• 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
Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building
MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY
Your City; Your Newspaper October 19, 2023
VOLUME NO. 17 - ISSUE 39
Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays
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Preston Hindley of the Martensville Thunder takes a three-point shot during a game at the MAP on Saturday, October 14th. The Martensville Thunder took the win with a final score of 51-22.
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Page 2 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
November Council Meeting Dates
Reminder Property Taxes are Due!
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.
- 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
November 7 - Regular Council November 14 - Committee of the Whole November 21 - Regular Council
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.
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. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca
Recreation Program Update
Halloween @ the MAP Come out on October 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm for an evening of spooky fun at the MAP. Dress up and enjoy some Halloween themed games, crafts and activities. $5 a person or $15 for a family New this year: Toddler Time - This is for families with kids 5 and under to come and enjoy the festivities from 4-5:30 pm! $5 a person or $15 for a family. Sip N’Shop Thursday, November 16th from 4-8PM at the North Ridge Centre. Our annual Christmas season Trade Show 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.
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 24th for the Northside October 31st for the Southside Subscribers should store Green Bins until the schedule restarts in May 2023.
Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.
Coyote Sightings - What You Should Know
We wish to inform the public about recent coyote sightings around Martensville. We urge everyone to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from coyotes and other wildlife, as they can exhibit unpredictable behaviour when approached. 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 at (306) 975-1610. Here are the recommended actions to take if you encounter a coyote up close: • Avoid approaching the animal. • Look for an escape route. • Stay vigilant and monitor the coyote’s movements. • Act assertively by shouting and waving your arms to establish human dominance. • Ensure the coyote has a clear path to escape the situation. • Keep pets on a leash and under control. Coyotes play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and are commonly found in major cities across Canada. Coyotes can be spotted in residential and commercial areas, especially when food and shelter are readily available. To prevent coyote encounters in your yard, consider the following tips: • Refrain from feeding coyotes or leaving food waste accessible. • Seal off access points to decks and other sheltered areas in your yard. • Avoid feeding pets outdoors. • Ensure your yard gate is securely closed, and your fencing is in good condition.
23104GE0
SPORTS
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 19, 2023 - Page 3
ABOVE: Martensville Curling Club’s Team Derksen Curling and Team Remeshylo won the U18 Sask Cup #1, which took place in Regina from October 13-15. (Martensville Curling Club) ABOVE: The 15AA Martensville Marauders met with Brad Boehm at Boehm’s Physiotherapy last week to discuss injury maintenance, injury prevention and proper stretching techniques before training and games. (Submitted)
ABOVE: The Martensville High School Royals football team hosted the Marion Graham Falcons on Wilson Field Friday, October 13th. The Falcons defeated the Royals 22-14 in the exhibition match-up. The Royals will be hitting the road to North Battleford on Thursday, October 19th for a 6pm kickoff. (Shanine Sealey/MM) FAR LEFT: The Peewee Maddogs and Bantam Maddogs both played the Schoenhals Titans on Saturday, October 14th at the Maddog football field. The Peewee team won 62-32 while the Bantam team was defeated 23-0
Basketball Season Underway in Martensville
Form H [Section 66 of the Act]
Notice of Call for Nominations School Division Elections PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office of:
Board Member: Prairie Spirit School Division No. 206 Subdivision 9 - City of Martensville
will be received by the undersigned on the 8th day of November, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Prairie Spirit School Division Office, 121 Collins Street, Warman, SK, and during regular business hours on October 23 to November 7, 2023, at:
• In person by the candidate or their agent: Prairie Spirit School Division, 121 Collins Street, Warman, SK
• Fax: • Mail: • Email:
(306) 934-8221 Prairie Spirit School Division, Box 809, Warman, SK S0K 4S0 elections@spiritsd.ca
Nomination forms may be obtained at the following locations:
• Prairie Spirit School Division website: www.spiritsd.ca/elections • Schools in Prairie Spirit School Division • Martensville City Hall • Prairie Spirit School Division Office Dated this 14th day of October, 2023.
