For $5, register your house with the City of Martensville and have your address distributed on Flyers throughout the City! Registrations can be done at City Hall, at the MAP, online at Martensville.ca, or by calling 306-683-5576.
Start and end times will vary per house. Thank you to our Community Champions North Prairie Developments and CANWEST for their continued support!
Call for Applications: Martensville Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC)
The City of Martensville is recruiting volunteers for the Martensville Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC). This committee will help guide the City’s Accessibility Plan and work to make our community more inclusive for everyone.
MAAC will work to provide advice to Council, identify and help remove accessibility barriers, and support the creation of the City’s Accessibility Plan, which wil be completed by December 2025.
Applications are due September 19, 2025, at 5:00pm
As a committee member, you will:
- Advise City Council on accessibility initiatives
- Identify and help remove barriers in our community
- Support the development of Martensville’s Accessibility Plan
- Promote awareness and inclusion across City programs and services
Find the application and more info at https://www.martensville.ca/pages/martensville_ accessibility_advisory_committee_maac.html
Culture
Days 2025: Filipino Festival –September 21 | 8:00am – 8:00pm
- The first-ever Filipino Multi-Cultural Music, Food, and Dance Festival will be held at the Heritage Centre on September 21!
- This event will feature live music, cultural dance performances, and delicious food from a variety of vendors.
The Filipino Bayanihan is a group of locals who wanted to bring their culture to Martensville to celebrate through music, food, and dance. They have hosted a festival in Saskatoon, but this is the first one in Martensville.
The City of Martensville is committed to bringing people from all backgrounds together by celebrating multiculturalism and being one community.
Sept. 30 - City Facilities closed for Truth and Reconciliation Day
For more details and registration info visit Martensville.ca
Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.
October 7 – Regular Council Meeting October 14 – Committee of the Whole 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’d 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.
KidSport Martensville 50/50 Fundraiser Ticket Sales end Oct.1
KidSport Martensville volunteers are selling 50/50 tickets to help kids aged 5–18 overcome financial barriers and take part in community sports programs.
Tickets are available at locations throughout Martensville, including the Martensville A&W.
- Tickets: 3 for $10 or 10 for $20
- Available until October 1
- Max Prize: $2,500
- Draw Date - Oct. 1
To purchase tickets, contact Angie at 306-683-5577 or areddekopp@martensville.ca.
Road Upgrades, Rental Policies, and Regional Planning on Council’s September 16th Agenda
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council held its final meeting of the month on Tuesday, September 16th. The evening began with correspondence, including an update from the SUMA City Caucus and a development request from Crombie REIT.
The SUMA City Caucus presented its 2025–26 advocacy plan, which focuses on three key issues: operational and infrastructure funding, physician recruitment and retention, and public safety, mental health and addictions. The goals outlined include establishing predictable and sustainable funding sources for municipalities, ensuring communities have enough medical professionals to keep local healthcare centres open, and improving access to care for vulnerable populations to create safer communities and reduce crime. Council also reviewed an Advocacy Actions Chart detailing initiatives planned from October 2025 to September 2026, such as municipal forums, recruitment opportunities, and potential convention resolutions.
Harpreet Brar, Senior Director of Development at Crombie REIT, contacted the City with a request to upgrade Centennial Drive North to Baycroft Drive. Crombie purchased 8.3 acres of land beside Canadian Tire in 2022 with plans for a groceryanchored retail development, with discussions underway with Sobeys. Sobeys has indicated that road upgrades are required before moving forward, requesting that the work be completed by October 2027. Brar noted that the roadway improvements are a critical component to ensure accessibility for both Crombie and future tenants and said the company hopes to begin construction in 2026 if the City is agreeable.
Council also heard a report from Director of Recreation and Community Services, Roxane Melnyk, regarding a new policy on the waiver or reduction of rental fees for municipal facilities. The policy will define eligibility, establish an application and approval process, include an appeal option, and provide a standardized application form to support fair and consistent decision-making.
In addition, Director of Infrastructure and Planning, Bonnie Gorelitza, requested an amendment to the District Official Community Plan to re-allocate and define a Regional Community Services Node in a location between Martensville and Warman.
For more details on Council meetings, agendas, and community updates, visit Martensville.ca.
