the chance that you’ll escape serious injury or death in the event of a collision. In Saskatchewan, the approximately five per cent of people who don’t wear seatbelts represented one-third of drivers or passengers who lost their lives in auto crashes. In 2021, 20 drivers or passengers were killed while not wearing a seatbelt. Ample evidence proving seatbelts save lives is as easy to find on the Internet as buckling up. Other results from January:

• 369 impaired driving offences, including 214 Criminal Code charges;

• 4,109 tickets for speeding and aggressive driving offences; and

• 609 tickets issued for distracted driving, including 534 for using a cellphone

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.