October 27, 2022 Digital Issue

Kristine O’Brien

That’s a Wrap for Martensville Culture Days

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville offered a variety of events for Culture Days, which ran from the end of September and wraps up this week with the final event, a chance to learn how to make cold rolls (event required pre-registration).

On Sunday, October 23rd, ‘A Day at the Rink’ took place, which ran from 1pm-3pm and consisted of public skating, which was available from 1pm-2:30pm, a flag scavenger hunt on and off the ice from 1pm-2pm, followed by a presentation from 2pm-3pm in the mezzanine where those attending had the chance to learn some basic moves from Desert Beats Belly Dance, and were treated to a performance. Culture Days has been celebrated in Martensville for approximately five years and each year, a new assortment of activities are provided in the community, with something available for everyone. This year consisted of a Fun with Flags scavenger hunt in Kinsmen Park, Cardio Salsa, A Day at the Rink and the opportunity to learn to make cold rolls.

“We want to be able to provide a variety of things for the community that offer a chance to learn more about different arts and culture,” Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Program Coordinator, stated.

Local Organizations and Businesses Help Keep Martensville Youth Connection Operating in the Community

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) continues to be in awe of the generous people in Martensville that are helping to keep this very much needed organization going.

A barbecue fundraiser was held at Paws Republic Centre for Pets on Tuesday, October 18th with over 100 people and 20 youth in attendance. Martensville & District Kinsmen hosted the barbecue and provided food to help raise a total of $461 which was matched by Lakeview Insurance.

Martensville City Council member Jamie Martens came out and was able to hear more about the program and the importance of keeping it running in Martensville. “Overall, it was a great success, and it was nice to meet some new faces and get the word out that we exist,” said Katherine Carter, Volunteer Program Supervisor.

They have something exciting going on every week. Monday is drop-in evening where youth have a chance to come say “Hi”, eat some food, play games, and talk about mental wellness. Tuesdays are evenings spent at Paws Republic Centre for Pets where they get to hang out and get some puppy and kitty cuddles.

One Thursday of every month they help cook at the Villa. Martensville Pharmasave has partnered with MYC to bring Senior’s Day and this Thursday, October 27th, youth will be at Sunset Villa to cook a meal and interact with the residents. “After we are finished cooking, we will get to play games, visit, and leave care packages there as well. The entire senior’s night is sponsored by Martensville Pharmasave.”

Friday is back at the center where there will be a Mario Go Kart tournament and pizza donated by Boston pizza.

Paws Republic Centre for Pets is currently having an online auction to raise money for their new facility and camp upgrades and has decided to donate some of that money to the center as well. “We are very lucky and grateful for how much Paws has done for us and continues to do for us,” said Carter.

If you are interested in donating, click on the link below; https://www.facebook. com/groups/227302035737006/?ref=share_group_link . The bidding ends October 30.

LEFT: Martensville Youth Connection hosted a BBQ Fundraiser in partnership with the Martensville & District Kinsmen Club at Paws Republic in Martensville on Tuesday, October 18th to help raise money to keep the program alive in the community. A total of $461 was raised.

ABOVE: Desert Beats Belly Dance performed during a Culture Days event on Sunday, October 23rd. (City of Martensville)

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

-Tax Notices were mailed out on April 29th. 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 E-transfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

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

November Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in-person but guests must wear a mask and should practice social distancing 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.

Regular Council November 1st Committee of the Whole November 8th Regular Council November 15th

The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 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.

SPORTS

Boys Soccer Team Brings

Home First-Time Regional Win in MHS History

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville High School Boys Soccer team is on fire this year, earning a first-time title for the team this past weekend after winning first in Regionals in Prince Albert. According to Coach Kate McKinnon, this was a first time win in MHS history.

The MHS team took home the win after outscoring both Chief Little Pine, and Chief John Keenatch with scores of 2-0, with Keeper Jakson Dean making numerous incredible saves to secure two shut-outs throughout the Regionals.

This weekend, the team will be heading to Moose Jaw to Provincials and will be going up against Yorkton Sacred Heart on Friday, October 28th.

This will be the last season for six players that have been an integral part of the team since beginning in grade 9, and playing all the way through to grade 12; Mason Lewis, Jakson Dean, Aidan Jungman, Rylan Smith, Lukas Gurski and Kayden Berge.

