KidSport Playhouse Raffle Winners Announced
The 2023 KidSport Playhouse Raffle fundraiser in support of the local KidSport Program was another successful one with the winner announced on September 16th at the Martensville A&W.
The grand prize winner, John Bonk from Kinistino received the100-square-foot playhouse, which can also be used as a storage shed, complete with electrical outlets.
Second prize of a $500 Cabela’s gift card was won by Harrison Kleinsasser from Martensville, and third prize local gift basket was awarded to Martensville’s Sandra Harron.
This year the fundraiser campaign exceeded the typical amount raised at $11,000 which will be used to help support the local KidSport program, a non-profit organization that helps provide financial assistance to children ages 5-18 so that they have the opportunity to participate in community sports programs.
Martensville KidSport Coordinator Angie Reddekopp said, “We are very happy with this year’s Kidsport campaign bringing in approximately $11,000. We struggled with ticket sellers at the beginning of the campaign, but we rallied together and are very happy with where we ended up. We would like to thank all our sponsors; Richard Reimer Realty, Martensville A & W, Martensville Building & Home Supply, the Clarks’ Crossing Gazette, Brad’s Towing, as well as Marty Goertzen for the construction of the Playhouse.”
“Our next fundraisers include a Roughrider Bus Trip on October 7th and on November 4th a Fall Fun-Raiser which includes supper, and local Magician Matt Gore, the Ginger Ninja as entertainment.”
“Currently in 2023 we have helped support 50 kids in Martensville totaling over $20,000. Your support is the only way we can keep these kids playing the sports they love. Thank you very much to the community for your continued support towards KidSport.”
Donations to KidSport are accepted throughout the year. To donate, or to learn more about KidSport, contact areddekopp@martensville.ca.
Great Plains College would like to welcome Brenda Burton and Lindsay Thoreson to its Board of Governors.
Brenda resides in Plenty, Saskatchewan and has recently retired from a career in management in the fields of agriculture and economic development. Aside from enjoying her retirement, Brenda also acts as a project liaison administrating municipal, provincial and federal government grants that help provide a safe, secure and sustainable supply of water to rural residents in westcentral Saskatchewan. Brenda sees post-secondary education as an integral part of meaningful employment and economic growth. As a board member, she is looking forward to seeing growth in community partnerships, new and old, to ensure sustainability for the college and the communities in which it operates.
Lindsay is an Associate Investment Advisor at Wellington Altus Private Wealth in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. She holds a Business Certificate from Great Plains College, a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Regina, her Chartered Professional Accountant designation and became licensed as a Registered Representative with IIROC in 2023. As a Great Plains College alumna, Lindsay is looking forward to giving back to the college and the communities it serves, and ensuring the college remains a top choice for postsecondary education.
1.866.296.2472
Page 2 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
greatplainscollege.ca
Welcome
Lindsay Thoreson
Brenda Burton
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Angie Reddekopp, Martensville KidSport Coordinator along with helper Dan Janzen, draw the winning recipients at Martensville’s A&W on Saturday, September 16th.
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.
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 3 - Regular Council
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
Recreation Program Update
The Fall Program Guide is now available. View the guide online to see what programs and events are coming up this Fall.
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:
Monday, September 25th – All about Scuffles, 6:30 PM North Ridge Centre
Monday, October 2nd and 16th Holiday Trinkets, 6:30 PM, North Ridge Centre
Tuesday, October 3rd – All about Ravioli. 6:30 PM, North Ridge Centre
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.
Saskatoon Kart Racers Present Ten-Year Plan to Council
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council met for the final time this month on Tuesday, September 19th. The meeting began with two delegations, the first from the Saskatoon Kart Racers Corp (SKRC) regarding a lease extension on the property they utilize in Martensville on 9th Street North. Representing the Saskatoon Kart Racers Corp. was Neil Boyle – President, Jason McCumber – Past President and Tim Black – Vice President. The three provided Council with a brief history of SKRC and outlined various improvements they have planned for the next ten years.
