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 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.
A Big Thanks for Keeping Martensville Looking Its Best!
A huge thank you to everyone who pitched in to get Martensville in tip-top shape! Over the past few weeks, we’ve all been a little busier cleaning out old junk, clearing weeds from back lanes, and sorting through items in preparation for the Monster Garage Sale this past weekend.
This has been a true collective effort, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the many residents who took the time to participate in these important annual initiatives. Your contributions help keep our community vibrant and beautiful—thank you for making a difference!
Get Ready to Vote!
Every vote matters, and this is your chance to make your voice heard. Mark November 13th on your calendar and take part in shaping the future of Martensville.
POLICE BEAT
Saskatchewan Firearms Office Encourages Firearms Safety This Hunting Season
The Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO) wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable hunting season and reminds everyone that a secure firearm is a safe firearm.
"A successful hunt starts with safety," SFO Deputy Commissioner and Chief Firearms Officer Murray Cowan said. "Respect your firearm, respect wildlife, and respect the environment. Hunting is not just about the harvest; it is about preserving the balance of nature and returning home safely."
When transporting your firearms, ensure they are not loaded, are kept out of sight, locked securely in a case, or otherwise rendered inoperable (using a trigger lock or cable, or the bolt is removed), and that they are stored separately from live ammunition. Do not leave firearms unattended in your vehicle, and if you must, conceal them and do so briefly while the vehicle is kept within eyesight.
When hunting, ensure you have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and Hunting and Fishing Licence (HAL) and be mindful of the training that came with those licences. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always control its muzzle, know your target and what's beyond it, be aware of your surroundings, and always get permission to access private land.
The SFO is proud of its ongoing relationship with Métis Nation Saskatchewan (MN-S) to advance firearms safety and training for Métis citizens in the province.
"Our partnership with Métis Nation Saskatchewan is being built on trust, respect and a shared vision for the heritage of Saskatchewan," SFO Commissioner Robert Freberg said. "Together, we are honouring traditional knowledge, while empowering meaningful, long-lasting collaboration, standing as a testament to the power of unity and mutual respect in shaping a brighter future for the province."
The agreement signed last year outlines specific areas they will collaborate on and ensures funding for a community educator position within MN-S, who will work to educate their community members about firearms safety and storage, licensing and hunting. Thanks to this partnership, the SFO was invited to attend Back to Batoche this summer, where staff had the opportunity to provide firearms knowledge to festival attendees.
The SFO is also pleased to report that the new Saskatchewan Ballistics Laboratory is yielding positive results.
Since becoming operational, the lab has completed over 100 firearms examinations for police agencies in Saskatchewan, and it has been able to create linkages from crime scenes in Saskatchewan to others in Canada and the United States. The reduced wait times for forensic testing has also positively impacted prosecutions and court timelines, as tests that would have taken months to complete are now being completed before first court appearances occur
The SFO is committed to its role in enhancing public safety through community outreach and education, promoting safe firearms use and ownership, and advocating for the proud and longstanding heritage of responsible firearms stewardship in Saskatchewan.
Shape the Future of Martensville
Martensville is heading to the polls on November 13th for our next municipal election. The nomination period for those looking to be elected or re-elected runs from September 24 to October 9.
Are you ready to contribute to the future of our community? Visit martensville.ca and explore the ‘Information for Candidates’ section to learn more.
Make your voice count and join the team that’s already making a positive impact in Martensville.
Join the Election Team
Looking for a way to get involved on election day? We’re hiring for positions like Head Deputy Returning Officer, Deputy Returning Officer, and Poll Clerks for the November 13th municipal election.
For more information and to apply, visit Martensville.ca/pages/election_2024.
Save the Date: Martensville Recreation Centre Open House
We’re excited to welcome you to the new Martensville Recreation Centre! Join us at our Public Open House on October 11th from 10 AM to 3 PM for a free day of skating, climbing and exploring your new recreation centre. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the space and enjoy time with your community.
On the 11th, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Skate on the full skating arena and leisure ice
- Scale the indoor climbing wall and playground
- Hang out in the lounge and grab a bite from the concession - Explore every multipurpose room, Indigenous artwork, and all the thoughtful details built with our community in mind.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Note that the fieldhouse and batting cages will be open to the public in early 2025.
