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Page 2 -MAY 21, 2020 - martensville messenger

Give Nature Its Space This Spring; Leave Young Wild Animals Alone

Spring is an exciting time for nature enthusiasts, when young animals such as ducklings, rabbits, songbirds or fawns can be viewed in their natural habitats. However, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment wants to emphasize a simple message to well-intentioned people who want to pick up and rescue what appear to be orphaned young animals: please don’t touch them.

In nature, young animals and birds are purposely placed into seclusion by their mothers to protect them from predators. In the majority of cases, these young animals are not abandoned or deserted, and the mother is nearby watching.

The chances for survival decrease when these young animals come into contact with humans. Wildlife can also carry and transmit infectious diseases to people, such as rabies or West Nile Virus.

Only wildlife rehabilitators are licensed to care for orphaned and injured animals. They are trained to make sure animals are given appropriate care and nutrition to help improve their chances of survival when they are released back into the wild.

A young animal should only be picked up if the parent is found dead nearby, or in an unnatural situation such as a young songbird found on a doorstep. In that case, the young bird could be moved to the closest suitable habitat.

To determine if a deer fawn is orphaned, please consider these signs: • Has it been lying in the same position for more than 10 hours?

• Is it vocal?

• Is it covered in insects?

• Is it wet? Being covered by the morning dew may indicate it has been there for a

prolonged period.

If there are obvious signs of injury, or evidence that it has been orphaned, please contact your local conservation officer before moving the fawn. The conservation officer will determine the best course of action for the animal.

People are also reminded to steer clear of adult wildlife, such as deer or moose that sometimes wander into urban areas. Large crowds will stress the animals, which could lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Remember – give wildlife their space.

Phase Two of Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan Now Underway

The second part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan kicked off on May 19th, which saw the opening of many businesses across the province after approximately two months of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Numerous conditions and guidelines have been put in place in order for these businesses to operate safely and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Although on Friday, May 15th, golf courses and drive-in theatres re-opened, the remaining businesses included in Phase 2 were scheduled to open following the May long weekend. These businesses include: • Retail businesses; • Shopping malls; • Select personal services (hairstylist/barber, registered massage therapist, acupuncturist and acupressurist); and • Public markets and farmers markets.

Several businesses within Martensville opened their doors to the public on May 19th and have guidelines in place to help ensure both the safety of the public and employees.

Some guidelines in place include: - if you have travelled outside of the province or country within the past 14 days or have any flu like symptoms to refrain from entering the store - providing hand sanitizer when entering - having customers refrain from touching merchandise unless they plan to purchase it - no refunds for the time being - curbside pickup and delivery options - requesting that customers utilize debit, credit and E-transfer options - avoiding any shared surfaces such as newspapers, magazines, etc.

- enhanced cleaning measures

As restrictions in the province are gradually lifted in five phases, further information will continue to be added to the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan based on input from public health officials and feedback from businesses.

Additionally, on Friday, May 15th, owners and employees of outfitting operations are allowed to travel to outfitting camps, including those in the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District (NSAD), to prepare for the season and secure the premises. These operators must comply with the requirements of the public health order, including the travel restrictions within the NSAD.

Outfitters operating south of the NSAD that are not impacted by northern travel restrictions may begin operations starting on May 15 subject to the guidelines in the ReOpen Saskatchewan plan.

With its focus on the gradual lifting of business restrictions, Saskatchewan residents are reminded the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan does not change the need to comply with the current public health order and take the necessary precautionary measures, including: • Limiting public and private gatherings – inside and outside – to no more than 10 people.

• Maintaining physical distancing by keeping two metres away from others.

• Avoiding unnecessary travel.

• Exercising caution when forming an extended household group and being aware of who you have been in contact with over the past two weeks. If you test positive for COVID-19, these are the people who will need to be contacted by public health.

• Staying home if you’re sick or symptomatic.

Anyone experiencing even minor symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath should contact HealthLine 811 or their family physician for advice on whether to be tested for COVID-19. An online self-assessment tool is also available at www.saskatchewan.ca/ COVID19.

Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www. saskatchewan.ca/re-open.

