Summer won’t quit, so neither will we! Head to the Lion’s Park splash park and enjoy this extra bit of summer we’re all enjoying.
The City has decided to extend the splash park operating year a little bit longer to squeeze as much summer fun out as possible. The splash park will officially shut down for the season on the morning of the 16th.
November 13th Municipal Election – Now Hiring!
Looking to make a difference and earn some extra money this fall? We’re hiring election workers for the municipal election on November 13th, including Head Deputy Returning Officer, Deputy Returning Officer, and Poll Clerks. Visit Martensville.ca/pages/ election_2024 for more details and to apply!
The Back Lane and General Clean-Up Program is Happening Next Week!
Once again, the City of Martensville is offering the Back Lane and General Clean-up program to Martensville residents. If you are looking for a way to get rid of trash and debris that does not typically fit in your back lane garbage bin, this is the perfect opportunity to clear up some space in your backyard, garage, or basement.
For residents who live south of Main Street, items will be picked up between September 16th and 20th. If you wish to participate, please ensure your items are in your back lane before 8:00 am on Monday, September 16th.
Residents who live north of Main Street will get their chance the following week.
POLICE BEAT
RCMP Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams Continue To Deliver Results
Investments by the Government of Saskatchewan into the RCMP's Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT) continue to deliver results in targeting criminal activity in the province. RCMP's SERT team includes their Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT), and Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST).
From December 2023 through July 2024, RCMP SERT teams seized a total of 128 firearms, over $196,000 CAD, more than 940 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 5,000 grams of cocaine, and over 456,000 packs of illegal tobacco.
"I want to thank the RCMP for their continued efforts to address gangs, illegal weapons and drugs, human trafficking and other acts of criminal activity in the province," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. "Investments in SERT, and other specialized policing units allow officers to target these complex issues and improve overall community safety."
The RCMP operates a WEST team in Prince Albert and a joint team between Meadow Lake and Saskatoon. Both teams have the capacity to respond to incidents across the province, with the aim of targeting high-profile offenders, such as gang members and violent offenders, with outstanding warrants who are deemed a potential threat to public safety. Between December 2023 and the end of July 2024, 23 search warrants, 96 arrest warrants and 75 arrests were made by RCMP WEST.
"I am proud of the continued excellent work of the Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT), who have removed 128 firearms and almost 12 kilograms of drugs from Saskatchewan communities in the first half of this year alone," Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said. "They work seamlessly with our frontline police officers at detachments to help keep Saskatchewan communities safe."
RCMP CRTs respond to crime surges in rural areas, targeting prolific offenders and street gangs in Saskatchewan. From December 2023 through July 2024, CRTs conducted 156 search warrants, 269 arrest warrants and made 365 arrests that resulted in 533 charges being laid. As a result, more than 4,300 grams of cocaine, 900 grams of methamphetamine, and 5,500 grams of illicit drugs, including psilocybin, MDMA and illegal cannabis, were taken off the street.
Meanwhile, the RCMP’s STRT is a specialized, intelligence-led enforcement team that investigates weapons, drug and human trafficking cases. From December 2023 through July 2024, the STRT team opened 19 human trafficking files, executed 47 search warrants and 13 arrest warrants, and made 29 arrests, seizing more than 455,000 packs of tobacco and over 600 grams of cocaine, with 72 charges being laid.
“Government will continue to invest in the RCMP and police services across the province,” Minister Merriman said. “Building and protecting safe communities and neighbourhoods for residents remains a top priority for our government.”
Additional statistics are attached, and the following news story highlights the dedication and commitment of RCMP SERT teams in Saskatchewan: https://www.rcmp.gc.ca/en/news/2024/saskatchewan-rcmp-sert-two-charged-cocainetrafficking-investigation.
Upcoming Council Meeting Dates
Upcoming Meetings: September 17 – Regular Council Meeting
• October 1 – Regular Council Meeting
• October 8 – Committee of the Whole Meeting
• October 15 - Regular Council Meeting
Location:
Martensville City Hall Council Chambers
37 Centennial Drive
Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm
If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you 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.
Don’t Miss the Monster Garage Sale –September 20 & 21
Our Fall Monster Garage Sale is back and promised to be bigger than ever! Join us on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21, for a community-wide sale you won’t want to miss. For just $5, you’ll get your address listed on the event flyer and map, plus balloons and a Monster Garage Sale sign to draw in the crowds. Flyers will be available at gas stations, the MAP, and City Hall, and we’re promoting the event through local papers and social media for a fantastic turnout! Register online, at the MAP, or at City Hall by September 17 to be part of the fun.
