May 30, 2024

Organics/Green Bin Pickups Underway

Green Bin pick-ups are now underway, alternating between North and South neighborhoods with pick ups scheduled on Tuesdays.

The Green Bin program is currently a subscription-based program that runs from May until October.

Those wishing to sign up for a Green Bin should contact City Hall. More information, including pick-up schedule and acceptable organics items, can be found on our Waste and Recycling page at Martensville.ca

Residential Fire Related Regulations

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

Regulations include:

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

- The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recreation Program Update -

Buster Days is Coming! May 31st- June 2nd

Buster Days 2024, May 31st- June 2nd

A full slate of weekend activities for everyone in Martensville’s premier community event. Some of the features include the Family Swim Night, Party in the Park, the Buster Days Parade, Petting Zoo, Fun for All at the MAP, Old Time Dance and the Open Stage. Visit Busterdays.com for more information and the full schedule of the weekend’s events.

Thank you to all Volunteers and Sponsors who make Buster Days a success!

POLICE BEAT

Saskatchewan RCMP Seek Information About Vandalism to Transformers

Between February and March 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP has received multiple reports of vandalism and copper wire theft that occurred in the Maidstone, Cut Knife, and Turtleford RCMP detachment areas.

On February 13, 2024, Maidstone RCMP received a report of a damaged worksite in the RM of Eldon, SK. Investigation determined an unknown individual or individuals stole copper lines, a transformer, and breakers. Investigators believe the vandalism occurred on February 9.

On March 14, 2024, Cut Knife RCMP received a report that an abandoned work site had been rummaged through in the RM of Manitou, SK. Investigation determined that an unknown individual or individuals took copper from the abandoned site. Investigators believe this incident occurred on March 10.

On March 15, 2024, Maidstone RCMP received a report of a damaged transformer in the RM of Eldon, SK. Investigation determined an unknown individual or individuals pulled the transformer off its base and stole the cooper wires from inside. It is unknown when this incident took place.

On April 30, 2024, Turtleford RCMP received a report of a damaged worksite in Frenchman Butte, SK. Investigation determined an unknown individual or individuals damaged a transformer and the copper wiring inside the transformer was stolen. Investigators believe the vandalism took place between April 21 and April 30.

On May 9, 2024, Turtleford RCMP received a report of a damaged transformer in Mervin, SK. Investigation determined an unknown individual or individuals ripped open and damaged the transformer, stealing the copper inside. Investigators believe the vandalism occurred between May 8 and May 9. On May 10, 2024, Turtleford RCMP received a report of two more transformers that were stolen and damaged in the area. Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.

According to SaskPower, tampering or vandalising electrical equipment is extremely dangerous and can cause power outages, affecting homes, schools, hospitals, and more.

Landscaping or Back-Yard Project This Spring?What You May Need to Know

Property owners looking at landscaping or construction projects must secure a permit to access their property across public spaces or parks. The Access to Private Property Through Open Spaces Bylaw serves as a framework for property owners, allowing access to their property for home or yard projects while overseeing public areas to mitigate and address any potential damages or use of public spaces for project staging purposes.

Please contact City Hall for more information about this permit.

Don’t Get Missed on Garbage/Recycling Day

A few reminders to ensure you don’t miss your scheduled pick-up day:

• Have the cart curbside by 7AM on collection day

• Do not overfill carts. The lid must be closed to ensure contents cannot fall out of the bin, or spill onto roadways or against the garbage truck. Bins that are overfilled will not be picked up.

• Bag all trash and place inside the cart, bagged or unbagged garbage placed beside, in front, or on top of the cart will not be collected.

June Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in person, and guests may wear a mask if desired within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

June 4th – Regular Council Meeting

June 11th -Committee of the Whole Meeting

June 18th – Regular Council Meeting

All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers at Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM.

Those wishing to address or present 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

Property Tax Information- What you need to Know

Tax Notices have been mailed out. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date. Taxes are due July 31st, to avoid interest charges.

Ways to Pay

- Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

-Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

The Saskatchewan RCMP warns the public of the dangers of tampering with transformers and stealing copper wire. Vandalizing electrical equipment poses a significant safety risk and can cause serious injuries, including death. Officers remind the public that this also poses a significant risk to public safety as it can limit access to 911 and other critical infrastructure.

Thick, black smoke, or suspicious activity near an electrical station, power lines, or telecommunication lines can be indicators of copper wire theft. If you witness this activity, or have information about these incidents, please contact your local RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

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

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

ABOVE: Saskatchewan RCMP report of numerous thefts of copper wire and vandalism in recent months.