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

ABOVE: Protective measures such as a plexiglass protection panel have been installed at SAS Home and Floral in Martensville. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

ABOVE: Infinity Salon & Spa was a hub of activity on Tuesday, May 19th, with both staff and customers wearing protective masks to ensure safety. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

martensville messenger - MAY 21, 2020 - Page 3

Civic Services During the COVID-19 PandemicWhat you Should Know!

At this time, all City facilities are closed to the public, including reception areas. 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.

Residents and Customers are requested 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.

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies - should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Protective Services - There are no changes in duty or status to Protective Services such as the RCMP, Martensville Fire Department, and Ambulance Service.

Water and Sewer - These services remain unimpacted and unchanged, including water quality testing. Meter reading will continue to take place; however, staff will not be doing reads of meters located inside of homes or occupied buildings. In these cases, estimates will be taken or reads can be provided into City Hall. In respect to water and sewer emergencies, city staff will not be able to enter resident homes at this time and private contractors should be considered. The City of Martensville will no longer charging interest on water and sewer accounts indefinitely to assist residents impacted by COVID -19 impacts.

Garbage and Recycling - Services remain in place and on schedule with no anticipated service delays at this time. Organics collection has also commenced.

Road Maintenance - will continue as required, including snow removal, and is not expected to change at this time.

Contactless Payment Options Utilities and Taxes The City of Martensville offers a number of ‘contactless’ payment methods including: • T.I.P.P.S The Tax Installment Payment Plan Service - offers equalized monthly property tax payments.

• Utilities Pre-authorized Payment Plan -authorize automatic withdrawal from your account from your financial institution to pay for your utility bill.

• Online & Phone - Please contact your bank for assistance in setting up online and phone payments.

• City Hall Drop-Box- Cheques can be dropped off at City Hall in the mail slot at the front of the building at your convenience.

See all ways to provide payments or to inquire about any of these services please visit Martensville.ca

Organics/Green Bin Program and Pick-ups

Utility and Property Tax Updates - The City has implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, currently in place:

The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription only. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact City Hall to sign up for this service.

• Interest charges on utility bills will be suspended until November 1, 2020.

• Water service will not be discontinued due to non-payment or overdue account status.

• The deadline for property tax payments will be extended from July 31 to October 30, 2020.

• All interest charges on property tax owing will be suspended until November 1, 2020.

• Business license renewal notices will be delayed until normal operations resume – all expired business licenses will remain valid until further notice.

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

Stay Informed! -The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca.

For information or to sign up for this program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall

Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19

Street Sweeping Season Street Sweeping has commenced in the community with the emphasis on an initial sweep and a focus on the arterial and collector roadways.

Sweeping will commence in residential areas so please watch for signs and posts in your neighborhood. We ask that vehicles be removed from the streets on your ‘sweep’ day however tickets will not be issued, nor vehicles towed away.

Friendly reminder to please stay back from Street Sweeping equipment as crews work.

For more information about street sweeping contact City Hall.

June Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule may be subject to change based around any potential new developments 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 2nd Committee of the Whole- June 9th Regular Council Meeting- June 16th The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers.

Martensville City Hall - 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

2020 Tax Notice Error- Penalties The Notices for the 2020 Tax Notices were recently delivered to property owners, however there is an error in respect to the ‘Penalties on unpaid current taxes’.

The 2020 Tax Notice should read, Penalties on unpaid current taxes will Commence November 1st at 1% per month.

We apologize for confusion around this error. If there are questions about this, assessment, taxation or ways to pay your taxes, please contact City Hall or visit us on Martensville.ca.

Council Discusses Provincial Funding and Proposed Grad Celebration Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council met virtually for the last meeting of the month on Tuesday, May 19th. The public is invited to listen in on meeting’s each week. For information on how to participate in Council meetings, contact the City Clerk at (306) 931-2166.

The meeting began with the City Manager’s report, where administration from each department provided an update to Council. City Manager Scott Blevins noted in his report that the provincial government recently announced that they would be providing funding to help communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP), the City of Martensville will be receiving funding of approximately $4 million which will be used to complete infrastructure projects within the community.

“Administration is working through the details with options for Council including using some money for a few 2020 projects to assist with balancing the budget and creating the ability to hire some seasonal staff,” Blevins noted in his report. These funds are required to be spent by March 31, 2022.

