Issuu

• Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available FREE courtesy cars available Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday

checkeredflagautomotive.ca

Receive 15% off your next service if you mention this ad!

109 Centennial Dr. No Martensville

Call: 306.975.2140

Message us on FB

Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building

MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays

Your City; Your Newspaper November 4, 2021

17 Centennial Drive North

VOLUME NO. 15 - ISSUE 42

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

Over 9 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

306-931-2266

Bay 4 #1 - 4th St S Martensville

www.infinitysalonandspa.ca for online booking

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fourteen Years of Community

306-934-4888 www.martenswarman.ca

306-931-2868

scottrooﬁngsask.com

306-384-(ROOF)7663 | 306-222-4093 scottlandru61@gmail.com

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

Maddog Mayhem

The Martensville Bantam Maddogs took on the North Battleford Vikings on Sunday, October 31st for the semi-final game. The Maddogs ended up defeating the Vikings with a score of 34-7, which will take them to the Championship game on Sunday, November 6th against the Saskatoon Steelers. See page 5 for more information.

306-242-7888 www.saskfunerals.ca

Because We Care

591 Centennial Drive North - Martensville

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

Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM

Reach More People With the Click of a Button by Advertising Online

ADVERTISE ONLINE Did You Know That the Martensville Messenger Offers Online Advertising Options That Provides a Direct Link to Your Business Website or Social Media Page? Sign Up Today For as Low as $109/month? Contact us at advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca, or (306) 668-1093 for more information.

Page 2 - NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - martensville messenger

Proof of Vaccination, Living with Covid-19, Testing Kits Effective October 1, 2021, a provincial requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test will be implemented for public access to a list of establishments, businesses, and event venues that bring groups of people together, including: Indoor dining at restaurants. Nightclubs, bars, taverns, and other licensed establishments. Event and entertainment venues, including conference centres, casinos, movie theatres, concert venues, live-music venues, museums, and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events. Indoor fitness centres, and gyms. More detail can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 under Public Health Orders COVID-19 will continue to circulate, particularly among unvaccinated populations. Being fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and all residents will continue to be offered first and second doses through pharmacies and Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics. Watch for vaccination clinics and opportunities for vaccinations are through pharmacies and pop-up clinics. A list of upcoming clinics saskatchewanhealthauthority.ca

throughout

the

province

available

www.

Rapid Testing Kits

As a way to continue to monitor and prevent further spread of COVID-19 within the community and region, rapid testing kits have begun to be made available from various businesses or organizations. As of October 22nd, the Martensville Fire Department was distributing kits on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 3-5 PM. Canalta Hotel-Martensville also had kits available for distribution from 7 AM-11 PM. Distribution is available while supplies last. A comprehensive Provincial list of where to obtain kits was not yet available but continue to follow local media for updates around availability locally and in the Province.

Recreation Program Update - Martensville Sip n’ Shop, Play & Skate with Santa Martensville Sip n’ Shop - At the North Ridge Centre on November 26th, $2 Admission, from 4:30 PM- 9:30 PM. Offering an opportunity to shop at this tradeshow while enjoying a beverage with friends after work. Play & Skate with Santa - Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sun., Dec. 12th at the Sports Centre. It will be an afternoon full of fun activities for kids! You can go on a sleigh ride, skate, take a picture with Santa, get a candy bag, warm up with hot chocolate, and much more! All programs are run in compliance with current COVID-19 regulations

Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open - Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces as of September 17th. Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Current Status of Public Facilities as of October 15th Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces as of September 17th. Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions. Aquatic Centre - Closed for the season City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Sports Centre - Open for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open 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 After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca.

November Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: With the commencement of Step 3, under the Provincial ‘Re-Opening Roadmap’ and ease of restrictions, upcoming Council Meetings are set to resume in person. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk. Committee of the Whole Meeting- November 9th Regular Council Meeting-November 16th 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 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.

More Ways to Pay!

