October 5, 2023 Digital Issue

Book Your Fall Immunization Appointment Now

Saskatchewan residents can begin booking appointments to receive this year's flu vaccine.

Starting October 10, flu shots will be administered at public health clinics, local pharmacies and some physician and nurse practitioner offices. The influenza vaccine is a safe and effective way to help stay healthy, prevent illness and save lives.

"It's important to remember that you're not only protecting yourself against illness - you're protecting your family and friends as well," Health Minister Everett Hindley said. "Getting immunized is proven in the fight against illness and will help keep you and your loved ones healthy."

Seniors, people with chronic health conditions and/or compromised immune systems, children under the age of five, and pregnant women are among those considered most at risk of contracting influenza. High-risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“We continue to offer free access to high-dose flu shots to all seniors in Saskatchewan,” Hindley said. “I strongly encourage everyone - especially seniors and anyone with underlying health issues - to get their immunization as soon as they can.”

Influenza vaccinations are available, free of charge, to any eligible resident of the province aged six months and older. Children aged six months to five years can only be immunized at a SHA public flu clinic, public health office or by a physician or nurse practitioner.

Residents will have the convenience of booking and receiving both their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment. The vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant will be available as part of Saskatchewan’s fall immunization program.

Getting your influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to limit transmission rates this fall and winter.

Residents can book immunization for themselves or the entire family in one appointment through the SHA’s online booking tool available at www.4flu.ca at any time or by calling 1-833-727-5829 Monday to Friday. If you have a preferred pharmacy, please contact them to ensure they are offering COVID-19 vaccinations.

All vaccinations are voluntary. For further information on influenza and COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek care, call HealthLine 811 or visit www.4flu. ca. Protect yourself. Protect your family.

Construction Continues on Martensville Recreation Centre

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Construction on the Martensville Community Recreation Centre, located on the west side of the Highway 12 overpass began in early 2023, and has been moving rapidly since. The $44.5 million facility will provide numerous opportunities for the community, and add another option for space when it comes to recreation, community and cultural gatherings.

The recreation centre is the first construction taking place within Trilogy Ranch, a new 680-acre residential and commercial development in Martensville that will house approximately 10,000 people once complete.

ABOVE: The area where the Martensville Community Recreation Centre’s pitching and batting tunnels will be located. (Facebook)

Once the Martensville Community Recreation Centre is complete, it will include one regulation-size ice surface with spectator seating for 900, a small practice ice surface, a field house with a full-size indoor turf field and baseball pitching and batting tunnels, a rock climbing wall, indoor play space, a spectator lounge area, a concession and numerous multi-purpose rooms available for use by community groups, cultural groups, and the public.

The arena portion of the facility is scheduled to be opening in September of 2024, with the field house portion planned for later in 2024. For more information about this facility, visit https://www.martensville.ca/pages/ martensville_community_recreation_centre.html.

ABOVE: The large space designated for an ice-surface within the Martensville Community Recreation Centre.

KidSport Playhouse Fundraiser Officially Complete

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

With the KidSport Playhouse officially being transported to the winner that means it’s a wrap on the annual fundraiser. John Bonk of Kinistino was the winner of the 100-square foot playhouse, with Harrison Kleinsasser of Martensville winning the $500 Cabela’s gift card and Sandra Harron of Martensville winning the local gift basket.

The draw was held on Saturday, September 16th, with the raffle bringing in approximately $11,000 to help support the non-profit organization that helps provide financial assistance to ensure that children have the opportunity to participate in community sports programs.

“Although ticket sales were slow moving initially, the community really stepped up to show their support for KidSport. Thank you so much to everyone that purchased a ticket and a huge thank you to our sponsors; Martensville A&W, Martensville Building & Home Supply, Brad’s Towing, Clark’s Crossing Gazette, Richard Reimer Realty and Marty Goertzen,” Angie Reddekopp, Martensville KidSport Coordinator, stated.