“These boys have been the heart of the team for the past four years and it will be a great loss to the team when they graduate. They play incredibly well together and are a key part to our success,” McKinnon stated.

Another grade 12 player that will not be returning next season and participated in his first season this year was Ryker Tarasoff.

Prior to heading into Regionals, the team had competed in both a 7v7 league, as well as 11v11 games, with a record of 4-wins, 1-loss and 1-tie.

“Our boys have had a very strong season and have impressed me with how well they have played as a team. They are extremely bonded and this shines through in their chemistry on the field. They should be very proud of themselves for how they played this season,” McKinnon added.

Recreation UpdateHalloween at the MAP, Sip N’ Shop

Halloween at the MAP: October 28th, 6PM to 8PM

• Find your best costume for a fun evening for the kids and the whole family at the MAP featuring games, music, treat bags and more.

• Murder Mystery! Interactive game, ‘Murder in Hollywood’!

Sip N Shop: November 24th

• Registration for local vendors is now open.

Contact the MAP, visit Martensville.ca or Facebook for information on registration and what is coming up.

The Winter Program Guide is Coming!

The Winter Program Guide will come out on-line on November 24th and be in mailboxes December 8th.

Your Traffic Bylaw and What You Should Know

The City of Martensville Traffic Bylaw regulates the operation of vehicles in Martensville, this includes parking, signage, weight restrictions and other regulations that apply to vehicles. Vehicles included are passenger vehicles, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, trailers, recreation vehicles, snow mobiles and other types.

Some of the common points in respect to the traffic bylaw include:

- No person shall park a vehicle in any lane nor in any street so as to obstruct the entrance to any lane or to a driveway or approach leading to private premises.

- No person shall park a vehicle on any street for more than 72 hours.

- No person shall park a vehicle on any street to the left of centre (wrong way).

- No person shall park a trailer on any street unless it is hitched to a towing vehicle. The only exception is for construction trailers. No person shall park a construction trailer on any street unhitched for more than a period of 12 consecutive daytime hours while carrying out work adjacent to where the trailer is located. The trailer cannot remain unhitched over night.

- No person shall park a recreational vehicle on any street from October 1 through April 30 in any year.

- No person shall park a vehicle in such a manner that any portion of the vehicle extends over a sidewalk.

To see the Traffic Bylaw in its entirety please visit the City of Martensville website or contact City Hall for questions.

Information on Coyotes Around Urban Areas

There are a number of things you can do if you have an encounter with a coyote and discourage them from coming near more populated areas.

• Do not approach, allow coyote to escape by identifying and maintaining escape routes

• Never feed the animals

• Do not turn your back or run

• Act assertive, yell and wave your arms (act big, bad and loud)

• Keep pets away to avoid creating additional stress for the animal

• Ensure household garbage is securely stored in garbage bins, store bird seed, compost and pet food so it cannot be accessed.

• Clean up fallen fruit

• Pick up dog feces and be aware that dog urine may also attract coyotes Do not allow your pets to roam freely, and keep dogs on leash

If the coyote is acting unusual (approaching people, limping, staggering or acting confused) do not approach, contact City Hall, or the regional Conservation Office or the RCMP outside regular business hours.

Please Watch for Signage around our Parks and pathways. We will continue to monitor activity going forward.

Final Pick-Ups for Green Organics Bins

With the final pick up for the South Side on October 28th, this will conclude the organics collection season. Green Bin Users should store the bin over winter on their property for when the service resumes again in May 2023.

The Sask Five Giants hosted their AGM on Tuesday, October 25th following another successful season. This year, there was a record number of player registrations, with a total of 350, which exceeded pre-COVID numbers.

“It was great to be back on the diamonds after the past few difficult years, and as our Association continues to grow, we are excited for what the future holds,” Sask Five Giants President Brian Hubbard stated.

The majority of teams competed in the Saskatoon Baseball League, with the 15U AAA and 18U AAA teams playing in the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League.

The association saw the 11U AAA Giants, 11U A Knucklers and 13U A Aces come out on top with league playoff championship wins, as well as two successful 11U championship teams bringing in AAA and AA Tier 2 titles.

“Sask Five also hosted a very successful 13U AA provincial tournament July 22, 23, and 24 with nine teams attending,” Hubbard said.

Watch for information on Sask Five Giant’s next season at www.saskfivegiants. com, and in the City of Martensville’s Spring Program Guide.

