November 3, 2022

Do You Have a Fire in You? The Martensville Fire Department is Hiring!

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) is hiring. Successful applicants will be brought on as a paidon-call firefighter/first responder and will be required to commit a minimum of two hours per week for training/ practice, as well as provide a level of commitment to be available on-call throughout each month, where hours can vary. Applications can be dropped off at Martensville City Hall, or at the Martensville Fire Hall and the deadline is November 4th.

Although the MFD used to be a volunteer-based department, they have evolved throughout the years to be a paid-on-call department that is compensated for training and calls; however, there is still a volunteer-based aspect to the position as well.

The MFD respond to all fires, motor vehicle collisions, rescues and medical calls within Martensville, neighboring cities and the surrounding rural area. Firefighters are trained to First Responder, EMR, EMT, PCP, or Paramedic Level and are trained to Provincial Standard 1001 through the office of the Fire Commissioner. Each week, the MFD meets for training with additional live exercises taking place throughout the year in areas such as live fire rescues, vehicle extrication, water rescue, technical rope rescue, confined space rescue and more.

Being involved in the community continues to be a big thing for the Martensville Fire Department through various ways including the Buster Days pancake breakfast and parade, school tours, Christmas hampers and Fire Prevention Week Open House

For Noah Muench, who celebrated two years with the MFD this October as a Firefighter/First Responder, joining the local department is something he has never looked back on. Muench, who grew up in Martensville had always admired the firefighters, especially since his own aunt is a Firefighter with Station One in Saskatoon.

“I always saw the Fire Department out and about when I was younger, but I never really thought that I would one day be a member. My aunt sent me the information that they were hiring a couple years ago and at that point, I didn’t know that it was something anyone could do. I assumed you needed to have some experience to apply. When I found out it wasn’t a necessity, I thought why not try and I am so glad I did. It has been one of the best experiences I have ever had,” Muench explained.

Approximately 11 years ago, Captain James Taylor had a similar experience. Having just moved to the community, Taylor was looking at ways to get more involved, so decided to apply to the Martensville Fire Department, despite the fact that other than a few first aid courses, he had no previous experience.

For successful applicants, training will be provided, which will earn them their Firefighter and First Responder status. Taylor noted that although there is a consistent level of commitment required to be on the department, the first year requires a fair amount of determination. There is room to grow from there within the department, and additional training is continued in the years ahead.

“The expectation is that everyone is trained to the provincial level, which takes place over the course of a year. There are some online courses, and then we integrate the practical side into our training nights. One of the first challenges is the commitment level during that first year because not only are you attending the practices, but you are also doing your training on the side. It can be a bit of a challenge in means of getting yourself ready to do what is required of you for the job.”

“It is also really important to be able to mentally prepare yourself for some of the things that you are going to have to deal with. You have to be ready at any given time to deal with whatever comes at you and essentially be on top of your game all of the time,” Taylor stated.

Members on the MFD work shifts where they alternate being on call, and with this, are required to be available from 10pm6am Monday-Friday and in town 24-hours a day throughout the weekend during their shift.

“It can be tough at times, especially if you get a call in the middle of the night and you have to work the next day, but the officers are really good at working with us to make sure it doesn’t interfere as much as possible. Although, there are some times where you are just expected to be there because it’s all hands on deck,” Muench stated.

Challenges are a part of life and go hand-in-hand with any job; however, Taylor explained that with this particular job, it isn’t just the individual that it affects, but the families as well.

ABOVE: Although the Martensville Fire Department responds to structure fires within Martensville and the surrounding area, the majority of their calls consists of medical emergencies. As of October 5th, the MFD had responded to 300 calls, with 203 of those being medical related.

“Just like any other team dynamic, there is an expectation that you take it seriously. We need to know that everyone knows what they are doing when we have an emergency call, so ensuring that you keep up with training and practices is important. But it isn’t just a personal commitment, your family is committing too. They have to understand that there are times when you have to run out the door at a moment’s notice, so it is important to have those conversations and that support system in place,” Taylor stated.

Despite the challenges, there are also massive rewards that come with the job, and Muench said that the feeling that comes following a call where you know you have made a difference is unlike any other. Beyond that, there is also a special kind of camaraderie that comes with this kind of job and both Muench and Taylor stated that the other members have become a family to them.

“If this is something that you have ever thought of, definitely put your name in. Just know that you don’t need any kind of background in this at all, so don’t be put off by the fact that you don’t have any previous experience. I did, and now this is something that I can see myself continuing doing in the future, no matter where I end up with my job. I found a second family when I joined the department and I am really grateful for that,” Muench added.