RIGHT: Council received a request from a developer to upgrade Centennial Drive North to Baycroft Drive in order to better accommodate retailers planned for a new development.
Wait List for BGC Saskatoon Early Learning Centre in Martensville Now Open
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Families in Martensville had their first opportunity to secure a spot with the upcoming BGC Saskatoon Early Learning Centre (ELC) that will be located within the Martensville Recreation Centre, when the official waiting list opened on September 15, 2025.
The centre, which is expected to open in early 2026, will provide 90 licensed childcare spaces for children aged six weeks to six years. It will operate on weekdays from 7:00am to 6:00pm and is expected to employ 22 full-time early childhood educators, nutrition specialists, and management staff, as well as part-time and casual positions.
The project is supported through the CanadaSaskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, a $1.1 billion investment over five years to expand childcare access and reduce costs for families.
The Martensville ELC is expected to ease pressure on childcare wait times in the city, while also creating new employment opportunities for educators and staff.
For more information about the Martensville location, visit https://www.bgcsaskatoon.com/bgcmartensville/.
Fire Department Open House & Big Truck Petting Zoo Coming to Martensville
Get ready for a day full of family fun in Martensville! The annual Fire Department Open House is back and this year, the MFD is teaming up with the City of Martensville to make sure it’s bigger than ever with the City’s first-ever Big Truck Petting Zoo.
This event will take place on Wednesday, October 8th at the Martensville Fire Hall and lines up with Fire Prevention Week. Each year, the MFD invites the community to the Fire Hall to indulge in a delicious BBQ meal, meet the local fire department, and get a chance to see the vehicles and equipment that help keep the community safe.
This year, kids (and kids at heart) will also have the chance to climb up and explore real trucks and machines you see around town, meet the operators who use them every day and ask questions and even sit inside some of the vehicles. Some of the big machines making an appearance include a tractor, tandem truck, skid steer, loader and grader.
There will also be a Snowplow Naming Contest to help name two of Martensville’s snowplows before winter.
Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for an afternoon of excitement, learning, and hands-on fun!
Pap-a-thon Event in Martensville Promotes Cervical Cancer Screening
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Primary Health Centre will be hosting a Pap-a-thon on September 17, 2025, as part of a province-wide campaign to raise awareness about cervical cancer and encourage routine screening.
Health professionals recommend that individuals between the ages of 25 and 69 who have a cervix receive a Pap test every three years. The Pap test is a simple procedure that can detect early signs of cervical cancer, making it an important part of preventive health care.
The upcoming Pap-a-thon provides an opportunity for community members to book a screening appointment in a supportive and accessible setting. You do not need to be a patient of the clinic to participate in the event.
To book an appointment, call the Martensville Primary Health Centre at (306) 844-4420 and ask to register for Pap-a-thon.
For more information about cervical cancer screening, visit saskcancer.ca/CervixCheck.
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: On September 11th, the Martensville Fire Department lowered the flags outside the fire hall to half-mast in honour of the lives lost and the bravery shown on that tragic day in 2001. The gesture served as a solemn tribute to the victims, first responders, and countless others impacted by the events of 9/11.(MFD)
Royals Kick Off the Season With a Win
The Martensville Royals kicked off their football season on September 12th with an impressive home game victory over the St. Mary’s Marauders. The Royals showcased a strong team effort with a dominant defense and a clutch offense, finishing the game with a final score of 31-12.
Submitted by Coach Tyler Munday
From the very start, the Royals’ defense set the tone, forcing multiple turnovers that disrupted the Marauders’ rhythm. Defensive standouts included D’Shawn Lewis, who made two crucial interceptions, while CJ Mooney, Corben Wegman, and Ryden Hand each added a pick, helping to keep the Marauders off balance all game long. On offense, quarterback Garrett Gordon led the charge by throwing four touchdown passes. Two of those touchdowns were caught by Cooper Ogden and the other two by D’Shawn Lewis, showcasing a dynamic passing attack. Complementing the air game was a determined ground attack that racked up tough, hard-earned yards, helping the Royals maintain control of the clock and momentum. While the offense started a bit slow, they found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, breaking the game open and sealing the victory. The Royals’ defense remained relentless throughout, firing on all cylinders and giving their offense every opportunity to succeed.
