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Your City; Your Newspaper May 21, 2021
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Martensville’s Kinsmen Park is home to many forms of wildlife and this particular beaver decided to take a swim on a peaceful night. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)
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Page 2 - MAY 21, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166
Visit www.martensville.ca for more information COVID-19 Vaccine Update
2021 is a Revaluation Year - What Do You Need To Know About Your Assessment and Taxes?
There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available.
The City and the Province set tax mill rates which are applied to the property assessment values to determine the tax levy for city and education property tax.
Commencing on April 1st the North Ridge Centre opened as an available vaccination centre.
2021 Assessment Notices were mailed to all property owners April 30, 2021.
A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine.
Detailed information about the 2021 Revaluation, Assessment, Taxes and the 2021 Budget can be found at Martensville.ca under, ‘Services for Residents, Property Tax and Assessment’.
Bookings for vaccination can also be accessed by calling 1-833-SASKVAX
Property owners may also view their property report and assessment information online for at MySAMA & SAMAView after April 30th.
Please continue to watch for updates for vaccine clinics in the area and for when you may be eligible to sign-up.
Questions about Assessment can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166, or SAMA directly at 933-5385.
Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic What You Should Know!
City of Martensville Public Notice City ofPlan Martensville City Official Community - Bylaw 2 -Hall 2020
City Hall is Open; however, with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.
of Operation: Public notice is hereby given that the CouncilHours of the City of Martensville, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to adopt an Official Community Plan (OCP) No. 2-2020. Monday to Friday
Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall. Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Residents are required to wear nonmedical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines.
INTENT - The proposed Official Community Plan bylaw will establish municipal goals, (Excluding Statutory Holidays) objectives and policies relating to land use and development. This bylaw proposes to update the future land use map and current policies affected by the recent annexation, provincial legislative amendments, and City Master Plans. New sections include policies for reconciliation, climate change, financing growth, Sector and Concept Plans, and working within Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G). This amendment will also adopt the West Sector Plan as an appendix to the OCP.
Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home.
AFFECTED LAND - The proposed bylaw will affect all the property within the corporate boundaries of the City of Martensville.
Current Status of Public Facilities as of May 6th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open but Drop in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance with Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan Aquatic Centre - Closed for the Season North Ridge Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Closed for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open
REASON - The Official Community Plan will guide development decisions by identifying municipal goals and objectives.
City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca
PUBLIC HEARING - Council will hold a public hearing via Zoom at 5:00 PM on May 18th, 2021, to hear any person or group that wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at City Hall prior to May 12th, 2021.
After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.
Business Property Tax and Utility Update
The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time.
June Council Meeting Dates
Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend. Regular Council Meeting - June 1st Committee of the Whole - June 8th Regular Council Meeting - June 15th 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 5PM. 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.
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
PUBLIC INSPECTION - Any person may inspect the proposed bylaws on the City of Martensville website at www.martensville.ca/ocp2021 or at City Hall, 37 Centennial Drive South, Martensville, SK, between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available to persons at cost or downloaded for free at www. martensville.ca.
Dated at Martensville this April 15th 2021 Bonnie Gorelitza, Planning Manager
Recreation Program Update Buster Days, Monster Garage Sale
Monster Garage Sale: May 28th and 29th
It is spring and that means it is time to declutter your house! Register your house for the MGS and you will get your address on all the flyers, signage, and balloons! Registration is now open and can be done via the City of Martensville Website or by calling 306-683-5576. Buster Days 2021: June 4th, 5th, 6th Registration for all Buster Days events is open NOW on the City registration portal. Due to COVID-19 restrictions around gathering, everyone must register and register each person that will be attending events. Events are being capped at 30. There is no parade for 2021 Buster Days. For a full list of activities follow Buster days on Facebook!
