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Families gathered at the Martensville Fire Hall on Wednesday, October 8th, for the annual Fire Prevention Week open house, where kids got hands-on fire safety fun. The event featured fire hall and truck tours, a sizzling community BBQ with burgers and hot dogs, and a Big Truck Petting Zoo showcasing vehicles from the City of Martensville.
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Page 2 - OCTOBER 16, 2025 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
Coyote Sightings
Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates
Recent coyotes sightings are a reminder that these animals are common in our area. Our staff will continue to monitor reports and are prepared to respond to any instances of unusual behaviour.
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.
Steps you can take to help keep them away from populated spaces and ensure safety:
October 21 – Regular Council Meeting November 4 – Regular Council Meeting November 10 – Committee of the Whole Meeting
• Do not approach a coyote; give it space • Never feed coyotes or leave food where they can access it • Do not run or turn your back • Act assertively — yell, wave your arms, and make yourself appear big, loud, and threatening • Keep pets close and never allow them to roam freely. Always keep dogs on a leash • Secure household garbage in bins and store bird seed, compost, and pet food properly. • Clean up attractants such as fallen fruit, discarded food, or litter. • Pick up pet waste and note that dog urine may also attract coyotes. If you have any inquiries or concerns related to coyotes or wildlife within the city limits, please reach out to City Hall/Bylaw at (306) 931-2166 or in cases of Emergency the RCMP (306) 975-1610.
Scare Away Hunger: October 1st – November 1st Stop by 410 4th Street South to check out the Halloween display! This display is part of the Martensville Food Pantry’s Scare Away Hunger campaign. If you’re able, please consider making a food or cash donation to support the Martensville Food Pantry and help local families in need.
Halloween at the MAP | October 24 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm Join us for a spook-tacular evening of Halloween fun! Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy Halloween-themed games, crafts & activities – fun for kids and families of all ages! Toddler Takeover – Halloween Edition For our littlest trick-or-treaters, join us earlier in the day from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for a toddler-friendly version of the fun! Tickets: • $5 per person • $15 per family (same household) • Available at the MAP prior to the event
October Back Alley Blitz
With fall weather bringing drier conditions, tall grass, weeds, brush, and debris in back lanes can quickly become a serious fire hazard. The Martensville Fire Department is launching a Back Alley Blitz, asking residents to clean up their alleys and back lanes to help keep our community safe — and looking great! Please remember to: Pick up any obstructive debris/garbage Trim back any brush or tree limbs Remove weeds and tall grass Thanks for doing your part in keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe!
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.
Regular Council Meeting Recap – October 7
Motions 1. Waiver or Reduction of rental Fees Policy #120/25 – City Council approved the proposed policy. 2. Subdivision 330 2nd Street South – City Council approved the proposed subdivision Reports from Administration 1. FoodCycler Update: At the September 9, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting, Council was presented with information about a pilot program for Food Cycle Science’s “FoodCycler” waste diversion system. This system is an appliance which rapidly converts food waste to a compostable product, and aids in the diversion of organic food waste from landfills. The pilot project included a scope of 200 households with a municipal investment of $20,000 plus applicable shipping costs and taxes. Following review of the pilot project, Administration feels that deferring a decision on the pilot program is the best course of action currently. Due to changes in provincial legislation for recycling, Administration is undertaking a holistic review of waste collection and related programs within the city. Once that review is completed, the FoodCycler pilot program can be revisited and considered in conjunction with all other waste management programs.
Item Donations Requested: BGC Martensville Early Learning Centre - October 26 BGC Saskatoon is preparing to open their brand-new BGC Martensville Early Learning Centre, and is accepting donations of gently used items to fill their classrooms: - Bins and baskets for storage - Adult chairs and rocker gliders - Cookie sheets and muffin tins for sensory play - Sand toys and dump trucks - Outdoor play items - Books and educational toys for ages 0–5 Drop-off location: Martensville Recreation Centre Drop-off times: October 26th, 11am-6pm If you can’t make this time, please email elc@bgcmartensville.com to arrange a different time.
