May 18, 2023 Digital Issue

Construction on Schedule for Martensville Recreation Centre

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Work has been moving along quickly on the west side of Highway 12 where the new Martensville Recreation Centre will be located. Not only will this facility provide more space for area residents to participate and view sporting events, but it will also provide additional space for local organizations and help to attract major sporting events to the community.

“The facility amenities will include a regulation size ice surface with spectator seating for 900, a small practice ice surface, a field house with full size indoor turf field and baseball pitching and batting tunnels, a rock climbing facility and an indoor play space. It will also have complimentary spaces such as dressing rooms, dryland training space, multi-purpose rooms, office space for administration and community groups and a second level lounge, concession and viewing area. There is also 7700 square feet of retail/commercial space at the front of the building,” City of Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Services, Ted Schaeffer explained.

Currently construction is on schedule and according to Schaeffer it is progressing well. So far, piling and grade beams have been completed and the structural steel for the rink has been installed, with the steel for the field house scheduled to begin this week. “Once all of the steel is up, it will provide a great indication of the size and scope of the facility.”

As long as things continue as planned, the arena portion of the facility is expected to be opening in September of 2024, with the field house portion planned for November 2024.

ABOVE: The conceptual plan for the Martensville Recreation Centre. (Submitted)

Once completed, the facility is expected to employ 30-40 full time and part-time staff, which will include facility administration, programming and operational staff and lounge and concession staff. This project was made possible largely in part by the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP), which was founded by a group of community members in 2014 to help raise funds and awareness of the need for a second ice surface within the community.

Cones Ice Cream is Back in Business

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Residents of Martensville have been anxiously waiting for the popular Cones Ice Cream Shack to open for business so Friday, May 12th couldn’t come soon enough. This popular ice cream shack has been a great addition bringing many flavors of icecream and amazing service to hungry residents in Martensville.

According to Alex Garchinski, one of the three owners, the opening weekend was a huge success. “It was great just like it was last year, and we got so much support from the community and got to see so many familiar faces from last year. We were busy all three days in the heat and had a much better start than the year before which has got us off on the right foot. We are so excited to be back for another year in Kinsmen Park. We have all grown up in Martensville and are overjoyed that we can be a part of what makes it such a great community,” Garchinski stated.

They will be adding several new flavours this year including; Strawberry, Nanaimo Brownie; a flavour based off the Canadian classic Nanaimo Bar; Campfire S’more’s; a flavor that is already a hit with customers; Raspberry Chocolate Truffle; which is highly recommended by Alex; and a dairy free Passion Fruit Sorbet that is perfect for hot summer days.

In addition to ice cream, they will have small bags of chips that can be purchased for $1.50 as well as Coke Zero that will be available for floats.

Cones will once again be operated by the same three entrepreneurs that began running this business in 2021; Alex Garchinski, Carson Heuchert and Wyatt Strueby.

“After starting Cones in Grade 11 when we attended Martensville High School we have all continued to grow with Cones and have each finished our first year of University at the University of Saskatchewan,” said Garchinski.

Alex is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in commerce at the Edwards School of Business. Carson is on the road to becoming a Civil Engineer at the School of Engineering, and Wyatt is working on a degree in Mathematics through the school of Arts and Science, They are at their same location in Kinsmen Park and their hours during May and June are 3-9pm on weekdays and 1-9pm on weekends.

“We are excited to be back and after a great first weekend we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store, thank you for your support Martensville!”

Donations are still being accepted by the MCRP through their Lace ‘Em Up Campaign and can be made online by visiting https://mcrp.ca/donate/. Cheques can also be mailed or dropped off at City Hall and made payable to Martensville Community Recreation Project. With a minimum donation of $1000, names will be added to the Donors Wall inside the Martensville Recreation Centre, and there are also numerous naming opportunities available which can be viewed by visiting www.mcrp.ca.

Deputy Mayor Hosts Successful Event

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On Saturday, May 13th, Martensville Deputy Mayor Jamie Martens hosted an event in Kinsmen Park as an opportunity for the community to come out and get to know some of the local elected officials.