Ted Schaeffer, Director of Recreation and Community Services, announced that the community garden plot in Kinsmen Park, along with the newly created community garden area that was created in conjunction with the Kart Racing Club, will be opening with protocols in place as outlined by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Schaeffer’s report stated that Great Plains College has been approved for provincial funding which allows them to do renovations at the Martensville Civic Centre. The project to renovate the washrooms will proceed as a three-way cost share between Great Plains, the Province, and the City of Martensville. Great Plains will also be making electrical upgrades at their cost to accommodate their needs.

The 2020 road repairs within the community commenced on May 19th, with the first area to be completed on Centennial Drive South, as well as the entrance to MacCormack Ranch. For more information on roadways that will be under construction, visit www.martensville.ca. In addition to the roadway construction, pothole patching within the City has begun and crack sealing will begin within the next few weeks.

The City of Martensville received a letter from a member of the Martensville High School Grad Parent Committee regarding plans to celebrate the graduates.

The committee is proposing a vehicle parade down 3rd Street North and Main Street, looping back around to the school.

They would also like to do a fireworks show that evening, which they asked the City to help provide funding for.

The next regular Council meeting will be held Tuesday, June 2nd. More information on upcoming meetings, as well as the agenda for each meeting can be found at www.martensville.ca.

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Snowbirds Operation INSPIRATION Mission Ends in Tragedy Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds scheduled a cross-country flight in order to salute Canadians that are doing their part throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission, which was dubbed Operation INSPIRATION, brought the CF Snowbirds signature ninejet formation with trailing white smoke, flying over cities across the country from the East Coast to the West Coast. The mission began on Sunday, May 3rd in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and made their way east throughout the week.

On Thursday, May 14th, the CF Snowbirds could be seen in the skies above Saskatoon, truly inspiring all that witnessed the talented team.

Sadly, this mission ended in tragedy on Sunday, May 17th in Kamloops, British Columbia. At approximately 11:45am, shortly after take-off from Kamloops Airport, Snowbird 11, a Canadian Forces Snowbirds CT-114 Tutor crashed into a nearby neighborhood. The two-person crew could be seen ejecting from the aircraft as it plummeted; however, Captain Jenn Casey, CF Snowbirds Public Affairs Officer, did not survive. The aircrafts pilot, Captain Rich MacDougall survived with non-life threatening injuries.

“The team is devastated by the loss of Jenn. She absolutely loved what she did; she was one of the main reasons Operation INSPIRATION has been so well received by the public. She had just received a 1 Canadian Air Division Commander’s coin in recognition of her stellar efforts and a nomination was being drafted for a Chief of the Defence Staff commendation,” Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French, 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron Commanding Officer, said in a news release.

As of Monday, May 18th, Lieutenant-Colonel French noted that the precise circumstances leading up to the crash were unknown and that the crash site has been secured by local law enforcement and the immediate Flight Safety response is being coordinated on the groud by the team’s Flight Safety Officer. “An investigation team from the Directorate of Flight Safety in Ottawa has already arrived in Kamloops to conduct a flight safety investigation to determine the cause of the incident,” Lieutenant-Colonel French explained.

Currently, Operation INSPIRATION has been postponed until further notice, and the entire Snowbird fleet is on an operational pause.

“Over the coming days, the team will regroup and come together to mourn the loss of our colleague. When appropriate to do so, we will return to 15 Wing Moose Jaw to plan our next steps.”

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT in accordance with the Public Notice Policy Bylaw No. 12-2016 adopted by the City of Martensville, the following item:

Sale of Lot 25, Blk 51 Plan 102136519

Will be discussed by the Council of the City of Martensville at the next regular meeting commencing at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 2, 2020 via Zoom.

Dated this 19th day of May 2020 Carla Budnick City Clerk

RIGHT: The CF Snowbirds could be seen in the skies above Saskatoon on Thursday, May 14th. (Stephanie Pawluk)

Building

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SHA Cautiously Moves Forward As Some Health Services Resume

On May 19th, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has begun to resume some health services in varying parts of the province as a cautious first step toward reopening the health system.