With a solid win under their belts, the Royals are gearing up for their next challenge. This Friday, they hit the road to face the Lloydminster Barons. Fans can catch their next home game on September 26th, which will be played at Warman High School’s field against the P.A. Carlton Crusaders at 4:15 pm.
It’s a promising start to the season for the Martensville Royals — stay tuned for more thrilling football action!
SPORTS Martensville Chiefs Ready to Begin New Chapter as They Prepare for Sept. 27th Home Opener
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Chiefs are gearing up for an exciting new chapter as they officially call Martensville home for the 2025–2026 season. The Junior B hockey club, part of the Prairie Junior Hockey League (PJHL), has a proud history that began in Saskatoon before relocating to Delisle in 2008. Now, with their move to Martensville, the Chiefs are looking forward to building lasting roots in a city that lives and breathes hockey.
Chiefs’ General Manager/VP Brennan Hall said the decision to relocate was inspired by Martensville’s rapid growth and strong hockey culture. “Martensville is a fast-growing city with a passionate hockey community,” Hall explained. “Relocating here gives us access to top-notch facilities in both our new main home, the Martensville Sports Centre, and a brand-new back-up/off-season arena in the Martensville Recreation Centre. We now have closer proximity to a strong base of players and fans, and the chance to build long-term roots in a supportive community. The move also allows us to grow our fan experience with a bigger population to draw from and an environment that’s perfect for Junior B hockey.”
Even before the first puck drop, the Chiefs have felt the warmth of their new community. “The reception has been incredible,” said Hall. “From local businesses to community members and especially Martensville Minor Hockey families, the support and enthusiasm have been overwhelming. It feels like the whole city is ready to rally around the Chiefs.”
Hall emphasized that joining Martensville is about more than just hockey, it’s about community. He noted that players and staff are committed to volunteering at local events, supporting schools and charities, and helping out with minor hockey. “We want the team to be role models and positive contributors, not just athletes who show up on game day.”
Looking ahead, the Chiefs are focused on icing a hardworking, competitive team that reflects the spirit of Martensville. Hall said their vision is to create an “Electric game-day atmosphere, grow our fan base, and set a foundation that will make Chiefs hockey a staple in Martensville for years to come.”
The club is also encouraging fans to be part of that journey. Hall pointed out that the best way to support the team is to come out to games, bring family and friends, and help make the Martensville Sports Centre an exciting place to be on game nights. Fans can also follow the Chiefs on social media, wear team gear, support fundraising events, and help spread the word. Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses who want to get involved.
The Chiefs’ Martensville debut is shaping up to be unforgettable. On September 27, the team will host a pre-game tailgate party at the outdoor rink from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring food, music, beverages, and family-friendly activities. “Then inside the rink, we’ll kick things off with a special light show during player introductions before puck drop,” Hall shared. “It’s going to be an unforgettable night and the perfect way to launch Chiefs hockey in Martensville.”
As excitement builds for opening night, Hall shared a heartfelt message with the community: “We want to thank the people of Martensville for the incredible welcome so far. This team belongs to the community, and we’re excited to share this journey with you. We’re committed to making Chiefs hockey something special here, and we can’t wait to see you in the stands cheering us on.”
Weekend Football Recap Demonstrate Maddogs Show True Grit
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Under sunny skies and perfect conditions for football, Peewee and Bantam Maddogs took to the field on Sunday, September 14th with energy and determination. Both squads impressed the crowd with their effort and teamwork.
The Peewee team delivered a memorable performance, fighting hard throughout the game against the Tinkler Raiders. Although they missed out on a win, they played with commitment and resilience.
Meanwhile, the Bantams demonstrated tremendous heart and teamwork, pushing through a tough match to secure a welldeserved tie. Their spirited play showcased the depth of talent and camaraderie within the squad.
With a weekend break coming up, both teams will have extra time to regroup, hone their skills, and prepare for upcoming games.
The break presents an excellent opportunity for players to practice, recharge, and come back to the field even stronger.
Make sure to come out and cheer on your Maddogs.