Each year, the number of families utilizing the KidSport program rises, with approximately 50 youth being supported so far this year, for a total of approximately $20,000, which makes fundraisers so important to ensure funds are available to those that need them.

“The support that we receive through various fundraisers that take place each year make it possible for local kids to play sports, and that can make such a difference in their lives and teach them so many valuable life lessons. We are looking forward to the Fall Fun-Raiser that is taking place on November 4th in Martensville to help raise money for KidSport, the new recreation centre and the 15AA Marauders hockey team,” Reddekopp added.

Donations to KidSport are accepted throughout the year. To donate, or to learn more about KidSport, contact areddekopp@martensville.ca.

(Facebook)

October Council Meeting Dates

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.

October 10 - Committee of the Whole

October 17 - Regular Council

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

How Can You Help Prevent a Sewer Line Backup?

• Do not pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead scrape out or pour cooking oil and grease into a container or plastic bag and dispose of it in your kitchen garbage.

• Do not dispose of large absorbent items like paper towels, diapers, baby wipes or feminine products, down the toilet, these are not items that disintegrate like toilet paper will, including “flushable” wipes. These products should be disposed of in your garbage.

• Kitchen garburators increase the amount of organic material in the service lines. Depending on the condition of the service line, organic material can stick to the lines and over time cause blockages. Compost your organic material instead.

To help prevent a sewer backup, be mindful of what goes down the drain. Your pipes are not built to handle most food items and will almost always cause a blockage in the short or long term. When in doubt, properly dispose of these items by throwing them away.

Cleaning up After our Pets

It is not just a mess, it can potentially be harmful to other pets exposing them to illnesses such as parvovirus. Let’s keep pathways and parks clean and safe for everyone and their pets. Bring a baggy or find one in the many stations throughout the City along our pathways or in the dog park.

POLICE BEAT

RCMP Remind Hunters to Take Caution This Hunting Season

Hunting season has started and Saskatchewan RCMP detachments are starting to get reports of stolen firearms, ammunition and other related items. This past week, a duck hunter in the Central Saskatchewan area left a vehicle parked while hunting and returned to find a shotgun, shotgun shells and binoculars missing from his truck.

Saskatchewan RCMP reminds hunters:

• Never leave firearms unattended in a vehicle, especially overnight. Even if they are out of sight within the vehicle, other hunting equipment can signal the potential presence of a gun and a thief may be willing to break in to check.

• Only bring as many firearms as you are willing to carry with you to hunt. Don’t leave guns at a camp/blind when you aren’t around.

• Always use trigger locks and secure firearms cases with some type of locking mechanism.

• Remember, it is illegal to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Martensville RCMP to Host Town Hall Meeting

The Martensville RCMP are hosting an Open House on Wednesday, November 8th at the North Ridge Community Centre at 7pm. Members of the public are invited to attend to learn more about our local police detachment.

Town Hall Meetings serve as an opportunity to openly discuss community and policing issues as well as meeting members of the local detachments.

The RCMP will have a presentation, followed by a question and answer session. This is an opportunity to share your views on policing in the community, feedback on priority areas and connect and meet the local RCMP members.

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

- 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

Ways to Pay

- Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

- Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

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

Recreation Program Update

Culture Days is September 22-October 15th. Culture Days is FREE to attend and offers fun and engaging activities – both in-person and digital - suited to all ages and abilities. Some unique opportunities to learn to make our favorite dishes and holiday items:

Friday, October 6th – All about Charcuterie, 7:30 PM North Ridge Centre

Watch for more updates around the Culture Days schedule.

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.

Martensville’s Cohen

Klassen Represents Team Saskatchewan in WHL Cup in Red Deer

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Western Hockey League (WHL) Cup was established in 2009, and other than the years when the Canada Winter Games are contested, this tournament is held every season showcasing some of Western Canada’s outstanding hockey players.

This year the 2023 WHL Cup will be held in Red Deer, Alberta from October 18 – 22 and will showcase the top 2008 born players from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia in a round-robin tournament format followed by playoffs.

This tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence for players and it allows Hockey Canada to identify and train Canada`s most gifted young hockey players. It also provides them with the opportunities to measure and refine their skills against top caliber competition.

Martensville’s Cohen Klassen is one of the chosen players that will represent Team Saskatchewan at the WHL cup in October.

Klassen was Regina Pat’s top pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft and left a good impression in his first Western Hockey League (WHL) training camp in September. The 2008 born forward racked up 61 points with the Martensville Marauders U15AA team in the 2022-2023 season.

This season he signed with the U18AAA Warman Wildcats where he has already received five points this season. Good luck to Klassen in the 2023 WHL Cup!

Skate Martensville 2023/24

Season Officially Underway

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Skate Martensville officially kicked off their season on Tuesday, October 3 and this year, there are approximately 100 skaters registered for the 2023/24 season, which will run from October to March, with 22 weeks of skating.

“Our club is offering a variety of programming for all ages and skill level. If you want to learn to skate, strengthen your hockey or skating skills, become a competitive figure skater, or skate as a team, Skate Martensville has a skating program designed for you,” Nicole Gryba , Martensville Skate President, explained.

Registration this year is comparable to the previous season, with over 65 skaters participating in PreCan and Can Skate, 13 skaters in the STARSkate Program and the two synchronized skating teams ranging from 12-18 skaters each.

There are still limited spots available to register within the PreCan, CanSkate and Synchro programs:

o PreCan (ages 3 & 4) Tues & Thurs 6:15-6:45pm – THURSDAY CLASS IS FULL

o CanSkate - Tues & Thurs 6:00-6:45pm

o STAR Synchro - Fri 5:00-6:00pm

o Adult Synchro – Fri 5:45-6:45pm

There will be two major events taking place this year, and Skate Martensville is already getting excited to showcase their talented crew. The first event will be the second year of FunFest, which will take place on January 28, 2024. “This event brings in dozens of young CanSkaters from across the province. Skaters are assessed on their performance and evaluated against Skate Canada standards. At the end of the day, each skater is presented with certificates, report cards and an award,” Gryba explained.

The second major event being held within Martensville will be the annual ice show, which is scheduled for March 24th. “This highly anticipated event promises enjoyment for both the skaters and the spectators. It’s a great opportunity for the skaters to show off what they’ve learned throughout the season,” Gryba said.

More information about these events will be available as the season progresses. To register, or for more information, visit skatemartensville.ca, or email skatingclub1@ gmail.com.

Royals Rally in the Rain

In a thrilling football showdown on a cool and rainy fall evening, the Royals emerged victorious with an 18-9 win over the Lloydminster Barons. The matchup, which took place under the lights, was a showcase of resilience, impressive plays, and a gritty defensive battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The first half of the game was a testament to both teams' strong defensive units. The score was locked at a mere 7-2 in favor of the Royals at halftime. The lone touchdown of the half came from the Royals' running back, Caton Harrison, who took the ball wide and beat the defender to the pilon for a crucial rushing touchdown.

As the teams emerged from the locker rooms for the second half, the rain continued to pour down. The Royals, determined to maintain their momentum, wasted no time making an impact. Aidan Low electrified the crowd with an incredible kick return touchdown, showcasing his speed and agility. The successful extra point attempt increased the Royals' lead to 14-2.

In the final moments of the game, Jared Festus, the Royals' kicker, displayed nerves of steel. He booted a 19-yard field goal through the uprights, extending the lead to 17-5 and putting the game further out of reach for the Barons. But Festus wasn't done yet; with time running out, he made another critical contribution by sending a 35-yard punt through the endzone, earning the Royals a single point and sealing the game with an 18-9 victory.

The Royals will host the St. Mary’s Crusaders from Prince Albert on Wilson Field this Thursday, October 5th at 4pm.