There is a lot of pride among the members

of the Martensville Fire Department as they are proud of how they have grown throughout the years, not only in size and skill, but also with their equipment.

“I would arguably say that we have some of the best equipment in Saskatchewan. We are very fortunate to be supported by the City of Martensville and the community and we would like to show them that what they have invested in us, we can reinvest in the community and show them that we have their backs,” Taylor noted.

“Don’t be afraid to apply. If you are willing to commit, that’s the biggest thing. As long as you are willing to learn and put in the time and effort, the skill level will come,” Taylor said.

ABOVE: The Martensville Fire Department did a fire demonstration during their Open House, held on October 12th to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

-Tax Notices were mailed out on April 29th. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Starting on August 1st, interest penalties on outstanding amounts begin to accrue.

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 E-transfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

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

November Council Meeting Dates

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

Committee of the Whole November 8th

Regular Council November 15th

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

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.

Osczevski Earns Podium Finish at Strongest Woman in Canada Competition

Jackie Osczevski, a professional strongwoman from Martensville, Saskatchewan has come home with another podium finish from Strongest Woman in Canada this past weekend in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The event was part of the largest strength spectacle Canada has ever seen, hosting the Professional Women competition on Friday and the Amateur Nationals on Saturday followed on Sunday by a Record Breaker event open to Pros and Amateurs.

This is the second year that Thunder Bay has hosted the Strongest Woman in Canada competition which was comprised of five events:

- 220lbs Axle Clean and Press, followed by a 130lbs Circus Dumbbell Press for 75 Seconds.

- 250lbs Sandbag carry for 50 feet followed by a 450lbs Frame Carry for 50 feet

- 450lbs ATV Deadlift for 60 seconds

- 600lbs Yoke Run for 100 feet

- 260lbs Stone over bar for 60 seconds

Osczevski won the Sandbag/Frame Medley, and the Stone over Bar event. She also tied for first on the ATV Deadlift, came in second on the Yoke run, and tied for third on the Overhead medley. That performance was good enough to solidify second place and earn her spot on the Arnold Pro Invitational Stage in Columbus Ohio in March.

Osczevski’s season isn’t done yet as she still gets to represent Canada on the World stage in November at the Official Strongman Games World finals in Daytona Beach, Florida where hundreds of the top Strongman and Strongwoman athletes come from over 30 countries. She is hoping to come back with a top ten placing and earning an invite to next year's competition.

Recreation Update - Sip n’ Shop Coming!, Play n Skate with Santa, Twinkle Tours

Lazy Man Triathlon: Registration begins November 7th

Sip N Shop: November 24th - Registration for local vendors is now open.

Play & Skate with Santa: December 11th

Twinkle Tours: December 12th-16th

Contact the MAP, visit Martensville.ca or Facebook for information on registration and what is coming up.

The Winter Program Guide is Coming!

The Winter Program Guide will come out on-line on November 24th and be mailboxes

Information on Coyotes Around Urban Areas

There are a number of things you can do if you have an encounter with a coyote and discourage them from coming near more populated areas.

• Do not approach, allow coyote to escape by identifying and maintaining escape routes

• Never feed the animals

• Do not turn your back or run

• Act assertive, yell and wave your arms (act big, bad and loud)

• Keep pets away to avoid creating additional stress for the animal

• Ensure household garbage is securely stored in garbage bins, store bird seed, compost and pet food so it cannot be accessed.

• Clean up fallen fruit

• Pick up dog feces and be aware that dog urine may also attract coyotes

• Do not allow your pets to roam freely, and keep dogs on leash

If the coyote is acting unusual (approaching people, limping, staggering or acting confused) do not approach, contact City Hall, or the regional Conservation Office or the RCMP outside regular business hours.

Please Watch for Signage around our Parks and pathways. We will continue to monitor activity going forward.

SPORTS

ABOVE: Jackie Osczevski participating in the Yoke Medley (Submitted)

ABOVE: Jackie Osczevski (fourth from left) earned a spot on the podium at the Strongest Woman in Canada Competition. (Submitted)

ABOVE: The U13A Snipers were the B-Side Champions in a Prince Albert tournament this past weekend. (Submitted)

Martensville Girls Soccer Team Take Home Silver in Provincials

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville High School was host to the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) 4A Girls Provincial Playoffs on Friday, October 28, and Saturday October 29.