“It’s a delicate balance we begin today toward a ‘new normal’ while still responding to the realities of a global pandemic,” SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said.

“Teams have and will continue to balance service resumption plans with the necessary health system capacity required for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients; including the need for ongoing expanded testing capacity, long term contact tracing demands and maintaining the ability for the foreseeable future to surge to meet the requirements when localized outbreaks happen.”

May 19 marks the first day of phase one, with a focus on resuming a few everyday services such as outpatient physiotherapy appointments, kidney health services, some laboratory services, home care (e.g. bathing services) and expanded immunizations. As

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martensville messenger - MAY 21, 2020 - Page 5 part of taking an approach that is tailored to health system readiness in various areas of the province, it should be noted that not all services listed in phase one will begin immediately on May 19.

The services listed in phase one of the plan are those that may start beginning May 19, subject to an approval process that ensures service resumption is undertaken in a considered, thoughtful and safe manner. Some areas of the province will be ready to resume services, while others are not yet ready. In many cases, the public can expect that their health care experience will be different than prior to the pandemic because of additional measures in place to protect patients and staff. These include adaptation of waiting room practices to promote physical distancing, additional emphasis on virtual care, wherever possible, and additional screening at health care facilities.

The SHA is asking for patience, as these practices are necessary for safety reasons but may cause delays and inconveniences for patients seeking care as services resume.

Phase one will also include an expansion of surgeries beyond “three week urgent and emergent cases” to now include “six week urgent cases”.

A pause on non-urgent and elective surgeries two months ago was necessary to minimize risk to those not needing emergent care, while ensuring hospitals had capacity for a surge in COVID patients. While that need has not changed, the SHA also recognizes the importance of cautiously increasing surgeries for the physical and mental well-being of those on waiting lists.

“A patient’s priority on the surgery list will be determined based on a clinical assessment by their physicians, in consultation with the patient,” SHA’s Physician Executive of Integrated Health Urban Dr. Rashaad Hansia said. “It’s not based only on the type of surgery needed. Given the complexity of the work involved to resume surgical services in as safe a manner as possible, we won’t see a significant increase right away. What we are seeing is surgeons working with their patients to assess their needs and determine who qualifies for the six week urgent category, then scheduling those for today and in the weeks ahead.”

The priority of surgeries resumed is being done in collaboration with surgeons, and based on their assessments of patients and recommendations. The availability of surgical bookings for each provider is being balanced across all the surgical specialties, and considers the availability of appropriate post-surgical care such as nursing and therapies.

Medical Imaging departments are also cautiously increasing CT, MRI and other diagnostic testing to enable non-urgent and elective exams.

However, surgery bookings and the other every day health services resuming now, and in the days ahead, will not be resumed based on a one size fits all approach.

Service resumption will vary based on a multitude of factors, including considerations around localized outbreak status, capacity, requirements around adhering to public health orders and other factors used to ensure safety and readiness.

Details on SHA’s Service Resumption Plan can be found at www.saskatchewan. ca/COVID-19 under Health System Pandemic Response at https://www.saskatchewan. ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-proceduresand-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/pandemicplanning.

Saskatoon Police Urge Public to Be Cautious When Posting Personal Information Online Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

As a way to lift spirits through the COVID-19 pandemic, a new social media craze has started where individuals leave anonymous packages for one another, which may contain alcohol, snacks, decorative items and more.

There have been numerous different groups created on social media pages, all with the same intention – to help spread joy to one another through this difficult time.

Those involved in these groups post their address within their community and another member can pick them as the recipient of a care package which is left on their doorstep.

Having personal information shared in these groups created some concern for the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), who posted a warning to those participating in these groups.

“We understand the general sentiment and intent of the social media group, but as a Police Service, we strongly urge you to proceed with caution. The groups, while they may be private, are large in numbers and encourage you to post your home address in the hopes of receiving gifts. Many continue to include further details about their families members (including kids) and other personal details. In a perfect world, we would all like to believe that everyone is there for the right reasons, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case,” SPS warned.

One of the largest groups of this nature is the ‘Saskatchewan Wine Ninjas!! *LADIES ONLY*’, which currently has over 38,000 members. Other groups have popped up as well, involving avid gardeners, men’s groups and others.