Let’s Keep Martensville Looking Amazing Together!
Unfortunately, some recent vandalism has impacted our community, including damage to the incredible sculptures created during last month’s Sculptures in the Park Symposium. But don’t worry—city crews have temporarily move them to a safe location for the time being.
And here’s the exciting part: in the next few weeks, we’ll reveal all-new locations across Martensville where these stunning works of art will be displayed throughout the city. So, stay tuned to our Facebook page for the big announcement and placement dates.
Sculptures Moved Due to Vandalism
The City of Martensville recently shared an unfortunate post on social media regarding the sculptures that were created by local artists during the Sculptures in the Park event last month being vandalized. The pieces have been temporarily moved to a secure location until they can be displayed in new locations throughout the City.
“Vandalism hurts our community. It disrupts the beauty of Martensville and prevents residents and visitors from enjoying the art as intended.”
If you witness vandalism in action, contact the local RCMP immediately and if you come across damage caused by vandalism, report it on the City of Martensville website.
ABOVE: Sculptures were on display outside of the MAP following the
event that took place in August prior to them being moved to a temporary location due to vandalism. (City
Saskatoon RCMP Investigating Break, Enter and Theft
On September 4, 2024 at approximately 6:40 a.m., Saskatoon RCMP received a report of a break and enter in the RM of Corman Park.
Investigation determined that sometime between the evening of September 3 and the morning of September 4, an unknown individual or individuals broke into outbuildings on a property in the RM of Corman Park, just south of Saskatoon.
Thirteen firearms were reported as stolen from a secure gun safe. A go-kart and two timber-sleds/snow-bikes were also reported as stolen. Saskatoon RCMP continue to investigate.
Anyone who saw suspicious activity just south of Saskatoon late on September 3 or early on September 4, or who has information about this crime, should contact police immediately. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Sculptors in the Park
of Martensville)
Local Clinic Offers Additional Walk-In Days Leading Up to Cold/Flu Season
Martensville Collective Health and Wellness currently offers walk-in services on Tuesdays from 5:00pm – 8:30pm; however, with the beginning of the 2024/25 school year, they recently announced they would be offering additional walk-in opportunities.
With school kicking off for another year, that typically brings with it the start of cough, cold and flu season, so MCHW will be offering walk-in hours from 9:00am – 2:00pm on Mondays and Wednesday, in addition to their regular Tuesday hours.
“We are thankful and send a warm welcome to Dr. Denton for joining us for these two months to make this happen,” MCHW shared via social media.
For more information on MCHW, visit www. martensvillecollectivehealthandwellness.ca, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
ABOVE: Martensville Collective Health and Wellness will be offering walk-in services on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00am-2:00pm for the months of September and October.
Get Prepared for the Annual Lane and General Clean-Up This Month
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The City of Martensville Annual Back Lane and General Clean-Up will be taking place this month and is a perfect opportunity to clean up your yard and make some space within your shed, garage and basement.
This project is done in collaboration with the City of Martensville Public Works department and the Urban Camp and provides the community with a chance to dispose of items that are not eligible for regular garbage pick-up.
For residents on the south side of Main Street, the pick-up will take place from September 16-20 and residents north of Main Street will be from September 23-27. Residents are required to have items out by Monday of their pickup week by 8:00am. Items are not to be placed in the lane until one week prior to pick-up and residents without back lanes can place items curbside one day prior to pick-up.
Ensure items are not restrictive to traffic, and that items you do not want removed are not in the lane during this time.
This program is designed for residential yard cleanup waste only and is not intended for commercial or industrial waste.
Accepted items include household appliances such as fridges, stoves, freezers, etc. (must have all doors removed), furniture, torn down fence material (four-foot lengths & tied), pieces of scrap material (including material from small renovations – four-foot lengths and tied), garden refuse and grass clippings (all bagged), tree branches (four-foot lengths and tied).
ABOVE: The City of Martensville will once again be offering the lane clean-up program to residents this September.
Items that will not be picked up include hazardous materials, rocks, sod, topsoil, gravel, any liquids, construction materials, car parts, tires, computers & parts, batteries, televisions, concrete.
