November 9, 2023 Digital Issue

• 109 Centennial Dr. N Martensville Message us on FB

Complete Automotive & Tire Service Centre/ ATV/UTV Parts & Repair • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available

Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday

FREE courtesy cars available

Call: 306.975.2140

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Your City; Your Newspaper November 9, 2023

VOLUME NO. 17 - ISSUE 41

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

17 Centennial Drive North

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Over 12 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

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Magic Man Magician Matt Gore dazzled the crowd at the November 4th Fall-Fundraiser hosted by the 15AA Marauders. See more on page 5.

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Page 2 - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Snow Removal This Winter – What You Need To Know

November Council Meeting Dates

The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community.

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in person, guests may wear a mask if desired 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.

Our crews strive to deliver excellent service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to promptly remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions.

There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe

November 14 - Committee of the Whole November 21 - Regular Council

- Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans our street.

- Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves, and access to water in case of emergencies.

All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers - Martensville City Hall - 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.

- Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging.

The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca

- Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures this hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place.

Sip N’Shop Thursday, November 16th from 4-8 PM at the North Ridge Centre. An annual Christmas season Trade Show that provides an opportunity to shop for gifts.

Admission to the public is free or register for your vendor space today at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

- Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street.

-Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/lawn areas behind your walkway.

- Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal - In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area).

- Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks - Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle.

Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca

Let’s Take Care of Our Pets

The City of Martensville would like to remind residents that it is our responsibility to control and clean up after our pets even in off-leash areas such as the dog park.

Here are some important reminders for pet owners as per the Animal Control Bylaw: • Do not allow your pet to be or become a nuisance by excessive barking, howling, or become threatening to other owners or pets; • Do not allow your pet to run at large; • Clean up defecation of your animal from private or public properties, other than the property occupied by the owner; Visit Martensville.ca to see the complete Animal Control Bylaw or City Hall with questions.

Martensville Fire Department Honours Fallen Member This Movember The Martensville Fire Department is once again participating in “Movember”, with numerous members taking time on November 1st to go down to a clean shaven face, which will not be shaved again until at least December 1st.

This year, there is additional motivation for the local department, as one of their own, Sr. Firefighter Mike Smith passed away after his own courageous battle with cancer.

For the month of November, the MFD will be raising funds in support of the Saskatchewan ABOVE: Senior Firefighter Mike Smith passed Cancer Agency. Members that are away earlier this year following a battle with participating from the MFD include; cancer.

Captain Symons, Captain Marshall, Captain Taylor, Firefighter Gawletz, Firefighter Dupuis, Firefighter Schutz , Firefighter Hollman, Firefighter Brown , Firefighter Peters and Sparky the Fire Dog. “Last year, participating MFD members competed against each other to see who could raise the most money for the cause. This year we have challenged our neighbouring departments to do the same.

Donations can be made by supporting your MFD member directly, or through e-transfer via MFD@martensville.ca. Make sure to leave a message as to which member you are supporting,” the MFD explained via social media.

Tax receipts are available by making a donation directly to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, and notifying the firefighter that you are supporting of your donation so they can include it in their total.

Recreation Program Update

Play n’ Skate with Santa Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sun., Dec. 10th at the Sports Centre. It will be an afternoon full of fun activities for kids! You can go skating, take a picture with Santa, get a candy bag, go for a hayride, and warm up with a hot chocolate!

This is a drop-in program and it is $5 per person!

Book now for Twinkle Tours 2023 Get into the holiday spirit by hopping on the OK tire bus and enjoying a 45 minutes bus tour through our magical City while taking in the light displays!

This is a great activity for families, team windups, and group outings. Full bus rentals are available upon request!

Registration will open on November 1, 2023.

If you would like to book a full bus, make sure to call us to reserve your spot!

Reminder Property Taxes are Due! - Tax Notices were mailed out on April 28th. 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 etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

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

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 - Page 3

Local Hockey Team Collected Non-Perishables for Martensville Food Pantry This Halloween

The Martensville U18AA Marauders were out and about this Halloween going door-to-door collecting non-perishable food items from 6pm-8pm for the Martensville Food Pantry.