“Please, use common sense and think about the dangers associated to posting your home address online for everyone to see,” SPS added to their warning.

ABOVE: An example of a ‘wine ninja’ package delivery. (FACEBOOK)

Page 6 - MAY 21, 2020 - martensville messenger

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Legislature Assembly Also Needs to Get Back to Work

If we are supposed to be getting on with business in Saskatchewan, that surely should mean getting on with the business of the legislature. Sure, we are still a long ways from business as usual in this province, but that’s all the more reason to see politicians return to the Legislative Assembly.

There were some tremendous strides made in the past week or so that have resulted in active COVID-19 cases eliminated in all of Southern Saskatchewan (including Regina) and virtually eliminated in central Saskatchewan (with one active case and 13 in Saskatoon).

The problem is the virus has migrated north. There are 29 active cases in the “north” area from Meadow Lake, North Battleford, and Lloydminster through to Prince Albert, Melfort and Nipawin; however, most can still be attributed to that outbreak at the Lloydminster hospital, leaving “rural Saskatchewan” as virtually COVID-19-free.

The “far north” is an entirely different story, with a whopping 151 active cases; mostly due to that outbreak in La Loche brought back from returning oilsands workers.

Fortunately, the province’s death toll remains at six.

The curve in Saskatchewan has been essentially flattened, but this is not to suggest that Premier Scott Moe’s government has been wrong in being exceedingly cautious or that excessive caution still isn’t needed. As La Loche has demonstrated, a violent COVID-19 outbreak can occur anytime, anywhere if we don’t continue to practice our social distancing rules.

If anything, the overall success in this province seems to suggest the Sask. Party government has done the right things, but if we are to move ahead as a province, Moe’s government members have to show leadership by getting back to work themselves.

There were 52,000 fewer Saskatchewan people working in April than in March and 73,000 fewer working people since February. This province needs to get a lot of people working again and governments have to rise to the challenge with creative and affordable policies that accomplish just that.

One might argue that getting people back to work is exactly the intent of Moe’s recent additional $2 billion in capital spending; $150 million of which is directed towards municipality so that they don’t have to dip into their capital spending budgets to balance their operating costs.

This is a big spending choice that the Sask. Party government has a right to make and can make it whether or not the legislature is sitting; however, the devil is always in the details, so what’s really needed right now is scrutiny; legislative committee debate on the spending - to achieve accountability.

Finance Minister Donna Harpauer announced a couple weeks back that Saskatchewan is facing a revenue shortfall in the 2020-21 budget of anywhere between $1.3 billion and $3.3 billion that translates into an annual budget deficit of that size; and that was before Moe’s $2 billion bailout announcement.

What all this means is that Moe simply cannot expect to be allowed to govern without legislative scrutiny of policies and without presenting a full budget before the legislature - preferably, before he goes to the polls in October.

This is about the principle in our Westminster parliamentary-style of democracy called “grievance before supply”, where even kings were expected to hear from representatives of parliament before levying taxes.

Contrary to what Moe has been saying, no budget or even spending estimates were actually tabled in the legislature on March 18 before adjournment to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, the Sask. Party does have the limited authority until a budget is passed to govern through “special warrants”, but that is a temporary fix. Democratic principles need to prevail and the ultimate democratic principle is scrutiny of the taxes collected.

In these challenging times, one could argue such scrutiny is needed more than ever.

The Realities and Dangers of Intact Animals At Large Submitted by Kristine O’Brien - Owner/Operator of Paws Republic Boarding, Training & Grooming Centre

Let’s cut to the chase … it wasn’t the time or place I had hoped to have the chat with my currently 3 year old daughter about the birds and the bees - A relaxing family stroll along a cheerful Martensville street where we rudely interrupted two cats rendezvousing on a locals’ driveway. “No sweetie, those kitties are not fighting …..”. I promise we won’t get into my parenting techniques in this letter.

But what I do want to get into is the plethora of cats we see wandering our streets and concern we should all have as residents.

The simple fact that it is stated directly in the City of Martensville Bylaws that animals at large is against the law and that cats can be seen as a nuisance to other not-so-cat-welcoming neighbours, its dangerous for them and for others to have these numbers growing and filling our streets!

