May 28, 2026 Digital Issue

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Your City; Your Newspaper May 28, 2026

VOLUME NO. 20 - ISSUE 23

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Teams hit the field in Rosthern during the opening weekend of the Valley Soccer Association’s Valley Cup events. The U11 Valley Cup Jamboree brought together players, families, and supporters for a weekend filled with soccer, food trucks, bouncy castles, and community fun.

(Valley Soccer Association)

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Page 2 - MAY 28, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Centennial Drive North Upgrade Project The City of Martensville has started work on Phase 1 of the Centennial Drive North Upgrade Project, beginning on May 22nd, 2026, with a projected end date of September 1st, 2026. This key infrastructure investment was identified as a priority in the City’s 2026 Budget with partial funding provided through the Canada Community-Building Fund Program.

This project will update a section of Centennial Drive North by replacing aging roadway infrastructure, improving storm drainage capacity, and enhancing safety and accessibility for motorists, pedestrians, nearby residents, and local businesses. During construction, road closures and temporary access routes will be in place to help maintain access for residents, businesses, and emergency services while work is underway.

Schedule & Temporary Access Road - Full mobilization and water drainage work on the west side of Centennial Drive began on May 22nd, 2026. This phase of work does not require any road closures or traffic detours.

- Construction of the temporary roadway required to maintain access to properties and businesses adjacent to the east side of the Centennial Drive North project is now underway. The temporary roadway (illustrated in red) began construction on May 26th, 2026 and is expected to be completed by June 1st, 2026. Access to businesses from Centennial Drive will be maintained throughout this work.

- Beginning June 1st, 2026, a section of Centennial Drive will be closed and a detour plan will be implemented. Access to businesses adjacent to the Centennial Drive North project area will be maintained via the temporary roadway (illustrated in red) and will be available from the north (heading south) direction only.

- The project is projected to be completed by September 1st, 2026. The construction schedule is dependent on favourable weather and site conditions, and dates or timelines may be adjusted in the event of delays. To help maintain the project schedule, crews will also be working on alternating Saturdays throughout construction. No work will take place on Sundays.

Project Benefits - Safer and more accessible pedestrian connections, including sidewalks and a future crosswalk.

- Improved and more durable roadway - Supports future commercial development on both sides of the road - Better traffic flow and access for motorists (5 lanes wide and a center turning lane) - Upgraded storm drainage infrastructure including catchbasins and curbing We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents, businesses, and motorists as this important infrastructure project progresses. Please continue to follow all posted signage, detour routes, and traffic control measures to help ensure the safety of workers and the public throughout the construction period.

For additional information and project updates, please visit the Current Roadwork Projects page on Martensville.ca, or scan the QR code.

Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.

June 2 – Regular Council Meeting June 9 – Committee of the Whole Meeting June 16 – Regular Council Meeting Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you’d prefer to join from the comfort of your home, contact the City Clerk or check the online agenda at martensville.ca for the meeting link.

Upcoming Events

May 21 – Disc Golf begins May 21 – Play & Learn with Mobile Early Learning at the Library May 22-23 – NPD & Canwest Spring Monster Garage Sale May 31 – Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides

Martensville Aquatic Centre – Opens June 1st

Get ready for another summer full of public swimming, recreational programs, swimming lessons, and family fun at the pool. Be sure to check out the latest pool schedules, admission information, and upcoming events at Martensville.ca.

Yard Waste Site

Whether you’re trimming trees, raking leaves, or cleaning up grass clippings, the City’s yard waste site is a great resource for residents to dispose of yard waste responsibly.

This site is located along 10th Ave S., south of the off-leash dog park, and is open 7 days a week. Please visit Martensville.ca for more information on accepted and not accepted items.

Please note: - The site is intended for local, residential use. It is not open to commercial contractors.

- The site is monitored to prevent the dumping of garbage. Please only dispose of accepted waste at the site.

- A pruning ban on elm wood is in effect for the province from April 1st – August 31, in response to the spread of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MAY 28, 2026 - Page 3

Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre Hosting “Dad’s Burgers” Father’s Day Event Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The MartensvilleWarman Early Years Family Resource Centre (MWEYFRC) is inviting families to celebrate Father’s Day with a special event focused on connection, food, and fun this June.

The “Dad’s Burgers” Father’s Day Event will take place June 19th from 11:00am to 1:00pm and will feature a build-your-own burger bar lunch following a morning Bonding Through Play session.

Organizers are encouraging children to bring their dad, grandpa, or uncle to the event to celebrate the important men in their lives.