A variety of items such as pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, lunch snacks, boxed stuffing, pork ‘n beans and more were collected.

“A huge thank you to the Martensville U18AA Marauders for all the food they collected on their food drive to benefit the Martensville Food Pantry,” the Food Pantry stated via social media.

For more information about the Martensville Food Pantry, visit them on Facebook, email martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com or call/text 306-280-1255.

Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Bingo Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, November 9th at 7:00pm Cash prizes - 50/50 - Concession Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend.

6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available!

Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!

POLICE

BEAT

Martensville RCMP to Host Town Hall Meeting

ABOVE: A wide array of nonperishable food was donated to the local Food Pantry.

The Martensville RCMP are hosting an Open House on Wednesday, November 8th at the North Ridge Community Centre at 7pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend to learn more about our local police detachment.

Town Hall Meetings serve as an opportunity to openly discuss community and policing issues as well as meeting members of the local detachments.

The RCMP will have a presentation, followed by a question and answer session. This is an opportunity to share your views on policing in the community, feedback on priority areas and connect and meet the local RCMP members.

Emergency Departments Throughout Province Warn of Dangers of Ice Following Tragedy in Humboldt

M

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper

As of this week, the weather is still quite mild for November; however, the temperatures have been mild enough to form ice on the local ponds. Despite there being ice, the thickness is still far from being safe to hold the weight of a person, so the Martensville Fire Department is warning people to stay off the ice until tests have been done to confirm a safe ice thickness for recreational use.

Although the MFD shared a notice regarding ice thickness last week, other fire departments within the province are posting similar warnings following tragedy on Humboldt Lake this past weekend.

On November 4, 2023, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Humboldt and Lanigan RCMP attended a residence on Humboldt (Stoney) Lake (just south of Humboldt, Sask.) to assist Humboldt Fire Department and local EMS who were responding to a report that numerous people had fallen through the ice, into the lake.

Witnesses reported there were five individuals in the water. Officers and emergency personnel on scene observed three people in the open water where the ice was breached. The three were eventually recovered by firefighters. One adult female and one female child were taken to a nearby hospital for assessment and one female child was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The two other individuals, both adult males, did not resurface. As a result, Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) attended to conduct searches of the water. On November 5 shortly after 5 p.m., URT members recovered both men deceased.

As this is considered a sudden death investigation and there is no element of criminality, there will not be any further details released by the RCMP, including the names of the deceased or anyone involved.

Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

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BELOW: The Martensville Fire Department practices a drill on the ice.

Page 4 - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Local Remembrance Day Ceremonies Saskatoon: The 92nd Saskatoon Remembrance Day Service will take place on Saturday, November 11th at SaskTel Centre. Doors open at 9:00am and the Program begins at 10:00am.

The service will be streamed live on Shaw Spotlight/Rogers tv across the province and online at www.saskatoonremembers. ca at 10am.

Warman: The City of Warman Remembrance Day Ceremony is taking place on November 11th at The Warman Home Centre Communiplex at 10:30am.

Learn, Reflect And Remember This November

Every November, residents have the opportunity to remember all those who have served our nation and reflect upon the sacrifices they have made. In Saskatchewan, the laying of the wreath on November 1, is a powerful reminder of the dedication of the women and men who have served.

The Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) and the Provincial Military Liaison continue to support Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout the province through support of the Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command's wreath distribution program.

"This Remembrance Day, we remember all veterans who have served Canada," Provincial Military Liaison Greg Lawrence said. "The ways that we remember, including wreath ceremonies, allows us to reflect on those freedoms we know now because of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

Through annual funding provided by the PCC, more than 175 wreaths will be delivered across the province to be placed at memorials on November 11.

"On behalf of The Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command, we thank the provincial government for their commitment to Remembrance through the province-wide wreath program," Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command, Provincial President Carol Pedersen said. "These wreaths are placed at cenotaphs around the province and ensures that all those that sacrificed for our freedoms are always remembered."