Despite the opinion that some people hold so dear - cats should not be wandering the streets free to spread their genes and do as they please.

First, their own safety is at risk. We see them narrowly avoiding being run over, getting injured from fighting other cats (Ever seen or smelled a cat bite abscess? You would lose your ABOVE: A female cat brought in to Paws Republic from lunch!), attacks by other animals, and in some cases even showing the streets of a Martensville neighborhood, which is currently at SCAT Street Cat Rescue, ended up having aggressions to people if they are protecting their babies or have ten kittens shortly after arriving. (Facebook) territorial behaviours. Then there is human inflicted pain, poisons, diseases, and of course back full circle to the topic of pregnancies and all the risks involved there (dare I say the word incest in the paper?)!

But let’s just say YOUR cat couldn’t possibly be a pain to anyone else (My McFluffPoof would NEVER poop in someone else’s flower bed) or your SUPER cat can SURVIVE anything - fend off coyotes and owls, have immunity to all poisons, have healing powers after being kicked, bit, or run over (till they don’t) - At the very least get your cat tested and vaccinated for diseases and SPAY OR NEUTER THEM. Don’t treat them like they are disposable.

Your intact male is out there starting fights, impregnating females (in broad daylight in front of the children) or invoking redirected aggression in housecats minding their business while your cat eyeballs them from the window. Your little sweethearts are bringing home their own bundles of joy with and without diseases that can be passed on to other pets and that there are not enough homes for, filling shelters, suffering or dying.

In the past 2 weeks ALONE, 4 of the last 6 stray cats that have been brought to Paws Republic were - you guessed it - PREGNANT. One of which had 10 - YES, 10 freaking kittens. Thankfully she was brought in DAYS before giving birth! The likelihood of 10 babies and the mom surviving on the street is slim to none. The other two didn’t have the required equipment to carry them but sure as heck had the equipment to produce them.

So take this is a local member complaining about the cat that continued to get into our garage for months, take it as a mom with a sense of humour asking for less awkward convos, take it as a lifetime animal care professional and wellness advocate pleading to help decrease the population and spread of disease - I don’t care how you take it really - just know that it takes seconds to google the risks, realities and dangers of intact animals at large and that the numbers are growing right in your own back yard.

This Year’s ABEX Awards Set to Honour Extraordinary Efforts in Saskatchewan

The ABEX Awards are Saskatchewan’s largest and longest-running business awards program, celebrating business excellence since 1984. In 2020, the ABEX Awards will be shifting from its traditional celebration of Saskatchewan business success to recognizing businesses and individuals who have become Saskatchewan’s everyday heroes.

Saskatchewan is navigating the challenges brought about by the global pandemic and economic slowdown by working together, supporting communities, and looking ahead with optimism. The Saskatchewan spirit of resilience is more evident than ever and the ABEX Awards will be celebrating the businesses and individuals who have exhibited this spirit of resilience.

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the public to nominate businesses that have supported the community, demonstrated resilience, or have been strategic and innovative in their approach to serving clients and engaging customers. The public is also encouraged to nominate an individual who has become an everyday hero in the community.

Healthcare workers, educators, community workers,

essential staff and everyday people have all sacrificed to support their communities through this time, and their achievements will be recognized at the 2020 ABEX Awards.

“These are extraordinary times and it makes sense we recognize extraordinary efforts. There are so many people and companies who stood tall and we want to say thank you. This year our ABEX Awards will do just that,“ said Steve McLellan, Saskatchewan Chamber CEO.

Nominees for the 2020 ABEX Awards, presented

by Conexus Credit Union, will be contacted for additional information, and final winners in each category will be selected by a group of independent judges.

The 2020 ABEX Awards will be a celebration of the stories of everyday heroes in Saskatchewan communities and will be shared until December 2020 as a reminder of all that is remarkable in this province. The awards gala will take place on November 14, 2020 at WTC at Prairieland Park. Limited tickets will be available in August 2020 at www.saskchamber.com.

Nominate a business or an individual for an ABEX Award here: https://saskchamber.com/abex2020/.