ABOVE: The MHS Royals Football team celebrates their win against the Lloydminster Barons on September 29th. (Devin Hind/Facebook)

Submitted by Tyler Munday, MHS Royals Football Coach

ABOVE: Cohen Klassen (Regina Pats Hockey Club)

Martensville, Warman and RM of Corman Park Look to Create Mutually Beneficial Regional

Node

In 2014, the City of Martensville, along with the City of Warman, City of Saskatoon, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park and Town of Osler all came together to create a longterm regional vision and strategy for rural and urban land use, servicing and development to grow the region to a population of 1 million people called the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G).

Recently, the cities of Martensville and Warman, along with the RM of Corman Park began a P4G Regional Node Concept Plan Study to identify a regional node; a shared area; to locate diverse amenities.

Key elements included in this concept plan consist of location, amenities, community connections and land use with a goal to connect the three communities, and mutually benefit one another.

Part of this process includes a drop-in community event that will take place on Thursday, October 5th from 4pm-7pm in the Multi-Purpose Room 1 at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex (701 Centennial Blvd in Warman).

This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions and share your feedback and is part of Phase 1 of the project timeline, which includes data collection and background review. Phase 2 will take place throughout the fall and winter of 2023 and will consist of analysis on drainage, water and wastewater, transportation, land use opportunities, and more, as well as the preparation of a feasibility report.

Phase 3, which is scheduled to take place in winter 2023/spring 2024 will include a servicing strategy, land use concept, policy recommendation and infrastructure development as well as a concept plan draft and a second round of public engagement.

The final phase, planned for spring 2024 will be to revisit and present a final concept plan for the P4G Regional Node Concept Plan Study.

For more information about this project, visit https://www.rmcormanpark.ca/338/ Regional-Node-Concept-Plan.

Dalmeny Access Reduced Collision U-Turn Intersection Set to Be Complete This Month

The intersection of Highway 16 and the Dalmeny Access Road (Highway 684) has undergone some changes this summer, which included the addition of a Reduced Collision U-Turn (RCUT) intersection.

The RCUT at the intersection is the first of its kind for the province and was designed as a cost-effective way to improve safety at busy highway intersections where traffic volumes do not support the construction of an overpass.

The design, which is fairly new to Canada, but extensively utilized within the USA, has seen the intersection modified from a two-way stopcontrolled crossing to the RCUT in an effort to increase safety by reducing right-angle collisions and reduce wait times during peak traffic. The design of the RCUT prevents drivers from crossing all lanes of the highway and allows them to focus on one direction of traffic at a time.

With the RCUT, there will no longer be left turns onto Highway 16, and instead traffic will use the right exit ramp when approaching the intersection onto the highway, merge into traffic using acceleration lane, then move into the left lane to turn, make a U-turn at the median opening and accelerate and merge into highway traffic.

The first phase of the RCUT opened at the end of September, which included both ramps on the Dalmeny side of Highway 16, both U-turns and associated acceleration and deceleration lanes and the southwest ramp towards Highway 14 (Highway 684/ Neault Rd). Ramps southbound of Highway 16 and direct left from Saskatoon to Dalmeny grid south are expected to be open mid to late October.

Stuff a Trailer

Helping Halt Hunger Here at Home

The Martensville and District Lions Club are holding a BBQ in support of the Martensville Food pantry at the Martensville Co-op Grocery Store on October 7th and 8th from 10am until 6pm.

Bring a donation of non-perishable food items (non-expired) or monetary $5.00 donation and receive a BBQ burger or smokie and a drink. Let’s fill the 14’ x 18’ trailer.

Suggested food items: canned vegetables, pasta sauce, spaghetti, pasta, pork and beans, rice, cereal, soda crackers, peanut butter, children’s snack items (peanut free)

HELP THE LIONS FILL THE MARTENSVILLE FOOD PANTRY!

Sask. Party May Be Veering Off Its Course

The problem with political parties after they have been in office for a while is they sometimes forget how they got where they are and for the Saskatchewan Party, that is simply the notion of presenting pragmatic right-centre government. Notwithstanding its struggles presenting accurate budgets, the Sask. Party surely can present a plausible narrative that this province has thrived because its government has emphasized growth and freeenterprise opportunity.