Learning and reflection allows our past and present heroes to be forever remembered. Government House is hosting a Remembrance Day feature exhibit as well as the production, Tommy Goes to War. A one-person play paying tribute to those who served our country, Tommy Goes to War, is a glimpse into the life of Tommy, first as a young farm boy navigating recruitment and then as a senior veteran reflecting on The War to End All Wars.

Preregistration is required. For show time, registration link and information, please visit governmenthousesk.ca/special-presentation-1.

The feature exhibit, open until November 12, displays replicas of Lieutenant Robert Combe's Victoria Cross Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Combe was one of 15 brave Saskatchewan recipients of the Victoria Cross. Informational banners about Combe and seven others are part of the exhibit. These banners were created by the Royal United Services Institute of Regina as part of their mission to honour the Canadian Armed Forces and its members past and present. Special thanks to the Provicial Archives of Saskatchewan for the additional Combe information and the replica medals.

The PCC and Provincial Military Liaison are grateful to The Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command for facilitating Remembrance Day programs and memorials across the province.

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SPORTS Martensville Senior Girls Volleyball Brings Home the Silver

The Martensville Royals Senior girls volleyball team attended the Melfort invitational tournament this past weekend and brought home the silver medal. The Royals landed in second following round-robin play and beat North Battleford’s JP Collegiate in three sets to head to the gold medal final where they lost to Meadow Lake in a hard-fought battle.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 - Page 5

Peewee Maddogs Have Intense Battle in Championship Game

The Martensville Maddogs Peewee team had a big day on Saturday, November 5th as they went into the Championship game against the Steelers at SMF Field in Saskatoon.

The two teams went into the game undefeated and left it all out on the field as they had an intense battle where they traded the lead back and forth until it came down to a couple final plays that saw the Steelers squeak ahead, with a final score of 68-64.

“All the players, parents and coaches of this team should be proud of what they accomplished this season. They made Martensville proud and the crowd that came to cheer them on showed that, not to mention all those watching from home,” the Maddogs Football organization stated.

ABOVE: Congratulations to the Peewee Maddogs on a successful season, where they made Maddogs history as the first team to make it to a championship game.

ABOVE: The MHS Royals Senior girls volleyball team won the silver medal this past weekend at the Melfort invitational tournament. (Submitted)

Exclusive Fundraiser Captivates Audience with a Magical Night of Entertainment and Community Bonding Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

On Saturday, November 4th, an exclusive fundraising event was held at the Northridge Community Centre in Martensville.

The evening was in support of Martensville’s Recreation Centre Project, KidSport and the new 15AA Marauder Hockey Team.

Guests were greeted at the door by members of the 15-yearold hockey team players dressed in suits who ABOVE: Broden Wotherspoon, Captain of the 15AA escorted everyone to their Marauders and Coach Ron Biberdorf presented the MCRP arranged seating for the with a cheque for $1500. evening.

A free cocktail provided by Lucky Bastard was offered for cocktail hour, as well as Great Western libations and captivating music by Kris Klyne, a local artist, who set the mood for everyone to enjoy themselves and mingle with the crowd.

A sumptuous plated dinner by the renowned Sports Page was provided, followed by a short program from the Marauders hockey team.

Players introduced themselves stating where they were from, what other interests they had, what position they played, and thanked their sponsors and the community. Janine Hayward accepted a cheque on behalf of the MCRP and Lace ‘Em Up Campaign for $1,500 presented by Broden Wotherspoon, captain of the U15AA Marauders provided from the fundraising event. Another $1,500 will be presented to KidSport this week.

Matt Gore, Entertainer and Magician, then took center stage. His charismatic presence had the crowd laughing and grabbed their attention with captivating tricks and mind-boggling illusions.

Following his performance, he continued to show his amazing talent as he went around to each of the tables in the crowd to show his sleight of hand card skills and tricks that continued to leave spectators in awe.