The SKRC has been operating within Martensville since August of 2002 and since then has seen numerous upgrades to the area. The Club, which currently has a membership of over 90, hopes to continue to grow and maintain the facility for all of its members. In the upcoming ten years, the organization is planning to reverse track direction to provide both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, do a PIT Lane Area expansion, provide an RV parking area, add showers and toilets, as well as a picnic area, do various track improvements; including resurfacing the track, add a City water and sewer connection, develop new pit area pathways, develop the spectator areas, provide a Club House upgrade and add track lights. In total, the planned upgrades are estimated to cost approximately $630,000, plus the cost to connect City utilities.
The September 19th meeting also included an update from City administration, which included information from each department. Within the Recreation & Community Services Department, it was noted that the new kitchen exhaust system is operational within the Sports Centre kitchen, and posts for the North Ridge Community Centre parking lot gate have been installed, with the project to install gates to limit access to the area during non-operational hours expected to be completed by the end of this month.
A change is taking place within the Infrastructure and Planning Department, with a new Infrastructure Manager, Usman Ahmad taking on the position as of September 19th. The report noted that Ahmad “brings with him a wealth of experience in civil engineering design as well as infrastructure operations.”
Multiple motions from last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting were brought back for approval this week, including a request regarding Canadian Tire in Martensville, where Council was asked to approve a parking-in-lieu request to waive the construction of twelve parking spaces during the expansion project planned for the location.
The next Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 3rd at 5pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. More information regarding this meeting can be found by visiting martensville.ca.
Keeping our Lanes and Properties Clean, Fall Back Lane Clean-up starts on September 25th
Placing garbage, materials or waste in our lanes is unsightly, can attract pests, be unsafe and impede maintenance or access to properties.
Property owners along a boulevard or lane are responsible for ensuring these areas are cleaned up. Key points under the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw include:
- The owner or occupier of property along a boulevard or lane shall ensure that the portion of the boulevard or lane next to the property, up to the centre line of the lane, is kept free and clear, at all times of weeds, uncontrolled growth of grass, plants and tree/shrub overgrowth.
- Dumping or placing any garden, vegetation, waste materials or tree branches along the boulevard or lane is against the municipal bylaw and subject to enforcement
- Use of lanes or boulevards for the dumping of household furniture, building materials or tires is not permitted.
Questions about Boulevard or Lane Maintenance can be referred to City Hall or consult the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw at Martensville.ca
The City of Martensville conducts an annual back lane and general clean-up once a year with this year’s dates being:
September 25th-28th for neighbourhoods North of Main Street
October 2nd -5th for neighbourhoods South of Main Street
Items may be placed for pick-up one week before the scheduled pick-up. There is only one pass so please have your items out no more than one week prior to your neighbourhood’s scheduled start date.
In the interim please utilize the Loraas Landfill. Waste placed in lanes before scheduled back lane pick-up times remains regulated under the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw and is subject to enforcement.
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.
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.
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Phone: 306-668-1093
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Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.
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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 - Page 3
Your City; Your Newspaper
E S S E N G E R
ABOVE: This weekend, the Martensville High School (MHS) Senior Girls volleyball team participated in a tournament held by VCA. The team went undefeated in six games and ended up in first place after beating Clavet in the final.
BACK ROW: (L to R) Ava McConnell, Kennedi Paquette, Sierra Schmaltz, Kirsten Schira, Ana Raicevic, and Jayden Baldwin. MIDDLE ROW: Coach Deb Maguire, Mataya Sader, Emerson Bloomquist, Laekyn Michaud, Macklin Kennon, Olivia Colter, and Coach Leah Durant. FRONT ROW: Marleigh Woloshyn, Aiden Woloshyn, Peytin Johnson, Alexa Thomas, and Emersyn Thomas.