“Residents are responsible for ensuring their waste meets the criteria for collection. Any items not collected or not meeting the guidelines must be properly disposed of through approved means to avoid penalties under the Waste Bylaw,” the City of Martensville stated in a notice to the public.
More information on how to properly dispose or recycle items can by found on the City of Martensville website, or within the annual Martensville Community Guide.
Fill Your Fridge Bingo Fundraiser on September 15
The Martensville & District Kinette Club is hosting a family bingo in Warman on Sunday, September 15th. This event will take place at the Brian King Centre, with a portion of the proceeds going towards supporting TeleMiracle 49.
The doors will open at 1:00pm, with the fun beginning at 2:00pm. Lucky bingo winners will receive baskets of food and gift cards for prizes from local grocery stores and restaurants.
There will be a concession on site, as well as bingo dabbers available for $5. Bingo booklet pricing is 1 for $10 and 3 for $25. There will also be a 50/50 draw, as well as heads or tails tickets for sale. There is no ATM on site, so be sure to bring enough cash to take part in all of the options.
“We hope families come out for another fun afternoon of playing bingo,” Amanda Arneson of the Martensville & District Kinette Club stated.
Sunny Day Show n’ Shine
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The annual Martensville A&W Show n’ Shine took place on Saturday, September 7th along Centennial Drive North. The northbound lanes of the street were closed off to make room for 80-100 vintage vehicles, as well as space for those attending the event to take in the classic cars and trucks. The event took place from 11am-1pm and drew a large crowd.
Employees with the City of Martensville were on site to ensure traffic continued to flow as efficiently as possible with the lane closures, and that vehicles could enter/exit businesses safely.
ABOVE: Rachelle Buffin of the
Lakeview Insurance Brokers hosted their annual Banjo Bowl Customer Appreciation Day event in conjunction with the Show n Shine from 10am-2pm in their parking lot. This event included face painting, bouncy castles, many give-aways, door prizes and more. They also had SOS Prairie Rescue and the Pop-Up Rescue Project on site with some adorable animals in need of homes. Lakeview Insurance Brokers announced that they would be offering a minimum donation of $1000 each to the rescue groups.
The day concluded with the Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock at the Sutherland Automotive Speedway, which kicked off at 6:00pm.
ABOVE: The Pop-Up Rescue Project had several dogs in need of homes at the Lakeview Insurance Banjo Bowl event; including Lilah, Taylor and Brandy. If you are interested in one of the dogs that are still looking for someone to adopt them, contact the Pop-Up Rescue Project at popuprescueproject@ gmail.com or on Facebook.
Martensville A&W and the A&W Root Bear.
ABOVE: Centennial Drive North was lined with classic vehicles and a large crowd for the annual A&W Show n’ Shine on Saturday, September 7th.
ABOVE: Having fun at the Lakeview Insurance Banjo Bowl event.
SPORTS Community Gathers for Mike Smith
Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
It was a beautiful day on Saturday, September 7th as friends came together to celebrate the life of Mike Smith for the annual Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament.
14 teams competed in the one-day tournament at the Martensville Slo-Pitch Diamonds.
After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Smith passed away in May of 2023. A celebration of life as well as a ball tournament was held at the Slo-Pitch Diamonds shortly after his passing and friends decided that an annual tournament in memory of him would be celebrated every September.
Smith loved his family and was well known for helping others, being a volunteer firefighter for many years, as well as a hockey coach, and he became a very beloved member of the community. Because of his attributes and contributions to the community, friends decided it was important to continue a tournament in his name yearly, with all funds raised going back to the community that he loved, as well as helping others.
The tournament included a 50/50 draw, beer gardens, a concession, a slideshow, and a ‘Rewind Rule’.
To raise some extra money and for some extra fun, players could pay $20 before the game and rewind any play at any point throughout the game, so if someone hit a grand slam, you could ‘rewind’ the play and everybody goes back to their original places.
“Mike’s Hit Crew defeated Mike’s Blues to repeat the A final win. Thank you for everyone’s support today! A huge thank you to the Kinsmen for running the bar, Par-A-Dice Grill for running the concession, Off Constantly for their contribution to the diamond rental, and everyone for coming out and having a great time while giving back to the community and remembering a great guy, Mike Smith,” said Mike’s wife Kristin. “Also a huge thanks to Angie Reddekopp and Tegan Johnson for all of their hard work and so many more that helped out.”