Highway 12 Northbound Lanes Closed Following Vehicle Collision
Warman RCMP, Corman Park Police Service, Martensville Fire Department and Medavie Health Service West were on scene for a serious motor vehicle collision on September 25th. The collision took place in the northbound lanes of Highway 12 at approximately 5:30pm which resulted in access to the highway being closed to motorists and detours in place for approximately an hour and a half.
Biggar RCMP Investigating Fatal Collision
On September 26, 2024 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Biggar RCMP received a report of a collision involving a semi and a CP train approximately one kilometer south of Highway #4 on Woods Road in the RM of Biggar, SK.
Officers responded along with local fire and EMS. The driver of the semi was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 57-year-old male from Biggar, SK. His family has been notified.
No other injuries to rail operators were reported to police.
Biggar RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist and CP Police from Moose Jaw.
Martensville Food Pantry Looking for Thanksgiving Food Items
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Volunteers from the Martensville Food Pantry will be busy once again preparing hampers for the Thanksgiving holiday to those in need.
All requests to receive a hamper were asked to be in by October 2nd indicating the number of adults and children per household.
In order to help fill these hampers, they are looking for several items such as stuffing and cranberry sauce.
They are also in need of cereal, kids lunch snacks, fruit cups, soda crackers, and pasta.
If anyone would like to donate to these Thanksgiving hampers, as well as other items listed above, please contact (306)280-1255.
KidSport Fundraiser Provides $1650 Payday for Lucky Winner
Throughout August and September, a 50/50 draw was held to raise money for Martensville KidSport. In total, approximately 1400 tickets were sold, with the winner, Sharon Deptuch who received an incredible $1650, and the same amount going towards supporting youth participating in organized sports within the community.
“We are so happy with another successful event and are grateful to the community for their support. Thank you to the Martensville A&W, Martensville Lions Club and the City of Martensville for supporting the event,” Angie Reddekopp, Martensville KidSport Coordinator, stated.
This year, there have been 48 applications for KidSport within Martensville, totaling approximately $18,000 in funds provided to local families.
KidSport is a children’s charity that is in place to assist families with children ages 5-18 to ensure their child can participate in community sports programs despite financial obstacles. Individual grants of up to $750 are available per calendar year for local youth to participate in local sports programs through KidSport, with application forms available at the MAP.
With winter just around the corner, and holiday plans being made, this Christmas consider giving the ‘Gift of Sport’, which runs from November 20th to January 8th. All donations made in Martensville, stay in Martensville and help support local youth.
Celebrate Fire Prevetion Week at the Martensville Fire Department Open House on October 9th
The Martensville Fire Department will be hosting their annual open house on Wednesday, October 9th from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
The MFD will be serving up a BBQ supper, which will begin at 5pm, and while there, be sure to take the opportunity to meet your local firefighters, view the various equipment and apparatus within the fire hall and view a demonstration that will be taking place following supper.
Each year, the MFD hosts the open house to correspond with Fire Prevention Week, which will take place from October 6-12 this year. The theme for this year is “Smoke Alarms: Make them Work for You”, which is an important reminder to ensure you have working smoke alarms within your home in the event of a fire.
The MFD is currently looking for dedicated individuals to help serve the community and will be hosting a recruitment information night on October 30th. More information on this will be shared later this month via the ‘Martensville Fire Department’ social media pages.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE & BELOW: The Martensville Fire Department hosts an Open House each year where the community is invited to the fire hall to enjoy a delicious BBQ meal, learn more about our local fire department, meet the firefighters, view trucks and equipment, see a demonstration, and more.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Sharon Deptuch was the lucky winner in the KidSport 50/50 draw and was presented with a cheque for $1650 on October 1st. (Submitted)
We did some Safety Patrol training this week. Thanks to our students who take on this important responsibility to keep the students at VHS safe.
Venture Heights Exceeds Fundraising Goal for Terry Fox Run
Jocelyn
Students at Venture Heights elementary school went above and beyond this year to raise money for the annual Terry Fox Run.
An assembly was held on Thursday, September 26th to celebrate the Terry Fox fundraising events that the students worked very hard for, and it was full of excitement.
The assembly started off with individual students expressing who Terry Fox was and what he meant to them.
Ms. Anaka and her grade 6/7 class organized the Terry Fox assembly and students sat in anticipation as challenges were performed by the teachers when the students reached fundraising goals.
Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
As each goal was met, the teachers participated with enthusiasm from singing duets, shaving beards, getting a hair dye for a day, and leg waxing to name a few.