Martensville Food Pantry in Need of Specific Items for Back to School and Thanksgiving
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Food Pantry is dedicated to supporting families and individuals in Martensville and surrounding areas by providing weekly food hampers. These hampers are made possible through generous donations contributed by local residents, businesses, organizations, schools, and additional community partners.
Each week, a team of committed volunteers sorts and packages the hampers, which often include meat, vegetables, pasta and sauce, soup, crackers, cereal, children’s snacks, and, when available, dairy and eggs.
With the school year underway, the pantry is especially in need of items like nut-free granola bars, fruit snacks, pudding cups, and individual juice boxes to help stock items for school lunches within the hampers.
Looking ahead to Thanksgiving, the MFP typically supports approximately 20 families each year with holiday hampers. Volunteer Linda Ward noted their hampers typically include turkey or ham, potatoes, carrots, canned vegetables, gravy, juice, buns, pie, and Jello.
In addition to the weekly hampers, the pantry maintains a shelf in the hallway of the Martensville Civic Centre, where food is available throughout the week for anyone needing a little extra help.
Those wishing to request a hamper can contact the Martensville Food Pantry at (306) 280-1255, by email at martensvillefoodpantry@ gmail.com, or through the “Martensville Food Pantry” Facebook page.
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ABOVE: The Maddog Bantams battled to a tie against the Tinkler Bantams.
Usask Researchers Identify New Method To Protect Against Sepsis
Sepsis is the No.1 cause of death in the intensive care unit of hospitals worldwide and a major concern for health scientists and medical professionals alike.
Dr. Scott Widenmaier (PhD), an associate professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology in USask’s College of Medicine, has zeroed in on a specific protein that might be key to helping the body fight back against the potentially life-threatening condition.
By manipulating this protein, researchers believe there is a new avenue to protect patients against sepsis. Widenmaier and his team have had their research recently published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
“Sepsis is the largest cause of death in the intensive care unit globally,” Widenmaier said. “Sepsis can cause damage to organs like the heart, kidney, and lungs. It can also cause liver dysfunction, and when this occurs, the liver is not able to properly perform its functions that are useful in helping the body deal with an infection.”
Sepsis is caused by the body’s immune system response to infection causing damage to the body itself. As Widenmaier puts it, many people believe that bacteria or a virus they acquire are what causes people to get sick. However, it’s the body’s response to the infection that results in severe sickness and can escalate to sepsis – what Widenmaier identified as “a dysregulated immune response that leads to life-threatening complications.”
“The immune system releases cytokines and various factors that are trying to kill the bacteria or the virus, but the process of doing it actually dramatically changes our physiology and leads to us being really sick,” Widenmaier said.
While conventional methods for treating sepsis have been targeted at mitigating the infections that might lead to sepsis, Widenmaier said more recent studies have recognized that the body itself has built-in disease tolerance mechanism that could be harnessed to protect itself from the potential damage. In other words, when disease tolerance is working well, the process of killing the infection won’t cause the person to get nearly as sick and preserve healthy organ function. Widenmaier and his team identified a “transcription factor” protein in the liver called NRF1, which acts as a “molecular switch” to help control the body’s own disease tolerance response. In experimental models infected with E. coli, over-expressing the NRF1 protein led to better overall responses to infection and protection against sepsis.
When over-expressed, the protein enables the liver to secrete more of a special particle called very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), which better protects organs against damage caused by sepsis. It’s this connection between the NRF1 “switch” and the liver’s production of VLDL that Widenmaier says may be a promising approach to improve the outcomes of patients with sepsis. “Our lab is very interested in finding ways to either pharmacologically or genetically manipulate NRF1 to promote health,” he said.
Widenmaier credited his team – including colleagues, students and trainees – for their work in identifying this potential target for sepsis treatments and for the resulting research paper.
The next step for this research would be to see how feasible this pathway might be for treatment and whether it is still active in conditions when sepsis is very common –and while they aren’t at the stage of human trials yet, Widenmaier said he wants to delve deeply into this new area in the search for better sepsis care.
“We want to explore this quite intensively,” he said. “There’s a lot of clinical investigators across the country ... I’m interested in continuing those connections and trying to strengthen them, and hopefully we can find a place where clinicians and our lab can benefit from the science.”
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.
