Issuu

• 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

FREE courtesy cars available

Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday

Call: 306.975.2140

Your City; Your Newspaper October 15, 2026

VOLUME NO. 20 - ISSUE 41

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

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

Over 14 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community

scottrooﬁngsask.com

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

Serving Up Smiles at the MFD Open House

306-934-4888 www.martenswarman.ca

Members of the Martensville Fire Department served up a free supper of hamburgers and hot dogs during the annual MFD Open House on Wednesday, October 7th. The event welcomed residents of all ages to the Fire Hall for an evening of food, activities and an opportunity to connect with local firefighters.

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: 306-270-6156

Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM

Your City; Your Newspaper Support Local 306.361.3040/306.270.6156 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

WMBEXA 2017

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

FURNACE TUNE UPS

Page 2 - OCTOBER 15, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community. October 20 – Regular Council Meeting November 3 – Regular Council Meeting November 10 – Committee of the Whole Meeting Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you’d prefer to join from the comfort of your home, contact the City Clerk or check the online agenda at martensville.ca for the meeting link.

Organics Collection Season is Wrapping Up Please note that the final Organics Pick up dates are coming in October. The final dates for Green Bins to be picked up is: October 23rd for the Northside October 30th for the Southside Subscribers should store Green Bins until the schedule restarts in May 2027.

Scare Away Hunger in Support of the Martensville Food Pantry Help scare away hunger this October by checking out the Halloween Display at 410 4th Street South. Feel free to take some pictures, get in the Halloween Spirit and consider making a food or cash donation to the Martensville Food Pantry.

Reminder On Property Taxes 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.

Wingz Franchise Set to Open in Martensville Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Wingz, a Saskatchewan-based franchise that began in Regina and has grown to more than 22 locations, is preparing to open its newest restaurant in Martensville. The menu will feature chicken wings, ribs, chicken burgers, smash burgers, poutines, loaded fries and chicken fingers, along with more than 125 wing sauces. Fried chicken is expected to be added soon. Opening day is anticipated for October 21st. To mark the occasion, the restaurant plans to offer a buy-one-get-one-free wing special on its first day. The local owner said freshness will be a key focus at the new location. “We marinate our wings for over 24 hours and serve everything fresh—nothing frozen,” the owner said. Beer may also be added to the menu if customer demand supports it. Located at #3, 40 Centennial Drive North (beside Pet Valu), they will offer dine-in, take-out, and delivery through their website at www.wingz.kitchen. Follow their Facebook page for the confirmed opening date and special offers.