From 1pm-4pm Martens had a petting zoo, a BBQ and face painting available for all who attended. The event saw over 300 people attend and Martens was overjoyed at the success, grateful to all who attended.

“It was important to me to have an accessible community activity that was of no cost to the residents. This was not based on donations; it was based on hard work, volunteers and heart. To have the people attending this event really warmed my heart,” Martens said.

The petting zoo included a wide variety of animals and was a hit with people of all ages, and Martens noted that throughout the event, one of her favorite parts was hearing from community members how much Martensville means to them and why they are proud to call this City their home.

ABOVE: Alex Garchinski, Carson Heuchert and Wyatt Strueby will once again be operating Cones Ice Cream in Martensville’s Kinsmen Park. (Submitted)

ABOVE: Martensville Deputy Mayor Jamie Martens. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

ABOVE: The petting zoo was a huge hit with people of all ages. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

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.

Residential Fire Related Regulations

Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, and Fireworks to ensure the safety of themselves and others in our community.

Regulations include:

- Fires must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge screen and be at least 3m form combustible materials (fences, buildings etc)

- The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited

- Outdoor fires must be supervised and should be extinguished when finished

- Keep a garden hose, pails of water or a source to extinguish a fire nearby

- No permit is required for private fireworks display but those fireworks must be set off in a manner that would not create danger or nuisance to neighbors

- No person under the age of 18 shall set off fireworks

- Ensure you have the civic address of your residence prominently displayed in the event of fire or emergency; this is to ensure responders can clearly identify your home

For a complete list of regulations please visit martensville.ca or contact the Fire Department.

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 will have regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and commenced in May and runs until the end of October Pick-up takes 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.

Charges Laid Following Search Warrant at Martensville Residence

The Saskatoon Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit has concluded a drug trafficking investigation that involved firearms. Investigators became aware of a suspect believed to be trafficking illicit drugs who was also in possession of various guns. Officers conducted surveillance in Saskatoon and Martensville, observing the suspect driving a white, 2017 GMC Sierra Denali making frequent, quick stops, consistent with drug trafficking activity.

On May 12, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 100 block of Chaparral Boulevard in Martensville. The suspect attempted to flee, but was apprehended a short distance away with the help of the Canine Unit. Prior to being taken to SPS Detention, he was transported to hospital for treatment of his minor injuries caused by canine contact. On his person, officers located and seized a large amount of methamphetamine and cash.

ABOVE: Weapons and drugs were found during a search warrant executed in Martensville.

Around that time, a related female suspect was arrested in the 2100 block of Faithfull Avenue in Saskatoon and found in possession of cocaine.

At the residence, Police found: Three shotguns (1 of them sawed-off), One rifle Rifle and shotgun ammunition, 463 grams of methamphetamine, 12.46 grams of cocaine, 8.62 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 99 Xanax pills, 68 hydromorphone pills, $2,376 CAD, Machete, folding knife and expandable baton, 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali and a 2007 Lexus IS350.

A 37-year-old Saskatoon man is facing 10 drug trafficking and possession-related charges. He is also charged with 17 firearms-related offences and Possession of the Proceeds of Crime.

A 33-year-old Martensville woman is facing 10 drug trafficking and possession-related charges and one charge of Possession of the Proceeds of Crime.

Buster Days 2023, June 9th, 10th and 11th

Activities include a Slo-pitch Tournament, Beer Gardens, Inflatables, Fireworks, Parade, Pancake Breakfast, Strongman Provincial Qualifier Competition, Corgi Races, and so much more!

Consider helping out as a volunteer and be part of Martensville’s main annual community event.

Visit busterdays.com for more information and schedule of the weekend’s events. Thank you to all volunteers and sponsors!

Nuisance Abatement Bylaw Information

The Nuisance Abatement Bylaw controls ‘nuisances’ on properties within the City of Martensville in order to improve the safety, health, enjoyment and welfare for residents in the Martensville. Nuisances include dilapidated buildings, land overgrown with grass and weeds, untidy or unsightly property as well as junked vehicles or open excavations.