The City of Martensville is now accepting Ineterac e-Transfer as a payment option for your Property Taxes as well as utility bill, and licensing fees. E-Transfers can be providing using payments@martensville.ca , please reference your roll number or account number when making payment. The Deadline for 2021 was July 31st Questions about Taxation can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166.

martensville messenger - NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - Page 3

Council Approves Grader Attachment For Snow Removal and Discusses Outdoor Rink Operations Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council held their first meeting of the month on Tuesday, November 2nd. The meeting began with a motion to approve a list of tax abatements from various properties throughout the community. A total of nine abatements were brought to Council for various reasons and amounts. Mayor Kent Muench made a comment to remind people that, “These abatements always serve as a reminder to property owners to carefully review one’s assessment notices. The revised assessments account for incorrectly entered construction years which then impact depreciation and changing a property classification to pastureland.” The next item on the agenda was a request from administration for Council to provide direction regarding the purchase of a snow wing for a new grader. The request came from Matt Gruza, Director of Infrastructure and Planning, who noted in his report that in 2021, council had tendered the purchase of a new grader. Because of COVID-19 related production and supply-chain issues, there have been delays in obtaining the grader, with the original acquirement date set for fall 2021 now being moved to January/February 2022. There were plans to include a snow-wing attachment for the grader in the 2022 budget, which would allow the grader to push snow further from the roadway into the ditch, creating more room to stockpile snow throughout the season, resulting in less hauling of snow. Additionally, the snow wing would allow for roadways to be cleared with less passes than with the grader alone, increasing efficiency. The supplier has notified Martensville administration that there will be an approximate 15% increase in the cost for the snow wing in 2022; however, if ordered before the end of November, the City could save on this increase and also have the snow wing installed on the grader, ready to be used once received. The supplier also noted that the item would only be required to be ordered, but not paid for until it arrives in 2022. If approved, this would save the City of Martensville an estimated $4500.

The final item on the agenda was a discussion regarding the operations of the outdoor rink (ODR) for the upcoming winter season and what will be possible with the current staffing in place. Deputy Mayor Tyson Chillog brought this item to Council after receiving numerous complaints from community members last season in regard to snow build up on the ice surface. Chillog noted that he had witnessed users pushing nets around to remove snow from the ice. According to Director of Recreation & Community Services Ted Schaeffer, the ODR has been flooded once per day in the past; however, he plans to look into options of having a second flooding done later in the day throughout the week. Schaeffer noted that the weekends would be a bit more difficult as there is less staff in place. Another option Schaeffer offered was providing shovels so users could clear the ice, noting that the warm-up shack would be open this year, which could be utilized for storage. Steps will be taken to address this issue, and Mayor Muench asked that they take another look to see if improvements have been made later this winter.

ABOVE: In 2020, the City of Martensville made numerous upgrades to the Outdoor Rink located outside the Sports Centre.

Warm And Safe Shelter Is Available To Everyone This Winter With cold weather on its way, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding all residents that everyone has access to safe, warm shelter during the winter months through the Cold Weather Strategy. The Ministry of Social Services is once again working with community partners to ensure all people have a safe and warm place to stay during cold weather. Spaces are available in shelters across the province, and people who live in communities without shelters will have access to hotels. "Saskatchewan winters are dangerous for those without a home or access to shelter," Social Services Minister Lori Carr said. "That is why our government continues to work with our community partners across the province to make sure everyone in need of shelter has a warm and safe place to stay, no matter where they live or when they need help." Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership works with community partners, like The Salvation Army, and the province to keep people safe in Saskatoon during cold weather. These organizations communicate daily when the weather gets cold to identify any pressures in meeting service demands and to ensure people in need receive emergency services 24 hours per day, seven days a week. During weekday business hours, people in need of assistance can also visit the Ministry of Social Services' Saskatoon Service Centre at 160 - 2nd Avenue South. The City of Regina works with community partners and the Province to connect people in need to appropriate shelter supports 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mobile Crisis Regina provides daily updates on shelter space and availability on their website at mobilecrisis.ca. During weekday business hours, people in need of assistance can also visit the Ministry of Social Services' Regina Service Centre at 2045 Broad Street. “Saskatchewan winters can be harsh, especially for those without a safe, warm place to stay,” Salvation Army Major Mike Hoeft said. “The Salvation Army is committed to helping those who find themselves in need all year long, and recognize the cold days of winter can be especially critical to offer timely assistance. Emergency assistance can be found at our emergency shelters in Regina and Saskatoon or through our local ministries scattered throughout the province. If you need help please reach out, we are here to help. Call Emergency After Hours 306-244-6280 or visit salvationarmy. ca to find local contact information.” YWCA Prince Albert operates a shelter that offers people in need a warm place to stay. People can contact YWCA Prince Albert after hours by calling 306-764-1011 to get connected to shelter supports. People needing shelter in other communities across the province should contact their nearest Ministry of Social Services office. A list of service centres is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support/find-a-socialservices-office. They can also contact an emergency shelter, Mobile Crisis Services if available in their community, or the police. People in need of financial help can apply for Saskatchewan Income Support or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability benefits. Members of the public should call 911 if they see someone in need. A full list of shelters and services for people in need is available at www.sk.211.ca.