The day will begin with the Bonding Through Play session from 9:30am to 11:00am, followed by the burger bar lunch.

Registration is required for the event. Those interested in attending can register by calling 639-398-7609 or by emailing mweyfrc@ymcasaskatoon.org.

The Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre regularly hosts programs and events designed to support families and encourage positive connections through play, learning, and community engagement.

ABOVE: Mark your calendars for May 31st and take part in the annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides. This popular event, hosted by the local Lions Club, helps raise money for families to receive a dog guide at no cost.

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ARTENSVILLE

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Spray Park Now Open for the Season in Martensville Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

With warmer temperatures finally here, the City of Martensville has officially opened the Lions Park Spray Park for the summer season.

Located at 416 6th Avenue South, the spray park is now welcoming families looking to cool off daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm for water-filled fun throughout the summer months.

The popular community attraction features 17 different spray features along with a concrete basin, giving children a variety of ways to splash around and play during the hot weather.

Residents are encouraged to grab their swimsuits, sunscreen, and towels and head out to Lions Park to enjoy the splash park and surrounding green space.

Whether children are running through the spray features, dancing through the fountains, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon outdoors, the spray park continues to be a favourite summertime destination for local families.

The spray park traditionally opens the first weekend in June and remains operational until the Tuesday following the September long weekend, weather permitting.

Annual Walk for Dog Guides Takes Place in Martensville on May 31 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville and District Lions Club, alongside the Saskatoon Lions Club, is inviting the community to take part in the annual Walk for Dog Guides taking place Sunday, May 31st in Martensville.

The annual fundraiser helps provide highly trained Dog Guides to individuals living with visual impairments, autism, seizures, medical conditions, and other disabilities. The service dogs can cost anywhere from $35,000 to more than $50,000 to raise and train, but are provided to qualifying recipients at no cost thanks to fundraising efforts and community support.

This year’s event will also pay tribute to Lions Club member Doug Ward, who passed away the morning of last year’s walk. Ward was passionate about the annual fundraiser, and was the driving force behind the continued success of the local Walk for Dog Guides. This year, along with future walks, will be known as ‘Walk for Doug’ in honour of Ward.

Registration begins at approximately 1:00pm on May 31st at Lions Park, located at 415 6th Avenue South in Martensville. A marked walk for participants of all ages and their furry family members will take place from Lions Park to Kinsmen Park and back, followed by a BBQ. Those unable to attend in person can make a donation to the Martensville fundraiser online through the Walk for Dog Guides website at https://www. walkfordogguides.com/fundraisers/MartensvilleSAWalkforDogGuides.

Page 4 - MAY 28, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Buster Days 2026 Set to Bring Full Weekend of Family Fun to Martensville

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville’s annual Buster Days celebration is returning June 5-7, with a packed weekend lineup featuring fireworks, a parade, live entertainment, food trucks, family activities, sports, and community events throughout the city.

The weekend kicks off Friday with Swim Night at the Martensville Aquatic Centre. Family swimming will run from 4:00pm to 6:30pm, followed by Youth/ Teen Swim from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family.

A 50/50 fundraiser will also begin Friday at 5:00pm and continue until Sunday at 4:00pm, with volunteers selling tickets throughout the ball diamonds, North Ridge Community Centre, Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP), and food truck areas. Tickets are priced at $5 each, three for $10, or 10 for $20.

The Buster Days Slo-Pitch Tournament and Beer Gardens will run all weekend at the Kinsmen Park Ball Diamonds, operating Friday from 5:00pm to 1:00am, Saturday from 10:00am to 10:00pm, and Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Friday evening will wrap up with Music Bingo from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Beer Gardens, followed by fireworks at Kinsmen Park beginning around 10:00pm.

Weekend passes and activity tickets will be available for purchase throughout the event. Presale full weekend passes are $40, while regular full weekend passes are $50. One-day everything passes are available for $30, unlimited inflatable passes for $20, laser tag and gaming truck passes for $15, and single tickets for $3.

Saturday’s schedule begins with a Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Martensville Fire Department from 8:00am to 10:00am at the North Ridge Community Centre, with admission by donation.

Families can also visit the petting zoo from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday at the MAP, where visitors can feed the animals for $2.

Buster Days will also offer the Sport & Trading Card Expo again taking place Saturday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at the MAP. The expo will feature sports cards and Pokémon cards for trading, collecting, and browsing.

The annual parade will begin Saturday at 11:00am, travelling along 4th Street South to 1st Avenue South and Main Street.