Ph:
Royals Head into New 12-Aside Season with a Sense of Camaraderie and Unity
Submitted
by MHS
Royals Coach Tyler Munday
The Martensville Royals football team is gearing up for an exciting season in the new 12-Aside North League, featuring fierce competition from schools such as P.A. Carlton, P.A. St. Mary's, North Battleford Comp, and Lloydminster Comp. With a strong partnership with Warman, we are proud to have 16 Warman High School students joining our ranks this season. Our team is ready to make its mark in this competitive league, with a roster of 57 dedicated players.
The Martensville Royals started the season on a high note with a dominant performance in our first exhibition game against Bethlehem. The scoreboard read 41-14 in our favor, showcasing the potential of our talented team. The highlight of the game was our defense, which provided us with three pick-sixes in the first quarter alone. This exceptional defensive effort demonstrated our commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball.
Our journey continued as the team headed to Prince Albert on the night of September 14th to face off against P.A. Carlton in our first league game. As a relatively young team, we understand the challenges that lie ahead, but we are undeniably athletic, enthusiastic, and ready to tackle the season head-on. The game ended with the Carlton Crusaders winning with a score of 34-3.
The Martensville Royals football team takes pride in its sense of unity and camaraderie. We believe that the co-op with Warman and the addition of 16 Warman High School students have strengthened our bonds and diversified our talents. We are more than just a team; we are a family, working together towards a common goal –success on the field.
As we embark on this new season in the 12-Aside North League, the Martensville Royals football team is filled with excitement and determination. We aim to build on our early success, face challenges head-on, and continue to grow as a team. With our athletic prowess and unwavering spirit, we look forward to an exhilarating season and invite all our fans and supporters to join us on this thrilling journey. Go Royals
Martensville Royals 2023 Roster
PLAYERS: Jared Festus #2 (Grade 12 WR), Carter Flynn #3 (Grade 12 WR), Teyson Baschuk #4 (Grade 10 WR), Chase Ogden #5 (Grade 10 CB), Noah Marcotte #6 (Grade 11 DE), Wayne Brown #7 (Grade 11 WR), Kaden Weidman #8 (Grade 11 CB), Aidan Low #9 (Grade 11 HB), Thomas Shoemaker #10(Grade 12 QB), Braun Winjack-Zubrowski #11 (Grade 11 WR), Levi Nugent #12 (Grade 11 WR), Cameron Kliewer #13 (Grade 11 WR), Hawkley Dereniwski #14 (Grade 10 WR), Lane Robertson #15 (Grade 9 WR), Saxon Hind #16 (Grade 10 DB), Cooper Ogden #17 (Grade 10 WR), Corben Wegman #18 (Grade 10 LB), Blake Fontain #19 (Grade 10 WR), Preston Busby #20 (Grade 11 WR), James Fasooto #22 (Grade 12 RB), Ethan Douglas #23 (Grade 11 HB), Jace Lightburn #24 (Grade 11 WR), D’Shawn Lewis #25 (Grade 10 S), Austyn Willis #26 (Grade 10 WR), Brock Bishop #27 (Grade 10 LB), Caton Harrison #28 (Grade 11 RB), Conner Zaretski #30 (Grade 10 LB), Kye Webster #32 (Grade 10 RB), Denver Schira #33 (Grade 10 LB), Cole Schiebelbein #35 (Grade 10 RB), Hudson Donaldson #36 (Grade 11 WR), Gavin Gordon #40 (Grade 12 DB), Ezekiel Topping #42 (Grade 12 LB), Jackson Hull #44 (Grade 12 LB), Cale Robertson #45 (Grade 12 LB), Griffin Baan #46 (Grade 11 OLB), Parker Stevenson #50 (Grade 9 S), Krihschen Banach #52 (Grade 12 DB), Ethan Pilot #53 (Grade 10 DL), Sabahat Mian #54 (Grade 11 DT), Chase Schiebelbein #55 (Grade 12 LG), Kolten Lavallee #56 (Grade 10 DL), Jake Diederichs #58 (Grade 10 OL), Jaxon Peterson #60 (Grade 12 LT), Cole Grona #61 (Grade 12 RG), Deacon Girad #62 (Grade 10 OL), George McLean #63 (Grade 11 DE), Cooper Corbett #64 (Grade 10 DL), Chase Hahn #66 (Grade 12 OT), Hunter Dumont #66 (Grade 12 C), Nevin Van Denbussche #68 (Grade 12 LG), Wyley Loewen #69 (Grade 10 DL), Kael Zelisko #70 (Grade 10 LB), Daniel Jones #72 (Grade 10 LT), Seth Jones #75 (Grade 12 WR), Ryder Markewich #77 (Grade 11 RG), Brooklyn Hnatyshyn #83 (Grade 9 WR), William Sawyer-Murray #84 (Grade 10 WR), Will Zinterer #88 (Grade 11 DE).