City Administration Researching Alternate Options for Yard Waste Site Due to Misuse

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville has offered a free yard waste site, located on 10th Avenue South, south of the off-leash dog park, to residents of the community since 2015.

This site is provided as an option to residents to dispose of leaves, grass clippings, sod, tree trimmings and non-elm branches from their yards and is not intended for commercial contractor use. Items that are not accepted include elm wood, saw dust, lumber, wood chips, building materials (stone, brick, clay, sand, gravel, etc.) and any other waste products.

At the May 14th City Council meeting, City administration reported to Council that there have been some ongoing issues with this site being filled with waste from contractors, as well as contamination of the site with garbage, and diseased trees/yard waste.

“We have experienced higher than anticipated volumes of material being deposited at the yard waste site, more than what we would expect for normal residential use,” Director of Infrastructure and Planning Matt Gruza stated.

The yard waste site will continue to operate as normal for the 2024 season; however, Council provided direction to administration to look into alternative ways of operating the yard waste site for future use, which include options such as changes in staffing and monitoring of the site, or potentially modifying access and hours of operation. Any changes will be brought forward to Council to be formally approved at a future date.

Material collected at the yard waste site is disposed of through a permitted, controlled burn, with grass and leaves being composted, screened and eventually utilized throughout the City; however, other options may be needed if regulation changes occur.

“If the regulations change, and controlled burning is no longer permitted, other options will need to be explored for disposal of contaminated branches/tree material at the yard waste site. These options are currently being explored by administration,” Gruza noted.

The City of Martensville recently stated on their Facebook page that, “At this time, the yard waste site is open but will be subject to monitoring and illegal dumping will be subject to bylaw enforcement. Thank you to those that have utilized the site as intended and for your interest in this issue.”

Buster Days Parade Route Modified Due to Road Closure

This year’s Buster Days Parade is going to look a little different, so be sure to plan your viewing spots appropriately. Due to the road closure at the intersection of 1st Street South and 1st Avenue South, the usual parade route has been modified.

This year, the route will move west down 4th Street South, north on 1st Avenue South, east on 2nd Street South, then north on 6th Avenue South and east on Main Street to finish things up. See the map below for the full route.

“Although we had to change things up a little, you can be sure that it will still be the same great parade that we see each and every year, with a lot of local businesses and organizations participating. We can’t wait to see everyone celebrate Buster Days this weekend,” Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Recreation Program Supervisor, said.

Help Find a Home for Charlie

The Pop-Up Rescue Project still has a number of dogs that are looking for either a foster home, or for someone to adopt them and give them a loving home.

One of these dogs is Charlie, who the Pop-Up Rescue Project notes “really needs a home”.

Kennel life is not for Charlie and unfortunately, he is losing weight. Charlie needs a home where he can be happy, comfortable, loved and gain some weight.

“His perfect home will have kids that will throw balls and play with him. Only pet home is best, but in time, could co-exist with another dog. He just wants a family to love.”

For more information, to schedule a meet and greet with Charlie, or any of the other available dogs, or to volunteer your time to help walk the dogs, contact the Pop-Up Rescue Project on Facebook.

ABOVE: The City of Martensville yard waste site has seen higher than anticipated volumes of material being deposited, as well as unacceptable items being disposed of on site.

Maddogs Bottle Drive Helps Raise Funds for the Club

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Maddogs football team held a bottle drive last week to help raise funds for their upcoming season.

Thanks to The Scrub, Auto & Pet Spa, they were able to use bays to help with sorting all the huge number of bottles and cans that were donated from the community.

“The funds raised from this help us to get equipment for the youth in our program to prepare better, play safer, and continue growing and supporting their teammates and the community that supports them,” Maddogs Football stated via social media.

“A special thank you as well to the players, their parents and the Maddogs Executives for making it efficient, fun for the players and a relationship building experience for us all as we have more time to get to know one another.”

“Thanks Martensville for being a great community and supporting our youth football program!”

Former Marauder

Signs With Mintos

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Evan Skoronski, a 16-year-old from Martensville, has had a great career as a forward for the Marauders. In his 2021/22 U15AA season he had a total of 18 points, then moved up to U18AA to finish the year adding two goals and two assists.

Skoronski’s first full year as a U18AA player, he racked up an impressive four goals and twelve assists, and in his final season he came out flying with 20 goals and 21 assists for a total of 61 points.

He recently signed with the Prince Albert Mintos AAA team for 2024/25 season. Good luck Evan!