martensville messenger - MAY 21, 2021 - Page 3
WEEKEND WEATHER
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Aerator Installation Necessity For Re-Stocking Pond at Kinsmen Park Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Four years ago Steve Cusson, owner/operator of Phobia Auto Care came up with a unique plan to help provide a family friendly activity within the community. In doing so, Cusson created something in Martensville that many people have come to appreciate – a pond stocked with fish in Kinsmen Park that provides both a summer and winter activity. “I felt like this would be a cool family activity to have in Martensville and it was something different than most towns had to offer,” said Cusson. In 2020, Cusson decided not to stock the pond due to a drop in sales because of COVID-19; however, this year, he was looking forward to re-stocking the pond. Before doing so though, some research was required. “Each year, we were seeing a lot of winter kill. In winter, there is a drop in water levels and decaying plants suck the oxygen out of the water, which was causing a lower survival rate for the fish. I started looking into aerator options that would help put oxygen into the water and keep the fish happy, healthy and alive,” Cusson explained. Following his research, Cusson submitted his findings to the City of Martensville where it then required approval from City Council. Information was provided to Council, discussed at the May 11 Committee of the Whole meeting, and approved at the May 18 meeting. Following this approval, Cusson confirmed that he would be taking the next step which includes re-stocking the pond with 500 fish. The windmill style aerator will be installed closer to fall in preparation for winter temperatures, which is where it will be most beneficial. This style of aerator has no electrical requirements and will pump oxygen into the water as it spins. Although the fish will be added to the pond this year, Cusson noted that when re-stocking the fish, he is always planning a year in advance. “For these fish, it will be fall before they are a fishable size, but really, it is over winter when they aren’t moving a lot and eating quite a bit that they really grow. By spring they will be really big. We are always planning ahead with this project and preparing for the upcoming year.” One concern that was made regarding the addition of the aerator into the pond was that the ice thickness in the area where the bubbles come to the surface will be affected. Ted Schaeffer provided information to Council regarding this and stated in his report that ice thickness returns to normal a metre or two away from the diffuser. To help ensure public safety, the affected area could be fenced off and the ice thickness monitored on a regular basis.
M
ESSENGER
Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.
Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Wildlife sightings are a common occurrence within Saskatchewan, and therefore it is always a good practice to be aware of your surroundings and educate yourself in order to keep yourself, your loved ones, and wildlife as safe as possible. This past weekend a moose was spotted within the Martensville Dog Park, which is a good reminder to us all that even though we are within city limits, wildlife sightings are still very much a reality. This moose, spotted by Amanda S., caught the woman and her dog off guard and ABOVE: This moose was spotted in the thankfully all made it through the encounter Martensville Dog Park this past weekend. (Amanda S.) unscathed; however, moose do have the potential to be aggressive, especially if they are startled, during mating season, or while they are young. As large animals, standing anywhere from 5 to 6.5 feet from hooves to shoulders and weighing between approximately 600-1300 lbs (depending on sex of the moose), they can be a major threat. Moose can kick with both their front and back feet and have been known to charge. If this happens, back away and find something to put between you and the moose such as a car or a tree.
Mental Health Support a Priority For Prairie Spirit School Division This month, Prairie Spirit School Division announced a new addition to help support students and families during these difficult and everchanging times. PSSD will now have a Virtual Mental Health Counsellor available Monday to Friday during school hours until June 29, by appointment. This will be in addition to the school-based counsellors
available at each of the PSSD schools. These virtual supports can include topics such as general consultation and inquiries accessing resources, and/ or short-term counselling for registered PSSD students. This option is available via telephone or videoconferencing, and will mainly focus on issues impacting students throughout their school day.
Things Are Groovy at École Holy Mary
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Moose on the Loose
Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca
Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit
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“When the needs of a student are deemed to require longer term counselling, or involve issues not impacting the student at school, the Virtual Mental Health Counsellor will work with the student and their family to access community mental health services,” PSSD explained via social media. Appointments can be made by calling or texting (306)371-4214 or emailing virtualMH@ spiritsd.ca.
May 12 was Hippie/Tie Dye day at École Holy Mary School. Students and staff got into the spirit and showed off some disco moves and flower power.
ABOVE & BELOW: Staff and students celebrated Hippie/Tie Dye Day at École Holy Mary on May 12.
Page 4 - MAY 21, 2021 - martensville messenger
POLICE
BEAT
Saskatoon Police Look For Public Assistance in Locating Vehicle Suspected in Fatal Hit and Run Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
On May 10, the Saskatoon Police Service responded to a call regarding a hit and run accident that had occurred on the 3200 block of 33rd Street West. Police were informed that someone had been injured and upon arrival, located a female that had severe life-threatening injuries. Medavie Health Services and the Saskatoon Fire Department attended to the scene and performed life-saving measures; however, the female succumbed to her injuries. A Collision Analyst was called to the scene to investigate and following police investigation, an update was made on May 17, with police seeking assistance
from the public in locating a vehicle that is believed to have been involved in the fatal collision. Police are seeking a blue, 2007, Jeep Compass. The vehicle may have an Alberta licence plate on it and is likely to have visible front-end damage. The back window may be missing and covered with plastic. Anyone with any information related to this vehicle is asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
On May 13 and 14, Corman Park Police were joined by members from Saskatchewan Highway Patrol and SGI for vehicle and trailer inspections, as well as heavy commercial vehicle inspections. These inspections were carried out at different locations within the RM of Corman Park. Approximately 25 trailers were placed out of service for safety violations. Approximately 50 tickets were issued for other safety violations. A few heavy commercial vehicles were placed out of service for safety violations as well.
