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Kids in Saskatoon, Martensville and surrounding areas have been enjoying performances by a local entertainer who does all entertaining at a safe distance. Zyphira had a great time this past Saturday as she was treated to a show on her front lawn for her birthday. Instead of charging a fee, the entertainer only asks that people pay it forward. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Page 2 -MAY 7, 2020 - martensville messenger

Saskatchewan Health Authority Service Resumption Plan Released

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will be initiating a phased resumption of health care services on May 19, 2020.

This process will start to reverse some of the service changes and reductions that had been initiated at earlier phases of the SHA’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan.

“Recent data does indicate that the province is in a better position now to move forward on reintroducing services in a gradual and thoughtful way because of the interventions that have been taken to slow the spread of COVID-19,” SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said. “As we do so, it is critical to remember that we will be constantly evaluating this process to ensure the safety of our patients, residents and our health care workers, remaining flexible in our approach to adapt to new developments and localized outbreaks.”

The SHA’s Service Resumption Plan is four phases and serves as a framework; implementation will vary across the province based on factors like outbreaks, capacity, availability of health care workers and availability of key supplies. Only the first phase has a specific date. All future phases will be based on assessing these and other factors constantly to ensure it is safe to move forward.

Phase 1: Resumption of some everyday health services and expansion of surgeries and diagnostic imaging - Phase 1 will start May 19, 2020.

Highlights from this phase include: • Surgical services: phased expansion of surgeries from emergency and three week urgent cases to those booked as six week urgent cases, resulting in a 10 to 25 per cent increase in surgical services. Ex. Cataracts, hysterectomy, cochlear, thoracic • Diagnostic imaging: Increased outpatient volumes, including: - MRI: increase from 50 per cent of normal capacity to 75 per cent of normal capacity - CT: increase from 55 per cent of normal capacity to 75 per cent of normal capacity - Primary Care Clinics: expand availability, continue to use virtual care where possible, and prioritize in person visits for those living with chronic diseases • All routine immunizations • Public Health Inspections: increase inspections of long-term care homes, personal care homes and group homes.

• Mental health and addictions: re-open mental health short stay units, allow the option of in-person appointments as needed, allow more therapeutic/day programming for groups under 10 people and resume regular hours for harm reduction programs.

• Also includes gradual re-introduction of services in other key areas like home care, kidney health, rehabilitation and therapy programs.

Interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, will continue assessing all waiting patients to ensure surgeries and diagnostics are performed in a timely manner.

Established online programs and virtual care will continue to be used in the delivery of service across the province, wherever possible. There will be renewed opportunity for in-person appointments when necessary. Patient flow through facilities will be designed to achieve physical distancing and staggered appointments will assist with limiting the number of patients in a facility at any one time.

Phase 2: Specialty Clinics (dates to be determined)

The plan notes that SHA-operated specialty clinics will continue with virtual care at specialty clinics, where possible.

Other highlights from this phase include service delivery in the following specialty areas: • Electrophysiology, cath lab, cardiac stress testing, outpatient heart monitoring • Respiratory: - Level three sleep disorders testing - Respiratory outpatient clinic - Tuberculosis clinic and treatments • Eye centre testing • Dermatology clinics • Cast clinics • Increased fetal testing at high risk antenatal clinics Phase 3: Further Expansion of Everyday Health Services (dates to be determined)

Highlights from this phase include prioritizing resumption of service delivery in the following areas: • Chronic Disease Management/Wellness Programs/Stroke Prevention • Opioid Agonist Therapy • Specialized services for clients with developmental disabilities, Autism and brain injuries • Continued re-introduction of mental health and addictions services, including opening of social detox and addictions inpatient treatment Phase 4: Full Resumption of Services (dates to be determined)

Final actions required for full resumption of services, including: • Addition of long-waiting elective surgeries and previously postponed surgeries; and • Re-open hip/knee outpatient clinic.

“Our service resumption plans are very much dependent on the health system’s ability to respond, in partnership with the public,” SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said. “I recognize the feeling of wanting to get back to normal; however it’s essential that we proceed thoughtfully, and continue to maintain those everyday practices that have been so successful to date, including physical distancing, handwashing and staying home wherever possible.”