Regular Council Meeting Recap – October 6, 2026 Items adopted and discussed: 1. Lot Sale of 32 1st Avenue North – City Council authorized the City Manager to proceed with the sale of the lot, following a sealed tender bid process for the sale of the land as required under the Tax Enforcement Act. The parcel was listed on the City website, SaskTenders, and a sign on the property itself. Administration reviewed the bids received with a representative from BDO Canada LLP on September 8th, 2026. A total of three bids were received, with the highest tender amount submission being $32,550. 2. Recreation Membership Access Program Policy #86-15 – Administration has completed a review of Policy 86-15 - Recreation Membership & Program Accessibility and is recommending updates to modernize the policy while maintaining its intent of supporting affordable access to recreation opportunities for Martensville residents. The proposed amendments were tabled to the October 20, 2026, Regular Council Meeting. 3. MCRP Agreement – City Council authorized the City Manager to sign a proposed donation agreement between the City of Martensville and the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) Committee. The agreement clarifies how future donations will be managed, tracked, and used, while also addressing outstanding commitments from previous fundraising campaigns. 4. Waiving or Reduction of Rental Fees Policy #120-25 – Administration recommended amendments to this policy, to provide greater clarity regarding eligibility requirements and the intent of the policy. The proposed amendments were tabled to the October 20, 2026, Regular Council Meeting. 5. Bylaw 14-2026 – District Official Community Plan Amendment had first reading. An application for a district land use amendment has been received via the District Planning Commission (DPC) for the redesignation of Parcel B, NE 11-36-5-W3, from ‘Urban Commercial/Industrial’ to ‘Recreation, Parks and Culture’ to support a recreational development at the site. 6. Bylaw 15-2026 – Economic Development Tax Exemption Bylaw had all three readings and was approved. 7. Budget Engagement Survey - The City conducted public engagement to gather community perspectives to help inform the development of the 2027 Municipal Budget. The engagement process included an online survey and an interactive Community Budget Priorities Exercise held during Buster Days The process was intended to provide Council and Administration with direct community input regarding municipal services, infrastructure investment, financial priorities and future community needs. 8. Main Street Lane Paving Update - Following construction delays due to recent rain events, the contractor completing the construction of the new multi-family site at 225 Main Street has provided an updated schedule for the lane paving. Originally, this paving was planned to be completed in 3 phases; however, two of the proposed phases were combined to complete the work sooner and limit the disruption to adjacent residents. As part of this new plan, a heavier pavement structure was also selected which reduced the amount of subbased preparation work required to achieve acceptable design density. Due to deficiencies identified in the initial paving work, crews will need to remove the existing pavement and redo the paving work to ensure the lane meets current drainage standards. 9. Glenview Berm Weed Management - Administration provided a report to City Council about the weed management at the Glenview Berm. The berm was constructed as a physical separation between residential and commercial/industrial land use. Once construction was completed and the warranty and maintenance period expired, ownership was transferred to the City in 2018. Prior to taking over, the berm was maintained for approximately two years by the developer, including weed control. The berm was not maintained in 2026, and a recent assessment has identified significant weed growth, including the confirmed presence of four provincially designated noxious weed species: absinthe, Canada thistle, nodding thistle and wild oat. Administration is in the process of creating a weed management plan. 10. Stormwater Master Plan Update - Through a public RFP process, the City contracted ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. to complete a comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan. This document is intended to confirm existing stormwater challenges in the community, identify opportunities to improve drainage infrastructure, and mitigate flood risks for the community. The plan will also provide a sustainable framework for managing stormwater while considering future growth, climate change and regulatory requirements. **Please Note these are just highlights for more information please visit the City Website www.martensville.ca to view the agenda with the full Council Package**

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-270-6156/306-361-3040 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

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

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 15, 2026 - Page 3

Music Bingo Fundraiser to Support Free Youth Programming Across Five Communities Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Possibilities Youth Recovery Centre will host its second annual Brighter Future Music Bingo Fundraiser on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Saskatoon, with a goal of raising $15,000 to support free youth programming throughout 2027. The fundraiser reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring that every young person can access mental health education, support, practical skills and safe community connections, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Throughout 2026, Possibilities Youth Connection expanded its free programming to five communities: Martensville, Warman, Waldheim, and the Rosewood and Hampton Village neighbourhoods of Saskatoon. Funds raised through the event will go to the Brighter Future Fund, helping the organization continue serving youth in these communities during the coming year. Organizers hope to sell 100 tickets and are inviting families and friends to take part in an afternoon of Music Bingo. The event will run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 1021 Saskatchewan Crescent W in Saskatoon. Individual tickets are $30, while a family package for four is $100. Blackout cards will be available for $20 each or three for $50. Payments can be sent by e-transfer to possibilitiesrecovery@gmail.com, and tickets can be reserved by emailing katie@ possibilitiesrecovery.ca. The organization is also accepting prize donations and sponsorships. Supporters who purchase tickets, contribute prizes, sponsor the fundraiser or share information about the event will help invest in the future of local youth and move the campaign closer to its goals of 100 tickets sold and $15,000 raised.

ABOVE: Volunteers with the Martensville Food Pantry recently came together to assemble more than 50 Thanksgiving Dinner Hampers for local families. Countless volunteer hours went into planning, ordering, shopping, preparing and organizing the hampers to help ensure families in need could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. (Martensville Food Pantry)

Community Support Continues to Grow for Local Halloween Fundraiser Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Community support continues to grow for a local Halloween display fundraiser, with residents stopping by to enjoy the decorations and make donations ahead of Halloween night. Organizer Ron Gurski expressed his appreciation to everyone who has visited the display so far and contributed to the fundraising efforts. A special thank you was extended to Valley Manor School, Lake Vista School and Venture Heights School for their participation in the fundraiser. Each school has a collection box and is helping promote the initiative, encouraging students, families and community members to get involved. The involvement of the three schools has helped expand the fundraiser's reach and provided additional opportunities for residents to show their support. Groups and organizations interested in arranging a visit to the Halloween display are encouraged to contact Gurski in advance to ensure everything is ready for their arrival. Those wishing to coordinate a group visit can contact Gurski at 306-230-6688 or by email at rongurski@questtrailer.com. With Halloween quickly approaching, Gurski is looking forward to welcoming more visitors and expressed his gratitude for the generosity and enthusiasm shown by the community so far.