Additional Saturday activities include the Money Pit at Kinsmen Park at 4:30pm, where children can search for hidden coins and prizes in the sand, and Movie Under the Stars at the North Ridge Community Centre beginning at 10:00pm.

The MAP will host “Fun For All” activities Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, featuring inflatables, laser tag, a gaming truck, giant bubbles, horse and wagon rides, and balloon twisting.

Visitors can also explore the Art in the Park Outdoor Market at the MAP from 12:00pm to 5:00pm Saturday, with more than 60 vendors offering handmade items, food, art, and goods.

A variety of food trucks will also be on site throughout the weekend, including Smokes Poutinerie, Smokehaus, Hectors Grub Hub, The Treat Truck, Don Manolos, Prairie Flavoured Lemonade, Kona Ice Food Truck, Prime Bistro, Sams Enterprise, and Dessert Plu. Sunday’s activities include Puppy Pose and Stretch at the North Ridge Community Centre. The event combines a guided stretch session with puppies from New Hope Dog Rescue. Doors open at 9:30am, with the event beginning at 10:00am. Admission is $20 per person, with proceeds supporting the rescue.

The weekend also features Muddles the Wild Rubber Duck Swim at the pool from 9:00am to 11:30am Sunday, followed by Bingo at the North Ridge Community Centre from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

Organizers note that event times may change, and residents are encouraged to visit busterdays.com for the latest updates and full event details.

Martensville Primary Health Centre Hosting “Pap-a-thon” to Encourage Cervical Cancer Screening Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is encouraging residents to prioritize cervical health by taking part in an upcoming “Pap-a-thon” event at the Martensville Primary Health Centre.

The awareness campaign is designed to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening and encourage eligible individuals to book a Pap test.

According to the Screening Program for Cervical Cancer, anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69 should receive a Pap test every three years.

The event will take place at the Martensville Primary Health Centre, located at 30-70 Centennial Drive North. Organizers note that all providers performing Pap tests during the event will be female.

Individuals do not need to be patients of the clinic to participate. Anyone within the recommended age range is welcome to book an appointment for the screening event.

Clinic officials note that providers participating in the Pap-a-thon are not accepting new patients and will only follow up in cases involving abnormal test results.

Appointments are required, and those interested in booking a Pap test can call the clinic at 306-844-4420.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says the campaign is aimed at helping improve screening participation and encouraging early detection through routine preventative care.

ABOVE: The Saskatchewan Health Authority will host a PAP-A-THON at the Martensville Primary Health Centre, located at 30-70 Centennial Drive North, on June 17th, encouraging individuals with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69 to stay up to date with routine cervical cancer screening. All healthcare providers performing the Pap tests will be female. Appointments are required and residents are encouraged to contact the clinic to book if they are due for a Pap test.

Martensville Library Raises Funds, Launches Community Survey and Brings Back Regional Park Pass Program Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Library is grateful to the community for its continued support following a successful BBQ fundraiser held Sunday, May 24th.

The fundraiser took place in the Co-op grocery store parking lot, where residents stopped by throughout the afternoon for burgers and hot dogs in support of the local library.

According to the Martensville Library Board, the event raised $921.80, with proceeds going toward library programming, supplies and equipment, as well as day-to-day library operations.

The library is also currently gathering feedback from residents through a community survey aimed at helping shape the future of library services in Martensville and the surrounding area.

The survey is open to everyone in the community, including regular library patrons, occasional users, and those who may not currently use the library.

The survey launched May 15th and will remain available until June 15th. Community members who complete the survey can also enter for a chance to win one of two $50 Co-op gift cards. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to enter the draw.

Paper copies of the survey are available at the Martensville Library, City Hall, and the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP), while the online survey can be accessed through the Martensville Library’s social media pages and website.

In addition to the survey initiative, the library is once again participating in Saskatchewan’s Regional Park Pass Lending Program for the 2026 season.

The program runs from May 15th through September 8th and allows library patrons to borrow regional park passes that cover park entry fees at participating regional parks across Saskatchewan.

To borrow a pass, patrons must have a valid library card. Passes are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be placed on hold or requested in advance. The loan period is seven days and cannot be extended.

Library officials also remind patrons that passes must be returned to the same library they were borrowed from and that the passes cover park entry fees only. Camping fees, firewood, and other permits are not included.