BELOW: SPS is looking for public assistance in locating this vehicle that is believed to have been involved in a fatal hit and run. (SPS)
ABOVE: Numerous safety violations were issued during a partnership between Corman Park Police and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol. (CPPS)
Multiple Charges Laid After Large Amounts of Copper Wire Found CALL 306-668-1093 or email advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca
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Police Seek Assistance Locating Persons of Interest in Saskatoon Homicide Investigation
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On May 13 at approximately 2am, Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) were patrolling in the Yellowhead Industrial Park when an SUV was noticed parked in a field beside a business. CPPS investigated and found a male in the field near the business. It was learned the ABOVE: A large amount male was breaching his of copper wire was found court issued curfew. The inside a vehicle searched by male was arrested and a Corman Park Police. (CPPS) subsequent search of his vehicle turned up a large amount of copper wire. A further search revealed more cut copper wire laying inside the compound of the business. The male was subsequently arrested on charges of breaching his curfew, possession of stolen property, mischief, and possession of break and enter tools. The male was remanded in custody for a future court date.
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The Saskatoon Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying persons of interest who may be relevant to the homicide investigation of 29-yearold Sabrina Clark. Clark was the second homicide in Saskatoon this year and currently there have been no arrests made in connection to her death. The body of Clark was found on February 18 in a home in the 700 block of 33rd St. West. On May 18, SPS released photographs that show people of interest that police say may be relevant to the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or Saskatoon Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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Providing More Garden Options in a Growing Community Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Last summer was the first year for the newest community garden option in our city, which is located beside the Martensville Speedway on 9th Avenue North. For its inaugural year, there were a total of ten spots created within Martensville Gardens, all of which were filled with local residents that had been on a waiting list for a spot within the 12-plot community garden location in Kinsmen Park, east of the basketball court. These garden plots are available through a partnership between the City of Martensville and Saskatoon Kart Racers (SKR). “Saskatoon Kart Racers have enough land there for us to be able to utilize it for something that can be beneficial to the people within the community. It has been great to see how successful it is,” Darnell Kuzek, local resident and SKR volunteer said. Kuzek explained that the City of Martensville provides the materials required for the garden and volunteers at SKR do all of the work, which includes preparing the land, building the boxes, spreading mulch, etc. This year, an additional ten spots were added, and once again, were filled quickly with people that had been on a waiting list for some time and Kuzek added that SKR would like to see an additional ten spots be created next year. “There is still a waiting list and we want to try to provide space for as many people as possible. We also are looking at coming up with a design that is a bit smaller and stands taller so it is a little easier for seniors to be able to use. It is a community project, so we want to make sure that everyone that wants to use it, can,” Kuzek said. Water will soon be available for those that currently have one of the 7’ x 14’ spots and all are reminded to ensure that COVID precautions are followed which include keeping distance between fellow gardeners, wiping shared surfaces such as water tap and gate, and not leaving any tools behind. Although the water is not available yet, Kuzek noted that it will be soon, as well as the addition of mulch between the new boxes to keep things esthetically pleasing. “Thank you to the City of Martensville for everything they contribute to this project and to SKR for all of the work that goes into this. Also, we appreciate all of the support from the community and look forward to expanding in the coming years.” For those that would like to be added to the wait list, or has questions, Kuzek advised that they join the ‘Martensville Gardens’ Facebook page where either himself, another SKR volunteer, or a current community garden user can help provide information. 21054MM0
ABOVE: Ten new garden plots have been added to the community garden located beside Martensville Speedway. (Facebook)
School-Based COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery to Begin in June
The Saskatchewan Health Authority will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines in elementary and high schools across the province in June. Delivery dates are currently being finalized with local education officials. Once dates are confirmed, they will be communicated directly to parents through individual schools. "Saskatchewan has been leading the country with one of the most aggressive vaccination programs and now we are building further on that with the addition of a school-based vaccination program," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "The option of school vaccinations provides greater convenience for parents who want to see their children provided protection through vaccination." There will be more than 90,000 vaccines in total for individuals 12 years of age and older. Children in this age group will only receive the Pfizer brand of vaccine. This is the last group currently approved for immunization, with the hopes of expanding to younger populations in the fall, as vaccines are nationally approved for their use. SHA drive-thru, walk-in and booked appointments will be reduced during the school immunizations over the course of approximately three weeks to ensure this group is immunized prior to the end of the school year. Pharmacy booked appointments will continue to be available to all eligible age categories.