Page 4 - OCTOBER 15, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Bridge City Warmth Announces Changes to Vegas Night Fundraiser and Launches VIP Table Giveaway Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Bridge City Warmth (BCW) has announced some changes to its upcoming Vegas Night Fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, October 24th, at the North Ridge Centre in Martensville. Due to Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) regulations, the organization is unable to charge admission for the event. As a result, tickets and table reservations will now be available by donation rather than at a fixed price. Those interested in attending will see a suggested donation amount when reserving their spot, allowing guests to contribute while enjoying an evening of entertainment and fundraising in support of individuals and families in need. The event, which will run from 7:00pm until 1:00am, promises a full evening of casino-style entertainment, food, drinks and opportunities to win prizes. Guests can look forward to trying their luck at casino-style gaming tables, enjoying music from a DJ, watching a magician, capturing memories at a photo booth and taking part in a variety of other activities throughout the evening. One of the highlights of the fundraiser will be an opportunity to win a WestJet trip for two, adding even more excitement to the evening. In addition to the changes to admission, Bridge City Warmth has launched a special VIP Table Giveaway, offering one lucky winner and seven guests an upgraded experience at the organization's largest fundraiser of the year. The VIP package includes premier seating for eight guests, personal tableside service, a private charcuterie board, additional casino play money, two bottles of wine and an evening filled with entertainment. To enter the giveaway, participants are asked to like and follow the Bridge City Warmth Facebook page, like the giveaway post and tag the friends they would bring along. Sharing the post will provide an additional entry into the contest. The fundraiser serves as an important opportunity for Bridge City Warmth to raise money to continue providing food, clothing and essential supplies to individuals experiencing hardship throughout the community. As the organization's biggest fundraising event of the year, Vegas Night brings together community members, supporters and local businesses for an evening that combines entertainment with an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Bridge City Warmth is encouraging residents to reserve their spots, participate in the VIP giveaway and help make this year's event its most successful yet. Those interested in attending or entering the VIP Table Giveaway can visit the Bridge City Warmth Facebook page for additional information. 26103BS0

Martensville Council Reviews Policing Trends and Upcoming Recycling Changes Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council reviewed several items during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, October 13th, including local RCMP statistics, proposed changes to council committee appointments and an update on the upcoming transition to the SK Recycles program. The meeting began with a presentation from the RCMP, which provided a comparison of local policing statistics from August and September 2026 to the same periods in 2025. According to the report, overall RCMP occurrences increased by 53% in August, rising from 228 in 2025 to 348 in 2026. Despite the overall increase, offences against persons decreased by 29%, while property offences dropped by 26%. Provincial traffic offences saw a significant increase, rising from 114 in August 2025 to 216 in August 2026, representing an 89% increase. Speeding offences more than doubled during that period, increasing from 24 to 53. September statistics showed a similar trend, with overall occurrences increasing by 32%, from 206 in 2025 to 272 in 2026. Property offences decreased by 59%, while provincial traffic offences increased by 111%. Following the RCMP presentation, Council reviewed the proposed 2027–2028 appointments to various City boards and committees. The original appointments were approved in January 2025, with Council indicating at that time that the assignments would be reviewed midway through the current term to determine whether any members wished to make changes. As part of the review process, administration recommended that each member of Council submit their preferred board and committee assignments to Mayor Kent Muench by October 20th. Administration will then work with the Mayor to finalize the proposed appointments, which are scheduled to be brought forward for approval at the November 3rd Regular Council meeting. The final item reviewed was an update on the City's transition to the SK Recycles program. The Province of Saskatchewan has implemented Extended Producer Responsibility regulations for household packaging and paper products, requiring municipalities to transition from the current shared-responsibility recycling program to the new SK Recycles framework by the end of 2027 or early 2028. Municipalities were provided with two participation options: a program-led model or a community-led model. Martensville has chosen to proceed with the programled model, which will see SK Recycles assume responsibility for collection and reporting services. According to the update, SK Recycles has completed its Request for Proposals process for curbside and multi-family recycling collection services. Proposals were received and evaluated between June and July 2026, with successful proponents selected and notified in August. Agreements with the selected service providers are currently being finalized. Once those agreements are complete, SK Recycles will notify the City of Martensville of its future recycling collection provider. As preparations continue, the City will work with SK Recycles to provide detailed household address information and other operational details necessary to ensure a smooth transition. The report also noted that the potential financial impact of the transition remains uncertain. Currently, garbage and recycling collection services are provided through a combined contract with a single vendor. Administration plans to issue a separate Request for Proposals for garbage collection services in 2027 to align with the transition to the new recycling program.