All patients immediately impacted will receive phone calls with updates specific to their situation, including new surgical or procedure dates, as appropriate. There is no need to contact your provider for this information.

Saskatchewan Health Authority's weekly update on its current COVID-19 Readiness Plan can be found online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

Saying Good-Bye to a Martensville Staple Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Wendy Staples has been the owner/operator of the Martensville Curves location since 2015 and her choice to purchase the business at that time has made a huge difference in many local women’s lives. Although it was not an easy decision to make, Staples decided to close her business as of April 30th.

The Curves location in Martensville has been in operation since the early 2000’s, and Staples, who moved to Martensville in 2002, came into the business by what she calls “fluke”. It began when she started to see loss of strength in her body and decided to do something about it. “I was a member, but I wasn’t going and taking advantage of the benefits. I injured myself and began to have trouble walking, so I thought I should continue going and working on my strength. While I was working out there, I was able to get a part time job and when the previous owner announced that she was going to be closing, I did a lot of thinking and checked out some other places in town, but decided to take the leap and purchase the business,” Staples said.

Although she didn’t have much experience, Staples immersed herself into the business and did research and got advice from others. “When I took over, I figured I better start losing weight. If I was going to be a gym owner, I wanted to look the part. So I began watching what I ate, working out more and just making healthier choices and the weight came off. The strength came back and to me, that’s most important because as we age, it goes away. Balance is another one that we lose as we age, so if we don’t have that core strength, the balance is really off.”

For Staples, one of the hardest parts of closing her doors was what it would mean for her members, who became more like family to her over the years. “You can only run a business so long with your heart. Business wise, it just wasn’t smart for me to keep it going, but I am going to miss our little community so much.”

Women of all ages came together at Curves ranging from 16 to 80 years old, with all different levels of ability and strength. “I should have closed a year ago, but I kept going for the members. I have said many times that I feel worse for them than I do for me. I don’t know what a lot of them are going to do now.”

Because she wasn’t able to leave her members high and dry, Wendy is still doing workout posts via her personal page, which she plans to continue to do at least until the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end. Described as a workout group for friends to come together, Staples noted that it is available for others who want to join and they can go on any time of day to get a quick workout in. If interested, contact Staples via her personal Facebook page.

For now, Staples has her machines in storage; however, her dream is that someone will take over the machines and create a workout circuit within the region as an option for women in the area who may not feel comfortable going to a regular gym. For anyone that is interested in more information about available equipment, you can contact ‘Wendy Staples’ on Facebook.

On top of creating a welcoming environment for her members, Staples also took a lot of pride in being a Martensville business and was always looking for new ways to give back to the community she loved so much. Throughout the years, there were numerous fundraisers, collections and donations made to raise funds for breast cancer research, diabetes, the food bank, KidSport and more. Staples also provided a scholarship to Martensville High School each year.

As a reminder for everyone, Staples reminds us “Don’t work out because you have to, work out because you are able to. So many people out there are not able to and it is something we take for granted. Stay strong, keep active and if you need incentive, call up a friend to help give you the support you need. The hardest part is getting to it, but once you do, it is so worth it and you feel so much better. It is not only good for your body, but it is good for your mental health and for your soul.”

“Thank you to my staff and all of my members for their wonderful support over the years. This was such a big part of my life and I loved it so much and appreciated every day,” Staples added.

martensville messenger - MAY 7, 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.

Contactless Payment Options Utilities and Taxes The City of Martensville offers a number of ‘contactless’ payment methods including:

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

• 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.

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

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

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 be charging interest on water and sewer accounts indefinitely to assist residents impacted by the COVID -19 impacts.

Organics/Green Bin Program and Pick-ups

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.

Garbage and Recycling - Services remain in place and on schedule with no anticipated service delays at this time.

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

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.

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

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.

May 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.

Committee of the Whole- May 12th Regular Council Meeting- May 19th 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

Funding To Encourage Support For Local Businesses

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $1 million to support a province-wide marketing campaign to encourage Saskatchewan residents to support local businesses and their employees.

The funding will be provided to the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce to work in partnership with other regional chambers to expand its successful “Together We Stand” campaign across the province.