Council Reviews Crime Statistics, Zoning Changes, and Community Feedback on Recreational Vehicle Use Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on October 14th featured a full agenda, beginning with an update from the RCMP comparing local crime statistics from September 2024 to September 2025. According to the report, the number of offenses responded to by the local RCMP increased from 136 in September 2024 to 217 in September 2025. The largest jumps were seen in Provincial Traffic offenses, which rose from 34 to 83, and non-offence codes, which include false alarms, breach of peace, suspicious person reports, etc., increasing from 53 to 84. The first item of business focused on a proposed zoning bylaw amendment for several properties in the Lake Vista neighbourhood. The amendment seeks to rezone part of Parcel S from Commercial to Residential, as well as all of Parcels Y and Z from Commercial to Residential. If approved, the parcels, currently conditionally sold, would be developed into multi-family residential housing. The process would involve four steps: amending the community and concept plans, rezoning, subdividing the land, and submitting a discretionary use application. After receiving numerous resident complaints about safety, noise, and bylaw clarity related to recreational vehicle use, the City of Martensville conducted a comprehensive public consultation throughout the summer. The process included surveys and in-person engagement sessions, gathering feedback from more than 1,350 residents. Survey results showed that 43 percent of respondents are current ATV or dirt bike users, while 72 percent reported no personal experience or observation of safety concerns. A strong majority, 81 percent, opposed banning ATV, dirt bike, or unlicensed vehicle use within or near city limits. The top concerns identified were public safety, noise, and conflicts with other road users. Local RCMP representatives, Staff Sergeant Jason Teniuk and Sergeant Curtis Little, attended the city’s public engagement forum on August 26th at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion. They shared enforcement perspectives, noting an increase in traffic violations involving ATVs. Enforcement is guided by the All Terrain Vehicle Act, which
regulates off-road vehicle use in Saskatchewan. Common themes from the consultation included rider behaviour, trespassing, and noise issues. Rather than supporting a ban, residents expressed a preference for proactive measures such as designated trails with clear boundaries, increased signage and fencing, more education for riders, and strengthened enforcement within city limits. The consultation findings will help guide Council’s future discussions and potential updates to city bylaws related to recreational vehicle use. The final discussion item of the evening focused on the review of Martensville’s Economic Development Business Incentive Bylaw, which was last updated in 2012. The review aims to ensure the bylaw continues to align with the city’s objectives of supporting growth and attracting new commercial and industrial developments. According to administration, while business incentives can attract investment, support job creation, and signal a community’s commitment to growth, they also defer municipal revenues, add administrative complexity, and carry uncertain long-term impacts. Most neighbouring municipalities, including Saskatoon, Warman, Dalmeny, Osler, and Rosthern, continue to use incentive programs. Martensville City Council will meet next on Tuesday, October 21st. For more information or to view meeting agendas, visit Martensville.ca.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 16, 2025 - Page 3
Martensville Fire Department Open House Draws Strong Community Turnout Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Fire Department opened its doors to the community on Wednesday, October 8th, for its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House, drawing families from across the city for an evening of fun, learning, and safety awareness. The event featured guided tours of the fire hall and trucks, offering visitors a behindthe-scenes look at the equipment and day-to-day operations of the department. Children had the chance to meet local firefighters, try on gear, and take part in interactive demonstrations, including spraying water from a real fire hose. The MFD provided a community barbeque, with burgers and hot dogs served as families mingled and enjoyed the festivities. One of the new additions was the “big truck petting zoo,” featuring a variety of vehicles from the City of Martensville. Kids climbed aboard and explored the big trucks up close, taking turns honking the horns. Firefighters also shared important safety information in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The department highlighted the growing presence of these batteries in everyday life and stressed the importance of using, charging, and disposing of them safely. While unattended cooking and discarded smoking materials continue to be leading causes of residential fires, the department noted a noticeable increase in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in recent years. Visitors were encouraged to bring their used household batteries for safe recycling, with support from SARCAN, which accepts batteries yearround for responsible disposal. The City of Martensville shared their appreciation for the event, stating that there was an amazing turnout for the Big Truck Petting Zoo, and that “We’re still trying to figure out who had more fun; the kids, or our City operators.” The Martensville Fire Department also expressed their gratitude for the strong turnout and community support, stating, "A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Open House! We truly appreciate you taking the time to stop by and be part of the event. We're incredibly grateful to our amazing team, community members, partners, and guests who came out to connect, explore, and celebrate with us.”