“We would like to recognize the efforts of Ms. Anaka and her grade 6/7 class for organizing the Terry Fox assembly and all the teachers who participated in the fun. The assembly was full of surprises with teachers doing all kinds of fun and silly things in recognition of the fundraising goals the students achieved. We also want to recognize the efforts of everyone who collected donations for a great cause like the Terry Fox Foundation,” they stated on their Facebook page.
“Venture Heights collected $5,041.00. We are proud of the accomplishment. Great job everyone!”
Great Plains, North West And Suncrest Colleges Announce Expansion Of Saskatchewan Colleges International Partnership
In October 2021 an international student recruitment and admissions partnership was established between multiple regional colleges under the umbrella of Saskatchewan Colleges, with a collective goal to enhance the reputation of Saskatchewan regional colleges in the international student market. In its three years, the legacy project has helped recruit over 900 international students from more than 30 countries to the partner institutions. Great Plains, North West and Suncrest colleges are proud to continue building on this success and announce the addition of Carlton Trail College to the Saskatchewan Colleges partnership.
“Welcoming Carlton Trail to the Saskatchewan Colleges partnership will allow us to build from our foundational knowledge and collective expertise to successfully attract international students to rural Saskatchewan,” explained Great Plains College’s VicePresident, Programs and Students, Keleah Ostrander. “It will also enable Saskatchewan Colleges to grow its recruitment and admissions capacity in a collaborative and costeffective manner.”
“Colleges in rural Saskatchewan collectively pride themselves on providing personal, positive educational experiences for their students that have a strong pathway to employment in areas of provincial need such as healthcare, trades, and early childhood education,” said Kami DePape, Vice-President of Partnerships & Innovation at Suncrest College.
Dr. Eli Ahlquist, President and CEO at North West College echoed this sentiment, stating “With increased scrutiny and changing policy within the international education landscape, the partnership is integral to ensure we continue to attract international students and in turn, enhance domestic access to programs, enriching the experiences of all learners on campus, and educating more skilled graduates that will contribute to our communities and the economy.”
Recruitment efforts for all four institutions will begin in October 2024, led by Saskatchewan Colleges Manager of International and Admissions, Kristy Sletten, along with support staff from each partner college.
“We are pleased to have earned our Designated Learning Institution status this year, allowing us to join this partnership,” said Amy Yeager, President and CEO of Carlton Trail College. “We look forward to working with Great Plains, North West and Suncrest to bring the first international students to Carlton Trail next fall.”
For more information about Saskatchewan Colleges, including program and admissions information for the 2025-26 academic year, please visit https://saskcolleges. ca/.
ABOVE: Mr. Soparlo gets his leg waxed by Tom Strunk who was the #1 fundraiser for the Senior End.
ABOVE: Willa Edmonds has the fun task of throwing a pie in Ms. Tremain’s face at the Terry Fox Fundraising assembly.
Royals Dominate Evan Hardy in 50-6 Rout
Submitted by Coach Tyler Munday
In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, the Royals bounced back from recent setbacks with a commanding 50-6 victory over Evan Hardy on Friday night. The team's offensive unit was firing on all cylinders, delivering a performance that left fans cheering and opponents scrambling.
Austin Adamus was the standout star, showcasing his versatility with three touchdowns—two on the ground and one through the air. His powerful running and sharp passing played a pivotal role in the Royals' explosive offense. The action started early when Cooper Ogden ignited the scoring with a spectacular 45-yard catch and run on the Royals' first drive, setting the tone for the night.
Quarterback Garrett Gordon also made his mark, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half alone. Hawkley Dereniwski continued the momentum, adding two more passing touchdowns in the second half as the Royals raced to a staggering 43-0 lead by halftime.
The defense was equally relentless, forcing multiple turnovers and making Evan Hardy's night difficult with consistent pressure. The Hardy squad was forced to punt five times, unable to find any rhythm against the Royals' staunch defense.
With the second half featuring a running clock due to the lopsided score, the Royals maintained control and showcased their depth, securing a decisive win that puts them back on track. This dominant performance signals the Royals' intent to be a formidable force as the season progresses.