There were four teams competing in the tournament; Yorkton Sacred Heart Saints, Chief John Keenatch Lady Wolves, Martensville Royals and Regina Luther Lions.

Martensville’s first game saw an exciting match against Chief John Keenatch at noon on Friday. After a tie game at the end of regulation time, they went through two five-minute overtime halves and eight shooters in the shoot-out where Martensville came out on top 5-4. The shoot out scorers were; Chloe Bartel, Rhea Tillmann, and Kloey Rosciski.

Saturday saw Yorkton take the Bronze medal with fourth place going to Chief John Keenatch Lady Wolves with a final score of 6-5.

The gold match was played at 2pm on Saturday and although it was an extremely close, hard-played game, Regina came out on top with a 2-0 win against Martensville.

"As a coach I am so extremely proud of this group of young women. Not only because they made Royals history, but also because they show dedication, drive, kindness, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. They played hard until the very

SPORTS

last whistle and should be so proud of their accomplishment. The future of Royals girls' soccer is extremely bright. As a team we are so grateful to continue to have community member, Carryn Berk, as a coach. She has played an integral role in shaping these young athletes," said coach Breanne Cooper.

Coach Carryn Berk is also very proud of this group of young women as she stated, "Congratulations to the Martensville High School Girls Soccer team, history has officially been made! I could not be prouder to be a part of this team. I helped Breanne Cooper coach this group of talented young women last year as well and the improvement between seasons has been outstanding. They have an incredible amount of future potential considering they are such a young team consisting mostly of Grade 10's and a few new Grade 9's; to have an outcome on the season resulting in a Silver Medal is extraordinary. I am very hopeful these girls come back and continue to work hard, if so, the next few years will be very exciting so stay tuned."

Congratulations to the Martensville Royals high school girls’ soccer team on their first ever Provincial medal!

Graduating Players Celebrate Successful Soccer Season

This season was a successful one for the Martensville High School Boys Soccer team after winning Regionals in Prince Albert earlier this month, which was a first in MHS history, and then tying the school’s best Provincial record this past weekend in Moose Jaw.

“The boys played extremely well and battled until the end. I was very proud of their tenacity, determination and perseverance,” Coach Kate Mckinnon said. This marks the final season for six graduating players that have played with the team since Grade 9; Jakson Dean (Captain), Aidan Jungman (Captain), Rylan Smith, Lukas Gurski, Mason Lewis and Kayden Berge and for one graduating player that played his first season this year; Ryker Tarasoff.

ABOVE: The Martensville High School Royals Girls Soccer team won silver at the Provincial playoffs this past weekend.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: (Left to Right) Aidan Jungman, Mason Lewis, Ryker Tarasoff, Jakson Dean, Rylan Smith, Kayden Berge, Lukas Gurski all celebrated their final season with the first-time regional win in Martensville High School history. (Submitted)

City of Martensville Notice

Bylaws 15 2022 and 17 2022

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan No. 2 2020 and Zoning Bylaw No. 1 2015, by:

1. Amending the Future Land Use Map of the Official Community Plan by designating lands along Centennial Drive North from “Industrial” to “Arterial Commercial” as shown in black outline on the map below in Figure 1

Former Royals Football Player Joins U of S Huskies

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger Martensville’s Tristan Scott was a key player with the Martensville Royals high school football team helping them win a Provincial Championship in 2021, as well as the Canada Cup with Saskatchewan this past summer.

This six-foot-two offensive lineman will become the sixth player to join the U of S Huskies 2023 recruiting class. Good luck to you Tristan.

2

1. REASON: “To encourage the extension of commercial services along arterial corridors.”

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 a cost of $1.00.

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 a cost of $1.00.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on November 15th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers, located at 37 Centen nial Drive South, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments rece ived at the hearing or delivered to the unde rsigned at the City Hall prior to November 10th, 2022

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on November 15th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers, located at 37 Centen nial Drive South, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments rece ived at the hearing or delivered to the unde rsigned at the City Hall prior to November 10th, 2022

Dated at Martensville this 27st day of October, A.D. 2022

Dated at Martensville this 27st day of October, A.D. 2022

Taylor Cabalt

2021/22 U15A Villains Earn a Place on the Wall

On Thursday, October 27th, the Martensville Minor Hockey Association celebrated the 2021/2022 Martensville U15A Villains as the Provincial Champions during the home opener for this year’s season against the Warman Lynx. Past and current players came onto the ice to be honoured as the banner was placed among the other championship banners within the Martensville Sports Centre.