Owners are responsible for their property’s appearance and maintenance in order to keep Martensville a clean and healthy community for all residents.

For further information on this bylaw, please visit Martensville.ca or contact City Hall.

June 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.

June 6th- Regular Council Meeting

June 13th – Committee of the Whole Meeting

June 20th- Regular Council Meeting

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

City of Martensville Notice

Bylaw #4-2023

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1-2015, by zoning the proposed parcels as shown on the hatched section of the map shown below from FUD- Future Urban Development to C2A - Arterial Commercial

R3

R3

C2A

FUD

REASON: Consistent with concept plan for the area, the zoning of the parcel of land is to allow for commercial development to occur

Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093

advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

EXAMINATION OF BYLAW: This bylaw may be examined by interested persons at City Hall on any judicial day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Copies of the Bylaw and Notice are available at a cost of $1.00.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on June 6th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the City Hall prior to May 31, 2023

Dated at Martensville this 11th day of May, 2023

Bonnie Gorelitza Planning Manager

Saskatoon Police Service

Lions Park Construction Underway to Create Mobility Playground

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Lions Park in Martensville is in the process of getting some upgrades in the coming weeks.

Construction started Saturday, May 13th, which will see the playground shut down for two weeks, with additional work extended up to four weeks, but will not affect the use of the playground.

Martensville and District Lion’s Club in partnership with the city and support from the community have worked hard to create this park into what it is today, and their goal is to now make it into a mobility playground so children and adults with disabilities can enjoy the hard surface and interact with others.

They will be installing accessible rubber surfacing throughout the entire playground, adding accessible swing sets, and additional equipment to make it mobility friendly.

This park features a spray pool with 17 spray features, playground structure, park benches and a gazebo. The spray park opens the first weekend in June and runs until after the September long weekend.

It is located at 416 6th Avenue South and runs daily from 10am to 8pm.

Regional Race Returns

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

In 2017, the Regional Race took place for the first time as an Economic Development partnership between Martensville and Warman and has since evolved into a fundraiser for KidSport. This year, the SaskWater Regional Race: Run or Ride took place on Saturday, May 13th and began in Warman at Prairie Oasis Park, ending in Martensville at the North Ridge Community Centre. Shuttles were available to take participants to the start line from the finish line.

A total of 66 people registered for the event, a number that Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Recreation Program Coordinator, was very pleased with.

Money raised through this event will go towards supporting KidSport within the two communities and between registration fees and donations, approximately $1500 was raised. “Since Covid, this is only the second race that has been held, but it has been a success in how much money we have raised,” McCulloch said.

This year had a new route created due to feedback collected from the race in 2021. “We started and ended the race in one of the City’s main parks and chose roads that were mostly paved to make it easier for all of our participants. We will be adjusting the course for future races, but the change we made for the weekend was a positive one,” McCulloch explained.

Due to the success of the event, both McCulloch and Coralie Bueckert, City of Warman Recreation and Community Events Supervisor, are already making big plans for next year’s race, which will be held on Mother’s Day weekend once again.

“We would like to take a moment to thank SaskWater for being our title sponsor for the event. With their generous contributions, we were able to donate all of the registration fees towards KidSport.”

Walk for Dog Guides Prepares for 9th Annual Event in Martensville

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The 9th annual Lions Foundation of Canada Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides in Martensville will be taking place on Sunday, May 28th. This event brings people of all ages together to help raise funds and awareness for Dog Guides. Funds raised through events such as this one help the Lions Foundation of Canada provide dog guides to families in need throughout the country.

Dog Guide puppies go home with volunteer foster families, that, with staff’s help, train them in basic obedience and to be comfortable in all types of environments. By the age of 14-16 months, the dogs are returned to the organization to attend “Dog Guide University” and major in one of the seven programs available; hearing, seizure response, service, autism assistance, diabetic alert, facility support and canine vision. Dogs receive training for approximately six months and then are matched to a client.