Royals Season Comes to an End in Friday Night Upset

The Martensville High School Royals football team played their final game of the year on Friday, October 21st. It was a hometown game, played on Geransky Field, as the usual field was not in good shape, and unfortunately, ended with the Royals being down 7-3.

According to Coach Tyler Munday, the game was a defensive battle, and despite the fact the Royals had opportunities to score, they were unable to connect. “We drove down the field a few times in the game, but when we needed to make that last play to score, it just didn’t happen. We had untimely fumbles and few dropped passes on the red zone. We kicked a field goal late to go up 3-0; however, Humboldt scored on their next drive on a long touchdown pass. We had time left to score, but again, we just couldn’t get that score we needed. Defensively, our boys played great, minus the big score play and sadly that was all Humboldt needed,” Munday explained.

Despite this season ending, Munday noted that the coaches witnessed tremendous growth amongst the team and are looking forward to what next season is going to look like. There will be fifteen Grade 12 players graduating this year, so will not be returning for another Royals season; however, Munday noted that there is a good young group coming back for the upcoming seasons.

“We as a coaching staff want to thank the Grade 12s for all of their time, effort, leadership, and commitment to the program over their years with us. We hope they enjoyed their time as much as we’ve enjoyed coaching them. We were a close-knit group and the boys only got closer as the season progressed.”

As for the players in Grades 10 and 11, the Royals coaching staff are hoping they play spring football with the SMF Academy Program and return to make another run with the Royals next year.

“The football team would like to thank the community for all of their support this season and a special thanks to the Maddogs for sharing their field with us for the playoff game as well as the players that came out in their Maddogs gear to support us. We can’t wait for you guys to come to MHS and join the Royals!”

The team would also like to thank Patti Rowley for announcing all of the home games this season, as well as the parents and volunteers for helping out, cheering, and always being there for them throughout the season.

“I’d personally like to thank everyone that helped coach this season. You selflessly gave to the program and we couldn’t do it without you,” Munday said.

An awards night will be held to celebrate the season; however, details for this have not been solidified yet. Watch for more information on this in upcoming issues of the Martensville Messenger.

and

The Martensville Royals High School football team played their

game

season on Friday, October

team hosted Humboldt and ended with a

visiting team, who will move

to the semi-finals. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

City of Martensville

Bylaws

Public

1.

EXAMINATION OF

POLICE BEAT

Saskatchewan RCMP Reminds Drivers To Dig Out Their Winter Driving Safety Skills

Much of Saskatchewan is experiencing its first taste of winter and Saskatchewan RCMP reminds drivers to be prepared and take care when driving on snow or ice-covered roads:

Scrape all the ice off your windows before driving if you can’t see, you can’t drive safely.

- Remove all snow from your vehicle, including from your headlights, taillights and roof.

- Slow down on snowy or slippery roads. Remember that some roads may be more slippery than they appear. Beware of black ice.

- Be gentle and smooth when you accelerate, brake or steer.

- Using cruise control on icy or snowy roads can be dangerous! If you skid, your vehicle will accelerate and rapidly spin its wheels as it tries to maintain a constant speed.

- Before traveling, check the weather forecast for both your current location and destination. If travel can be delayed during storm warnings, do so.

- Be prepared for anything: consider stocking your vehicle for the winter with extra warm clothes, candles, matches, non-perishable snacks, a snow shovel, traction mats, booster cables and a tow rope or chain.

Charges Laid in Highway 16 Death

Warman RCMP received a report of a deceased person near Highway 16, near Maymont on October 16th at approximately 8am. The deceased was identified as 24-year-old Wendy Bird from Prince Albert.

Based on preliminary investigation, RCMP believed her death to be suspicious and Saskatchewan Major Crimes was brought in to aid in the investigation, along with Saskatoon and North Battleford RCMP general Investigation Sections, Saskatoon RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service.

On October 20th, two individuals were arrested by the North Battleford RCMP in the North Battleford area in relation to the death of Wendy Bird.

Dustin Cookman-Watts, 25, from North Battleford, SK, is charged with one count, second degree murder and Melissa Kaponyas, 18, from Biggar, SK, is charged with one count, accessory after the fact.

The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit continues to investigate with assistance from the Saskatoon and North Battlefords RCMP Forensic Identification Services Unit.