“Encouraging Saskatchewan residents to buy local is a great initiative of the business community that we are pleased to support during this unprecedented difficult economic time,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said.

“This consumer campaign to support local businesses, led by the Regina Chamber and to be shared across our province, will help connect consumers directly with Saskatchewan businesses during the ongoing pandemic, throughout our economic recovery initiatives, and for the long-term.”

The “Together We Stand” campaign helps bridge the gap between consumers and businesses in the province, keeping the economy moving now and ensuring the Saskatchewan business community is ready to move forward with recovery efforts in the critical weeks ahead.

“There are a number of ways residents can support local businesses here, and that’s true for people supporting their local businesses right across Saskatchewan,” Reginaand District Chamber of Commerce CEO John Hopkins said. “We thank the government for their strong support and continuing partnership with our business community on this “Together We Stand” campaign and other key projects to keep Saskatchewan working.”

Many Saskatchewan businesses remain fully or partially open; however, they are reporting a significant decline in sales, which this province-wide campaign will work to help remedy. While they may be closed to the public, many businesses remain open through other options such as delivery, pickup, online e-commerce services or other methods. This campaign will help increase awareness of these alternative options to safely buy local during the global COVID-19 crisis.

“In communities right across Saskatchewan, local businesses have been there to sponsor local sports teams, community events, fundraising efforts and other initiatives,” Harrison said. “Now is the time for us as a government and residents, if they are able, to be there to return that support.”

The campaign will encourage consumers to support local businesses, including through online and phone sales, and curbside pickup and delivery options.

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Martensville Residents Will Have New Option For Community Garden Plots Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Darnell Kuzek plans to utilize land near the Martensville Kart Track for the new community garden. (Submitted)

ABOVE: The tentative plan for Martensville Gardens will include raised garden boxes and a mulch walkway. (Submitted)

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Martensville has had a community garden for numerous years, which is located east of the outdoor basketball court in Kinsmen Park. This 12-plot area has provided a gardening option for local residents and has proven to be a popular addition to the community, with many people asking to be added on the waiting list each year.

Because of this demand in the community, local resident Darnell Kuzek decided that he wanted to create another option for residents, and thus, he began planning a community garden area by the Kart Racing Track, located on 9th Street North in Martensville. Kuzek has been working on this project with the City of Martensville for approximately two years.

This year, the project will come to fruition.

“I was inspired by the “need” and being the President of the Martensville Kart Club for two years, I figured I could make it happen. There is a lot of extra land at the race track area and I thought it would be a great use of the land. Everyone at the Kart Club is very supportive of this project and think it will be a great addition in Martensville,” Kuzek said.

Kuzek would like to contact residents that have been on the waiting list for the Kinsmen Park Community Garden and allow them the opportunity to get a plot first. “I know there is a demand for this in the community; I just didn’t realize how much of a demand there was.”

Last week, Kuzek sent the budget for his plan to the City of Martensville, and this week, it was confirmed that the project would be going ahead to open to the public this year. Kuzek has already ordered the lumber, and prep work on the site took place this past weekend. The current plan will include 12 plots, with room for further expansion. The layout that Kuzek has planned will include raised gardens that will have fresh topsoil in them with mulch walkways. “I really want this area to be eye-appealing when people walk in.”

This year, Kuzek has been working alongside Ted Schaeffer, City of Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Services to ensure that safety precautions are set in place amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with guidelines set in place by the province.

The City of Saskatoon announced on April 28th, that they will also be opening their community gardens, with additional protocols put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Protocols that have been put in place include safe physical distancing measures, hand washing procedures and regular tool sanitization. In a news release, the City of Saskatoon stated that all protocols have been reviewed by the Ministry of Health, the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Public Health Inspector and the City’s Emergency Management Organization personnel to ensure that the program meets all current safety and public gathering guidelines. They plan to begin planting in mid-May.

Ted Schaeffer noted that the City has been in communications with the province and there are no issues with opening the community gardens, provided the proper safety precautions are met, which could include avoiding having a shared water source, preventing the sharing of equipment, physical distancing measures, etc. “We want to ensure that we avoid any potential method of transporting the virus, so we will make sure that we have all of the details planned out in advance and shared with the public,” Schaeffer said.