"Our public health teams are skilled and equipped to deliver immunizations within the school system," SHA's CEO Scott Livingstone said. "We want to utilize this well-established system over the next three weeks, before school is out for the summer, to vaccinate as many eligible youth as we can and protect them and their families." Written consent will be required for all ages 12-17, primarily for tracking purposes, in case the child receives one dose at school and one elsewhere. There will only be one consent required for both doses. Parents are encouraged to talk directly with their children about consent and the importance of receiving their COVID vaccination. Information about Pfizer and frequently asked questions are available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19youth-vaccine. Additional options are available for students who are home-schooled, for students who wish to access immunization sooner, or if parents wish to accompany their child to their appointment. These options include: Any participating pharmacy in Saskatchewan; By attending a drive-thru or walkin clinic - note that these clinics will operate on reduced schedules in June in order to support school-based immunization during the week days; Online booking is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; or by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (727-5829).
Page 6 - MAY 21, 2021 - martensville messenger
martensville messenger - MAY 21, 2021 - Page 7
MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature We Need Healthy Democracies to Emerge From an Unhealthy Pandemic
If we only learn one thing from this pandemic, it should be why we need healthy democracies. That our democracy needs to be healthy is always a given, but COVID-19 should have given us greater insight into why that is so crucial. For more than a year now, government decisions have had a more profound effect on us than at any time. Never before in our adult lives have most of us been told where we can and cannot go and what we can and cannot do and even what we can and cannot wear. Never has it been more important for us to follow a set of rules, but also never has it been more important to question those rules - or at least, question government decision-making. This should be heightening our need to be active participants in democracy and fully engaged in what goes on at the legislature, but the book is still out on whether this pandemic has made things better or worse. Consider the 2020 election, although perhaps less from the perspective of the outcome than how voters viewed this exercise. The unhealthy aspect was the voter turnout, which has grown increasingly unhealthy in the last four decades. Long gone are the days of the 1982 election when we saw a similar large majority of Grant Devine’s Progressive Conservative candidates elected after a decisive 75-to-80 per-cent turnout in most ridings. Not wanting to go out and physically cast a ballot during a pandemic was surely a factor, but we have long been on a downhill slide when it comes to the numbers voting. This needs to change and that change actually begins with a few things that went on in the 2020 election and before. Making mail-in ballots easier was a good step, but, given where snail-mail is going, we need to move towards safe online voting. It’s time to make casting a ballot easier — not harder — because a vote is an investment into the process that should automatically lead to greater interest and awareness in what’s going on. That Saskatchewan — and especially rural Saskatchewan — overwhelming wanted Premier Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party to return for another four years is not a comment on the health and viability of our democracy. What it really is, is a comment that a majority of voters simply viewed combination of the Sask. Party record and what it was proposing to be better than any other option including the governing party’s nearest rival, the NDP. We need to remember that the voters are always right. When we forget that, we get what happened at the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6. To avoid that, we surely have to recognize not only the value of our institutions but the absolutely critical value of reason and grounded democratic debate where all sides are heard. That the October provincial election saw the rise of new political alternatives like the Buffalo Party — there were more votes cast for the 17 Buffalo Party than new votes gained by the NDP — should actually be seen as good thing. Less good is the party’s premise that prairie separation is viable. The notion that if you don’t get your way in a democracy, you start your own government is pretty unhealthy, but that shouldn’t mean that any messages of frustration and discontent amidst a pandemic can be ignored. While coming from a completely opposite direction than the NDP, Buffalo Party voters did share a discontentment with government. We get into trouble when we start to accept that everything government does is beyond question because we might generally agree with the governing party’s philosophy. A political party is healthiest when it goes out and earns support every day. The same should be said for a democracy.