JUST THINK...

Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it. Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising Ph: 306-668-1093

Taylor Cabalt

and Community Development Officer

and Community Development Officer

Figure 1

2. The Zoning District map of the Zoning Bylaw No. 1 2015 will be amended by rezoning the proposed parcels as shown on the hatched sections of the map shown as Figure 2

Figure 2

1. REASON: “To encourage the extension of commercial services along arterial corridors.”

Figure

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Players from the 2021/22 Martensville U15A Villains were in attendance for the hanging of the Provincial Championship banner at the Martensville Sports Centre on October 27th. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)

Time for Moe to Offer His Vision

It was 30 years ago that this nation was embroiled in a constitution referendum that became known as the Charlottetown Accord. Many of you who will recall it as one of many constitutional squabbles at the time, largely aimed at appeasing Quebec.

The goal was to get Quebec to sign on to the 1982 repatriated Constitution. In exchange, the Charlottetown Accord offered Quebec status as “Distinct Society.” The Accord would have also paved the way for a Triple-E Senate (albeit one with reduced powers) and better defined the jurisdictions between the provinces and the federal government in economic, immigration and cultural matters.

It obviously didn’t accomplish any of that. Notwithstanding widespread support from every province, territory and the federal government, the Oct. 26th, 1992 national referendum turned into a massive backlash against the increasingly unpopular Brian Mulroney Progressive Conservative government. The Accord was voted down and while opposed by Quebec separatists, it did little to appease that province, either.

Three years later, we almost saw the breakup of the country in the 1995 Quebec Sovereignty vote that saw the separatist fall short by a mere 50,000 votes.

So what does this history lesson have to do with today, you ask? Well, as of the writing of this we were all awaiting the Oct. 26th Saskatchewan throne speech that most are expecting to very much be about this on-going fight and desire of provinces like Saskatchewan to assume greater Constitutional powers.

Even more to the point, politicians have learned much from that fight 30 years ago. They have learned the power of angry voters and how one can mobilize opposition against a centralized national government.

As this debate over “Economic Sovereignty” takes centre stage during the throne speech and this sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature, it will be intriguing to watch how the Saskatchewan Party government use such notions to continue to mobilize its own support; however, the real challenge for Premier Scott Moe is now explain what he wants or expects out of the federal government.

Wisely, Moe isn’t quite following the path of new United Conservative Party Alberta Premier whose “Sovereignty Act” implies she seeks the authority to simply ignore any federal law she doesn’t particularly like.

While Moe is obviously a self-declare opponent of Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government, he has - at least so far - advocated that everyone in this country needs to follow the same laws regardless of whether we like them or not.

That Smith thinks she can opt in and out is unlawful and foolish, as pointed out by her predecessor Jason Kenney. (And Moe was clearly a friend and close ally to Kenney, as he is to current Progressive Conservative Ontario Premier Doug Ford).

All that said, the onus is also now on Moe to start explaining what a “nation within a nation” means in the Saskatchewan context.

In reality, it might be little more than a rally cry to mobilize local political support in this province. The notion that if Quebec-can-demand-why-can’t-we remains popular sentiment that’s hardly diminishing.

As early suggested, The Charlottetown Accord and the Meech Lake Accord two years early in 1990 clearly opened the Pandora’s Box of provincial government demands for greater autonomy.

Moreover, successive federal governments’ eagerness to placate an angry Quebec electorate has further suggested it may be profitable for others to make similar demands. The problem, however, is it doesn’t work here.

Saskatchewan is not Quebec and Saskatchewan and Alberta combined are still not Quebec. We have our own legitimate grievances, but threats from the Prairies still don’t change federal election outcomes.

As such, the onus on Moe is the same one that’s been on his predecessors - he must work hard to make Saskatchewan’s case. That this is our only real option is something else history has taught us.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Fall Sitting of Legislature Begins

The Speech from the Throne officially launched the Fall Sitting of the Legislature and has charted a course that ensures sustainable growth that works for everyone. That plan was constructed from your feedback over the summer months, focusing on health care, the economy, affordability, and defining future opportunities.

Saskatchewan has seen record levels of new investment. This allows us to lead the country in economic growth, resulting in a growing population that is on track to reach 1.2 million people this year. Due to our strong economy and stronger tax revenues from higher resource prices, our government will balance the provincial budget this year - four years ahead of schedule.