Share the Warmth Returns to Help Community Organizations Support Residents This Winter

Across Saskatchewan, local organizations play a vital role in helping people stay warm, fed and supported through the winter — and SaskEnergy’s Share the Warmth program is returning to help make that work possible. The program offers grants of up to $1,000 to charitable organizations and community groups that assist vulnerable residents during the winter months. Eligible projects include meal programs, winter clothing initiatives, food hampers, shelter supports, and mental health services. “Share the Warmth is about more than helping people stay warm through the winter. It assists community organizations in responding to local needs and supporting the people who rely on their services,” said Kevin Adair, SaskEnergy President and CEO. “Across Saskatchewan, these organizations play an important role in strengthening communities and improving quality of life, and Share the Warmth helps them continue making a difference where it matters most.” Since 2013, Share the Warmth has supported more than 650 projects in communities across Saskatchewan. In 2025-26, the program provided funding to 115 charitable organizations in 104 communities throughout the province. SaskEnergy is committing an additional $100,000 through Share the Warmth for the third straight year. One organization that has benefited from Share the Warmth funding in recent years is Bring2Life Creative Counselling, which operates the On-The-Go Mobile Counselling Program in the rural area around Yorkton. The program brings counselling services directly to lowincome and at-risk youth and families facing barriers such as location, transportation, childcare responsibilities or financial limitations. “The Share the Warmth grant helps make it possible for us to bring our services directly to communities where access to counselling can be difficult,” said Angela van den Heuvel, Executive Director of Bring2Life Creative Counselling. “The support provided by SaskEnergy helps us reach more youth and families with responsive counselling services that reflect their unique circumstances.” Applications for the 2026-27 Share the Warmth program are now open for eligible charitable organizations and community groups. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2026. In early 2027, Share the Warmth Days will return for a third year, recognizing the people and programs helping to address local needs across the province. These events highlight the impact of funded projects and celebrate the local organizations helping Saskatchewan residents through the winter. More details about upcoming events will be announced at a later date. More information about the Share the Warmth program, including eligibility, is available on saskenergy.com.

SPORTS

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 15, 2026 - Page 5

BELOW: Congratulations to the U13AA Marauders who finished as the B Final Winners in Calgary’s Thanksgiving Classic tournament of 32 teams. (Martensville Minor Hockey)

Royals Stay Undefeated with Gritty 22-14 Victory Over North Battleford Submitted by Coach Tyler Munday

The Martensville Royals found a way to win once again, improving their undefeated record with a hard-fought 22-14 victory over North Battleford on a short week of preparation. Despite moving the ball effectively throughout the game, the Royals were plagued by turnovers, coughing the ball up seven times. While the mistakes could have derailed many teams, the Royals responded with resilience and determination on both sides of the football. “Our guys never stopped battling,” said the Royals coaching staff. “Even when things weren't going our way, the team continued to compete and trust each other.” The Royals' defense turned in one of its strongest performances of the season, consistently shutting down North Battleford's offense and creating momentum-changing plays of its own. One of the biggest moments came early in the third quarter when Nathan Klein stepped in front of a pass and came away with a crucial interception, helping swing momentum back in Martensville's favor.