Next week, the Royals will look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for their next matchup against PA St. Mary's, a game that will be played on Warman High School's Football field Friday October 4th at 4:00pm. Fans are eager to see if the team can sustain this high level of play and build on this impressive victory
Martensville
Recreation Centre Getting Closer to Opening Date
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Recreation Centre is scheduled to open to the public on October 11th, with the arena, climbing wall, leisure area, indoor playground and meeting rooms open at that time, and the remaining area, including the Fieldhouse, opening in January 2025.
As the opening date draws nearer, there have been regular updates shared on social media to update the community on news for the MRC, including amenities that will be available within, job postings, rental information and more.
Rental availability for the arena will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis with various timeslots available throughout the week. Payment is required at the time of booking, with e-transfer the preferred form of payment at this time until the administration office is in place. Hourly rates for October 2024 to March 31, 2025 range from $140$266, dependant on service groups, local/non-local and prime/non-prime times. For more information, or to make a reservation, contact dwotherspoon@ themrc.ca.
The MRC now officially has a Pro Shop Operator, which will be Top Shelf Sports Martensville. “Top Shelf Sports is a premier name in Saskatchewan sporting goods, and they will be offering all kinds of amazing products and services at the Martensville Rec Centre including skate sharpening,” a Facebook post on the ‘Martensville Recreation Centre” page stated. Top Shelf Sports currently has locations within Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Warman.
When you are at the MRC and in need of something to satisfy your craving, Hector’s Grub Hub will be available to serve you as the official Concession & Lounge Operator. There is an exciting food and beverage menu planned once the facility is open to the public.
Work is currently being done on the Martensville Recreation Centre website; however, there is a temporary page in place for facility booking and contact information available at www. martensvillereccentre.ca.
ABOVE: The Martensville Royals football team hosted Evan Hardy on Friday, September 27th, where they dominated with a 50-6 victory. (Devin Hind)
Saskatchewan Commemorates
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in the province. This important day of remembrance honours the survivors of residential schools, their families, their communities and the children who did not return.
"As we reflect on the history of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities, I invite all residents to participate in local events and discussions, and to visit the Residential School Memorial on the grounds of Government House in Regina," Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said. "Together, we can foster understanding and healing."
Annually on September 30, both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are observed across Canada. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led movement that acknowledges the impact of the residential school system.
To mark Truth and Reconciliation Day, all provincial government buildings in Saskatchewan, including the Legislative Building, will fly their flags at half-mast from sunrise to sunset.
Saskatchewan residents are encouraged to wear orange to recognize Orange Shirt Day and commemorate the impact of residential schools and honour survivors.
For more information on Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan, visit: https://www. saskatchewan.ca/residents/first-nations-citizens/ moving-forward-with-the-truth-and-reconciliationcommission.
Highway Hotline Introduces New Highway Condition Terminology
Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline has updated the terminology it uses to describe winter driving conditions.
The new terminology offers more clear and concise messaging that will help drivers make decisions about winter travel. The updated language is also more consistent with neighbouring provinces, which will make using the Hotline easier for people traveling across western Canada.
"The Highway Hotline is used millions of times throughout the year to help travelers plan ahead," Highways Minister Lori Carr said. "These changes will help drivers make an informed decision while having better consistency with our neighbouring provinces and national standards."
The new primary conditions include:
• Bare - Road appears black, means all wheels of a passenger vehicle are on a bare surface.
• Partly Covered - Road appears yellow, means two wheels of a passenger vehicle are on a snow or ice-covered surface.
• Covered - Road appears pink, means all wheels of the vehicle are on snow or ice.
• Travel Not Recommended - Road appears blue, means that visibility is less than 250 metres and could become impassable.
• Closed - Road appears red, means the highway is impassable.
The colour white was removed because it did not show up well on the digital maps. The maps will continue to indicate poor visibility using a dotted line.
During winter driving season, road conditions are updated a minimum of four times daily or whenever there are known changes that affect drivers.
The Highway Hotline has existed for more than 50 years. It provides information on highway conditions, road closures, construction zones, ferries and border crossings. As of February 2024, it now allows users to track the progress of plows involved in snow removal and ice treatment. This real-time information helps drivers make informed decisions to protect their safety.
Province Enhances Maternal Mental Health Supports
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.
The Government of Saskatchewan is working with the University of Regina (U of R) to help new and expecting parents who are experiencing mental health difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
The province is providing $280,000 to the university's Online Therapy Unit to create the Well-Being for Expecting and New Mothers Course. A Non-Birthing Parents Resource will also be developed for partners of those who have had babies.