If anyone has information about Wendy's whereabouts from Friday, October 14, 2022 to the morning of October 16, or if you witnessed any suspicious activity on Highway #16 near Maymont through the evening hours October 15-16, 2022, we encourage you to contact police. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

9:00

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on November 15th,

at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers, located at 37

to comment on the proposed bylaw.

nial

to the unde rsigned at the City Hall prior to November 10th,

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on November 15th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers, located at 37 Centen nial Drive South, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments rece ived at

Dated at Martensville this 27st day of October, A.D.

Cabalt Planning and Community Development Officer

Taylor Cabalt

and Community Development Officer

Sask. Elections Must

Move into 21st Century

Ask anyone today to describe how we vote in provincial elections and the description they will provide will be one that hasn’t much changed in more than 100 years. They will tell you they walk or drive (the only difference being, today is we now use a petroleum-powered vehicle instead of a horse and buggy) on a very specific day to a polling station usually located in a school.

There, they will tell you they wait in line before being given a pencil and paper ballot and directed to makeshift booth where they privately mark you X beside the name of your choosing.

They then take the ballot to the ballot box and wait. Several hours later after all such ballots are tabulated by hand late into the night, they get to see whether their choice won and whether enough colleagues were elected to form a government.

It's surely a time-honoured tradition and right-ofpassage once you turn 18 years old. We’ve fought wars over the simple right to be able to cast that ballot.

Yet we are witnessing a situation where those who show up at the polls to vote on election day are significantly dwindling. We can barely get 50 per cent of those eligible voters to show up on election day. For most byelections where the results won’t change who is power, it has dwindled to about a quarter of eligible votes.

The greatest democratic crisis we face right now is people’s unwillingness to vote. This is the very issue Saskatchewan’s Chief electoral officer Michael Boda, is trying to address in his recent 69-page Recommendations for Legislative Reform report.

Undoubtedly, the most controversial element of Boda’s report is his call to move towards an election-week as opposed to an election day that would see more voting by mail-ins or at advanced polling stations, but what will cause an even greater stir is his recommendations for "vote anywhere” locations, less emphasis on local polling stations and more emphasis on centralized locations that would greatly reduce costs of elections, expanding the rules extraordinary voting, telephone or video conference voting and ballot tabulators that would be quicker and more accurate.

“The system would allow for greater flexibility of the voter, which I think is really important,” Boda told the Leader-Post.

To be clear, Boda is not calling for the total elimination of E-Day voting - something that would be unpalatable for many. And people like me who treasured the walk to my nearby school to vote may feel something is being taken away, but something is being taken away when we don’t have more people voting. Low turnout makes political manipulate that much easier.

Elections aren’t being manipulated by crooked voting machines or other advancements as alleged by U.S. supporters of Donald Trump after America’s 2020 election.

Manipulation occurs by discouraging or making it more difficult to vote when we should be making it easier. To that end, Boda further recommends a complete scrapping of the province’s 1996 Election Act, providing clause-by-clause recommendations on how it could be better.

One of many excellent recommendations the Chief Electoral Officer calls for is the proper tools to deal Internet misinformation.

"Online disinformation and misinformation is becoming an increasing problem for election administrators around the world," Boda wrote in his report. "The act should be amended to provide the chief electoral officer with additional authority to counter disinformation and misinformation.”

It serves as a reminder we do live in a changing world where we simply have to adjust. Why wouldn’t we? We don’t harvest with horse-pulled binders and thrashers anymore. We don’t buy things with cash that are lined up at the bank to withdraw.

So why in this 21st Century should we be voting in the same old way we did 100 years ago?

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Preparing for Upcoming Fall Session

The halls of the Saskatchewan Legislature are buzzing with activity as we prepare for the upcoming fall session. This summer, we spent a lot of time canvassing communities and meeting with everyone we could. Thanks to your feedback, we are now prepared to continue down the path of sustainable growth. We have heard the call for support and more staff in the healthcare sector. In response, we have launched the Health Human Resources Action Plan, a fourpoint approach to recruit, retain, train, and incentivize the healthcare system. A large part of that plan is ensuring we have the boots on the ground to support residents across the province.

We are cutting red tape to allow those trained in healthcare to apply their skills here in Saskatchewan and encourage new candidates to consider the field. Over 125 new, full-time, frontline positions are now available on HealthCareersInSask. ca, with another 50 part-time jobs enhanced to full-time. These opportunities span 49 communities, drawing professionals towards rural and remote areas where their skills are needed.