SPORTS

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MAY 28, 2026 - Page 5

Valley Soccer Association Kicks Off Valley Cup Weekend in Rosthern

Canadian Tire Martensville The Valley Soccer Association (VSA) celebrated a successful opening weekend of Valley Cup action as teams, families, and supporters gathered in Rosthern for the U11 Continues to Support Free Valley Cup Jamboree.

by Rosthern Soccer, the weekend event featured plenty of soccer action Drop-In Programming at MRC alongsideHosted family-friendly activities including bouncy castles and food trucks, creating a Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Residents can continue taking advantage of free recreational opportunities at the Martensville Recreation Centre (MRC) thanks to ongoing sponsorship support from Canadian Tire Martensville.

E a c h week, a schedule of sponsored drop-in programs is offered at no charge to the public, providing a c c e s s i b l e activities for a variety of ages and interests. Programs regularly include walking clubs, turf times, skating opportunities, hockey, and parent and tot programming.

The schedule for the week of May 25-31 features several opportunities for residents to stay active throughout the week.

Monday’s lineup includes Walking Club, 55+ Hockey, and After School Youth Turf Time, while Tuesday through Friday continue with morning walking programs alongside youth and adult turf activities.

Families with young children can also enjoy multiple Parent & Tot Mini Ice Skate sessions throughout the week for children ages six and under.

Public skating opportunities are scheduled for Thursday evening and again on Saturday afternoon, while weekend programming also includes youth and adult turf drop-in sessions.

The sponsored programming is part of Canadian Tire Martensville’s continued support of community recreation initiatives at the MRC, helping make recreational activities more accessible and affordable for local residents.

Updated weekly schedules for the free drop-in programming can be found through the Martensville Recreation Centre social media pages.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

festive atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

VSA thanked Rosthern Soccer for hosting the jamboree and also recognized Platinum Sponsors Hague Home Hardware Building Centre and Hy-Tech Drilling Ltd. for their continued support of the event.

Players also received a special treat during the weekend, thanks to Lil Bean Ice Cream, which donated free ice cream cones for all participating athletes.

The Valley Cup events bring together youth soccer teams from communities across the region each season, providing players with opportunities for competition, teamwork, and community connection throughout the outdoor soccer season.

With warm weather and strong community support, organizers described the opening weekend as a great start to this year’s Valley Cup events.

ABOVE: Players battle for possession in front of the net during Valley Cup action in Rosthern this past weekend as teams from across the region kicked off the outdoor soccer season.

(Valley Soccer Association)

Notice of Intention to Consider a Proposed Development Charges Bylaw #12-2025

Martensville Maddogs Raise Nearly $6,000 Through Community Bottle Drive

Notice of intention is hereby given by the City of Martensville, pursuant to section 207 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, for City Council’s consideration of a proposed Bylaw 7-2026Development Charges Bylaw.

PURPOSE: The proposed Development Charges Bylaw is to provide for the payment of development levies and servicing agreement fees.. The purpose of development charges is to reimburse the City for the capital costs associated with new residential, commercial and industrial developments within the City.

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 the cost of $1.00.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers, located at 37 Centennial Drive South, 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 June 9, 2026.

Dated at Martensville this May 27, 2026.

Bonnie Gorelitza Planning Manager

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

T h e Martensville Maddogs football organization is thanking the community following a highly successful bottle drive fundraiser held earlier this week.

According to the organization, the fundraiser raised a total of $5,887 through bottle and cash donations collected during Wednesday’s bottle drive.

Maddogs organizers extended their appreciation to residents throughout Martensville who contributed to the fundraiser, helping support the local football program and its athletes.

The organization also recognized several businesses and community members for their additional support, including a $500 donation from Terry Postey.

Special thanks were also given to The Caesar Mill for donating glass recycling items and to The SCRUB, Auto & Pet Spa for providing the use of several wash bays to assist volunteers with sorting.

The Martensville Maddogs football program continues to grow local youth football opportunities while relying heavily on fundraising efforts and community partnerships to help support equipment, programming, and team operations.

Page 6 - MAY 28, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

City of Martensville Seeking Residents for New Advisory Committees Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville is encouraging residents to get involved in the future of the community by applying for two advisory committees focused on recreation, green space, public safety, and emergency services.

Applications are currently being accepted for both the Recreation & Green Space Committee and the Protective Services Committee, each designed to provide guidance and recommendations to City Council on key community matters.

The Recreation & Green Space Committee will focus on parks, trails, recreation facilities, beautification projects, community programming, and environmental stewardship initiatives throughout Martensville.

According to the committee’s Terms of Reference, the committee supports the development, enhancement, and sustainability of recreational opportunities and green spaces within the community.