The funds will be donated to Martensville KidSport and the Kinsmen Club for an accessibility project at the old rink.
Martensville Recreation Centre on Schedule to Open This October
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
It has been a long time coming, but the time is almost here! The Martensville Community Recreation Centre (MCRC) is on target to open the arena this fall, with the Fieldhouse planned to open in early 2025.
“Construction is going very well, and we are targeting to be open for programming in the arena on October 11th and looking for an early January opening for the Fieldhouse,” City of Martensville Director of Recreation & Community Services Roxane Melnyk, said.
Once the entire facility is open to the public, there are plans in place to host a grand opening event to celebrate the facility with the community.
Positions within the MCRC have been getting filled through Nustadia Recreation Inc., the company that the City of Martensville contracted to operate the facility on their behalf. Available employment opportunities will be posted on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association website, as well as on Nustadia media pages.
Several areas of the facility that will be opening this October include the arena, climbing wall, leisure arena, indoor playground and many of the meeting rooms. There will also be retail space available for rent within the facility, including 8 spaces in the front and two retail spaces inside: including a concession/lounge operator and a pro-shop.
“We are currently working with an agent to fill those spaces and are open to what people have to bring forward to us. It would be great if they could be complimentary to each other,” Melnyk added.
There are plans to construct additional arena space onto the MCRC in the future; however, Melnyk noted that right now, the main focus is getting these two elements open and introducing it to the community. Once that is complete, the next stages of construction can be looked at.
“I haven’t been involved in this project since the beginning like others, so I can only imagine the pride that those that have been feel right now. This is an amazing facility, and it is truly a community facility. It was built by the community and will be utilized by the community. The City of Martensville residents, and the entire region will benefit from this facility for years to come.”
ABOVE: Kristen Smith and Mike’s brother Russel Smith
ABOVE: Mike’s Hit Crew wins the A final for a second year at the Annual Mike Smith Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament
ABOVE: The interior of the Martensville Community Recreation Centre. (Wright Construction)
More Than $30 Million Highways Investments in West Central Saskatchewan
On September 5th, the Government of Saskatchewan provided an update about more than $30 million of investments toward improving the highway network in the province's west-central area this construction season.
"Our government is committed to improving traffic safety and enhancing our transportation system and these projects are a prime example," Education Minister and MLA for The Battlefords Jeremy Cockrill said on behalf of Highways Minister Lori Carr. "These investments play a key role in sustaining our quality of life, supporting our growing export-based economy and keeping the highways between Saskatchewan's strong and vibrant communities safe."
Projects include safety improvements, culvert and bridge work, along with repaving.
"The Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce appreciates the investments toward provincial highways and related infrastructure in west-central Saskatchewan," Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Glenda Rye said. "These improvements will make it easier for people to get to key services, traffic to flow between communities, businesses to thrive and for tourists to access the amenities and attractions in and near The Battlefords."
Repaving work includes:
• More than $10.5 million to repave 18 kilometres (kms) of the eastbound lanes between Borden Bridge and Radisson of Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway 16, a key inter-provincial corridor supporting tourism, trade and commuter traffic, which sees thousands of vehicles daily. The work began in June and was completed in late summer.
• More than $5.2 million for repaving various portions of Highways 4 and 16 at the Battlefords. The work began in the fall of 2023 and was completed in the spring of 2024.
• More than $2.4 million to repave more than 19 km of Highway 21 around Maidstone. The work is anticipated to start in the fall.
Culvert and bridge work includes:
• More than $1.8 million to install a culvert under Highway 40 west of the Battlefords. The work began in the spring and was completed in the summer.
• More than $1.2 million to replace culverts on Highway 15 near Broderick, Highway 16 near Maymont and Highway 219 near Cutbank. The work began in the spring and was completed in the summer.
Safety improvements include:
• About $1.3 million to replace two old timber bridges on Highway 21 south of Pierceland. The work will begin in September and is planned to be completed this fall.
• About $4 million to rehabilitate a bridge - often informally referred to as the Deer Creek Bridge - on Highway 3 over the North Saskatchewan River about 11.5 km west of Paradise Hill. Work began in April and is expected to be completed this fall.
• About $2.5 million toward replacing an old timber bridge on Highway 376 over Eagle Creek west of Asquith with a concrete bridge. Work is expected to begin this fall.