BGC Martensville Launches Toy and Book Drive for New Early Learning Centre Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
BGC Martensville is gearing up for the grand opening of its brand-new Early Learning Centre, set to welcome children in January 2026, and the community is invited to help make it a warm and engaging space. To ensure the centre is filled with plenty of fun, creativity, and learning opportunities, BGC Martensville is hosting a Toy and Book Drive on Sunday, October 26th, from 11am to 6pm at the Martensville Recreation Centre. Donations of books, blocks, puzzles, dramatic play items, and outdoor toys are being accepted to help create an inspiring environment where children can grow, play, and learn. Those wishing to contribute or learn more can contact elc@bgcmartensville. com for details.
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Chiefs Sweep the Weekend on the Road Submitted by Brennan Hall - Martensville Chiefs
The Martensville Chiefs put together an impressive weekend performance, earning back-to-back road victories to climb the PJHL standings. On Saturday, the Chiefs traveled to Carrot River and dominated the Thunder in their own barn, skating away with a commanding 6-1 victory. It was a full team effort from start to finish, but #2 Luke Senick led the way offensively, recording two goals and an assist to earn Player of the Game honours. Between the pipes, Rhett Harkot was rock solid, stopping 36 of 37 shots and adding two assists of his own. With those helpers, Harkot officially broke the PJHL alltime record for goaltender assists and points, surpassing the previous mark of six. He now stands alone atop the league record books with eight career points; a rare and impressive feat for a goaltender. The Chiefs kept the momentum rolling on Sunday in Prince Albert, where they capped off the weekend with a 4-2 win over the Timberjaks. The victory improved Martensville’s record to 4-2-0, good for a tie for second place in the standings. The Chiefs now sit just two points back of the first-place Royals, with a game in hand. A strong statement weekend for the Chiefs, who continue to show they’re a team to watch in the early going of the PJHL season.
Royals Right the Ship with Commanding 28-6 Win Over Vikings Submitted by Coach Tyler Munday
The Royals got back on track Friday night, wrapping up their regular season in dominant fashion with a 28-6 victory over the North Battleford Vikings. The win improves the Royals' record to 3-1, securing a home playoff game this Friday at 3:45 p.m. against the St. Mary’s Marauders from Prince Albert. Determined to bounce back and build momentum heading into playoffs, the Royals came out strong on both sides of the ball. The defense turned in yet another stellar performance, limiting the Vikings to a single touchdown late in the third quarter, the only blemish in an otherwise airtight effort. Offensively, the Royals used a two-quarterback system to great effect, with both Hawkley Derinewski and Garrett Gordon connecting for touchdown passes. Derinewski struck first, finding Lane Robertson in the first quarter to open the scoring. Shortly after, a key defensive play by Keegan Westeringh, who recovered a Vikings fumble, gave the Royals excellent field position. Though the ensuing drive ended with a missed field goal, Derinewski bounced back quickly, hitting Cooper Ogden for a touchdown early in the second quarter to put the Royals ahead 14-0 at the half. Garrett Gordon took over to start the second half, leading a methodical drive capped by a six-yard touchdown run from Corben Wegman. Gordon would later seal the victory in the fourth quarter with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Blake Granatier, putting the game out of reach. With the win, the Royals not only finish the regular season on a high note but also earn the right to host a playoff game on home turf at Wilson Field. The team extends a heartfelt thank-you to the fans who traveled to North Battleford and hopes to see a strong home crowd this Friday as they begin their playoff run. Kickoff is set for 3:45pm.; let’s pack the stands and support the Royals!