Ron Walter, Returning Officer
Many local sports and recreation programs are kicking off this fall and Martensville basketball season is one of them, with Spuds (Gr. 3-4) beginning October 13th. Martensville’s own Mini Dunkers program for K-Gr.2 begins October 18th, with Mini (Gr. 5-6) and Bantam (Gr. 7-8) starting October 21st. The Junior (Gr. 9-10) and Senior (Gr. 11-12) leagues will begin in December. There are currently 14 teams registered in the Mini Dunkers and SMBA programs. “Basketball continues to grow in Martensville and we are very excited to be offering more opportunities for kids in and around our community. We are planning to hold our second annual tournament on January 5 & 6 again expanding it to host both Mini and Bantam age players,” Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Recreation Program Supervisor, stated. This weekend, the Martensville Thunder, a newly organized Club team for U13, hosted two exhibition games at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) against two Saskatoon teams. Reddekopp noted that this team will continue to practice through the winter and attend tournaments in the spring. The City of Martensville is also offering a Drop-In Adult (16+) Basketball Program on Monday nights from 8pm-10pm at Lake Vista/Holy Mary school. For more information regarding basketball in Martensville and area, contact Angie at (306) 683-5577 or areddekopp@martensville.ca.
Page 4 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
Small Businesses Create Numerous Benefits to Local Economy
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Small Business Week takes place from October 15-21, and creates an opportunity to celebrate the importance of small businesses for the economy, and Martensville’s small businesses are a key to the success of our local economy. “One of the biggest impacts is small business helps provide local jobs. In a community like Martensville that has had, and continues to have a larger commuter population, having a job near where you live helps provide a better work-life balance and opportunities to remain connected to the community,” Martensville Community Economic Development Manager Dillon Shewchuk said. “It is important for people to support local business because it is small business that creates the majority of jobs in our community. It is easy to follow and see the impact huge multi-national companies have on our lives, but in reality, nearly the vast majority of us work for a small business.” Often times, it is the small businesses within a community that create deeper connections and relationships with the people that live in the area. These are the places that help to keep money within the community by supporting the groups, organizations, sports and other small businesses. “It is the connection to the community and to its people that is why we should support small business. The success of small business also helps build up our tax base, which allows communities to build, improve and maintain amenities and infrastructure, making our communities sustainable and a better place to live,” Shewchuk added. For Martensville, Shewchuk noted that one of the most noteworthy aspects of the community that sets apart from
Professional Service
SUPPORT LOCAL
others is the sustained and ongoing expansion, coupled with a youthful demographic and growth prospects. “In essence, a thriving business relies on having a solid customer base and a capable workforce, and Martensville and this area excels in both of these essential areas. As a community, we boast a substantial number of families, known for their higher expenditures on various products and services. With the expectation of further growth and the opportunity to capture any consumer spending that might otherwise exit the community, Martensville presents an enticing proposition for any aspiring business looking to start.”
Currently, Martensville has approximately 180 store front locations, as well as numerous home based businesses. The entire Martensville Business Directory can be viewed at www.martensville.ca, or found in the back pages of the Martensville Community Guide that was delivered to mailboxes earlier this year. “We are proud of the growth and success of the small business community here in Martensville. It wasn’t that long ago that the business base here was incredibly small. At the City of Martensville, we want to continue to support and be a resource for business,” Shewchuk added.
Chamber of Commerce Provides Numerous Opportunites to Help Support Local Business Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic source for local businesses by offering a wide array of opportunities to help provide information, networking opportunities, benefit plans, exposure and much more. Through their ‘Love What’s Local’ campaign, the PSCC helps to bring awareness to consumers on the importance of supporting local, while empowering businesses in a variety of ways, which includes the ‘Love What’s Local’ gift card program. The gift card provides an opportunity for shoppers to use the card at as many participating businesses within the region as long as there is a balance on the card. “The program is designed to complement your existing card program (if applicable), attracts new clients, is very simple to implement and requires no new technology,” the PSCC explains on their website. The PSCC also promotes many local businesses through their annual Business Excellence Awards, which celebrates numerous businesses in multiple categories on their contributions to the local economy. Through the PSCC, there are many other opportunities provided, which include the regularly scheduled Chamber on Tap, which is a social even designed for Chamber members to attend and learn more about other local businesses, network with other business owners, listen to guest speakers and more. The next Chamber on Tap will be taking place October 26th at the Warman Arts Centre. To learn more about the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce and all of the ways they support local businesses, visit https://prairieskychamber.ca/.