For those interested in getting more information, you can visit ‘Martensville Gardens’ on Facebook, or contact Kuzek at martensvillegardens@gmail.com.

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martensville messenger - MAY 7, 2020 - Page 5

C

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Council Hears Request From MCRP Regarding Lot Donation Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The first Council meeting of May was held on Tuesday the 5th and was once again held virtually, as it will continue to do until restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted.

The meeting began with a presentation from the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) regarding their plan for a new fundraising project to help raise funds for the new multipurpose sports facility in the community.

Representatives from the MCRP included Jesse Reis, Joe Garchinski and Blaine Wotherspoon. The three men explained to Council that they are currently working on the plans for the construction of a two-story home. In a letter to Council, the MCRP stated that, “In an ongoing effort to raise funds for the new recreation facility, the MCRP had identified an opportunity to build and sell a unique house in Martensville.” They continued to note that the project will involve many local trades donating their services in-kind.

The MCRP representatives approached Council to request that the lot, located on the NW corner of 4th Street South and MacCormack Road, be gifted to the organization from the City of Martensville to help keep costs low, and ensure the highest proceeds possible for the recreation facility. Acquiring the lot, which has an approximate value of $150,000, is the first step in their plan, which if all goes smoothly, will see the home placed on the real estate market in the spring of 2021.

Council was provided with a comparative market analysis and layout of the proposed home, which will include a 4-car garage and a large lot. “From the “huge sell factor” identified, the analysis outlines a home Martensville would be proud to call one of its own – and projects a sold value and therefore significant potential profit, based on obtaining considerable in-kind donations,” the report stated.

Once the lot is acquired, the MCRP will utilize June and August to request and confirm in-kind donation or trades and begin construction in August, which they project, will take 7 to 10 months. The letter to Council noted that there have already been several conversations with local trades and there has been considerable support.

Communication has also taken place with a group in Rosthern who completed a similar project.

Council had several questions for the men and will bring this topic back to a future meeting for formal approval.

Other items on the agenda were brought in from the Regional Planning Committee – Planning For Growth (P4G). The P4G consists of the RM of Corman Park, Osler, Warman, Saskatoon and Martensville and lays out a plan for future development within the region to 700,000 and then one million people.

Each Council that is involved in P4G will be asked to approve multiple changes this month; the first of which is an amendment within the RM of Corman Park to adjust a portion of green area to country residential designation to accommodate an application for a country residential development known as Eagle Ridge.

The second was for an amendment from the City of Martensville and the West Sector Plan, located west of Highway 12. The request was to change an area of proposed urban commercial into proposed urban residential. Council approved both of these changes.

The monthly Committee of the Whole meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 12th, and the second Regular Council meeting of the month will take place on May 19th. More information on upcoming meetings, as well as the agenda for each meeting can be found at www.martensville.ca.

ABOVE: A beautiful image of Martensville submitted by Jess Patel.

ABOVE: An amazing sunset showcasing the beauty of Martensville by Marlene Dyck.

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ABOVE: The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) made a presentation to City Council on Tuesday, May 5th to request the donation of a lot located on the corner of 4th Street South and MacCormack Road (est. value $150,000) for them to use in a fundraiser to help raise money for the new multi-purpose sports facility in the community. They provided specs for the home for Council to review.

Page 6 - MAY 7, 2020 - martensville messenger

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Moe Between a Rock and Hard Place

As COVID-19 restrictions continue on, Premier Scott Moe finds himself caught between a rock and hard place.

There are many who live have limited sympathy for the position the Premier is now in. We are all caught between that rock and that hard place.

For whatever flaws so many self-appointed experts have found in Moe’s re-opening, credit Moe for taking a cautious approach in what seems a generally wellthought out plan. Unfortunately, it has left Moe caught between that rock and hard place; those saying he’s moving too slowly in re-opening the economy versus those saying he is endangering lives by moving too quickly.

For those of you unfamiliar, Moe’s re-opening plans begin this week with dental services and recreational activities like golf, fishing and camping. What might have been lost in the criticism over why golfing and fishing would seem to be the first priority of the Saskatchewan Party government for re-opening is the abundance of caution.