"It is important that new mothers feel supported in their mental health and wellbeing," Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said. "At a busy time with infants, having virtual options can make care easier to access. I am proud that we can work with the U of R to bring internet-delivered therapy to moms across our province."
The new mothers' course is expected to launch by the end of March, while the partner resource is expected to be available in 2026.
"We are honoured to be working on this vital project, which will provide a new mental health care option for expecting and new birthing and non-birthing parents across Saskatchewan," University of Regina's Online Therapy Unit Psychology Professor and Director Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos said. "By offering internet-delivered therapy, we hope to make a real difference for families navigating mental health challenges before and after birth."
Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) was developed at the U of R to help Saskatchewan residents experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, or difficulties coping with chronic health conditions and is delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Adults complete educational modules with therapist support. Since 2015, more than 13,000 Saskatchewan residents have sought ICBT services. This fiscal year, the province is providing over $1.6 million to support this important service.
The province is also boosting annual funding to HealthLine 811 by $3 million, some of which will support new nurse and counsellor positions for mental health, addictions and maternal mental health calls. The Ministry of Health will also work with the SHA to establish a maternal mental health coordinator position at 811.
Under the province's Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, the Ministry of Health committed to develop a new provincial approach to maternal mental health. The goal is to better support new and expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy and after delivery for the wellbeing of mothers, their children and their families.
Additional work is underway to develop and coordinate maternal mental health supports. This work has also received valuable insight from the Maternal Mental Health Saskatchewan Advisory Group (MMHSAG) and various community-based organizations.
ABOVE: Saskatoon Tribal Council held a Pow Wow at the SaskTel Centre on September 29th and 30th in honour of Truth and Reconciliation. (Brenna Maxwell)
Update on Primary Health Centre Locations in Warman and Martensville
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
In August of 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that they would be expanding access to primary health cares services within Warman with the addition of a Primary Health Centre. It was also announced earlier this year that another Primary Health Centre would be included in Martensville as part of the pilot program through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Health care services within these clinics will be provided by a team of nurse practitioners, who will offer services such as:
• general health assessments, physical examinations and ordering of diagnostic tests;
• diagnosis and treatment of common acute illnesses and injuries;
• chronic disease management, including diabetes, hypertension and asthma;
• immunizations and vaccinations for both children and adults;
• prescribing medications and prescription renewals;
• women's health services, including exams and family planning;
• health promotion and disease prevention counseling;
• mental health support and counselling;
• referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers.
Outgoing Martensville-Warman MLA Terry Jenson shared an update via social media on Friday, September 27th stating that he was provided with information from the SHA and the Ministry of Health regarding the Martensville and Warman Primary Care Clinics.
Jenson noted that the first nurse practitioner (NP) position in Warman has been filled and the second NP position started on September 23rd, which is a term position to cover the incumbent’s maternity leave. The third NP position in Warman has been filled by a grad NP and is scheduled to begin October 15th. One Medical Office Assistant position in Warman is filled, with the second MOA posting now closed and SHA working through the interview process.
The first NP that was hired for Martensville is currently working in Warman, due to the Martensville clinic not having enough support staff to safely open. The second Martensville NP position was posted and now closed, with SHA working through the list of applicants. The third NP position remains vacant and the SHA is working through applications.
The first MOA position in Martensville has been filled, with a start date of October 14th and HR is working through application for a second MOA.
“Please note the Primary Care Clinics are not walk-in clinics. The purpose of the clinics are to provide patients with services that align with family physicians by appointment only,” outgoing Martensville-Warman MLA Terry Jenson stated in the September 27th update.
30th General Election Commences in Saskatchewan
On October 1st, Premier Scott Moe requested that Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty dissolve the Legislative Assembly and issue a proclamation directing the issuance of the Writs of Election commencing Saskatchewan's 30th General Election. Election day for Saskatchewan's 30th General Election will be on Monday, October 28th. Details regarding the Saskatchewan election can be found by visiting Elections Saskatchewan's website here: https://www.elections.sk.ca/.
Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Turkey Bingo
Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, October 10th at 7:00pm
Turkey prizes - 50/50 - Concession
Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend. 6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available!
Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!
RIGHT: Once staffed, the Primary Health Centre in Martensville will be available to the public for a variety of health services provided by nurse practitioners. The PHC is located at 70 Centennial Drive North next to Pharmasave.