On offense, Austin Adamus was a force on the ground, running hard between the tackles and punching in two touchdowns. His physical running provided stability for the Royals as they worked through the turnover issues and continued to move the chains. With the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, the Royals put together their best drive when it mattered most. Marching down the field in the final minute, the offense found the end zone for the game-sealing touchdown, extending the lead to 22-14 and putting the pressure squarely on North Battleford. The defense answered the call one more time. Needing a stop to secure the victory, the Royals forced a quick three-and-out, giving the ball back to quarterback Garrett Gordon, who calmly took a knee to run out the clock and preserve the undefeated season. This Friday, the Royals host the also-undefeated P.A. Carlton Crusaders in the team's final regular-season home game. Both teams have already secured home playoff dates, but first place in the standings and playoff seeding are on the line. A Royals victory would secure first place and mark the first time in league history that the program has finished atop the regular-season standings. 26103AR0

With Friday's forecast calling for ideal football weather, the Royals are hoping for a large crowd at Wilson Field to help create a playoff atmosphere ahead of the postseason. Kickoff is set for 3:45 p.m. Friday at Wilson Field. The stage is set: two undefeated teams, first place on the line, and a chance for the Royals to make history.

Page 6 - OCTOBER 15, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Storing Potatoes for the Long Winter By Jackie Bantle

Potatoes, one of the most popular vegetables grown in Saskatchewan, can be harvested at anytime through the season, as long as they’re large enough to wash and cook. But tubers harvested from “green” growing plants have immature skins that are easily rubbed off through washing, providing little protection in storage. Those destined for long term storage need to be cured. Skin set in potatoes occurs when the potato top has dried or been removed and the tubers have stopped growing. At this point, the skin toughens up to provide a protective layer against disease and insects during storage. Once the tops have frozen off or been removed, the tubers can remain in the soil as long as the surrounding soil temperature is at or above 0º C. Typically, well-hilled potatoes can withstand numerous frosts up to –3º C as long as temperatures reach at least 10º C during the day. Frosts that go to –4º C may damage some tubers. If temperatures are predicted below –4º C, tubers should be dug as soon as possible. Potato harvesting is best done on a cool, dry day and those dug in the fall are usually cool. If that temperature can be maintained or lowered going into storage, water loss will be reduced. First remove excess soil from the tuber. Avoid washing them as this can increase bruising or skin damage. Damaged or wet tubers should be placed in a dark area with good airflow where the average temperature is 10-15ºC to encourage healing and drying. Avoid drying tubers in the sun. Sunlight warms up the tubers and encourages the production of glycoalkaloids that give potatoes a bitter flavor, can turn the skin and flesh green, and at high levels are poisonous. After about one week at 10-15º C, potatoes should be moved to a dark storage area at 2-3º C and 80-90% relative humidity. Placing them in perforated plastic bags in the fridge is ideal for long-term storage. Root cellars provide adequate storage for a shorter period but most root cellars have higher temperatures and lower humidity than is ideal. Covering a potato stack with perforated plastic and installing a mini air conditioner can help. Once the potatoes are in storage, other problems can occur. Potatoes that have tiny black spots throughout their flesh (indicating dead tissue) have usually been exposed to inadequate air during their growth, often caused by extended periods of flooding. Also ensure there is adequate air exchange in storage. Potatoes that break down and rot during storage may be affected by a bacterial disease that has been carried over from the seed or soil. Avoid this problem by using new seed potatoes each year and rotating vegetables within your garden. Potatoes harvested from diseased plants will not last as long in storage as those from healthy plants. Many gardeners experience mushy potatoes after boiling. Several factors can influence texture. Red potatoes and some white varieties have been bred for boiling, while the higher soluble solid content in russet types is excellent for baking but often results in mushy boiled potatoes. Red potatoes that have been stressed during the growing season from too much heat or too little water may also have a mushy texture when boiled. This winter why not treat yourself to homemade French fries from your garden potatoes. Potatoes high in sugars tend to be dark in color when fried. For lighter fries, condition the potatoes by warming them up to 15º C (in the dark) for several weeks. This encourages the sugars to convert to starch, consequently producing a lighter color fried potato. Remember, vegetables are living organisms and only the best produce will provide excellent quality in storage, long after the leaves have fallen from the trees. This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (SPS; saskperennial@hotmail.com). Check our website (www.saskperennial.ca) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/saskperennial) for a list of upcoming gardening events.