SPORTS Martensville Curling Club to Host Grand Slam of Curling Tier 2 Event in December Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Excitement is sweeping through the Martensville curling community as tickets are now available for the Grand Slam of Curling Tier 2 event, set to take place inside the Martensville Curling Club from December 16th to 20th. The competition will culminate with the finals at Merlis Belsher Place on December 21st. This prestigious event marks the biggest tournament ever hosted by the Martensville Curling Club, bringing worldclass curling action to the local ice. Due to limited seating capacity at the club, organizers are encouraging fans to purchase tickets early to avoid missing out. The list of participating teams is expected to be released later in November, adding to the growing anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable week of curling. Organizers are inviting the community to help spread the word and show their support for this milestone event. Tickets can be purchased through the official event link: https://simpli.events/e/gsoctier2-mville.
ABOVE: Valley United Soccer Club 2025/26 indoor season practices kicked off on October 11th at the Martensville Recreation Centre. For more information about the club, or to register, visit https://vuscsk.ca/. (Valley United Soccer Club)
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ARTENSVILLE
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ABOVE: The Martensville Royals travelled to North Battleford to compete in their final regular season game on Thursday, October 9th. They came out on top with a score of 28-6, which earned them a home playoff game, taking place this week. The regular season ended with a total of 3 wins and 1 loss for the Royals. (Martensville Royals Football Club)
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Martensville Warman Family Resource Centre Supporting Young Families Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre has recently become a hub for family support services, following its move from Warman high school to a new building in Martensville last fall with a grand opening in November. The facility now hosts a vibrant center dedicated to assisting young families, guided by a team that includes both new and established staff members; Sydney Kryzanowski, Centre Coordinator, and Natasha Wright, Program Designer, along with facilitators Alexis and Abibat. This resource centre is government funded by the provincial Ministry of Education in partnership with Prairie Spirit School Division and the YMCA and all programs are free of charge. According to Wright, “the main focus of the centre is to operate according to four foundational pillars, each designed to address distinct aspects of family life.” The four key pillars are: • Early Learning: Programs for children from prenatal stages to age five. • Family Education: Initiatives to educate families. • Family Wellness: Support for overall family well-being. • Information and Referrals for Young Families: Providing guidance and support for families seeking assistance. Early Learning programs cater to children from prenatal stages up to age five, focusing on developmental milestones and school readiness. Secondly, Family Education initiatives provide resources and workshops to empower parents and caregivers with essential knowledge and skills. The third pillar, Family Wellness, encompasses services and activities that support both mental and physical health for all family members. Lastly, the center
offers Information and Referrals for Young Families, serving as a guide for those seeking specialized assistance or navigating local resources. Referrals within the center begin at the request of parents who may have concerns about their child’s development or well-being. The center’s programs include sessions with professionals such as speech and language pathologists, as well as the Early Learning SIP (Early Childhood Intervention Program). They address behavioral and developmental challenges, ensuring that families receive targeted support. Through its structured approach and dedicated programs, the centre stands as a vital resource for families in Warman, Martensville, and surrounding areas, helping to nurture healthy, educated communities. Several programs have proven especially popular such as Tender music, Zumba, Drop-in Play, and Sip and Chat. Kryzanowski stated that, “Attendance tends to fluctuate seasonally, with summer being slower as families are away. However, since moving to the permanent space, the center has grown in popularity, sometimes serving up to 300 families in a single month.” Now that winter is approaching, programming will shift with the seasons. In summer, the center hosts activities in local parks. During winter, activities move indoors, and all programming takes place within the building. Something new to the Centre is an Infant Room for families with babies and toddlers which has been very popular. LEFT: The Martensville Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre has a variety of centers set up for children from prenatal stage up to age five. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)