Small Business Week polyplus.ca
October 15 - 21 6 Bright Clean Bays - Spot Free Rinse Tap Debit in Bays - Credit Card in Bay
U FILL WATER STATION
• Jobs • Investment • Vibrant Communites • Supporting local sport and culture These are just a few things Small Business provide our Community The City of Martensville Thanks and Salutes all our Businesses this Small Business Week and encourages everyone to continue to “Love What’s Local!”
LOYALTY CARDS/GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
Hours: Sunday - Friday 9am -10pm Saturday - 8am - 10 pm
Let us help you with your next or601small. Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net
– ESTI N S E V T with your next project BIG I L R Custom Window Packages available, Let us help you L E - FREE Store Hours: MA BLDG Labour Included! Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm or601small. Centennial & Dr. S. Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00DEL pm F Come see us for your hardware, Closed Sundays building, and paint supply needs. Martensville, SK HOME SUPPLY 601 Centennial Dr. S. Custom Window Packages available, Labour Included! Come see us for your hardware, building, and paint supply needs.
Garage, Deck & Fence packages also available
ONLINE BOOKING AND Garage, Deck & Fence packages also available DIRECT BILLING AVAILABLE www. jpmassagetherapy.com Custom Window Packages available, Labour Included!
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK Come see us for your hardware, OCTOBER 15 - building, 21 and paint supply needs.
SUPPORT LOCAL Garage, Deck & Fence packages also available
FREE Free Local –Delivery! ESTIMATES project BIG or small TENSVILLE - FREE R A IN-TOWN Store Hours: M BLDGESTIMATES -FREE Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm & 9:00 am - 5:00DELIVERY pm Free Local Delivery! -FREE Saturday IN-TOWN Closed Sundays HOMEDELIVERY SUPPLY
Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 Phone: 306-934-6610 FREE Local Hardware Fax: 306-934-6602DeliveryFax: 306-934-6602 Phone 306-934-6610 Phone 934-6610 Let us help you with your nextE-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH Ph: (306) 934-6610 (2006) LTD.
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Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Sundays
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FREE Local Local Delivery Hardware Free Delivery! PhonePhone306-934-6610 934-6610
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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 19, 2023 - Page 5
CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
Celebrating Saskatchewan's Small Businesses
SUPPORT LOCAL Small Business Week October 15 - 21
Monday - Friday: 9am - 10pm Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 10pm
On Monday, October 16th, Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison recognized October 15 to 21 as Small Business Week in Saskatchewan. Launched nearly 50 years ago by Business Development Bank of Canada, the week celebrates the important contributions small businesses make to the economy. "While the businesses may be small, the impact that they have on this province's economy is massive," Harrison said. "Small businesses provide the products, services and jobs that are so vital to our everyday lives. More than thirty per cent of all workers in the province work for a small business." A small business is considered to have less than 50 employees. The drive and tenacity of Saskatchewan's small businesses ensure the province can continue exploring new markets, create new opportunities and foster innovation. They are part of why we have the global reputation for having the food, fuel and fertilizer a growing world needs. Whether in the smallest village or the biggest city in the province, small businesses have an impact far beyond the people they employ. "Small businesses are the backbone of our province, representing nearly 99 per cent of all enterprises in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy said. "They play a crucial role in shaping our province's growth, contributing significantly to job creation, community development, and a quarter of our provincial GDP. Their impact on Saskatchewan cannot be overstated." The small business sector is growing in Saskatchewan. The province has seen 2.6 per cent growth from 2021 to 2022, and 44.6 per cent growth since 2012. That means 147,116 small businesses in the province in 2022. With 123 small businesses for every 1,000 people, Saskatchewan has the second highest per capita rate in Canada. In 2022, the province's small businesses employed 30.6 per cent of Saskatchewan workers and paid nearly $7.2 billion in wages and salaries, almost 25 per cent of the province's total payroll.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES 720 Centennial Drive North Martensville Monday - Friday: 9am-7pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Closed Sunday
Ph: 306.978.1400 23103DA0
Your City; Your Newspaper Support Local 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca
M
ARTENSVILLE
ESSENGER
Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.