“This entire process costs $35,000 and it includes lifelong follow-up support while the dog is working. The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is our most vital fundraising event. We rely on the success of the walk to continue to match Dog Guides at no cost to people with a medical or physical disability,” Angela Thibert, Communications Coordinator for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, explained.

Registration for the event will begin at 1pm, with the walk taking place at 2pm, followed by a barbeque and refreshments. There will be participant bags provided for all that include treats for the dogs. The event will also include a chance to win door prizes, and raffle items. The walk will begin in Martensville’s Lions Park, located on 6th Avenue South, and proceed to Cones Ice Cream where all dogs will be treated to pup cups.

To get involved, you can register and fundraise for the event to participate as an individual or as a team, donate online, or come out and attend the event and see people that have directly benefited from this amazing organization.

Sponsors help make events like this one a success, so organizers would like to thank; Pet Valu Martensville, Pet Valu Warman, Pet Valu Market Mall – Saskatoon, Pet Valu Kensington – Saskatoon, Paws Republic Centre for Pets, Canadian Tire, Pharmasave, Martensville Veterinary Clinic, Canalta Inn, Martensville Messenger, Affinity Credit Union, Clark Crossing Gazette, Co-op Martensville, Costco –Saskatoon and Fuddruckers – Saskatoon.

“Donations to this event can help purchase a vaccine to keep a puppy healthy, an extra fire alarm to train one more Hearing Dog Guide, a flight for a client that is on their way to Oakville to meet their four-legged partner and so much more,” Thibert said.

To register, donate, or learn more about the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, visit www.walkfordogguides.com.

ABOVE: The first participants to cross the finish line at the 2023 SaskWater Regional Race: Run or Ride. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

Martensville High School Once Again Astounds Audience with Amazing Performance

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On May 5th and 6th, a group of talented staff and students from Martensville High School came together to put on a performance of ‘Clue’, directed by Camille Oberhofer and Krysta Fraser, both in their first year of teaching at MHS.

According to Oberhofer, the main goal for this year’s performance was to have fun and get people involved again, as many of the students involved haven’t had a chance to take part in one of the productions that MHS has become known for throughout the years. Due to the Covid pandemic, performances were halted so Oberhofer noted that they wanted to “dust ourselves off and figure things out.”

The cast consisted of 15 students, with additional students taking part as stage crew, makeup, hair, sound, lights, microphones, set builders, catering, costume and media designers. Cast included: Madison Mcintyre as Wadsworth, Makenna Hamm as Miss Scarlet, Caitlyn Grosskleg as Mrs. Peacock, Chantal Brooman as Mrs. White, Megan Epp as Colonel Mustard, Jarren Cusson as Professor Plum, Nathan Shutra as Mr. Green, Emma Hanley as Yvette, Rylee Anderson as Mr. Boddy, Dallas Houle as the Cook, Pine Petrie as the Motorist, Jade Chabot as the Unexpected Cop/Voice of Newscaster, Elizabeth CodeJones as the Chief of Police, Chase Camsell as Backup Cop #1/Voice of McCarthy, Abby Brenner as Singing Telegram Girl and Tristan Lazar as Backup Cop #2.

“A lot went into choosing this year’s play. Since it has been some time since MHS’s last drama production, we wanted a script that included a large ensemble cast and was also nonsensical and fun that would encourage people to join. We also wanted to include a large set to make use of our beautiful theatre. ‘Clue’ was perfect as it included a variety of characters and allows the stage crew to be included in the action,” Oberhofer said.

Previously, Oberhofer has directed some small one-act dinner theatre plays at Rosthern High School, but this was the first of this extent that she was able to take part in. “I assistant directed a couple full length plays when I was in high school at Evan hardy, so this has always been a dream of mine to direct a play of this grandeur. I need to give credit to my co-director Krysta Fraser for all of the time and effort she put into the production to make it look amazing. Since I am a mother of three young kids, I knew I would need support and when Krysta asked me early on if she could help, I graciously accepted. I am flabbergasted at how well we work together. I always envision the big picture and she takes it in and fine tunes everything to make it look spectacular,” Oberhofer stated.