Saskatchewan Adds 19,000 Full Time Jobs In September Statistics Canada's latest labour force numbers show that the labour market in Saskatchewan remains strong with 19,000 full-time jobs added year-over-year in September, an increase of 2.2 per cent. Saskatchewan's unemployment rate is the second lowest amongst provinces at 6 per cent, below the national average of 7.1 per cent. "Saskatchewan continues to experience strong year-over-year job growth," Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jim Reiter said. "Saskatchewan employers are creating thousands of full-time jobs in the province, and our government is committed to ensuring this growth continues, making Saskatchewan the best place to live and work in Canada." Year-over-year, full-time employment in Saskatchewan increased by 19,000, an increase of 3.8 per cent, ranked second highest among provinces. Saskatchewan's two biggest cities also saw year-over-year growth. Compared to September 2024, Saskatoon's employment was up 1,900, an increase of 0.9 per cent, and Regina's employment was up 7,800, an increase of 5.4 per cent. Major year-over-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance, up 8,400, an increase of 8.9 per cent. Consistent with the gains in urban housing starts and building permit values, an increase was seen for business, building and other support services, up 2,800, an increase of 25 per cent. Saskatchewan continues to show economic strength in other areas. Year-todate Saskatchewan ranked first amongst provinces for growth in the value of building permits, and month-over-month recorded the highest growth in manufacturing sales amongst provinces. This economic growth is backed by the Government of Saskatchewan's released 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.
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ABOVE: Some of the youngsters that came out for the Anniversary celebrations got to hang out and watch Balloon Funn by Warren, who was on hand to do his magic by twisting balloons into art form.(Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)
The center is generally open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, except during professional development or monthly closure for updating themes and toys. Morning programming runs from 9 AM to 11:15 AM, and afternoon sessions from 1 PM to 4 PM. Community members are welcome throughout the day to use the center’s facilities for diaper changes or feeding their children in a safe, clean environment. Generally, families can drop in without registering, but for special events with high interest, registration is required to maintain capacity limits. The center’s capacity is 40 people, and events may be split into sessions to accommodate more families while adhering to guidelines. Drop by the Centre at #7 – 7 Centennial Drive North, Martensville. For more information you can email mweyfrc@ymcasaskatoon.org or call 639-398-7609. Visit their Facebook page or their website at mwfamilycentre. ca for programs they offer weekly.
Page 6 - OCTOBER 16, 2025 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
Book Your Fall Immunization Appointment Now Immunization against respiratory illness is a safe and effective way to help stay healthy, prevent illness and save lives. Beginning October 7, Saskatchewan residents can start booking appointments to receive this year's respiratory illness vaccinations. Both Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available at public health clinics, participating local pharmacies and some physician and nurse practitioner offices. "As we head into the fall season, getting immunized is one of the best ways we can keep each other safe," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "By protecting yourself, you are also protecting your family, friends, and community from respiratory illness." Seniors, people with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems, children under the age of five and pregnant women are among those considered most at risk of contracting a respiratory illness. High-risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. "Enhanced influenza vaccines remain available at no cost to all Saskatchewan residents 65 years and older," Cockrill said. "I encourage everyone, particularly older adults and those with existing health conditions, to consider immunization as soon as they are eligible." Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are available, free of charge, to any eligible resident of the province aged six months and older. Children aged six months to five years can only be immunized at a Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) public health clinic, public health office or by a physician or nurse practitioner. "Getting immunized early this fall is vital to protecting not only yourself, but your loved ones as well," SHA Senior Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said. "We encourage everyone to receive their vaccines as soon as possible to aid in the fight against respiratory illness." Residents will have the convenience to book and receive both their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines either in a single appointment or separately. They may choose to receive one, the other, or both vaccines. Residents can locate a walk-in clinic or book immunizations for themselves or the entire family in one appointment through the SHA's online booking tool available at www.4flu.ca at any time or by calling 1-833-727-5829 Monday to Friday. If you have a preferred pharmacy, please contact them to ensure they are offering COVID-19 vaccinations. All vaccinations are voluntary. For further information on influenza and COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek care, call HealthLine 811 or visit www.4flu.ca.