As The Snow Flies, Slow Down and Give Others Some Space

November’s Traffic Safety Spotlight is on winter driving and intersection safety Ahh, the first snowfall of the season. The cold touch of delicate snowflakes, the muffled sounds from a fresh blanket of snow and the sight of cars sliding through intersections as drivers get used to slippery roads again. Here’s the thing: The tranquil beauty of that first snowfall doesn’t have to be spoiled by vehicle collisions. “Driving on ice and snow isn’t easy, but drivers adjust to driving on Saskatchewan roads every year,” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “We’re challenging drivers to put in a bit more effort early on this winter to prevent collisions as a result of slick road conditions.” It’s simple! Whether you’re headed to work or doing some early holiday shopping, take the time to fully clear ice and snow from your vehicle’s windows before you leave. When you do drive, take it slow and increase your following distance to five seconds or more so you can avoid hitting the vehicle in front of you when you have to come to a stop at the next intersection. A little extra space can make a big difference. SGI recommends you install winter tires when temperatures dip below seven degrees Celsius. What’s the payoff? You get to where you’re going without a collision which could leave you out in the cold waiting for help, injured or worse. Nearly half of all crashes on Saskatchewan roads happen at intersections. This is why SGI is teaming up with the Saskatchewan Safety Council and law enforcement across Saskatchewan to focus the Traffic Safety Spotlight on intersection safety and winter driving in November. “Ice and snowy conditions are a part of driving in Saskatchewan during the winter,” said Al Gall, Skid Smart Driver Instructor, Saskatchewan Safety Council. “We want to show drivers the situations that can cause skids and teach the kinds of skills you need to get your car back under control.” What are some of those skills? In addition to taking it slow and having your car ready for the weather drivers can try these other winter driving tips: • Expect the unexpected - Remember IPDE – Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute. The more you pay attention to what is happening and could happen, the better prepared you’ll be to prevent a collision. • Don’t rush the light – be sure you have room to clear the intersection. If you don’t, a minute or two is not long to wait for the next green – compared to the delay you’ll deal with if you end up in even a minor collision. • Keep your headlights and taillights clear of snow – it won’t prevent you from slipping but it does make you more visible to other drivers and can prevent them from colliding with you. • Be gentle – gentle acceleration, gentle braking and smooth steering keep your car in control and prevents sliding on slippery roads. Increase your following distance to give yourself plenty of room to stop. • Buckle up – even if you’re careful, others on the road may be in a rush and that can lead to collisions. Be ready for anything and buckle up – every time. Another way to prevent collisions around intersections is to pay attention to the traffic laws that apply when two roads intersect. Drivers who fail to stop (at stop signs or red lights) or who fail to yield (for pedestrians, yield signs or at uncontrolled intersections) could receive a ticket for $230. There are many ways to stay safe when driving through intersections and in winter driving conditions which is why SGI will be sharing driving advice on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout the month.

Service PLUS Flat Glass Services!!

Page 4 - NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - martensville messenger

“Bringing the Tools to You!!” Email JAGplus@sasktel.net

•Automotive Repair Specialists or call 361-4527Monday to Friday 7:30-5:30 801 Centennial Dr. North •Advanced technology & diagnostics facility Visit www.JAGplus.ca today!!