Valley Soccer Association Selected for Canada Soccer ‘Soccer in Schools’ Program

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Canada Soccer partners with BC Soccer, Saskatchewan Soccer and Ontario Soccer, community schools, and clubs within those provinces.

Their goal is to create inclusion in sport and provide opportunities to kids who may not have the means to participate in organized sports.

The ‘Soccer in Schools’ project allows Canada Soccer to reach a wider audience through the public school system by providing grants so teachers can deliver enhanced tools and education about the sport of soccer. This allows people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to enjoy this sport, along with the mental, physical and social benefits for those who play it.

Valley Soccer Association (VSA) is part of the Saskatchewan Soccer Association, which has been selected as a community organization for Canada Soccer’s ‘Soccer in Schools’ grant. Over the next couple of months, equipment and resources will be sent to

schools in Saskatchewan for use in the fall 2024 programming.

“The program's goal is to reduce participation barriers by providing schools with the resources they need to promote soccer through ‘Soccer in Schools’,” VSA stated via social media.

Partnering schools Aberdeen, Dalmeny, Osler, Martensville, and Warman will all benefit from this program. For more information go to https://canadasoccer. com/soccerinschools/.

ABOVE: The Martensville Maddogs held a bottle drive to help raise money for equipment. (Maddogs Football)

Let’s start Buster Days off with a Bang!

Speaker’s Bombshells Speak to Sask. Party Problems

Maybe it’s not enough to topple a 17-year government that seem to have a stranglehold on all the rural seats that make up half the province’s legislature, but the very fact that Premier Scott Moe and his Saskatchewan Party government believe it can simply dismiss the bombshell comments made by Speaker Randy Weekes on the last day of the sitting may speak to a much bigger problem.

Are the allegations devastating enough for the Sask. Party to lose power? That seems highly doubtful. Notwithstanding the reality that the NDP had pretty good session pointing out the foibles and dysfunction of the Sask. Party government, it takes more than criticism to demonstrate you are a viable alternative.

While there are grumblings on the right, Moe’s government has effectively focused on placating such concerns.

All that said, they do add to the growing distrust with the Sask. Party government. And given how its handling the Weekes allegations, expect those growing and will only continue to grow. The most serious allegations from Weekes involve “an incident reported by a former special constable” suggesting Government House leader Jeremy Harrison “flaunted the rules concerning weapons when he brought a hunting rifle into the Legislative Building” a few years ago. More recently, Harrison asked if he could bring a handgun into legislation.

Regarding the handgun, it’s pretty much a case of Weekes’s word versus Harrison’s word as to whether such a ridiculous request was ever made. One might even think that Harrison, trained in law, would have the common sense to know why this would be legal problematic.

As for Weekes’s other suggestions that Harrison owns many weapons including a “.223 AR-style 4-shot clip lightweight which looks like an assault weapon” and handguns, or that he made perceived threatening gestures after the Speaker ruled against him, there’s nothing illegal about owning properly stowed guns and those supposed threatening gestures seem to be Weekes’ interpretation.

There is no doubt about “bullying” and “harassing” texts from Harrison and other government heavyweights that Weekes read in into the record that seemed abusive and highly critical of Speaker rulings.

Those would be harassment in any workplace and should get you expelled from the legislature. Even Moe acknowledged that Weekes’ concerns in that area were true and that such behaviour from his MLAs was inappropriate; however, Moe also called Harrison’s tactics with the Speaker as “ambitious” and criticized Weekes for not raising the concerns earlier. (The latter would seem reasonable criticism, but Weekes claimed he did not trust Moe or most anyone else in the hierarchy of the Sask. Party caucus because they were already making rumblings about removing him as Speaker.)

Moe further suggested that Weekes’ criticisms were “sour grapes”. This doesn’t sound like a government taking serious allegations as seriously as they should.

As of the writing of this column, Harrison had not spoken publicly about the allegations and has been absent from public appearances; even ones in which he was scheduled. In fact, Moe didn’t even initially speak to Harrison after the serious charges were leveled.

The next day, the Premier said the following to reporters: “I did follow up a little bit with the member that many of the accusations were directed at and … I’ve been informed that they are all unequivocally false.”

Unfortunately for Moe, there are a couple big problems. The first few problem is that Harrison isn’t directly refuting any of Weekes’ claims. And as of the writing of this, it appears some witnesses are coming out of the woodwork to verify that at least the rifle story happened, but more devastating, these allegations are all coming from within the Sask. Party, making it hard to deny or suggest this is the work of political enemies.