New Medical Residency Seats Coming to Melfort, Nipawin, and Yorkton
The Saskatchewan government, in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, is adding new family medicine residency seats in several northeastern Saskatchewan communities beginning July 1, 2026.
Melfort will gain two new residency seats in family medicine, Nipawin will also receive two new family medicine spots and Yorkton will get one new family medicine core residency seat.
This expansion is part of a broader increase to 68 family medicine residency positions across the province, which is up by 20 seats compared to five years ago.
The hope is that by doing this, it will help address physician shortages within rural and regional communities and that by providing training opportunities within smaller centres, it could help to encourage more physicians to stay and practice in those communities.
These additions are part of Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources plan, which includes incentives and past expansions, such as seats added in Moosomin, Weyburn, and Humboldt in 2022.
More local physicians can mean shorter wait times, more continuous care, and better preventive care. For patients in these regions, having a family physician nearby is a vital step toward more accessible health care. Also, increasing local training helps with cultural competency, knowing the community, and building trust. While these outcomes aren’t guaranteed, they are commonly observed in similar contexts.
While new residency seats are a positive step, success will depend on keeping doctors in rural areas after training, ensuring communities have the resources and infrastructure to support them, attracting residents to smaller centres, and managing the time lag before the benefits are fully felt.
For more details, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/.
ABOVE: Dr. Scott Widenmaier (PhD), an associate professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology in USask’s College of Medicine. (Photo: Matt Olson)
Saskatoon RCMP Investigating Fatal Collision
On September 12, 2025, at approximately 7:15 a.m., Saskatoon RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #219, approximately 15 kilometres south of Saskatoon.
Officers immediately responded, along with local fire and EMS. Investigation determined two minivans collided. The driver of one of the minivans was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. She has been identified as a 48-year-old from a community in southeast Saskatchewan. Her family has been notified.
The adult male driver of the other minivan was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.
There were no passengers in either vehicle.
Highway #219 was closed during initial investigation but has since re-opened. Saskatoon RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Saskatoon Police Warn of Possible Fraud Calls Involving
SPS Non-Emergency Number
Saskatoon Police are advising the public of a spoofing scam involving the SPS non-emergency number.
Earlier today, the SPS Communications Unit received several reports regarding suspicious phone calls. Complainants indicated the calls appeared to originate from the SPS non-emergency number, with the caller identifying themselves as an SPS officer and requesting information related to a police file. In most instances, recipients recognized the call as suspicious and terminated the conversation. At this time, no incidents of fraud have been reported to SPS, and the calls appear to be directed to out-of-province communities, specifically in Alberta and British Columbia.
SPS reminds the public to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls requesting personal information. Police will never ask individuals to provide personal or financial details over the phone.
Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca
RCMP Seek Public’s Help in Weyburn Suspicious Death Investigation
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes continues to investigate the suspicious death of a 44-year-old woman that occurred on Highway 39, northwest of Weyburn, on the evening of September 12.
Police said two women were traveling in a black Ford Explorer toward Weyburn when a loud crack was heard. A firearm was later determined to have been discharged, striking the vehicle and fatally injuring the passenger. She died at the scene. The driver, also from the Weyburn area, was not injured and is not considered a suspect.
The following day, a separate motorist reported that they had been driving behind the Ford Explorer at the time of the incident. They recalled hearing two “pops” but did not notice any immediate damage. The next day, they discovered a flat tire. Forensic examination confirmed the tire had been damaged by a gunshot. Investigators say this vehicle had passed the Ford Explorer and continued toward Weyburn, and the driver was unaware of the fatal incident. No injuries were reported.
Police believe the shooting may have been random and continue to ask the public for assistance. Residents and business owners with surveillance or doorbell cameras along Highway 39 into Weyburn and Highway 13 are asked to review footage from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on September 12 for any unusual activity, people, or vehicles.
Why not “be cool” this summer.
Anyone with information is urged to contact RCMP at 310-RCMP, call 911 in an emergency, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The Warman and Martensville RCMP have teamed up with 7-Eleven and CO-OP to help you “be cool”. We are on the lookout to reward kids who are practicing safety on the road, wearing helmets, and having fun while on bikes, scooters, and skateboards, etc.
So “be cool”, wear a helmet, and we will see you out there waiting with a sweet ticket with your name on it.