Our government believes that the people of Saskatchewan own the province's natural resources and should directly benefit when those resource prices are high. This is why we released the four-point affordability plan. This plan will deliver a $500 cheque through the Saskatchewan affordability tax credit to everyone aged 18 or over. We will continue to exempt fitness and gym memberships and other activities from the provincial sales tax while extending the reduction of the small business tax rate. Our government will also pay up to $1 billion in operating debt, saving nearly $50 million yearly in interest costs.

Revenues from our strong economy will be invested into our four-point Health Human Resource Action Plan. This Action Plan directly connects to Saskatchewan's Growth Plan while building on numerous initiatives and incentives already in place to recruit, train, incentivize and retain healthcare workers throughout Saskatchewan. The early steps of this plan create more permanent full-time positions in rural and northern communities leading to better retention and stabilizing of health care services. We have also received over 400 international applications from healthcare professionals wanting to make Saskatchewan their home.

This fiscal year we have set an aggressive target of 97,000 surgeries which would be the highest number of surgeries ever performed in one year. To meet this goal, we are increasing the surgical capacity in Regina, Saskatoon and regional hospitals throughout the province. To reach this target, we will work with public hospitals and establish new partnerships with publicly funded private surgical providers. We will also invest in mental health and addiction services, long-term care homes, hospitals and urgent care centres to ensure help is there when you need it.

Our white paper released this month, titled Drawing the Line: Defending Saskatchewan's Economic Autonomy, speaks to our government's intentions. In 1930, Saskatchewan secured constitutional authority over natural resources. In recent years, the current federal government has encroached on those rights, disguised as environmental concerns. Continued interference could cost Saskatchewan $111 billion by 2035. Our government will stand firm to protect our economy and the jobs that Saskatchewan families need.

We are also joining with other provinces to let the federal government know that we will not use police funding to support the confiscation of legal firearms. Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Yukon governments are all calling on the federal government to halt their plans to use police resources to take over 100,000 legally purchased firearms across Canada. Provinces opposed to the program are saying the misuse of firearms by criminals is where the focus needs to be.

In this session, we will introduce the Saskatchewan First Act. This legislation will clearly define our constitutional rights that Saskatchewan alone has exclusive jurisdiction over our natural resources and economic future. We believe the people of Saskatchewan know the best steps to take to defend and grow our economy, jobs and resources from the overreach by the federal government. This act will give Saskatchewan similar authority over immigration that the Province of Quebec has guaranteed.

By safeguarding our economy for the benefit of the people of Saskatchewan, we will be able to invest in education, highway infrastructure, expanding renewable energy generation, and programs to keep you and your community safe.

There are many reasons to be optimistic about our future as a province. We have more people, more jobs and more investment than ever before. The world is now seeing this incredible potential at a time when other regions are fighting back against a recession. Businesses want to invest, families want to live here, and our world-class resource sector will facilitate growth that works for everyone.

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Passion for Volleyball Takes McGuire on Amazing Journey

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville’s Debbie McGuire has been playing volleyball competitively for over 50 years and has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

The first time McGuire stepped onto the court was in high school at the age of 15 and the passion has continued to grow over the years, and through playing, she has had the opportunity to travel the world participating in competitions.

“When I first started playing, I knew that this was something I was good at, so I just wanted to continue to improve my skills. I don’t know what it was specifically, but playing volleyball ignited something in me,” McGuire said.

In 1998, McGuire attended her first World’s Tournament in Portland and since then has traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Hawaii and other locations across the United States. From October 9th to 17th McGuire attended the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah, where her team Lady G earned the gold medal championship title.

“When would I have ever had the chance to go to these places if I wasn’t doing this? It has been such an amazing journey. It has really just been so incredible to play with these ladies and see how much we have grown as a team,” McGuire added.

The current league McGuire is competing in is for 65 and up, and McGuire, who is currently 67 years old, has been playing with the same group of women since 2006.

Taking her passion from the court to the bench as a Coach for the past 40 years at the High School and through Club play for the past 28 years has allowed McGuire to share her knowledge and experience with hundreds of aspiring players.

“The important part for me is watching the kids grow as players. I have seen some of them over the years with that same passion and have even went up against some of them coaching. They are learning skills that are not only important on the court, but ones that they can take with them into life.”

In 2023, McGuire plans to continue to add to the list of countries she has competed in by adding either Finland or Thailand to the list. “I am going to keep doing this as long as I can. What can I say, I just love it.”

ABOVE: Debbie McGuire and her team Lady G won the gold medal at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah in October. (Submitted)