Investing in healthcare and bolstering our workforce supports the growth that Saskatchewan is enjoying right now. August figures show Saskatchewan leads the nation in wholesale trade growth, increase in building investment also ranks first in the country, and we are second nationwide in manufacturing sales growth. Each month we see new reports showing Saskatchewan is an economic leader, and we intend to keep that going into the future. We believe in building a supportive business climate that will welcome investment, create jobs, and allow growth that works for everyone.

Defending Saskatchewan’s Economic Autonomy

To that end, we have heard the call from residents to stand up to the federal Liberal-NDP coalition plans that will negatively impact our province. Fertilizer mandates, the carbon tax, confiscating legal firearms and blocking economic growth are just some of the concerns we have heard from you.

Our white paper released this month titled Drawing the Line: Defending Saskatchewan’s Economic Autonomy speaks to our government’s intentions. In 1930, Saskatchewan secured constitutional authority over natural resources. In recent years, the current federal government has encroached on those rights, disguised as environmental concerns. Continued interference could cost Saskatchewan $111 billion by 2035. Our government will deliver the Speech from the Throne October 26th, 2022, outlining steps to protect our economy and the jobs that Saskatchewan families need.

We are also joining with other provinces to let the federal government know that we will not use police funding to support the confiscation of legal firearms. Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Yukon governments are all calling on the federal government to halt their plans to use police resources to take over 100,000 legally purchased firearms across Canada. Provinces opposed to the program are saying the misuse of firearms by criminals is where the focus needs to be. Saskatchewan is leading the way. We have made significant progress in creating an economic climate that will attract businesses and industries looking to invest. Ongoing private investment shows confidence in our people, creates jobs that support families and allows for more government programs and services. It’s growth that works for everyone.

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Six Months to Under Four Years Available October 26

With Health Canada's approval of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children six months up to four years, families may receive this vaccine option starting Wednesday, October 26 at booked vaccination appointments and walk-in clinics operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and clinics in First Nation and Metis communities operated by Indigenous Services Canada.

This provides an additional option for parents to ensure their youngest children have the protection afforded by the COVID-19 vaccination, as Moderna's vaccine for children six months to five years has been available since July.

For the Pfizer vaccine, children six months up to four years are currently eligible for three doses as the approved, primary dose series. For the Moderna vaccine, children six months up to five years are currently eligible for two doses as the approved, primary dose series.

If your child under five years has had COVID-19, it is recommended they receive the dose they are eligible for eight weeks following infection. Parents may decide to have their child's COVID-19 vaccination completed sooner if they choose.

While participating pharmacies throughout the province are currently administering COVID-19 vaccinations, including bivalent boosters, note that pharmacies are not able to administer vaccines to children under five years.

The Best Protection is Boosted Protection

With COVID-19 variants transmitting in the province along with other, seasonal respiratory illnesses, get every shot that you/your child are eligible for.

All residents six months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. All residents 12 years and older are eligible for booster doses, including the bivalent vaccine.

All residents six months and older can get their flu shot now at available SHA walk-in and booked appointments and participating pharmacies.

Being up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations protects against severe illness and hospitalization at any age.

Pairing COVID-19 protection with influenza protection will protect you, your loved ones and help preserve provincial acute care capacity this fall and winter.

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.

Chocolate Fundraiser Planned for Lake Vista School

is soon to be underway at Lake Vista Elementary School as the LVS Community Council is planning a Purdy’s

Fundraiser, which will run from November 4-26.

will be

to top selling students and classrooms, so be sure to help support

in

Catholic School Enrolment Tops 20,000

the first time in the school division’s history, student enrolment at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools exceeds 20,000 students.

As of September 30, 2022, enrolment for prekindergarten Grade 12 students in the division is 20,513— 943 more students compared to the same period in the 2021-22 school year and 540 more than projected.

“After slower-than-expected growth during the pandemic, the number of students we are welcoming is really encouraging,” said Diane Boyko, Board of Education chair. “Knowing that parents entrust us with the education of their children is always a bit humbling, and it helps keep our responsibility as educators top of mind.”

Families new to Canada and re-engaging families who struggled to remain connected to their school over the past couple years (in-person or online) contributed significantly to the overall growth.

with the number of students almost doubling because of the number of Ukrainian families fleeing war in their home country.

Love Mom, Dad, Talin & Jaedan