This notion has carried the Sask. Party through nearly four full terms, including the last one in which it had to win an election in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and govern during this tumultuous process. As rocky as it’s been the past four years, the Sask. Party should stick this narrative.

In its 2021-22 budget after the Sask. Party’s 2020 re-election, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer gave us a whopping $1.47-billion deficit - $341 million greater than $1.129-billion deficit in the 2020-21 budget; however, that 2021-22 deficit turned out to be a billion less than has initially presented in March 2021 budget. By the time 2022-23 budget rolled around, Saskatchewan’s budget situation improved to a $1.58-billion surplus. It would have been even more had the government not handed out $500 cheques.

This year in 2023-24 we can now expect a $484.5-million surplus. We see surplus budgets, a strong economy is strong and we continue to grow.

Last week, it was announced Saskatchewan grew by 8,567 in the second quarter of 2023, and by 30,685 in the past year. Growth has slowed down a bit, but we will still see more than 200,000 people added to the province in 16 years. That remains Saskatchewan’s greatest growth spurt in 100 years.

It all fits the Sask. Party case for why it should be the right-of-centre alternative to the NDP. The problem, however, is Sask. Party now seems to be having a very difficult time staying on the course. Maybe one gets why it embarked on its economic sovereignty tour last year that produced the new marshal service and provincial income tax legislation in last sitting.

There is an insatiable appetite in this province to take on the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration that has likely been the furthest left federal government this province has seen, but what’s strange is how this exceedingly disciplined provincial party is veering off that centre-right course in directions that are really to no one’s benefit.

One recent example is its reaction to the federal government removing the goods and services tax (GST) on rental apartment construction to stimulate building.

It’s a policy that should be beneficial everywhere, including here. More to the point, the construction industry and the opposition have been lobbying for years to remove the provincial sales tax (PST) from construction materials here for the same. Yet the notion was met with a stubborn resistance to do so — largely because the NDP and now the federal Liberals are asking for it.

This isn’t the practicality the Sask. Party has been known for. Instead, it’s party that seems engrossed in the notion of “parental rights” in what seems a phony fight over kids using names or pronouns they weren’t born with.

How this is now the biggest issue in the province - or even an issue at all in the schools - is something the government has yet to explain. It may sound popular to some, but a policy that might be hurting struggling kids is wrong and, ultimately, the kind of thing that loses you votes.

Instead of remaining on that centre-right course, the Sask. Party is being pushed to the right by social conservatives. Instead of adopting good ideas regardless of where they come from, the Sask. Party is ignoring good ideas like tax breaks that would stimulate the economy. They may be forgetting what’s worked for them.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

September 17 to 23 is National Forest Week, a week dedicated to highlighting the important role of the forestry sector in the provincial economy and environment.

Saskatchewan forests are a key renewable resource, supporting nearly 8,000 jobs, of which 27 per cent are Indigenous. With more than half of our province forested, the forestry sector remains one of the driving forces behind economic growth and development in Saskatchewan.

While our economy continues to grow, so does employment. In the past year, we have seen 4,600 new jobs and our labour force has reached a record high of 632,800. With 2,800 new jobs created just last month, our province ranks third among all provinces for month-over-month growth. Major year-over-year gains were observed in various sectors, including transportation and warehousing, business support services, and professional scientific and technical services.

With fall fast approaching, and colder weather ahead, our government strives to ensure utility costs are affordable. Effective October 1, 2023, SaskEnergy rates will decrease, saving the average residential customer nearly 8% on their monthly natural gas bill.

Saskatchewan’s continuous economic growth allows us to invest in additional educational opportunities. Our government recently announced a new Saskatchewan Polytechnic Campus in Saskatoon, which will transform 11 decentralized, outdated buildings into a revitalized complex. Located at Innovation Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus, it will offer a modern, technology-rich learning environment for students and greater opportunities for applied research and investment.