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Controlling Fungus Gnats By Erl Svendsen and Bernadette Vangool
Aristotle proposed that some life spontaneously generated, or that living things came into being from nonliving elements. He felt that this was certainly true for some flies. Louis Pasteur, on the other hand, demonstrated that spontaneous generations did not occur and hence we have pasteurization. But then, how do you ABOVE: Adult fungus gnat. (EBKauai) explain the sudden appearance of swarms of fungus gnats that can occur around your houseplants? Perhaps they aren’t spontaneously generated, but it sure doesn’t take long for a few small no-see-ums to develop into a cloud of fungus gnats that lift off when you disturb your houseplants the least little bit. And they’ll soon be found throughout your home, landing in your coffee or any open beverage. They can literally become so numerous that you become afraid of taking a deep breath for fear of sucking a few down. This “spontaneous generation” of fungus gnats can happen to even the most experienced of houseplant care-givers. Back to the beginning – how can a few fungus gnats develop into such a huge problem? For a start, each female fungus gnat can lay up to 300 eggs over a period of 8 to 10 days. The eggs hatch in 4 to 6 days. The ¼ inch (6 mm) long, shiny, black-headed, white larvae feed for about 2 weeks before developing into pupa and emerging as adults 4 to 6 days later. The larvae eat decaying organic matter (peatmoss, dead roots, etc.) as well as fungi in the media – hence their name. When the number of larvae increases, they begin to eat living plant parts and your plants soon become affected. Moisture and temperature determine the development rate and survival of the larvae. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to control fungus gnats. If your plants can tolerate it, keep the media on the dry side. This will limit the number of larvae that survive. (Bottom watering may help as the larvae typically stay in the top layer of soil). This strategy will reduce the number of fungus gnats but not eliminate them entirely. Trying to kill the adults is difficult as they are airborne, and it is easy to miss some to many with a contact insecticide. An insecticidal soap containing pyrethrum is effective against adult gnats and is considered a low-risk pesticide (to humans that is). Regardless of the insecticide, avoid spraying pesticides within your home. Rather, do it in a well-ventilated area: outdoors or in a garage. You can use yellow sticky traps in combination with contact insecticides to eliminate surviving adults, but there will always be some that are smarter (or colour blind?) and survive. Better to try to kill the larvae where they are trapped in the pot and can’t get away A larval control method used in recent years is a product called Bti or (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) which is sold as ‘mosquito dunks’, available at garden centres. Bti will attack larvae of mosquitos, and ‘true flies’, but is harmless to humans, pets, dragonflies and wildlife. Mosquito dunks are small donut shaped pucks. If treating pots with gnat infestations, dissolve one puck in a gallon of water, and water your plants with it. A friend was trying out this product and had good results with only dissolving a quarter puck. She replenished the container with water when it was half empty and used this diluted mixture for watering additional trays of seedlings. Her gnat problem in her tray upon tray of garden starter plants was over. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Always quarantine new plants coming into your home to ensure they don’t bring along unwanted visitors. This is especially true for houseplants you’ve put outside for the summer, tender bulbs and roots (e.g., canna lily) you’ve dug up to store indoors overwinter; or fresh herbs from your garden you’ve decided to grow indoors. Yellow sticky traps work great for monitoring. Always store opened potting media in airtight containers, this will starve any larvae that may be present in the medium. Remove any fallen leaves, flowers or fruit from the top of the media. Finally, avoid keeping your plants too moist, as this creates an ideal habitat for a new infestation. 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.