Unemployment Rate Second Lowest Amongst Provinces at 5.4 Per Cent in September Statistics Canada's latest labour force numbers show that the labour market in Saskatchewan added 2,400 jobs year-over-year in September. Saskatchewan's unemployment rate is the second lowest amongst provinces at 5.4 per cent, well below the national average of 6.5 per cent. September saw a monthly record high for employment with 625,000 people working in Saskatchewan. "Saskatchewan's economy is strong and steady and the new labour market numbers from Statistics Canada reflect that strength," Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz said. "Our government is working to ensure that economic growth continues by helping Saskatchewan people prepare for the jobs being created by our strong and steady economy." Youth unemployment also saw a decline to 11.4% from August, well below the national average of 13.0%. Saskatchewan's two biggest cities also saw year-over-year growth. Compared to September 2025, Saskatoon's employment was up 900, an increase of 0.4 per cent, and Regina's employment was up 5,300 an increase of 3.5 per cent. Strong employment in the private sector resulted in an increase of 21,500 or +6.0 per cent compared to September 2025. This was reflected in the major yearover-year gains reported for manufacturing and construction with an additional 5,700 employed, an increase of 21.7 per cent and 5,700 employed, an increase of 11.8 per cent, respectively. Healthcare and social assistance was also up 4,100, an increase of 4.0 per cent. Saskatchewan continues to show economic growth in other areas. Year-overyear, Saskatchewan ranked first amongst provinces for growth in urban housing starts. In addition, month-over-month Saskatchewan ranked second for manufacturing sales and year-to-date recorded the second highest growth in merchandise exports. This economic growth is backed by the Government of Saskatchewan's Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, a roadmap to build the workforce needed to support Saskatchewan's strong and growing economy, and Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan's Investment Attraction Strategy, a plan to increase investment in the province and to further advancing Saskatchewan's Growth plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually.

SHA Introducing More Measures to Keep Facilities Safe

To help ensure a safe environment for everyone in the facility, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), in partnership with Emmanuel Health, is adding two additional metal detectors to St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. St. Paul’s Hospital is part of Emmanuel Health’s network of care. In early 2026, SHA implemented metal detector screening programs at eight sites across the province, including main entrances at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, Battlefords Union Hospital and the Regina Urgent Care Centre, as well as Emergency Department entrances at the three hospitals in Saskatoon, including St. Paul’s Hospital, and the two hospitals in Regina. Another two detectors have become operational at the main entrance to St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon as of October 7. These detectors will further improve safety for patients, visitors and staff at the facility by providing screening coverage at a key access point at St. Paul’s Hospital. This model of improving hospital safety is clearly working. Internal reviews have demonstrated that screening processes at facilities where metal detectors have been installed have already prevented concealed weapons from entering facilities. Safety is a core commitment of both Saskatchewan Health Authority and Emmanuel Health. Creating a safer environment is one part of St. Paul’s Hospital’s broader commitment to ensuring every person who comes through the doors is treated with dignity, welcomed with compassion and able to access the care and support they need. The SHA continues to participate in an external review of protective services protocols as announced by the Ministry of Health in spring 2026. This independent review of hospital safety and security is an important step to strengthen safety across the health system.

Letter to the Editor Advertising Doesn’t Cost; It Pays!

Is your business reaching its full potential?

advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca CALL 306.668.1093

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.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 15, 2026 - Page 7

Page 8 - OCTOBER 15, 2026 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit Public Advisory: Sextortion

The Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit is advising parents and children to be aware of and familiarize themselves with online “Sextortion”. Most commonly, offenders engage teenage males through chat based social media platforms, often pretending to be a young girl of a similar age to those they are targeting. Offenders establish a rapport with their victims before coercing them into sending intimate images of themselves. Once the offender receives the images, they threaten to send the images to the young person’s family and friends. They will then extort the youth for money to stop this from occurring. In September of 2026, the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit received more than 20 reports of Sextortion from child victims in the province. Sextortion is an under reported crime and, as such, police believe there are more incidents occurring than being reported. Suspects in these cases are often overseas and can be difficult to identify and prosecute. Parents are encouraged to have age-appropriate conversations with their child around personal safety online and what to do if they find themselves in a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable. To learn more about the prevention of child exploitation as well as support for those impacted by child exploitation, visit: cybertip.ca For Sextortion specific information, visit: cybertip.ca/en/online-harms/ sextortion.