For Fraser, this was her first time directing a play; however, it had been a long-time goal of hers to take part in something of this nature, so when the opportunity presented itself, she wanted to dive in. “I knew I needed to be involved and immediately ran to ask if I could be Camille’s co-director. We are like yin and yang and the partnership worked really well.”

Both directors took away a lot from this experience, and despite the incredible amount of work involved, they both acknowledged that they are hooked and already thinking about next year’s performance.

“We are so grateful for how supportive the staff and the school has come together to make our play such a success. We had a teacher come in on Sunday and build the set, and another that designed the tickets so they were ready on time. One made costumes for our cast and we cannot forget the students who worked hours getting all nine of our wireless microphones to work properly. We are incredibly thankful for all of the support we received and we really hope to see you all again next year.”

ABOVE & BELOW RIGHT: Several cast members from Martensville High School perform ‘Clue’. (Photo submitted)

Isn't it Time for a PST Cut?

Given that Saskatchewan is called next year country, it’s perhaps unsurprising we will have to wait until next year to see a major tax break. According to Finance Minister Donna Harpauer - about as salt of the earth as they come in Saskatchewan politics - we can never quite be sure in this farming and resource-based province.

The Saskatchewan Party government needs to remain “cautious of relying on revenues that are not stable year over year over year,” Harpauer said, in budget estimates last week. “It’s very easy to point to that money and say spend it until it’s gone.”

An added measure of caution always seems necessary. Maybe we can squeeze another out of the old truck, car or combine because you never know if next year’s crop will allow you to cover the payments, but when you’re having a very good year like Harpauer is having in 2023-24 with a proposed billion-dollar surplus is such excessive cautiousness still necessary? Didn’t we have a pretty good year last year, too?

The Saskatchewan government conservatively predicts $19.7 billion in revenue in 2023-24 fiscal year; only a bit less than the $20.3 billion in revenue we saw in 2022-23 (although it should be noted that March 2022 budget was similarly cautious predicting only $17-billionplus in revenue when it was initially introduced).

Sure, Saskatchewan remains at the mercy of unpredictable resource revenues, but the 2023-24 prediction of $3.3 billion from those ever-unpredictable non-renewable resource revenues ($963 million from oil and gas compared with nearly $1.2 billion last year and $1.4 billion from potash compared with $2.4 billion in 2022-23) are a really conservative estimate.

To the credit of Harpauer and her government, we have moved away from relying on nearly a quarter of budget revenue coming from resources to only 12.5 per cent of all revenue in this most recent budget relying on natural resources. Yet while not quite as dramatic, this government continues to rake in more and more each from taxes.

According to 2023-24 budget estimates, we can expect $9.3 billion in total taxation revenue; the lion’s share of which comes $3 billion and individual income and $2.7 billion from sales tax; however, it’s that sale tax we continue to pay at a time when people are struggling with inflationary costs that’s problematic. How is this “growth that works for everyone?”

“They’re trying to convince (people) the reality they know is wrong,” NDP finance critic Trent Wotherspoon said last week. “I think it’s alarming.”

The NDP followed that up with a press conference in which they presented a basket of $150 worth of food bought at a local grocery store - granola bars, yogurt, ready-to-eat salad and rotisserie chicken that is actually cheaper than the raw product.

This has been the way it’s been since 2017 when the Sask. Party government - in a previous budget crunch under former premier Brad Wall - not only hiked the sales tax but also expanded it to include junk food and pre-prepared meals that were previously untaxed by the province.

"For clarity, we just use the federal government criteria," Harpauer told reporters last week, explaining she was simply following federal taxation policy; ironic for a government loathe to follow the feds on anything.

"It's clearly for the retailer because it does create a lot of confusion."

So why not keep it clean and simple and just drop the six-per-cent PST to four-per-cent — lower than the five-per-cent PST we had when the Sask. Party entered office in 2007? "I would like to lower the PST," Harpauer told reporters. "I’d love it! We'll see how we do."