306-244-4950

Martensville, SK

KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

SPORTS Senior Boys Fall Short at Provincials

ABOVE: The Martensville High School Senior Boys Soccer team played Provincials in Yorkton this past weekend. (Submitted)

Martensville Hosts Girls Provincial Soccer Championship

Martensville High School hosted the 4A Girls Provincial High School Soccer Championship on October 29th & 30th. A total of four teams competed. Games kicked off on Friday between the Moose Jaw Cyclones and the Se-Se-Wa-Hum Spirits. The Cyclones took that win 2-1. The second game on Friday was between the Moose Jaw Vanier Spirits and the Regina Luther Lions, ABOVE: & BELOW LEFT: with the Spirits winning the game 1-0. Martensville hosted the 4A Girls The gold and bronze medal games took place on Saturday with the Provincial High School Championship Regina Lither Lions and the Se-Se-Wa-Hum Spirits battling it out for bronze Oct. 29th & 30th. (Shanine Sealey/MM) and the two teams from Moose Jaw fighting for gold. In the end, the Moose Jaw Vanier Spirits walked away with the gold medal, Moose Jaw Central with silver and Regina Luther Spirits with bronze.

It was a competitive weekend in Yorkton at the Senior boys’ soccer Provincials this past weekend. Martensville’s first game was against the extremely talented, mature Moose Jaw team, who went on to win the title of Provincial finalists. “Our boys played very well but they just capitalized on any error,” said Coach Kate McKinnon. They played for the bronze medal against North Battleford which was an intense and competitive game until the very end where they got one past Martensville in the second half. “We were disappointed not to win bronze but still proud that they placed fourth in the province which is I believe the highest MHS boys have ever placed. The boys had a lot of fun this weekend and all season so that’s what is most important,” said McKinnon.

ABOVE: The MHS Senior Boys soccer team placed fourth in Provincials this past weekend. (Submitted)

Notice Bylaw #12 & 13-2021 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 part of Parcel R, Plan 102202984 from “Residential” to “Arterial Commercial” as shown on the map below in Figure 1. 2. Replace Appendix B-Lake Vista Approved Conceptual Land Use Plan to conform with OCP and Zoning Bylaw. 3. The Zoning District map of the Zoning Bylaw by rezoning a portion of Parcel R, from “R3 Residential” to “C2A Commercial” as shown in the map in Figure 2.

Figure 1

Figure 2

REASON: To permit commercial development on a portion of Parcel R. 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 16th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers via Zoom (link to be contained on the Council Agenda) to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the City Hall prior to November 10th, 2021. Dated at Martensville this 25th day of October, A.D. 2021.

Bonnie Gorelitza Planning Manager

21111BS3 21111BS4

Keep your and t to jha off a Office Drive week

SPORTS

Keep the Community up-to-date on martensville your team scores, events, photos and tournaments. Submit material to jhayward@sasktel.net or drop it off at the Martensville Messenger Office at Bay #7 - 301 Centennial Drive North to be included in our Janine Hayward weekly sports report.

messenger - NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - Page 5

Royals Remain Undefeated

Martensville Messenger

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE & BELOW: MHS Royals took on Lumsden Devils at Wilson Field on Saturday, October 30 defeating them 62-20. The Royals travel to Melville for the Provincial Semi-Final on Saturday, November 6th at 1pm. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