Corman Park Police Seize Weapons, Cash and Drug Paraphernalia During Traffic Stop Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

A traffic stop on Highway 219 resulted in the seizure of weapons, cash and drug paraphernalia after officers with the Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) pulled over a vehicle on Friday, October 9th. According to CPPS, officers observed a vehicle travelling approximately 50 km/h in a posted 100 km/h zone and failing to maintain its lane, prompting a traffic stop. During the investigation, officers seized approximately $3,600 in cash, two scales containing cocaine residue, hundreds of small baggies, unstamped tobacco and other drug paraphernalia. Police also located several weapons, including bear spray, a collapsible baton, a prohibited knife and a BB gun. As a result of the investigation, the driver was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and weapons-related offences. The driver also failed a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST), resulting in a 21-day driver's licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment. CPPS emphasized the importance of proactive traffic enforcement in identifying criminal activity beyond traffic violations. "CPPS is always engaged in proactive traffic enforcement, which routinely leads to the identification of other criminal offences," CPPS stated. "In this instance, we are happy that our proactive traffic enforcement led to the interdiction of a subject involved in illicit drug trafficking offences." The charges against the driver have not been proven in court.

Martensville Fire Department Open House Brings Community Together for Evening of Family Fun Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) welcomed residents to the Fire Hall on Wednesday, October 7th, for its annual Open House, providing an evening of familyfriendly activities, food and an opportunity to learn more about local emergency services. The event, which ran from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, gave community members an opportunity to explore the Fire Hall, get an up-close look at emergency vehicles, interact with local firefighters and learn more about fire safety. Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed a free hamburger and hot dog supper, interactive truck displays, a live demonstration and a bouncy house provided by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). The City of Martensville also hosted its second Big Truck Petting Zoo in conjunction with the Open House, offering children and families an opportunity to explore some of the heavy equipment used throughout the community. Following the event, the Martensville Fire Department expressed its appreciation to the community for the support and participation. "We want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community who came out to our open house on Wednesday. It was great to see everyone exploring the hall, checking out the trucks, learning about fire safety, and grabbing a bite to eat!" the department shared. The MFD also extended its thanks to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency for partnering with the department and participating in this year's event, as well as Smokehaus Meats for generously donating the hot dogs served during the evening. The department also recognized the City of Martensville for bringing the Big Truck Petting Zoo to the event, adding another opportunity for families to explore equipment and connect with those who help maintain the community. The annual Open House continues to provide an opportunity for residents to connect with local firefighters in a welcoming environment while gaining a better understanding of the equipment, training and responsibilities involved in keeping the community safe.

Government

Your City; Your Newspaper Jamie Martens Support Local MLA for Martensville-Blairmore

306.361.3040/306.270.6156

Automotive FREE courtesy cars available

Dental

306.975.2140

jamie.martensmla@outlook.com

advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

2B-725 Centennial Dr. South Martensville, SK S0A 0A2

Government

Message us on FB

7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre 109 Centennial Dr. No • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians Martensville • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available

Automotive FREE courtesy cars available

DR. BRIAN MEYER DR. DACRE HAMILTON

306-934-4446

#12 - 2nd St S. Martensville www.martensvilledental.ca

Dental

CREATING SMILES IN MARTENSVILLE & AREA SINCE 2001

306.975.2140

- Message Automotive us on FB Repair 7:30-5:30 Specialists - Friday -Monday Advanced Technology & • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre 109 Centennial Dr. No 306-244-4950 Diagnostics • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians Dr. Financing North Available Facility Martensville • Easy801 VehicleCentennial Repair & Accessory - Automotive Repair

DR. BRIAN MEYER DR. DACRE HAMILTON

Jamie Martens

20241121_Martens_Martensville_Program_Guide.indd 1

MLA for Martensville-Blairmore

jamie.martensmla@outlook.com 2B-725 Centennial Dr. South Martensville, SK S0A 0A2

Plumbing