Golfing, fishing and camping are self-isolating activities by nature. The government even went so far as to restrict golfers reaching into holes after putting or ensuring that people from different families/households are not allowed in the same boat.

This first stage would be followed by the second phase starting on May 19 on the Victoria Day long weekend that will include other retail like clothing and footwear stores and barber and hairdresser salons.

The next three phases have no specific dates attached to them, but will include increasing public gathering restrictions to 15 people, then 30 people and then unlimited gatherings as the government gradually opens up other businesses like bars and restaurants (initially, to half-capacity) and ends restrictions on public parks.

Unspoken in all this is the fact that the stillrather-limited measures in the third phase (the limited bar openings, that will still require six-foot social distancing requirements) won’t even begin until at least June. And that may be optimistic, depending on the province not having another outbreak.

The day after the Premier unveiled his re-opening plans, Saskatchewan Health disclosed a major outbreak in the north that necessitated a travel to what is, essentially, half the province. As we would later learn, the outbreak was centered in the struggling northern First Nations/Metis village of La Loche; a community of 3,000 people five hours north of Saskatoon that now accounts for 40 per cent of province’s active COVID-19 cases.

Moe says it’s really no different than what would happen if this outbreak occurred in a rural village or town. Some are skeptical of this, but it does underscore the difficult place Moe finds himself in. The longer the restrictions are in place, the more public frustrations grow.

For example, the Saskatchewan Health Authority last week could not address when we might see the health system again provide elective surgeries. This is a frustration for many, given that dental checkups and far less important things hair like hair salons, cosmetologists and tattoo parlors are re-opening far sooner.

Last week, 65-year-old Aberdeen accountant Garth Hetterly told the Leader-Post that he has been waiting since October for bone spur surgery in his neck and that he is now off work as a result.

This pandemic has put a lot of us in a tough spot, but the tough spot that Moe still finds himself in has a lot to do with the fact that SHA is still offering dire warnings about what would happen if we did lift restrictions.

In its latest modelling projections last week, the SHA was still talking about 254,756 Saskatchewan cases and 3,075 deaths if we did away with all current restrictions right now. That, too, is controversial but it does underscore one thing: We all remain in a tough spot.

Government Announces Supports, Further Travel Restrictions For Northern Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan is announcing further measures and supports to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Saskatchewan.

The announcement includes further travel restrictions for the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District (NSAD). Also included was immediate funding of $370,000 targeted to combating COVID-19 in the province’s Far North region, and the addition of seasonal businesses to the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment, including northern outfitters.

“Our government recognizes the unique challenges that northern communities are facing in fighting the spread of COVID-19,” Premier Scott Moe said. “We are providing direct supports to northern communities and businesses to ensure the necessary resources are available, while imposing further restrictions to ensure the necessary steps are being taken to reduce the spread and flatten the curve in the north.”

Travel Restrictions Tightened Across Northern Saskatchewan

After further consultation with Northern leaders by Government Relations Minister Lori Carr, the province is announcing tighter travel restrictions for the province’s north to help stop the spread of COVID-19. An updated public health order has been issued by Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab to impose further restrictions, including: • Restricting all non-critical travel (including those with primary residences) into and out of the NSAD, as well as restricting all non-critical travel between northern communities.

• Northern residents are ordered to remain in their local communities and to practice appropriate social distancing.

Exceptions will be made only for critical items like collecting groceries and medical appointments.

• Travel related to the delivery of essential services will continue to be permitted. For a complete list of approved travel visit https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/104577.

The NSAD is a large geographic area covering almost half of the province but containing less than 4.0 per cent of the provincial population. Given the uniqueness of the north, case-by-case exemptions to the Order were evaluated upon the request of a community. To date, the municipalities of La Ronge and Stony Rapids have been granted exemptions. This means that travel to and from La Ronge and Stony Rapids from outside the NSAD is allowed, but individuals are not permitted to stop in any other community. $370,000 Targeted to Communities Combating COVID-19 in Northern Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing immediate funding of $370,000 targeted to combating COVID-19 in province’s Far North region.