www.martensvillemessenger.ca
Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey
Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year
Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit
ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca
jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca
To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca
Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca
Page 6 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
FEED AND SEED BUYING: Peas and faba beans for food processing & niche markets. Also selling pedigreed seed & can recommend varieties that work. Please call Vicki Dutton 306441-6699 for further information.
FINANCIAL SERVICES Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
MISCELLANEOUS Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details. Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!
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WANTED Wanted: old advertising: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red indian, White rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908
Martensville Hosting October 19th Reconcilation Walk Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
This Thursday, October 19th at 1:45pm, the City of Martensville will be hosting a Reconciliation Walk, the ‘Walk for Wenjack’ as part of Secret Path Week, a week dedicated to promoting conversations and action for Reconciliation. Secret Path Week takes place from October 17-22 and is a national movement created to commemorate the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack. Wenjack ran away from Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora, Ontario in 1966 and walked for 36 hours along the train tracks before passing away due to exposure on October 22nd at the age of 12. Wenjack’s death led to the first inquest into the treatment of Indigenous children within the residential school system. Secret Path was a tensong album by Gord Downie that included a graphic novel that tells the story of Chanie Wenjack. Downie passed away on October 17th, 2017; however his legacy lives on in his call to action to ‘Do Something’. Martensville’s Walk for Wenjack is open for everyone to participate in, and people are encouraged to start from wherever they are and come meet at the Kinsmen Park Gazebo for a short presentation. Staff and students from the local schools will be participating in the walk. To learn more about Secret Path Week and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, visit https:// downiewenjack.ca/.
Lions Club Appreciates Community Support for Food Pantry Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville & District Lions Club members and Martensville Food Pantry volunteers teamed up with the Martensville Co-op and held a ‘Stuff the Trailer’ Food Drive the weekend of October 7th and 8th to support the Martensville Food Pantry by restocking the pantry shelves after Thanksgiving weekend. The community was asked to bring non-perishable food items (not expired) or donate $5 to help fill a 14’ x 18’ trailer with food to go towards the Martensville Food Pantry to help ‘hault hunger here at home’. A burger or smokie and a drink were offered with every donation received thanks to the Saskatoon Co-op and the Martensville & District Lions Club. The drive was very successful with the donations of food and cash. “We would like to thank the people of Martensville for their generosity. You’ve stepped up to the plate again to help those who need a little hand up,” said Lions Club Member Leslie Truitt. “We would like to especially thank the Martensville Co-op Grocery Store for letting us set up in their parking lot, the use of their very nice barbecue, and their support so that we were able to cook the delicious food on it.” “Also, we want to say a special thank you to Flaman Sales & Rentals for the use of their trailer to stuff with food, and to all the volunteers from Martensville Food Pantry who helped us in those two days, and to all the Lions Members who came out to help with the event.” If you wish to donate to the Martensville Food Pantry, or if you or someone you know needs help with food security please reach out to them. Phone/text 306-280-1255, email martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com or send a message to Martensville Food Pantry on Facebook Messenger. LEFT & BELOW: The Martensville & District Lions Club held an event October 7th and 8th to help fill the Martensville Food Pantry shelves following Thanksgiving. (Submitted)
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 19, 2023 - Page 7
MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Support for Israel