When the problems are coming from within, it’s a big problem.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Population Continues to Grow at Record Pace

Saskatchewan continues to be a growing province with its brightest days ahead. Saskatoon and Regina are two of the fastest growing and youngest cities in Canada, according to a recent report from Statistics Canada. Of 41 total cities, Saskatoon was the fourth-fastest growing city with an annual population growth rate of 4.8 per cent while Regina was eighth with 4.1 per cent growth. Saskatoon is also the youngest city in Canada with a median age of 36.8 years and Regina is fifth youngest with a median age of 37.8.

Gone are the days when Saskatchewan’s population was dropping because so many of its young people were leaving. Today, Saskatchewan has so many opportunities for our young people to build great careers. Together with the great people of this province, our government is committed to keeping our economy strong.

Record Exports Means More Jobs

More exports abroad mean more jobs here at home. In 2023, Saskatchewan exported $7.28 billion worth of agri-food products to the Indo-Pacific region. The billions of dollars in high quality exports to the Indo-Pacific region are the result of the strong and sustainable agriculture sector here in Saskatchewan. Our government will remain steadfast in our trade partnerships, which support Saskatchewan’s economic goals while continuing to feed a growing world.

Saskatchewan Inflation Second-Lowest

in Canada

Inflation continues to drop in Saskatchewan as well, due in part to our government’s decision to remove the Trudeau-Singh carbon tax off home heating. Saskatchewan’s inflation rate in April fell to 1 per cent, well below the national average of 2.7 per cent. Just think how much inflation would drop if the federal Liberal-NDP coalition government removed that same carbon tax off everything for everyone.

Our government is committed to keeping Saskatchewan’s population growing and economy strong. A strong and growing economy means a brighter future with more opportunities, and more investments in our classrooms, care and communities.

Saskatchewan Inflation Remains Low Due to

Removal of Carbon Tax

Consumer Price Index Increase Remains Second Lowest in the Nation

Saskatchewan's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by only 1 per cent in April 2024 over April 2023. This marks the second lowest increase among the provinces and sits far below the national average of 2.7 per cent.

"Removing the Carbon Tax from home heating is helping our province tackle inflation," Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer said. "Our government will always fight for the people of Saskatchewan and stand up against policies that hurt our province."

The CPI measures changes in the price of goods and services over time. Inflation is indicated by the growth of CPI, which helps assess changes to the cost of living. An individual's ability to buy goods and services is affected by changes in income and prices.

Saskatchewan continues to see strong economic outcomes, with the province's exports totaling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous two-year period of 2020-2021, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports.

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

The Government of Saskatchewan also recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth - Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy combined with Saskatchewan's trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.

For more information visit: InvestSK. ca.

Annual Walk for Dog Guides Draws Large Crowd

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville’s 10th annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides took place on Sunday, May 26th, which brought out approximately 100 participants and over 40 dogs. This event raised over $16,000, with more donations still coming in, and all proceeds will go towards helping ensure local residents can receive a dog guide. Donations can still be made online at https://www.walkfordogguides.com/.

“We do seven different disciplines of Guide Dogs; Vision, Hearing, Diabetic Alert, Seizure Response, Autism Assistance, Service for physical disabilities and Facility Support for traumatic situations,” Doug Ward of the Martensville & District Lions Club, explained.

Guide dogs typically cost approximately $35,000 to raise and train; however, thanks to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, they are provided to a successful client at no cost, once they apply and provide the required medical documentation.

Community Garage Sale Brings Out Entrepreneurs of All Ages

This past weekend, Martensville was a hub of activity with garage sales taking place throughout the City for the Community Monster Garage Sale.

Shoppers from Martensville, Warman, Saskatoon and other surrounding communities made their way through the streets of Martensville to find the perfect treasures.

Amongst all of the sales, there were numerous local youth participating themselves, whether it be by selling homemade goods, drawing shoppers in with signs and costumes, or helping out in a variety of other ways.

“After having another successful walk this past weekend, I would like to thank local businesses in Martensville, Warman, and Saskatoon that made a donation to the walk and to all of the people that collected donations and came out to the walk. Martensville is a great community to live in,” Ward stated.

For more information on how you can apply to receive a dog guide, contact the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides at 1-800-768-3030 or visit www.dogguides.com.

“Sponsorship of a client to go and get training and bonding with a dog is usually covered by money raised by donations, dog walks or local Lions Clubs. We get no government funding,” Ward added.

Aleah and Londyn were just a couple of the young entrepreneurs that could be found working hard for some extra money this weekend. Aleah had refreshing iced tea for sale to satiate shoppers thirst, while Londyn was selling her homemade bracelets and keychains.

(BELOW)