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.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 16, 2025 - Page 7
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Saskatoon Police Warn Public About Fraudulent Job Scams Targeting Local Residents
The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section is warning residents to be on alert following a series of job-related frauds reported in the city. In recent weeks, police have received multiple complaints involving a scam that targets individuals searching for work as nannies, housekeepers, or personal assistants. The fraud typically begins when victims respond to what appears to be a legitimate job posting from someone claiming to be relocating to Saskatoon. Once a “job” is offered and accepted, the scammer asks the victim to help arrange payment for a storage locker and sends a cheque to cover the supposed cost. The victim is then instructed to cash the cheque and e-transfer money to pay for the locker. Days later, victims discover that the cheque was fraudulent, leaving them out thousands of dollars from the e-transfers they sent. Police remind residents that once an e-transfer has been sent and deposited, it cannot be reversed. Anyone who has responded to a suspicious job ad and suspects fraudulent activity but has not yet lost money is urged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Victims of this scam, or anyone who has experienced similar activity, should report it to the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300, or call 911 in an emergency. Authorities encourage the public to remain cautious and verify job offers before sharing personal information or handling financial transactions on behalf of unknown individuals.
Saskatchewan RCMP Report Six Fatalities on the Roads in the First Six Days of October Saskatchewan RCMP continue to see a rise in fatal and serious injury collisions, noting a six-year high in 2025 when compared to the years past. In September, ten lives were lost on roadways in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. The number of fatal collisions in September 2025 was 43% higher than September 2024. In October, six lives were lost in fatal collisions in the first six days of the month. While these collisions are still under investigation, officers note speed, impairment, and seatbelt violations as the main contributing factors to these fatalities. Year-to-date, speeding has contributed to 34% of fatal collisions, impairment has contributed to 31% of fatal collisions, and not wearing a seatbelt has contributed to 48% of total fatal collisions. “I want to remind drivers that their choices behind the wheel have an impact – an impact beyond just them,” says Insp. Lee Knelsen, an officer with Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “Your family and friends, and potentially the lives and loved ones of other drivers on the road, are impacted by your decisions – so make good ones. Do your part in helping everyone get to their destination safely.” Saskatchewan RCMP ask all drivers to slow down and follow posted speed limits. Don’t drive impaired. If you are planning to have an impairing substance, such as alcohol or cannabis, make sure you have a safe ride home. If no safe ride is available, stay the night and drive only when sober. Also, buckle up before you start driving. In the event of a collision, your seatbelt could be the factor that determines whether the collision has a fatal outcome.
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Corman Park Police Warn Residents About Asphalt Paving Scam The Corman Park Police Service is warning residents about reports of a potential asphalt paving fraud operating in the area. These paving companies often approach homeowners or businesses claiming they have leftover asphalt from a nearby project. They offer to pave driveways or parking lots at what appears to be a discounted rate. Once hired, the contractors typically instruct property owners to stay off the newly paved surface for several days or even weeks to allow it to harden; however, when the surface is finally used, it soon begins to crack, crumble, and fall apart, revealing substandard workmanship that fails to meet industry standards. By the time victims realize they have been defrauded, the company has usually moved on and cannot be reached. Victims are then left facing the costly task of removing the poor-quality material and having the work redone properly. These fraudulent companies often use misleading business names that make them appear to be affiliated with government road maintenance departments or legitimate contractors. In many cases, they provide false contact information, such as fictitious business names or postal box addresses, making it difficult for consumers to track them down afterward. Residents are urged to be cautious when approached with unsolicited offers for paving work. The Corman Park Police Service advises homeowners to take time to research before agreeing to any job. It’s important to obtain several written estimates from reputable, established paving companies and to ask for references while checking the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Homeowners should avoid contractors who pressure them into making quick decisions or claim to have “leftover material” from another project. All agreements should be made in writing, clearly outlining the cost, materials, and warranty details. Anyone with information about this potential scam or who believes they may have been targeted should contact their local police department.
Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Bingo Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00pm Cash Prizes - 50/50 - Concession Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend. Multiple Packages and Extra Tickets Available!
Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!
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2024-11-21 4:55:16 PM