This magical night of unparalleled entertainment and camaraderie was an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, delectable cuisine, and mostly, made a lasting impact on the young players who benefited from this event showing them how important community is and how everyone can benefit when community comes together.

ABOVE: The Martensville 15AA Marauders. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

ABOVE: The Sask Five Giants were grateful for the volunteers that helped move the batting cages from Mocon Field to Chrome Dome Park this weekend.

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Page 6 - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Trudeau’s Home Heating Nonsense Gives Moe a Break Rarely does everyone in Saskatchewan agree on anything, unless it’s the notion that they had enough from Ottawa.

Regardless of who may be running our province in any given year or decade for most of our 118-year history, it’s always been fruitful to hammer away at Ottawa for the ease in which it discounts the concerns for West, rural Canada and Saskatchewan in particular.

Truth be told, that’s mostly what Premier Scott Moe has done since assuming the helm of the Saskatchewan Party in January 2018. It’s been a winning formula; although one wonders if provincial voters are catching on to the notion that Justin Trudeau might not be Saskatchewan’s only problem.

Recent polling numbers suggesting the NDP are closing the gap to six percentage suggest this. In fact, NDP leader Carla Beck’s recent announcement that former finance deputy minister and SaskTel and Crown Investment Corp.

President Ron Styles has joined the NDP team has sent a strong signal that it might not just be the usual suspects complaining about the job the Sask. Party government is doing.

Crowded emergency rooms, closed nursing homes and overcrowded classrooms are issues that are simply not going away. All of these issues are the responsibility of a provincial government that seems more interested in chasing issues seemingly popular with conservatives than addressing real problems of others.

People need not be reminded that we had an “emergency sitting” and use of the notwithstanding clause to pass a bill that will require teachers to inform parents of the name and pronouns students under 16 years are using in classrooms - circumstances so rare the Sask. Party government couldn’t provide a single example of this situation happening. But just when Moe and the Sask. Party desperately needed a distraction in the form of legitimate grounds to be angry at Trudeau and Ottawa, they received precisely that.

Out came the news that while the Atlantic provinces would be getting a break on paying the carbon tax on oil home heating and the further news that this consideration wouldn’t be extended to natural gas in the West.

As only federal Liberals can, they quickly made the situation worse. Asked by CTV if home heating breaks federal Rural Economic Development Minister Gudie Hutchings said this policy to temporarily ditch the supposedly urgent and necessary carbon tax was a result of the lobbying of Liberal Atlantic MPs. “Perhaps they need to elect more Liberals on the Prairies so we can have that discussion as well,’’ Hutchings said.

It was an absolutely galling remark, that only fed long-simmering Saskatchewan and Western anger. And it has clearly let Moe and his government off the hook; an opportunity they surely would not pass up.

Moe immediately announced in an online video post: “SaskEnergy will stop collecting and submitting the carbon tax on natural gas,” effective Jan. 1.

The Premier even went so far as to recognize that failing to collect tax on natural gas might be illegal, something it clearly is. There could, at least in theory, be legal repercussions for SaskEnergy and for government officials for failing to do so.

Coming after using the notwithstanding clause for the seemingly political popular decision to skirt around children’s rights on the pronoun bill, one might even assume this is a bit dicey. Certainly, legal experts are questioning the validity of this government choice on that basis; however, Moe has also recognized that “effectively providing Saskatchewan residents with the very same expectations the federal government is giving” Atlantic Canada hammered with high home heating cost would be exceedingly popular.

How popular?

Well, even the NDP supported with Beck proclaiming: “This shouldn’t be about political gains.”

It shouldn’t, but one suspects Moe is actually rather grateful at the political gains he continues to make at the expense of Ottawa’s stupidity.

Federal Carbon Tax Exemptions Recently the Trudeau government announced a three-year exemption on the carbon tax for home heating oil. This exemption will primarily benefit families in Atlantic Canada, where a greater percentage of households use heating oil compared to the rest of the country; 40 per cent of households in Atlantic Canada heat their homes with heating oil compared to just 0.4 per cent here in Saskatchewan. Natural gas is our primary source of home heating, with 85 per cent of Saskatchewan households having natural gas furnaces.