One guesses her Sask. Party would love it too because 2024 will be an election year, but political games aside, it does seem we can afford such a major tax break. Heaven knows, we need one.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Investments in Economic Growth Strategies

Saskatchewan recently recognized Economic Development Week and Indigenous Economic Development Day, dedicated to highlighting the value of economic development and its role in Saskatchewan’s growth. Saskatchewan is experiencing strong economic growth; the province’s GDP increased by 5.7 per cent from 2021 to 2022, the highest growth rate in Canada. The agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry saw the highest rate of change, a 45.6 per cent increase in GDP.

In the 2023-24 Provincial Budget, our government has continued to invest in further economic growth. This budget continues to position Saskatchewan as a global leader in the exploration and mining of critical minerals. Saskatchewan has occurrences of 23 of the 31 critical minerals on the Canadian Critical Minerals List and some of them, such as potash and uranium, are in world-class deposits. Critical minerals are key for securing the future of our economy and are used in products such as mobile phones, solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines and medical devices.

Our government is expanding the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive to include exploration drilling for all hard-rock minerals and increased funding to support emerging commodities. The Saskatchewan Mineral Exploration Tax Credit is being tripled, from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, to help attract additional mineral exploration investment and make us more competitive with other jurisdictions. Another investment will improve geoscience data, used by exploration companies as they consider projects, allowing geoscientists to compile and analyze broader amounts of data, improving the information provided to explorers and stakeholders. For the agricultural sector, the budget includes a 19 per cent increase to fund programs, services, research and business risk management solutions. Our government has finalized the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) with the federal government, which includes enhanced strategic programming for Saskatchewan producers and will see investment of more than $89 million per year. Under the Sustainable CAP, flagship programs such as the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program will continue, helping producers develop secure and sustainable water sources to mitigate the impact of drought. A further investment of $408 million will support a suite of risk management programs, including Crop Insurance, AgriStability and Wildlife Damage Insurance.

The budget extends the Saskatchewan Manufacturing and Processing Exporter Tax Incentive until December 31, 2023. The incentive provides non-refundable tax credits to eligible corporations to increase the number of manufacturing and processing-related full-time employees. In addition, the small business tax rate reduction, which was extended in the summer of 2022, will remain at 0 per cent until July 1, 2023. The extension helps 31,000 Saskatchewan small businesses address challenges like inflationary pressures, interest rate hikes and labour shortages. Total savings through the reduction are estimated to reach $435 million for Saskatchewan’s small businesses.

The Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC) will see an investment of $75 million. Launched in 2022, the SIIFC supports Indigenous-equity ownership of major projects in mining, energy, oil and gas, forestry, and value-added agriculture. This corporation is helping to reach the Growth Plan goal of growing Indigenous participation in our natural resource industries.

The budget includes $1.4 million to establish a trade office in Germany, the world’s fourth-largest economy. Together with funding to support trade with the United States, this brings the total International Trade and Investment Strategy to $19.3 million to advance economic interests abroad. Our expanded international presence includes trade offices in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Vietnam, Japan, India, Singapore and China.

These investments in economic growth are paying off. The 2022 Real Gross Domestic Product report released earlier this month by Statistics Canada showed Saskatchewan with the highest increase among provinces, with a 5.7 per cent jump from 2021. On the labour force front, Saskatchewan has seen 25 consecutive months of job growth. Our unemployment rate is just 4.8 per cent, which is below the national average and second among the provinces. Private investment in the province has reached $32 billion in recent years, committed to over 80 large-scale projects in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and processing, forestry, mining, and oil and gas extraction. Saskatchewan’s total merchandise exports reached $52 billion in 2022, up 41.5 per cent from the year before, and more exports abroad means more jobs here in the province.

Investments in economic growth continue to create growth that works for everyone. To learn more, please visit Saskatchewan.ca.

Fire Ban Issued for Saskatchewan North of

Highway 16

Due to hot, dry conditions and an extreme fire risk that covers most of northern Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a provincial fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, effective immediately.

The fire ban includes any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks.

Many municipalities already have fire bans in place. The SPSA encourages all municipalities to examine the fire risk in their area.