The Martensville High School Royals football team took to Wilson field on Saturday, October 30th for the Provincial Quarter Final. The Royals, who were undefeated this year had the home field advantage as they took on the Lumsden Devils. Leading up to this game, the Royals had a bye week, which Coach Tyler Munday stated would be utilized to the full advantage to help players bounce back from injuries and illness. “The bye week definitely helped to get our team as healthy as they can be. We aren’t 100% healthy, but at this point in the year, we are doing pretty well,” Munday said. Having never played Lumsden before, the Royals prepped by watching film to learn more about the Devils playing style and when gameday was upon them, the team felt ready. “We were very excited but felt prepared and confident in the plan we had for the game. We had two very good weeks of practice and we were ready to play football again,” added Munday. With a final score of 62-20 for the Royals, Munday had a hard time choosing some of the main highlights of the game. “There were many highlights in the game, we played so well as a team. Kaden Solomon had a 75-yard pick in the second half. Brody Nelson had six rushing touchdowns and close to 400 yards rushing. Our defense caused five turnovers, three fumbles and two interceptions.” Munday also added that another impressive stat that the team is quite proud of is the fact that they rushed for 513 yards on 31 carries. A win is always a great feeling for a team; however, a hometown win makes it that much more exciting. “It really is hard to put into words. I think it was extra special to get that win at home in front of a great crowd,” Munday stated. Following this win, the Royals will travel to Melville on Saturday, November 6th for a 1pm game. This is another team that the Royals have not taken on this year, as they are in a different conference, and both teams are heading into the game undefeated. Before Saturday’s game, Munday noted that the Royals will be taking some time to focus on special teams and do some fine tuning to their play. In the game against Lumsden, Munday stated that there had been numerous penalties called on the Royals team, which is something that they would like to work on moving forward.

Martensville Bantam Maddogs Are Off to the Championship Finals Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Bantam Maddogs came into the Semi-Finals confident after ending their league play with a win against the North Battleford Vikings and kept the winning streak alive beating the Vikings 34 – 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football (SMF) Field on Sunday, October 31st. The Vikings got an early lead with a touchdown in their first possession and converted it to take a 7-0 lead. Martensville answered back with an unconverted touchdown leaving North Battleford in the lead. Penalties plagued the Maddogs, but despite that, they recovered a fumble and turned it into a major taking the lead away 12 – 7. Just before the half, Martensville had an interception and answered back with another touchdown to take an 18 – 7 lead at half-time. Martensville would continue to dominate the second half when the D-line

set the tone and forced a couple of turnovers, starting with a ball strip by Nick Cook along with interceptions by Treagen Green-Edmonds and Kaden Wiedman, while special teams kickoffs were able to pin NB deep in their own territory. Head Coach Som Houmphanh stated that the offense was able to move the ball through the air and on the ground scoring several touchdowns. Both Wyatt LaRoche and Caton Harrison ran the ball extremely well with a finishing TD run by QB Kyren Houmphanh. Jack Elder also caught a deep pass from Houmphanh for a score. On the next key drive Houmphanh was forced out of the pocket and threw into the end zone which was caught by Hawkley Derwinski scoring another TD. Both Caton Harrison and Cooper Ogden were able to run the ball in and catch a pass for the extra 2 point conversion adding to the final score of 34 – 7. “The team has played exceptionally well all season and continues to improve week by week. A quote that we use is ‘play for each other and trust your team mate,’ said Houmphanh. The Maddogs will play in the Championship Final on Sunday, November 6 against the Saskatoon Steelers. Game time is 2:15 at SMF field in Saskatoon.

BELOW: The Maddogs #22 Wyatt LaRoche carries the ball at the semi-final game at SMF Field on Sunday, October 31. The Bantam Maddogs went on to beat the North Battleford Vikings 34 - 7 and are off to the Championship Finals next Sunday, November 6 vs the Saskatoon Steelers. Game time is 2:15 pm. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Page 6 - NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - martensville messenger

martensville messenger - NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Moe Can’t Ignore COVID-19 Reality