Committee members will review policies and initiatives related to recreation and parks while also helping identify community needs for trails, recreational facilities, and outdoor spaces.

Responsibilities for the committee include promoting environmental stewardship, encouraging community engagement, and contributing to updates and

reviews of the City’s Recreation and Parks Master Plan.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Protective Services Committee will focus on matters related to public safety, emergency services, bylaw enforcement, and emergency management within Martensville.

The committee will provide strategic guidance and recommendations to Council regarding community safety initiatives, emergency preparedness plans, service levels, and risk management strategies. Members will also help identify public safety concerns and recommend potential solutions to Council.

Both committees will include members of Council, public representatives, City administration, and designated youth representatives. Public applicants must be Martensville residents who are at least 18 years of age and have an interest in contributing to their community.

These committees are intended to provide residents with an opportunity to share their perspectives, contribute ideas, and help shape the future of Martensville through community involvement and collaboration.

Meetings for both committees will be open to the public and held quarterly.

Additional information and application details can be found on the City of Martensville website under the “Boards and Committees” section located within the City Hall tab.

Saskatchewan's Building Permits Soar Growth in building sector protects citizens.

Statistics Canada's building permit numbers released today indicate a 29.9 per cent year-over-year increase for Saskatchewan in March 2026 compared to March 2025 (seasonally adjusted). This places third among the provinces for growth in this category.

"Saskatchewan continues to experience growth, as we can see from the latest data on building permits," Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. "Today's numbers show that our provincial economy remains strong and is helping take our construction sector to new heights. Our government is focused on protecting citizens by ensuring that crucial infrastructure and services are ready and available when people need them."

Building permits also saw month-over-month growth in March 2026, up 26.1 per cent from February 2026 (seasonally adjusted). This also ranked third in the country.

The total value of building permits represents the dollar value of construction permits for residential and non-residential buildings and is an important indicator of construction activity, and demand for raw materials and employment.

Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan's 2025 real GDP reached an all-time high of $85.4 billion. This was an increase of 2.2 per cent, putting the province well above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 12 per cent to $13.6 billion, ranking first among provinces. Efforts behind the province's Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy is driving that momentum.

For more information visit InvestSK.ca.

26061JJ0

BELOW: An aerial view of Christopher Lake.

Celebrate Saskatchewan Tourism Week May 25 to 29

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 25 to 29 as Saskatchewan Tourism Week. It is a time to acknowledge tourism businesses and operators, whose efforts drive a vibrant visitor economy, create jobs and enhance quality of life.

Saskatchewan Tourism Week brings attention to the significance of tourism, which generates $3 billion in spending annually in the province. The industry is a key driver of employment across the province, representing 10 per cent of total employment with over 61,000 Saskatchewan residents working during peak season.

Tourism offers dynamic, long-term career paths in areas like marketing, digital storytelling, hospitality, outdoor adventure, culture and event planning, employing people of diverse backgrounds, and providing youth with fulfilling seasonal and part-time work.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to proclaim May 25 to 29 as Saskatchewan Tourism Week, which showcases the wide array of opportunities to explore our province and highlights the hard work of professionals in the industry," Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Alana Ross said. "Tourism is a strong and growing industry in the province, and Saskatchewan Tourism Week will emphasize the benefits to our economy while highlighting our province's natural beauty and warm hospitality."

The week will be a time to encourage Saskatchewan residents to discover something new this summer - to plan road trips through the province, try new activities, taste different flavours and explore unique, authentic experiences.

"Saskatchewan is a welcoming and authentic destination, offering the natural and cultural experiences in demand by travellers," Tourism Saskatchewan CEO Jonathan Potts said. "Recently, several Saskatchewan tourism operators earned national recognition for excellence at both the Canadian Tourism Awards and the Indigenous Tourism Awards. These prestigious honours shine a national spotlight on the tremendous tourism experiences and attractions available in our province that resonate with visitors."

Tourism operators are preparing for a busy summer season. Throughout the week, Tourism Saskatchewan will release a series of videos on social media channels. These stories showcase the province's abundant tourism resources and some of the people, attractions and events that make Saskatchewan an inviting destination.

For more information on Saskatchewan Tourism Week, visit: business.tourismsaskatchewan.com.

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.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MAY 28, 2026 - Page 7

Page 8 - May 28, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Independent Review Begins to Strengthen Hospital Safety and Security

Work is beginning this week on the independent, thirdparty review of hospital safety and security.