Our growing economy also allows us to invest in infrastructure. Our government and the Government of Canada are investing $1.7 million to fund drinking water and wastewater upgrades in two Saskatchewan provincial parks. Upgrades to the sewage lagoon at Danielson Provincial Park will help to ensure it complies with regulatory requirements, while the existing water systems at Narrow Hills Provincial Park will be consolidated into a single treatment and distribution facility to improve efficiency. This announcement is part of a total of 134 infrastructure projects that have been announced in Saskatchewan under the Green Infrastructure Stream, a program to support greener communities.

Our government remains committed to investing in health care to provide accessible and timely care for all. Saskatchewan patients living with seizure disorders or epilepsy now have a new dedicated Seizure Investigation Unit (SIU) located at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital. A total of $2.2 million was spent to renovate and furnish the SIU. The new unit will provide enhanced monitoring and diagnostic services to improve patient care, reduce wait times, and create a comfortable environment for Saskatchewan patients.

Our government is investing in the expansion of mental health services as well. An investment of $1.7 million in new annual funding from our government will expand Family Services Saskatchewan’s free, rapid access counselling services to youth across the province. This brings the total annual investment to $3.2 million annually, funding services to families, adults and youth in communities across the province. For more information, visit www. counsellingconnectsask.ca.

For a second year, the Facilitating Independence of Older Adults in the Community will provide $250,000 in grants to organizations and groups supporting seniors. The program encourages the development of new ways to help seniors maintain independence in their own homes. Led by Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism in partnership with the Ministry of Health, it will support eligible projects, up to $25,000 each. For more information, visit www. skseniorsmechanism.ca.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day. This day honours the children who never came home, the survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. Let’s take time to reflect on this tragic history and the ongoing impacts of residential schools so that we may move forward together in reconciliation.

Our government continues to work on building a growing and stronger Saskatchewan. As I prepare for the fall sitting of the Legislature, I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or concerns. These conversations are important in shaping government policies and help me continue to represent your best interests in the Legislature. Please feel free to reach out to me at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.

23102DS0

Helping Keep Life More Affordable Through The Active Families Benefit

The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding families with children and youth participating in sports, culture, and recreation that they can access the Active Families Benefit, a tax credit that helps keep these activities more affordable.

“The Active Families Benefit helps ensure that children’s activities remain affordable and accessible for Saskatchewan families,” Premier Scot Moe said. “Our government is committed to ensuring youth can continue to be involved in sport, recreation and cultural activities, which helps build strong families and strong communities across our province.”

The benefit is available to families with an annual income up to $60,000. They can receive up to $150 per year, for each child 18 years or younger, or $200 per year for children who are eligible for the federal Child Disability Tax Credit. Eligible families claim the benefit when they file their taxes.

"The Active Families Benefit ensures that the families who need it the most can access it," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "Parents who enroll their children in sport, culture and recreation activities in 2023 are reminded to keep their receipts, so they may claim the benefit when they file their 2024 taxes next spring.”

Many communities offer affordable and accessible activities for children and youth through local recreation facilities and community organizations.

"We're always grateful for the provincial government's support, which helps open doors to a variety of leisure, sport and recreational opportunities that foster healthy families and neighbourhoods," Saskatoon City Council lead on Recreation, Culture and Leisure Councillor Troy Davies said. "This is especially important with Saskatoon entering a new stage of growth. City Council's planning must consider how to best respond to future program and infrastructure needs, not just for today's residents, but for the generations to come."

The following are eligible for the Active Family Benefit:

• Sporting activities that provide exposure, training, or participation in any field of sport in an organized and competitive environment that requires strategy, physical training and mental preparation.

• Recreational activities that provide exposure, training, or participation in any field of recreation designed to refresh, provide satisfaction, entertain, and provide physical or mental benefits.

• Cultural activities that provide exposure, training, or participation in the field of arts, heritage, or multiculturalism.

For more information on the Active Families Benefit visit the frequently asked questions at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/parks-culture-heritage-and-sport/ sport-and-recreation/programs-and-supports/active-families-benefit.