It wasn’t so much the rah-rah nature of Premier Scott Moe’s State-of-Province before the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. All politicians everywhere deliver these speeches in which they wax on about all the positives of the jurisdictions they represent. We hear them from all governments of all stripes. Really, throne speeches like the one last week at the Saskatchewan legislature are little more than a reminder of all the things we should be proud of in this province. And, notwithstanding all our problems in Saskatchewan including COVID-19, there is a lot to be proud of, but the first problem with Moe’s speech is that - even as one meant for a business audience like a Chamber of Commerce - it seemed to go out of its way to either ignore or downplay the realities of the fourth wave of this pandemic. Even if Moe felt the need for an uplifting address to business types on our economic successes and potential, he needed to seriously address the impact of COVID-19. Spending four minutes during a 36-minute speech to basically tell us what his government is doing is working right now just didn’t fly. This was an address Moe knew would be heard by a lot of people other than Saskatoon business leaders. Timing is everything in politics and Moe couldn’t have picked a much worse time or venue to downplay the pandemic. The Premier’s Health Minister Paul Merriman had just received a 1,500-word letter signed by all 21 medical health officers urging the government to re-instate temporary measures to deal with this fourth wave of COVID-19. "The Medical Health Officers of Saskatchewan (MHOs) would like to express our continued and growing concern about the current state of COVID-19 in our province and the lack of effectiveness of the current public health measures to bring about the rapid reduction in cases needed to take the unprecedented pressure off our health system," the MHO wrote, adding that the government’s decision to ignore their previous Aug. 26 letter "has resulted in a much larger 4th wave, which will therefore require a return to stronger restrictions to bring it under control." Worse for Moe and his Saskatchewan Party government, the letter bluntly stated that a recent reduction in daily case counts Moe touted in his chamber speech as evidence we are winning the COVID-19 battle "do not tell the full story” because Saskatchewan has fewer tests and a high positivity test rate. "Without further action, it is highly likely that we will face even higher rates of hospitalization in coming weeks and risk health system collapse, as well as many more preventable deaths, " the CMO letter that went on to call for a limit on household gatherings to only two vaccinated households for a 28-day, 25-per-cent capacity at weddings and funerals and reducing church attendance to 25 per cent with a maximum of 150 people. In a month where we are likely to see our highest number of COVID-19-related deaths and at a time when the province is forced to transfer critically ill ICU patients to Ontario because our hospitals can no longer handle the numbers, it’s hard to accuse the CMOs of overreacting. Yet neither Moe nor Merriman’s office properly addressed the concerns raised in the CMO’s letter in any forum. This takes us to the biggest problem with Moe’s speech and his government right now. While his speech was very much a pitch as to why people should come to Saskatchewan, it drew a lot of angry response from doctors and other health care providers threatening to leave this province because of a government they say doesn’t take their health care concerns seriously. Maybe they’re just threats, but frustrating doctors seldom work out well for governments - especially, here in Saskatchewan. Moe needs a better COVID-19 response. Positive speeches on the economy are not addressing the problem.