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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Annual Dog Walk Goes Virtual in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Each year, the Lions Foundation of Canada comes together to hold the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides. This event helps to provide funding that is used towards the training of dog guides that are then provided to Canadians at no cost. The expense to train and place each dog guide is approximately $25,000, which many people that are in need of the dog guides cannot afford without the help of this incredible program.

Dog Guides are trained for Hearing, Service, Seizure Response, Autism Assistance, Diabetic Alert and the newly introduced Facility Support. The Facility Support Dog Guides are used by professional agencies with individuals in traumatic situations. “These dogs are trained to provide comfort to victims or witnesses of a crime or sudden tragedy. Facility Support dogs will provide on scene support when requested to those most vulnerable in our community, as well as provide added support to persons providing difficult disclosure to police for crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault, etc.,” the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides website states.

For Doug Ward, the Secretary of the Martensville & District Lions, the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides has been an event that he looks forward to each year. Typically held at the end of May, residents from Martensville and surrounding areas come together and help raise money in support of this program.

This year however, things will be done differently as restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrict the ability to host events of this magnitude.

Although the event is unable to take place as it typically would, the cost to train the dog guides still remains. “When working with live animals, there is no time off, they require care 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. Right now, they can’t go to the training centre and train together, or bring people in to bond with dogs, but the expense is still there, so this year, we are doing a virtual dog walk,” Ward explained.

The Virtual Walk for Dog Guides will be taking place on May 31, 2020 and funds raised will go towards the 400 guide dogs and puppies that are currently in different stages of training that are being handled at home with their trainers and/or volunteer handlers. Ward noted that Pet Valu supplies

food for these dogs, but there are still training expenses therefore if any businesses are interested in contributing and supplies that are required on a regular basis. to the event, they can contact Ward directly. “Fundraising

This is where local residents come in. You is the most important part of this. It is how the Lions can participate in this event by signing up to register Foundation functions and that is how we are able to as a walker, or make a donation. By participating, you provide over 300 dogs annually across the country at no can go for a walk, ride a bike, jog, skip, or whatever cost to the people applying for them,” Ward said. you choose to do and also encourage others to take

“I am disappointed that the walk won’t be part. By doing the event virtually, those participating taking place as it normally would because I was really can still safely continue with their physical distancing looking forward to it, but this is at least one way that we and still make a difference in the lives of Canadians. can still do our part for this year. It isn’t ideal, but we are

Ward noted that the local Lions Club currently hoping to make a few thousand dollars and next year, go has plans to provide two dog guides to families within back to our usual walk and BBQ.” the area; one hearing dog and one service dog for

Currently, the Martensville & District Lions special abilities. “One of the dogs would have been Club has all of their events and fundraising plans on placed this summer, but because of COVID, that will hold as they wait for restrictions to be lifted. “All of our be postponed. Everything is in the works, and when all functions are at a standstill right now; however, we still the dust settles, we are hoping that we can make this have projects planned for the future. We want to do an happen in the near future.” upgrade to the Lions Park Playground area and make it

To participate in the Virtual Pet Valu Walk wheelchair accessible and an all-around safer place. We for Dog Guides, visit www.walkfordogguides.com. had just started work on this in March and submitted Here you can either register yourself, or donate to grant applications, but things will be put on hold for the a current walker or team. Ward, who is a registered time being and continue working on it once we are able walker, explained that donations can be made under to,” said Ward. his name, or to the Martensville & District Lions Club

For more information about the Pet Valu Walk team. Online donations will receive a receipt upon for Dog Guides, contact Doug Ward at (306) 491-8914. completion of the donation, or donations can be made directly to members of the Lions Club, who will also issue receipts for donations BELOW: In previous year’s the Martensville & District Lions Club’s Pet Valu Walk for Dog of $20 or more.

Guides brought out a large crowd of participants. This helped them earn a spot in the top 20

In previous years, fundraising communities across the country. the Martensville walk was in the top 20 for fundraising communities across the country, and Ward hopes to keep that position by raising as much money as possible. Last year, our local walk helped provide approximately $16,000.

In past years, members of the Lions Club contacted local businesses and helped get the word out in person. This year however, they are unable to do this due to COVID-19,

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