"While many people are looking forward to the long weekend, the decision to implement a fire ban is necessary in order to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure and resources from wildfire," SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said.

There are currently 28 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatchewan has had more than double the amount of wildfires usually seen at this time of year.

People can find the latest fire risk maps and municipal fire ban map at saskpublicsafety.ca.

Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 911 or contact their closest SPSA Response Area office.

Letter to the Editor

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AGRICULTURE

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Send resume and

work references to:

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Council Approves Bylaw Changes to Help Control Cat Population in Martensville

At the May 16th Martensville City Council meeting, one of the items on the agenda went back to a presentation made to Council in September of 2022, when SCAT Street Cat Rescue attended a meeting to speak to Council proposing that changes be made to the Animal Control Bylaw to allow the organization to perform TNRM (Trap, Neuter, Return, Manage), within the community to help reduce the feline overpopulation that is occurring.

Within their presentation, they spoke to Council about how these programs have proven effective in reducing the number of cats within a community over time, as long as the program is continued and maintained.

The current bylaw states that Paws Republic Centre for Pets will house stray cats for three days while attempting to locate a home. If unsuccessful, the cat would be turned over to SCAT, or euthanized. Due to over-capacity, SCAT has currently halted any intake, and in conversations with the City of Martensville, Paws Republic has stated they would no longer house cats for the City if they plan on euthanizing the animals.

“If the City’s goal is to reduce the number of cats that are running at large in the community, the TNR program may be a viable option. The City’s commitment would be making bylaw changes to allow for the TNR program, funding for spay or neutering, micro-chipping, vaccinations, and education for the public,” Fire Chief/ Bylaw Director, Kurtis Dyck explained.

The topic was discussed at last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting, where Council was in favor of supporting the TNR Program, and this week, formal approval was made to the bylaw modifications.

“The hope is that this will help control the wild cat population and reduce the ever-increasing pressures on housing these animals,” Martensville Mayor Kent Muench said.

Proposed Alteration of Boundaries

The Council of the City of Martensville hereby gives notice to hold a public hearing to consider the alteration the City boundary to include the following lands, which are also shown on the map below:

SE 22-38-05-W3

SE 22-38-05-W3 Plan 78S14377 Ext 1

Parcel C, D, R & S Plan 102383906 within the NE & SE ¼ Section 20 Twp. 38 Rge.5 W3Mer

These lands are currently within the Rural Municipality of Corman Park No. 344. Boundary alteration is also referred to as ‘annexation’.

Reason for Boundary Alteration –

To annex lands recently subdivided adjacent to the new overpass and plan for future storm water improvements.

Objections – Any person may file a written objection to the proposed boundary alteration. The written objection must be received by the City of Martensville, Box 970, Martensville, S0K 2T0 on or before 5:00 p.m. June 23, 2023. If any written objections are received on or before that date, City Council will conduct a public meeting. If a public meeting is to be held, a separate notice will be published.

For more information, please contact: Bonnie Gorelitza, Planning Manager (306-683-5564) or email planningmanager@martensville.ca

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Martensville’s Klassen Chosen as Regina Pats First Selection in 2023 WHL Prospects Draft

The Regina Pats made 12 selections in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft on Thursday May 10, taking seven forwards, four defencemen and one goalie.

“Like any draft, you say you leave the draft excited with the prospects you got,” said Director of Scouting Dale McMullin. “Of course those players have to do their part moving forward but the scouts put in a long winter in a lot of cold rinks so today is an accumulation of a hard winter of work.”

The Pats took seven players from Manitoba, two players from Saskatchewan, two from Alberta and one from Colorado today.

“It’s just the way it lined up,” McMullin added. “We worked with about 110 kids and when the Saskatchewan boy went or the Alberta boy went, the Manitoba kid was just up next. It’s just the way it worked out this year.”

One of the selections included Martensville’s Cohen Klassen, who was the Pats first selection of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. Klassen plays forward and tallied an impressive 61 points (32G-29A) in 24 games this past season with the Martensville Marauders, leading his team in goals, assists and points in 202223. His goals were T-10th in the SAAHL U15 league.