Throne Speech Delivered October 27 - Last week saw the new session of the Saskatchewan Legislature open with the Speech from the Throne, outlining our goals for this session and for the years ahead. As we manage our way through the pandemic, we are focused on building a better Saskatchewan - a stronger, safer, healthier, better educated and more independent Saskatchewan. Building A Stronger Saskatchewan - The past year has been challenging; however, the strength and resilience of the people of Saskatchewan is evident for all to see. Our government continues critical investments in infrastructure throughout the province to ensure a strong economy and a stronger Saskatchewan. This year's drought showed the need for reliable access to water throughout the province. We will continue to invest in the major irrigation Project at Lake Diefenbaker which will increase irrigation opportunities, help diversify crop production, attract more value-added processing, and improve water security for municipalities and Saskatchewan industries. The government will also continue to invest in repairing and expanding the power distribution infrastructure, create new wind and solar power facilities and move forward with the development of small modular nuclear reactor technology. To further strengthen the Indigenous business sector, we will create new opportunities with $75 million in financing to create the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation for those interested in making investments in resource development projects. Building A Safer Saskatchewan - A strong Saskatchewan is a safe Saskatchewan. In this Throne Speech, we see new initiatives and support for police and public safety across the province. Criminologist Daniel Nagin has said, the certainty of being caught committing a crime is a vastly more powerful deterrent than the punishment. To that end, our government wants to provide criminals with certainty that you will be caught if you commit a crime. We will add 60 new police positions and another 11 civilian positions to support a new law enforcement initiative and create a new Provincial Police Protective Service unit. Too frequently in Saskatchewan, dangerous criminals with multiple active warrants are not brought to justice until they are caught committing more crimes. To address this, we will create new initiatives to address public concerns, such as the new Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team and the new Crime Reduction Teams for Meadow Lake, La Ronge, Lloydminster and Moose Jaw. Funding will also be dedicated to hiring more enforcement positions for police and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team. During this session, we will introduce and update legislation focused on ensuring public safety throughout the province. Creating A Healthier Saskatchewan - Our government is focused on creating a healthier Saskatchewan by continuing our work to vaccinate as many people as possible against COVID-19 while investing in essential health care services. Right now, more than 85 per cent of eligible Saskatchewan residents have received the first dose of the vaccine and over 77 per cent are fully vaccinated. Our government will continue working on projects like the Prince Albert and Weyburn hospitals, long-term care facilities in Grenfell and La Ronge, and replacement long-term care facilities in Watson and Estevan. Engineering work is currently underway on new urgent care centres for Saskatoon and Regina, which will help to reduce wait times in the ER and 600 new long-term beds for Regina. We will continue to invest in mental health and addiction services. Already, we are seeing the work done in Estevan through the new treatment centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital featuring 30 new addictions treatment beds. Our continued efforts will include more inpatient addiction 21111WW0 treatment beds throughout the province, and look for partnerships with third-party providers with the goal of adding another 150 treatment spaces over the next three years. Residents are already 21111WW1 seeing the work that has been done in Estevan through the opening of a new treatment centre at 21111WW2 St. Joseph’s Hospital featuring 30 new addictions treatment beds. 21112WW0 Creating A Better Educated Saskatchewan - The past 20 months have been challenging for Saskatchewan's educational system and our families; thank you to our dedicated 21111WW3 teachers, teacher's assistants, administrators, and support staff. We are focused on creating a better educated Saskatchewan by investing and supporting children throughout the province. Work continues on 16 school projects as part of our ambitious capital plan to provide students with the education they deserve. We will also create a new learning policy to ensure students receive the best education possible if they study online. Our government is also planning to create a new funding pool to enhance class support for teachers working with the greatest number of students, including new funding to hire education assistants. We have worked with the federal government to reduce childcare costs to an average of $10 a day by 2025-26 and create thousands of new childcare spaces. We will also increase wages for childcare workers by up to $3 per hour. A More Independent Saskatchewan - Our government is determined to build a stronger, more independent Saskatchewan within Canada. In Interested in working in the coming months, our government rural government? will consider other measures to build provincial autonomy, including LOCAL GOVERNMENT the possibility of taking back the administration of our corporate ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATE income tax system. We will continue to work with the federal government where we can; however, concerns about responsive policing and the unfairness of the equalization formula have been raised throughout the province in recent years. We have moved on appointing our first-ever provincial Chief Firearms Officer, bringing a Saskatchewan perspective to the ministration of the federal Firearms Act. This decade has not started the way anyone expected; Saskatchewan people have met the challenges with perseverance, courage, faith, and compassion. By Learn more. working together, we will build a uregina.ca/cce better Saskatchewan.

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.

Page 8 - NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - martensville messenger

New Ownership at Boston Pizza Brings With It Many Changes Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Alisa Borowsky and Jamie Pearson became the new owners of the Martensville Boston Pizza location on August 9th, 2021. The sale of the business was posted publicly and initially, the two were approached by a third person to partner together; however, when that person decided not to move forward, the two of them put in their offer and were pleased when it had been accepted. Since taking ownership, there have been numerous changes made, with more on the horizon. “We had a vision coming into this and knew that we would be changing things up. We hired a lot of new staff, and although it doesn’t happen overnight, we are working on that team dynamic. That is something that Boston Pizza is all about. It’s a family restaurant, the corner pub and we want it to be a place where people feel comfortable and excited about coming to,” Borowsky said. Currently, there are approximately 40 people on staff, and Borowsky said they are always hiring. Those wanting to apply can come drop a resume off to the front desk during hours of operation. Another big change was more reliable delivery options made open to Martensville and Warman residents, which are now available during all hours that the Martensville Boston Pizza is open. There are also a lot of events taking place in the lounge area including UFC fights, hockey nights, football, and more with numerous giveaways. A

Business & Professional

CALL 306-668-1093