National Impaired Driving Week Takes Place From March 19-25

National Impaired Driving Week will be taking place from March 19-25, and with this, Corman Park Police Service is reminding drivers that, “tremendous progress has been made over the years to reduce impaired driving, but despite advances in laws and penalties, enforcement and awareness, some people continue to drive impaired. Impaired driving continues to kill hundreds of Canadians and injure thousands more.”

In Saskatchewan, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 will lead to a criminal charge, but there are also penalties for driving with a lower BAC. For new drivers, which includes drivers that are 21 and under, or anyone that is a Learner, Novice 1 or Novice 2 driver under SGI’s Graduated Driver Licensing programs, there is zero tolerance. For experienced drivers, which includes drivers that are 22 years or older, and no longer a Learner of Novice, they are not legally permitted to drive with a BAC of .04 or higher. For all drivers, there is zero tolerance for drugs.

“Saskatchewan has some of the toughest administrative penalties for impaired driving in the country,” said SGI President and CEO Penny McCune. “We want people to be aware of the provincial limits – and the consequences for exceeding them – so drivers will make good choices.”

In 2022 within Saskatchewan, police issued 1,968 short-term licence suspensions to drivers for exceeding provincial limits for alcohol or drugs. While the consequences vary based on several factors (driver’s experience, number of repeat offences, whether the driver was transporting passengers under the age of 16), a driver caught driving with a BAC between .04 and .08 -- or with drugs in their system -- will face:

Immediate roadside licence suspension (starting at three days for an experienced driver and 60 days for a new driver);

• Immediate vehicle impoundment, minimum of three days;

• Mandatory impaired driving education program (a weekend-long “Driving Without Impairment” [DWI] course for a first offence);

• Four Safe Driver Recognition demerit points; and, Mandatory Ignition Interlock for a third or subsequent offence.

There is a financial cost to go along with the inconvenience of not having a driver’s licence or a vehicle. Drivers must pay for the cost of the DWI program and registered owners are liable for the towing and storage fees for their impounded vehicle. There are also lost insurance discounts or additional financial penalties that result from demerits with the Safe Driver Recognition program, depending on the driving record.

“People are often surprised to find out they are required to complete a weekend impaired driving education program even for a first time, non-criminal impaired driving offence, and if you don’t complete the necessary program, your driver’s licence will be suspended,” said Saskatoon DWI coordinator Lynn Prestley.

Of course, these consequences are minor compared to the potentially devastating cost of driving impaired. The leading cause of fatal collisions in Saskatchewan continues to be impaired driving, and impairment starts with the first drink.

The only definite way to avoid facing the penalties of driving impaired is to always ensure you have a safe ride home. It’s best to make a plan before you’re impaired, but even if you didn’t, there’s always a better choice. If you've been drinking or using drugs, have a sober designated driver, phone a friend or family member, catch a taxi, rideshare or designated driving service, or stay the night. Help others make good choices, too.

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!

March 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. Committee of the Whole - March 14th

Regular Council Meeting – March 21st

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

Licensing Our Pets, Annual Renewals

By licensing your pet, your pet can be identified in the event it escapes or ends up ‘at large’. Our Bylaw officials and partners will be able to quickly identify the pet and contact the owner. License fees also help fund the housing cost of pets and animals that have been found ‘at large’.

Pet licenses must be purchased and renewed annually unless a lifetime license has been purchased.

Annual licenses expire Dec 31st and must be renewed by March 1st.

Annual license cost $20 per year

Lifetime licenses cost $30 (pet must be microchipped)

Licenses are sold at the following outlets; City Hall, Affinity Animal Hospital, Furrific Grooming & Boutique and Paws Republic.

Reminder to Clean-Up after Our Pets

Please be reminded to clean-up after our pets on the pathways and the off-leash dog park. The mess can be potentially harmful to other pets, exposing them to parvovirus and these public spaces are for everyone to enjoy. Remember to bring along a baggy or use one of the baggy stations located along the pathways and dispose of the mess properly.

The Martensville Business Expo is Coming March 24th & 25th

Connect with the businesses and organizations in our community and learn more about products, services and opportunities in the community.

There will be delicious food, great drinks, interactive booths, sales and local entertainment all Expo long! Friday will feature a job fair and career sessions to assist and connect job seekers with local employers.

There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday from 8-10 AM and it is by donation!

Admission to the Expo is $2.

Watch for updates in the coming weeks on the weekend’s activities.

To register your business for a booth contact the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce.

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.

U15 AA Marauder Captain Klassen Signs on With U18AAA Warman Wildcats

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Cohen Klassen has had an amazing season with the Martensville Marauders. As captain of the U15AA team, to date he has racked up a total of 32 goals and 29 assists.

This 14-year-old from Martensville also competed in the Sask First Male U15 Top 80 Tournament that took place from February 17-19 in Balgonie and was chosen as one of the top 32 players in the tournament. Players that competed in the tournament first participated in evaluations during the Sask First Under-15 Top 160 that was held in December, where they were narrowed down to a pool of 80 players. He will now attend Summer and Fall camps before the final 20 athletes are then selected to represent Saskatchewan at the 2023 WHL Cup.

Cohen’s dad Jon said, “It has been a really positive season for him, we are proud. Cohen is a pretty mellow chill kid and doesn’t get too excited about much until its game time.”

In other exciting news, Klassen also recently signed on with the U18AAA Warman Wildcats for the upcoming season. Good luck Cohen!