• More than $741,000 to install an additional lane at the intersection of Highway 14 and Asquith Access Road. The work began in July and was completed this summer.
• More than $461,000 to install a cable barrier along Highway 40 west of its junction with Highway 4 west of the Battlefords. The work began in August and is expected to be completed this fall.
• More than $840,000 to improve the intersection of Highways 14 and 31 near Macklin by adding a turn lane. The work was completed earlier this year.
With the most recent budget, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, to improve more than 20,700 kilometres of highways across the province.
St. Paul's Hospital Front Entrance Expansion Project 25 Per Cent Complete
On September 6th, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that the St. Paul's Hospital Front Entrance Expansion project has reached 25 per cent completion.
“We are very pleased to see the progress being made on the St. Paul’s Hospital front entrance project,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Our government continues working toward improving access to health care for all Saskatchewan residents. This project will meet barrier-free standards further ensuring safe and convenient access for patients, staff and visitors.”
Once complete, the new fully accessible entrance will benefit all visitors to the hospital. The front entrance expansion project includes enhanced safety, additional washrooms, a relocated gift shop and First Nations Métis Cultural Healing Centre.
"We are pleased to share an update on the development of this project," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Terry Jenson said. "The construction of this new front entrance provides an opportunity to improve the safety and accessibility features to benefit the patients, staff and visitors of this facility. We hope to create an inclusive and culturally responsive space for all guests of the St. Paul's Hospital."
Construction continues on schedule as trade partners simultaneously work to backfill foundation walls and complete outdoor features. Mechanical and electrical work is underway inside, setting the stage for a seamless transition to Phase II of the project which will begin to incorporate the new entrance with the existing St. Paul's Hospital.
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.
“As construction progresses on this very important renovation and expansion, our main focus remains on providing safe, culturally responsive care for all patients at St. Paul’s Hospital,” Integrated Saskatoon Health Vice President John Ash said. “The design of the entrance will not only increase safety for patients, visitors and staff, it will also expand the footprint of the hospital to include a First Nations Métis Cultural Healing Centre that will serve the community for years to come.”
“We are excited to see the progression of this important initiative that will improve access to and safety within our hospital,” Emmanuel Health Executive Director Tracy Muggli said. “It will also introduce the First Nations Métis Cultural Healing Centre to support Indigenous patients and families with culturally responsive supports.”
“We are so pleased to be creating a welcoming space for St. Paul’s Hospital patients and visitors; our new First Nations Métis Cultural Healing Centre will promote physical, mental, spiritual and community health through traditional healing practices, ceremonies and cultural support,” SPH Foundation Director of Philanthropy Sandhya Padmanabh said.
Emmanuel Health and the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation have committed to donating a share to the project.
Construction is expected to be complete in the Fall of 2025.
MFD Bike Helmet Safety Program Wraps Up For Another Year
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) recently wrapped up their annual helmet safety program that took place throughout the summer months. Members of the MFD handed out coupons for free cold treats from local businesses to youth within the community that were seen wearing their helmets properly while riding their bikes, scooters, skateboards, e-bikes, etc.
Youth were also provided an entry to a raffle to win either a bike helmet, or bicycle from Martensville Canadian Tire. On September 4th, Captain Levi Schutz, the organizer of the program, drew the winners, which were Declan I. (age 4), who won the bicycle and Abigail H. (age 9), the winner of the helmet.
The MFD thanks all of the local youth that participated in the program by wearing their helmets properly and encourages everyone of all ages to ensure they are wearing their helmets properly to avoid risk of severe injury.
“Thank you to this year’s supporters, including Martensville Co-op, Canadian Tire and A&W for supporting our program.”
& ON THE ROAD
Trail Riders Gather
in Honour of Ray Kneeland
Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Ray Kneeland, who sadly passed away on December 19, 2022, knew that he loved to give back to others, especially TeleMiracle.
This year marked the first Ray Kneeland Memorial Trail Ride Poker Rally, which was held on August 31st along the banks of the North Saskatchewan river. A total of 27 riders participated for the two-day event, that included a potluck supper, homemade donuts, fun & games including a scavenger hunt, rounds of poker, beautiful trail riding and much more.
“A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support us, and so generously donated and purchased poker hands. I am pretty sure Dad was looking down on us, because things ran smoother than we could have ever hoped for,” the OK Corral shared.