With this decision, the federal government has chosen to make life more affordable for families in one part of the country, while leaving Saskatchewan families out in the cold. We are calling on the federal government to offer this same carbon tax exemption to Saskatchewan families by extending it to all forms of home heating, including natural gas.

If they do not, then, effective January 1, 2024, SaskEnergy will stop collecting and remitting the carbon tax on natural gas. This will effectively provide Saskatchewan people with the same exemption that the federal government is giving Atlantic Canadians who use heating oil.

Introduction of Fall Session Initiatives Early in this fall sitting of the Legislature and in advance of Remembrance Day on November 11, our government passed Bill 139, The Saskatchewan Remembrance Observance Act. This bill ensures employees are able to wear a poppy at work if they choose, unless it poses a danger to health, safety or welfare of the workers or others. Our veterans, current and past, have fought for our freedom and peace in Canada, and providing the right for workers to wear a poppy while in the workplace is a way to honour the sacrifice veterans and their families have made.

Our government also recently introduced amendments to The Workers’ Compensation Act to provide increased cancer coverage for firefighters. Coverage will now include six additional types of cancers: penile, pancreatic, thyroid, soft tissue sarcoma, mesothelioma, and laryngeal. This brings the total presumptive coverage to 22 types of cancer, the most of any Canadian jurisdiction. The additional coverage is an important way we can help support firefighters and their families, who face risks and hazards every day as they work to keep us safe.

Saskatchewan recently recognized Aviation and Aerospace Week from October 29 to November 4, a time to recognize the important role this transportation sector plays in the province. Aviation supports various economic sectors in our province, including tourism, natural resources and agriculture.

Quality of life in our province is impacted by aviation as well, by connecting air ambulances to communities to move patients, providing air services for policing to protect communities, and supporting evacuations during emergencies.

Our government invests in improvements at regional, community-owned airports in Saskatchewan through the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program. The $850,000 infrastructure program will provide cost-shared grants of up to $275,000 per eligible airport project. Since 2008, our government has invested over $10 million to support 43 community airports through the CAP program.

Our government also continues to invest in the four-point Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health care workers. As a part of this program, a new two-year Physician Assistant (PA) Master’s program will begin at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine in the fall of 2025. PAs practice medicine under a physician, often within a multidisciplinary health team. Saskatchewan recently announced the addition of PAs to our health care system, helping to provide enhanced care and strengthen the health care system.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Established in 1985, the Order of Merit allows us to honour outstanding citizens who have truly made our province a better place to live.

Nominations will be accepted until November 30, 2023 by mail, courier or in-person; to learn more, visit www. saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.

As the fall sitting of the Legislature continues, I look forward to hearing from you. Your questions, concerns or comments help government shape policy as we continue to build and protect Saskatchewan. You can contact my constituency office at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.

New Addictions Treatment Spaces Open in Saskatoon

On November 2, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod announced 18 new addictions treatment spaces, including eight for youth, at Possibilities Recovery Center in Saskatoon.

“These new spaces are part of the Government of Saskatchewan's commitment to adding 150 addictions treatment spaces across the province, a commitment which we have recently upped to a new target of adding 500 total addictions treatment spaces over the next five years,” McLeod said. “The new 18 spaces through Possibilities Recovery Centre in Saskatoon will improve access to addictions treatment so that we can help more people overcome addictions and live healthy lives in recovery.”

The new spaces will help adults and youth access intensive outpatient treatment in person in Saskatoon or virtually across the province. The virtual option will further increase accessibility by allowing residents to carry on with their day-today activities, such as working, school, and caring for their family, while receiving treatment. The spaces will be open to all Saskatchewan residents.

Possibilities Recovery Center was one of the successful proponents chosen through the competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated by the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) seeking addictions treatment services, including intensive outpatient services, inpatient treatment services, and recovery or transitional services.