The Ministry of Health has contracted Buckingham Security Services Ltd., to perform the review under the leadership of Clive Weighill, executive director at Buckingham. Weighill is a former Saskatoon police chief and served as Saskatchewan's chief coroner.

“Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of both patients and health care workers,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Steps have already been taken in several facilities across the province and are showing positive results. The review being conducted by Clive Weighill will inform further enhancements to safety in hospitals throughout our province.”

"Safety is a vital part of Saskatchewan's health system, impacting patients, visitors and staff," said Weighill. "Identifying supports to enhance security will benefit those within the system and the public alike."

The review is expected to take approximately six months.

It will examine current practices and provide recommendations to help improve safety for patients, visitors and staff across Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) facilities. It will include site visits to SHA facilities, as well as meetings with First Nations and Metis organizations, unions and staff.

"The Saskatchewan Health Authority is committed to ensuring safe environments for patients, families and staff," SHA CEO Andrew Will said. "This independent review provides an important opportunity to strengthen safety across our facilities, and we will work in close collaboration with the review team as they evaluate current practices and identify opportunities for improvement."

The review does not include: • activities beyond the scope of security provided by protective services officers, for example, triage at emergency units, medical diagnosis and treatment, surgery wait times or general administration within the health system; or • detailed investigations of individual incidents, current investigations and processes currently underway or already completed.

Individuals with lived experiences relevant to the security review may also email safety@buckinghamsecurity.com to provide input.

Concerns raised by staff and patients and increasing volume and complexity of Protective Services interventions has highlighted the need for a system-wide comprehensive review.

Several actions to strengthen hospital safety are already underway, including the installation of metal detectors at emergency department entrances in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and North Battleford, as well at the Regina Urgent Care Centre.

In addition, the SHA issued a Request for Proposals for third-party security services for facilities in La Loche, Shellbrook, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Nipawin, Melfort and Kamsack. These measures are being advanced while the independent review will inform longer-term, system-wide improvements.

Buckingham Security Services is a Saskatchewan based business. Founder Rod Buckingham spent 36 years in law enforcement with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Regina Police Service (RPS). He is also a security consultant for the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Police Pursuit North of Saskatoon Ends in Arrest After Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud

Saskatoon Police Report Hundreds of Tickets Issued During Recent Traffic Enforcement Initiatives The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), alongside several provincial enforcement agencies, recently completed multiple two-day traffic enforcement initiatives targeting unsafe driving behaviours and commercial vehicle compliance in and around Saskatoon.

According to SPS, the first initiative took place May 6 and 7 and focused on commercial vehicle enforcement. SPS Traffic members partnered with provincial agencies to conduct inspections in Saskatoon and along Highway 16 south of Langham.

During the two-day project, officers checked a total of 295 commercial vehicles. The initiative resulted in 70 tickets being issued, along with 89 warnings and 44 complete vehicle or trailer inspections.

Police say 21 vehicles were taken out of service after being deemed non-roadworthy, while four drivers had their licences suspended for drug impairment.

A second enforcement initiative was conducted May 20 and 21 as part of the Saskatchewan Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).

The enforcement campaign focused on impaired driving, distracted driving, seatbelt use, speeding, unlicensed driving and vehicle registration, as well as vehicle equipment regulations.

During the STEP initiative, police impounded four vehicles being driven by impaired drivers.

Officers also inspected 39 commercial vehicles, with 12 requiring further assessment and 17 being removed from the road and declared out of service.

Distracted driving and speeding remained major enforcement concerns during the campaign, with officers issuing 83 distracted driving tickets and 169 speeding tickets over the two days.

In total, SPS reported that 368 tickets were issued during STEP 2026.

The Saskatoon Police Service thanked motorists and members of the public for their cooperation during the enforcement initiatives, noting the projects are aimed at improving road safety throughout the province.

A 31-year-old Saskatoon man is facing multiple charges after an attempted traffic stop in Saskatoon led police on a pursuit north out of the city Sunday evening.

According to the Saskatoon Police Service, officers observed a vehicle travelling at an excessive speed and driving into oncoming lanes near Idylwyld Drive North and 36th Street at approximately 8:00pm on May 24th.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly refused to pull over and fled north out of Saskatoon.

Officers continued efforts to stop the vehicle as it travelled outside the city, where police say the driver damaged fences and drove through fields while attempting to evade arrest.

The pursuit came to an end after the vehicle became stuck in the mud. The driver was then taken into custody without further incident.

The 31-year-old Saskatoon man has been charged with dangerous driving, evading police, and driving while prohibited.

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