Saskatchewan Leading the Nation in Job Growth Our focus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to ensure health and safety as well as provide needed supports for individuals, families, and our economy. I am proud to say Saskatchewan has the best vaccination rollout in all of Canada, the best re-opening plan in all of Canada, and the best jobs record in all of Canada. In April, most provinces saw their job numbers decline and unemployment go up. In Saskatchewan, employment was up by 9,500 new jobs – the strongest job growth in all of Canada. Unemployment fell to 6.6 per cent – the lowest in Canada. New job numbers show more women, more men, and more young people working. There were more construction jobs, more tech jobs, more jobs in agriculture, in manufacturing, health care and education. In fact, there were more jobs in almost every area. Infrastructure Investments Investing in infrastructure during a pandemic provides a unique opportunity to create jobs and improve quality of life. For example, our government continues moving forward on approved projects under the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP). A total of 760 Saskatchewan municipalities have now received funds through MEEP, which is a key component of our two-year, $7.5 billion capital plan to build a strong province and stimulate our economic recovery. The City of Martensville is receiving around $1.4 million for various recreational facility improvements. To learn more or to see a complete list of approved projects, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/municipal-economicenhancement. Phase Three of the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program will see 69 RMs receive $25.7 million in funding this year. The program helps with the cost of building and upgrading infrastructure, which in turn helps support industries like agriculture, energy, and forestry, with grants covering up to 50 per cent of each project's total cost, to a maximum of $500,000. More than $50 million in joint federal and provincial funding was recently announced for 55 infrastructure projects under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Projects include active transportation networks, walking paths, accessibility and energy efficiency upgrades in communities across the province. While our government continues to invest in infrastructure, we are also providing a significant injection into the economy through SGI rebates. Over the next month, SGI will begin to mail out 709,000 rebate cheques to eligible individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses. If you have not received your rebate by June 30, you should call SGI's Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744). Growing Forestry and Export Markets Since last summer, Saskatchewan's forestry sector is booming as global market demand has surged for home construction and renovation materials. Our province is well-positioned to benefit from emerging opportunities with further expansion of existing mills, new mills, increased employment, and exports. Saskatchewan's Growth Plan includes a goal to double the growth of our forestry sector by 2030. As an exporting province, it is important to diversify and grow our export markets coming out of the global pandemic, ensuring a strong economic recovery. The expansion plan of Saskatchewan's international presence includes new trade and investment offices in London (United Kingdom), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Mexico City (Mexico), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). These new trade and investment offices will expand our international network and support Growth Plan goals such as increasing the value of our exports by 50 per cent and increasing the number of international markets to which we export more than $1 billion. Step One of Re-Opening Set for May 30 Saskatchewan recently surpassed the COVID-19 vaccination threshold for Step One of our Re-Opening Roadmap. As a result, Sunday, May 30 is now the target date to implement the first phase of re-opening, which means: • Restaurants and bars open, maximum of six at a table, two metres or structural barriers between tables, dance floors and buffets remain closed, VLTs may re-open; • 30 per cent of capacity or 150 people, whichever is less, at places of worship, with physical distancing between households; • Group fitness classes involving intense training, like aerobics and spin, can resume, with three metres between participants; • Current restrictions remain in place for retail, personal care services, event facilities, casinos, bingo halls, theatres, art galleries, libraries and recreational facilities; • Current protocols remain in place for primary, secondary and post-secondary education and for childcare; • Limit of 10 people at private indoor and outdoor gatherings, including household gatherings; • Limit of 30 people at public indoor gatherings; • Limit of 150 people at public outdoor gatherings; and • Current province-wide masking mandate remains in place. I want to thank the thousands of health care workers who are delivering COVID-19 vaccine shots every day in every part of the province, and I want to thank the hundreds of thousands of Saskatchewan people who have done your part by getting vaccinated. Please continue to follow public health orders and, when you’re eligible for your first and second dose of the vaccine, do your part and stick it to COVID.
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.