The 18 addiction spaces announced today follow the 36 virtual outpatient spaces through EHN Canada and the 26 post-treatment spaces at St. Joseph's Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan announced earlier this year, for a total of 80 new spaces added to Saskatchewan’s addictions treatment system so far.

Negotiations are underway with other successful proponents from the RFP, and additional addictions treatment spaces will be announced in the coming months.

With today’s new spaces, there are a total of 561 pre-treatment, detoxification, treatment, and post-treatment beds across the province operated by the SHA and third-party partners. The new target of adding 500 addictions treatment spaces over the next five years will more than double the number of addictions treatment spaces that Saskatchewan funds in communities across the province.

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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Page 8 - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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Boyko Re-Elected Saskatoon Fire Department Hosts First As Catholic School Live-Fire Training at New Facility The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) officially hosted its first training course this week at the new regional Board Chair training facility located in Corman Park on Range Road 3053.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting on November 6. The annual meeting is where the board selects a chair, vice-chair and trustees to represent the board on a variety of committees. Diane Boyko was re-elected chair of the board. Ron Boechler was reABOVE: Diane Boyko was elected vice-chair. re-elected as Catholic School Fr. Stefano Board Chair.

Penna, pastor at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral and bishop’s delegate for the school division’s trustees and senior executives, led a prayer and commissioning service for trustees. He stated that, as disciples of Jesus—in addition to their role as elected officials—trustees have an authority to lead. He also challenged trustees to sanctify (to make holy) all aspects of their life.

“I am blessed to be at the board table with such gifted people,” said Boyko. “Our work together makes us stronger, and we’re blessed to be able to live our faith as we serve families who entrust us with the care and education of their children.”

Boyko added that work and partnerships with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon are important aspects of Catholic education.

With 50 schools and over 22,000 students, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is Saskatchewan’s largest Catholic school division, providing Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 in Saskatoon and area, Biggar, Humboldt, Martensville and Warman. We are rooted in faith, growing in knowledge and reaching out to transform the world.

From October 31 to November 3, 2023, future Fire Service Instructors from SFD, Warman Fire Rescue and Martensville Fire Department participated in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions course. This course provides participants with the credentials needed to conduct live fire training. The program focuses on recognizing the evolving state of a fire and understanding the water application techniques needed to ensure firefighter safety while successfully controlling the environment and extinguishing the fire.

The NFPA 1403 course is taught by four SFD Fire Service Instructors who were sent to Alberta and Manitoba to obtain their credentials in 2022. SFD’s Staff Development & Safety team has plans to have all firefighters complete the live-fire training under the newly certified Fire Service Instructors by the end of 2024.

“This is the first time in over a decade that SFD has been able to conduct this type of realistic and repeatable hands-on experience for our Fire Service Instructors after decommissioning the training building that was located at Station No. 1,” says Anthony Tataryn, SFD Assistant Fire Chief. “We’re very fortunate to have our staff complete training here at home and we’re pleased that Martensville and Warman’s fire services could join in this training opportunity.”

“Working with the Fire Service Instructor trainers from SFD this week has been great. The opportunity to learn the props and how the accompanying skills are designed to be taught will help all of our instructors duplicate a high level of training and safety for our firefighters,” says Fire Chief Russ Austin, Warman Fire Rescue.

Deputy Chief Dean Brooman of the Martensville Fire Department adds, “Martensville Fire Department appreciates the opportunity to train on NFPA 1403 Live Fire Training with Saskatoon Fire Department and Warman Fire Department. The joint use training facility will allow us to learn from each other and take back this knowledge to the members of our department. We look forward to future training at this facility and the exciting things to come out of our partnership.”

Phase one of the Regional Training Facility was completed in the fall of 2023 and included land servicing and relocation of existing structures. Development of the training site and its stormwater management includes a number of natural infrastructure components that are being funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund. Further phases will follow based on engagement with partners and stakeholders.

For more information about the regional training facility, visit saskatoon.ca/regional-trainingfacility.