Of the investment, $350,000 will be provided through the Ministry of Government Relations directly to New North, the province’s northern communities association. Funding will help establish, staff and maintain community checkpoints as part of a recent public health order to address COVID-19 in the province’s far north.

The Northern Village of La Loche will receive $20,000 directly. These funds will be used to support local public safety, food security and educational initiatives organized by the community to encourage physical distancing and self-isolation of residents.

Supports for Outfitters and Businesses Operating in Provincial Parks

The Government of Saskatchewan also announced new supports for northern outfitters and businesses operating in provincial parks. Amendments to the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) program will ensure these small businesses are eligible for grants up to $5,000.

Announced on April 9, the SSBEP is a $50 million program providing financial support as a one-time grant to small and medium-sized businesses that have had to temporarily close or significantly curtail operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are paid based on 15 per cent of a business’ monthly sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000.

This is in addition to measures taken by the Ministry of Environment to waive lease fees for outfitters for the 2020 season and providing flexible licensing arrangements for those suspending outfitting activities.

A modified application will be available in the coming days and can be accessed by visiting www. saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.

Information About COVID-19

Public inquiries regarding travel restrictions in the NSAD can be directed to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency toll-free line at 1-855-559-5502.

Businesses seeking further information can contact the Business Response Team by calling 1-844-800-8688, emailing supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.

For more information on the current COVID-19 situation in the province, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/ COVID19.

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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2020/21 PSSD Calendar 2020/21 School Year Calendar

Lake Vista Elementary School Stays Connected

Since mid-March, schools across Canada have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and for our local schools, they have utilized social media to ensure that communication continues between teachers, administration, students and families. Lake Vista Elementary School has been sharing updates, fun ideas and more on their social media pages to help keep their school community connected through this difficult time.

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For more information about Prairie Spirit School Division, visit https://www. spiritsd.ca/

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Approved by the Prairie Spirit Board of Education on April 20, 2020

ABOVE: Lake Vista Elementary School families are looking at different ways to keep busy while staying safe and the Lake Vista SCC is encouraging them to share their ideas. The Pearson family decided to share some joy with others by painting rocks and placing them on walking paths around Martensville.

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Great Plains College Extends Scholarship Deadline

Great Plains College is pleased to announce its Entrance Scholarship deadline has been extended to June 30, 2020. Students are automatically considered for an Entrance Scholarship of $500-$5,000 when they apply to a full-time student loan-eligible program (September entry) before the June 30 deadline.

The extended deadline is a direct result of the tremendous financial support from the college’s many donors that provide for the number of scholarships that the college can offer. As well, the college wishes to acknowledge the current COVID-19 situation and the financial challenges that it has created for students.

“The generosity of our donors, paired with the continued support from the Government of Saskatchewan, has allowed our scholarship program to be a great opportunity for students,” said Carrie Voysey, director of communications and development at Great Plains College. “We’re happy to extend the opportunity for scholarships to more students, especially given the pandemic and the economic challenges we are now faced with.”

A wide variety of full-time scholarship-eligible programs are available at the various Great Plains College campus locations. Programs for Administrative Assistant, Business (certificate and diploma), Electrician, Third and Fourth Class Power Engineering, Practical Nursing, University and Youth Care Worker are among the scholarship-eligible programs that are available to prospective students.

For an exhaustive program list, individuals can visit greatplainscollege.ca/programs to review the many options offered.

Great Plains College is also proud to offer an Early Entrance Award. Grade 11 students with at least a 70 per cent average are eligible for the award of $1,000 when they apply to any full-time student loan-eligible program before June 30, 2020.

“We encourage anyone who may have missed the original April 30 deadline, or who has been considering applying to a full-time program to do so before June 30 to ensure they are considered for an Entrance Scholarship or an Early Entrance Award,” added Voysey.

More information on Great Plains College’s scholarship program, deadlines and other awards can be found at greatplainscollege.ca/ scholarships. Individuals can apply for college programs at greatplainscollege.ca/apply or by calling 1-866-296-2472.

The college boasts one of the most competitive scholarship programs among regional colleges in the province. Since 2009, more than $2 million has been distributed to students enrolled in fulltime student loan-eligible programs, including approximately $155,000 in the 2019-20 academic year.