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City of Martensville Offers Sportball for Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Sportball has been teaching children the fundamental skills behind sports since 1995. This Multi-Sport program has put thousands of children on the path to healthy, active living and a life-long love of sport. Sportball is one of the first companies to offer non-competitive developmentally appropriate sports training to children 12 and under. Today, Sportball partners with schools and leading research institutions to enhance existing physical education programs and to further develop and improve their curriculum. Participants are taught the value of positive learning over winning. Their methodology is based on SKILLS FOR LIFE. Sportball Methodology is designed to support three key areas of early childhood development - sport skills – pro-social skills and motor skills. In basketball for example, a sport skill progression could be practicing shooting with two hands through a vertical hoop and a horizontal hoop. For pro-social skills, they teach how to follow instructions, be attentive and focus. Motor skills are taught through grasping, throwing, shooting and swinging as well as hand eye coordination. Programs that are offered are multi-sport, soccer, t-ball, basketball, flag football, ball hockey, tennis, volleyball, golf and Fit Kids. The toddler program in Martensville teaches parents and toddlers how to focus on physical movement and social exploration introducing a different sport each class using developmentally appropriate activities and games. One parent or guardian must attend the program with your toddler. Pre-Schoolers are offered similar opportunities to learn social and developmental benefits as well as the ability to make his/her own decisions. Pre-school and elementary children are taught the fundamental skills behind 9 popular sports by certified and trained coaches. This is a dropoff program. For more information on Sportball, visit www.sportball. ca ABOVE: Kids ages 2-4 learn the fundamental skills of Sportball beside the MAP. Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM
SPORTS Support is Needed for KidSport Month in May Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
KidSport™ is a national not-for-profit organization that helps families to provide financial assistance for registration and equipment costs to go towards sports for children that are 18 years and under. The City of Martensville established their Kidsport Program in 2016 and thanks to many local businesses and organizations who contributed generously over the years it has been a huge success. This local KidSport program has helped make a huge difference in the community helping over 200 kids. The biggest fundraising event is the KidSport playhouse fundraiser initiated by Martensville A&W owner Brian Buffin, along with his wife Bernice and daughter Rachelle. This fundraiser earned them the ‘Community Champion’ award, which recognizes small acts of kindness, and exceptional acts of service. With the help of many sponsors for this project such as Martensville Building & Home Supply, Martensville and District Lions Club, Brad’s Towing, Martensville High School, to name a few, this successful fundraiser has brought in over $43,000 over the past five years that helped local children to be able to participate in organized sports. May is KidSport Month and there are various fundraisers taking place where you can participate in one or more of these fundraisers to help raise money "So All Kids Can Play" right here in Martensville: - The Kidsport Raffle has begun so you can purchase tickets for a chance to win a 1000-square-foot playhouse. - The Drop and Go service at Sarcan in Martensville allows you to leave your order at the depot and get refunds transferred electronically. You can donate your order to KidSport Warman, Martensville & Area or pick-up can be arranged. - You can become a Corporate Friend of Kidsport by donating $250. - Raise the Dough for Kidsport is at Dominos on Thursday, May 27th. If you order Dominos ‘Kid Sport Special’ which is two medium 3-topping pizzas and a cheesy bread for $26.99, every $5 will go towards Kidsport and stays in our own community! Anyone can order this special so make sure and let all your friends and family know. Angela Reddekopp, local KidSport Chapter President, said that because our community is growing, there is a bigger need as the number of applications are higher every year. “Please help support Kidsport this month. With the pandemic there have been quite a few more applications coming in and we have not been able to fundraise like we have in the past. Your donation is needed now more than ever. Thank you for your support!” For more information on how you can help donate, and where to purchase raffle tickets, you can e-mail areddekopp@martensville.ca.
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For Kid Sport...So All Kids Can Play!
THURSDAY, MAY 27TH Order the “Kid Sport Special” - (Two medium, 3-Topping Pizzas and a cheesy bread for $26.99 $5 from EVERY special order (CODE “DOUGH”) GOES STRAIGHT TO ‘KIDSPORT’ TO SUPPORT OUR OWN COMMUNITY CHILDREN Anyone can order this special so let all your friends and family know!
717 Centennial Drive South, Martensville 306-244-2434
*For pick-up or delivery, delivery charges will apply
Marauders On The Move Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Past Marauders Holden Doell, John Macpherson and Ryan Redekopp are moving up in the hockey world. Martensville born Doell played with the Sask Valley Vipers U15 AA team and became a Marauder in the 2017-18 season scoring 24 goals and 14 assists. The next few years he racked up 37 goals and 59 assists with the Beardy’s Blackhawks U18AAA and was called up to the Battleford North Stars briefly having 3 assists. His last season was with the Saskatoon Blazers U18AAA and has signed on with the Battleford North Stars for the 2021-22 season. Fifteen year old Goalie, John Macpherson, became a part of the Martensville Marauder U15AA team from 2018-2020 and has signed on with the Yorkton Maulers U18 AAA team. Ryan Redekopp of Martensville started his U15AA career with the Sask Valley Vipers and moved to the Marauders AA team in 2017-2018 scoring 2 goals and 17 assists. This defenseman stayed with the Marauders playing with the U18AA until moving to Beardy’s Blackhawks U18 AAA for the 2019-10 season scoring 2 goals and 17 assists. His last year was with the Saskatoon Contacts U18AAA. He recently signed with the Philadelphia Flyers Junior Hockey Club (USPHL).
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