Parental Rights Bill A Waste Of Legislature’s Time One can certainly have an opinion on “parental rights”; although all too many opinions on the matter do seem to be tinged with misinformation and even a bit of hysteria, but you should know you already have parental rights and tremendous access to what your child sees in school. At your fingertips and through your keyboard is virtually any online information you want on the content of textbooks, courses or what’s going on in your school. As for the communication between you and your public school teacher, it’s a never-ending stream of notes to all parents, teacher conferences and specific emails or calls from the teacher if there are specific issues to discuss. Nothing is hidden from any parent. If there is a matter of a child using a name in which he was not given or a neutral or opposite pronoun, teachers would, undoubtedly, talk to the student on the path towards a discussion with parents. If there ever was a situation in which a student expressed concern their parents did not know about their pronouns because they would not understand, that would be a difficult situation for a teacher to navigate; however, teachers do have a legal/moral responsibility known as “loco parentis” - serving in the role of the parent, in which teachers are burdened with the responsibility and safety for a student in the absence of a parent while that child is in school. When asked about this, neither Premier Scott Moe nor any Saskatchewan Party MLA can point to a single case in which a teacher helped hide a student’s pronoun identity from an unknowing parent. Notwithstanding the hyperbole and exaggerations from new Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill in particular suggesting there are “tens of thousands” of parents raising concern to every MLA regarding this issue, again, no MLA (including Moe and Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill) has said they have had a parent come forward to them with this issue. In fact, Moe told reporters prior to the introduction of the bill last week that people should simply wait and see the legislature because it really might not have much of an effect on anything. Well, if that is the case, why do we need the bill? Why did we recall the legislature two weeks early at considerable taxpayers’ expense? And perhaps most pertinently, why is this issue now distracting from issues more pressing to the taxpayers? Surely, Premier Scott Moe can’t have it both ways. Either this issue is meritorious of the recall of the legislature and the use of the notwithstanding clause or it isn’t. To concerns from teachers, the Children’s Advocate, lawyers, child psychologists and Justice Michael Megaw who ruled this bill may do “irreparable harm” to a few kids in isolated circumstances, Moe has claimed “judicial overreach”. Well, if this literally is a case of the rights of the parents versus the rights of a child in what would be very specific circumstances wouldn’t this normally be a matter for the courts to decide? For reasons still gone unexplained, Moe’s government seems to have little interest in appealing Megaw’s injunction ruling in court or even defending its charter challenge in court. The government is threatening to go straight to use of the Charter’s notwithstanding clause - again, for a bill it simultaneously also argues won’t change anything. Meanwhile consider all the things that are not being discussed as we fret over a bill that may or may not mean anything: Nursing homes closures, the shortage of doctors and nurses, interprovincial migration to other provinces, schools with holes in the roof, high taxes not being addressed by a government with surplus budgets. The biggest problem with this so-called parental rights bill is that it seems a distraction from bigger problems the Sask. Party government is facing.
It was with shock and sadness that the world watched violence unfold in Israel. That is why our government announced $100,000 of immediate emergency aid to the humanitarian organization Canadian Magen David Adom for Israel (CDMA). Based in Montreal, the CDMA is the sole authorized fund-raising organization within Canada dedicated to supplying ambulances, medical equipment, supplies and blood testing kits to support the lifesaving efforts in Israel. This donation demonstrates Saskatchewan’s unwavering support for Israel, and condemnation of the horrific terrorist attacks waged against civilians at the hands of Hamas and Hezbollah. We stand with the people of Israel during this tragic time and pray for all of those affected by this terrorist attack.
New Provincial Approach to Homelessness
Our government recently announced an investment of $40.2 million over the next two years to fund a new Provincial Approach to Homelessness program. In Regina and Saskatoon, 155 new supportive housing units will be developed for individuals who need more than a home to remain connected to housing. Supportive housing provides on-site and visiting support and connection to wrap-around services to help individuals find stability. In urban centres across the province, 120 new emergency shelter spaces will be created, bringing the provincial total to 500 for this winter. In addition, two complex needs emergency shelters will be established in Regina and Saskatoon, which will provide secure and medically supervised places for individuals to go for up to 24 hours. Our government is committed to working with Indigenous partners, municipalities and community-based organizations to build and enhance our housing and addictions programs, while protecting all of our communities.
New Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions
Our government also recently announced a new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions with an investment of $49.4 million over 5 years. A total of 500 new addictions treatment spaces will be created, more than doubling the number currently funded across the province. Work will begin immediately on a central intake system that patients can contact directly to refer themselves for mental health and addictions services. The plan also includes expanding the Mental Health Capacity Building in Schools initiative to five more school divisions, with plans for more in future years; providing wrap-around mental health and addiction supports for residents of the new supportive housing units; and creating a Provincial Opioid Agonist Therapy (POAT) program to make addictions medicines more accessible across the province. This new plan will build a seamless continuum of care that includes detox, inpatient treatment, and supportive living.
Strong Economic Indicators Continue
Our government is able to make these investments thanks to our province’s strong and growing economy. Saskatchewan ranked first in growth in building permits among provinces with a 59 per cent increase from August 2022 to August 2023, while nationally, permits were down 5.9 per cent. The total value of Saskatchewan’s building permits for the month of August 2023 was $262 million. Saskatchewan’s labour force remains strong as well, with 13,700 new jobs from September 2022 to September 2023. The province’s unemployment rate is 4.9 per cent, below the national average of 5.5 per cent. Employment increased 6,000 from last month at a rate of one per cent, the third-highest increase among provinces. Our growing economy, combined with significant private sector investments, are creating jobs, building opportunities for citizens and protecting communities across the province.
Parents’ Bill of Rights
Our government recalled the Legislature early this fall and will use the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian constitution to pass legislation to protect parental rights. You have likely been hearing a lot of commentary about the constitution, the court judgement and the proper use of the notwithstanding clause. But the question really comes down to this: should parents be included in important decisions regarding their kids? Who do you trust to raise your kids? Your Saskatchewan Party government trusts parents. As we move through the fall sitting, we look forward to hearing from you regarding your questions, comments or concerns. You can contact my constituency office at office@ terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.
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 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
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City Administration Provides Updates to Council
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The final Council meeting of October was held on Tuesday, October 17th and began with two delegations. The first from the RCMP, where they presented Council with statistics from May 1 – September 30 in 2022 and 2023, which saw several areas with a decrease from last year, including a 27% decrease in Property Offences, a 42% decrease in thefts, a 38% decrease in assaults and a difference of 1121 total calls in 2022 to 1110 total calls in 2023 for the time period provided. The second delegation came from local resident Georjeana Christianson, regarding the “Bowties for Logan” fundraiser that is scheduled to take place on November 17th at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville. This event is held in memory of Logan Schatz, and raises money to go towards two memorial scholarships valued at $1000 each to graduates of
Martensville High School. Christianson requested Council to forgive the cost of the rental for the venue. Following the delegations, City Administration provided a report to Council with updates on each department, which included information about the Recreation Centre, noting that construction is on schedule and site servicing for water, sewer and power is being addressed. The roof is completed and work is currently being done on cladding, masonry and rough-ins. The Recreation and Community Services reported on the gate installation at North Ridge Community Centre, stating that the project has been completed, and administration is now working on a plan to control facility access and set responsibilities for opening and closing the parking lot. Within the Water & Sewer Department, work is continuing on the joint water and wastewater project, with
MFD Open House Well Attended
ABOVE: Kids had a chance to work a fire hose during the Open House. RIGHT: Mayor Muench took a moment to pose with Sparky during the October 11th Open House.
ABOVE: Patrick had fun playing on the fire trucks. ABOVE RIGHT: The MFD performed a demonstration of how quickly a kitchen fire can happen and how to properly extinguish one. RIGHT: Attendees enjoyed burgers and hot dogs at the MFD Open House.
Martensville SK 306-244-4950
surveying being completed to identify the most suitable route between the Martensville lagoon and Highway 11. Once a final design is completed, a package will be created and then can be put out for tender. In the Planning Department, an update was provided on numerous commercial/multiple unit/ institutional developments area, which included an update about a Saskatchewan Health Authority Medical Clinic. “As was announced by Health Minister Paul Merriman back on August 2nd at the opening of the Warman clinic, a similar Martensville clinic was being worked on. The building permit application for the clinic has now been received and will be reviewed by the city. Further updates will be provided when they are available,” Mayor Kent Muench stated via social media. Other items on the October 17th agenda included motions that were discussed at last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting and brought back for formal approval. For more information about past and upcoming Council meetings, visit www.martensville.ca.