STUDENT TRAINERS: Riley Palmer, Keira Choponis, Addy Bradford, Sophie Millard and Brook Husnick.
STAFF MANAGER: Teresa Koop-Hunter. STAFF COACH: Tyler Munday.
HEAD COACH: Craig Robertson. STAFF COACH: Shane Garner. COACHES: Rob Dereniwski, Dylan Babecy, James Mueller, Kaden Solomon, Brodey Kliewer, Barry Low and Eric Presceky.
Page 4 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER SPORTS
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Golf Tournament Fundraiser in Support of Youth Mental Health Draws Good Crowd
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
It was a beautiful day for golf lovers to come out and enjoy the Brighter Future Golf Tournament fundraiser that was held at The Legends Golf Club in Warman on Friday, September 15th.
Sixty participants came out to enjoy the amazing day with an 18 hole ‘best ball’ round of golf which started at 1pm. Another thirty people joined for the Italian dinner provided at the Legends followed with a silent auction and banquet, as well as live entertainment provided by local talent Kris Klyne.
All proceeds for the tournament went towards keeping mental health programs for youth in the Saskatoon and Martensville community free and accessible; Possibilities Recovery Center and Martensville Youth Connection (MYC).
Tanner Perratt, Founder and Executive Director of Possibilities Recovery Center started the evening thanking their sponsors. “Events like these would not have been possible without major support from these businesses who make doing the work we do possible.”
Their Premiere Sponsor for the event was Saskatoon Media Group who owns and operates three Saskatchewan radio stations; 92.9 The Bull; 98COOL; and Legendary Country 600 CJWW.
“They are proud to support youth and the next generation. The day I did an interview that aired on their stations it wasn’t an hour later we had a 98 Cool listener call and book an assessment because she didn’t know we existed. We’re grateful for their support in bringing awareness to our work.”
Their Title Sponsor for the Event was Direct Fencing Supply Martensville. They were founded in 2012 in Saskatoon and have made it their mission to build long term, trustworthy relationships with clients. Direct Fencing Supply has been a supporter of MYC since the very beginning.
The Luxury Sponsors for this Event were Martensville’s own Lakeview Insurance Group and Geransky Brothers Construction. Lakeview Insurance Brokerage is a diversified insurance network that spans across the Prairies. Their highest goal is to serve clients with genuine interest and integrity. This is a virtue and moral principle that guides them in all their decisions. “Lakeview has also been a supporter of MYC since day one and Jaycee Turtle, Branch Manager, has done a lot herself to support MYC and we want to thank you.”
According to the Geransky Brothers Construction team, their business exists to build lasting foundations in their community, offering a workplace that the team can grow to be their best as they provide for those they care about. “We are honored to partner with The Martensville Youth Connection to build and invest in our next generation!”
The Prestige Sponsor was SGI Canada. SGI employs over 2,000 people and works with a network of nearly 400 motor licence issuers in Saskatchewan.
SGI CANADA works with more than 300 independent insurance brokerages in more than 1,500 locations in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.
“I’d like to give a big thank you to SGI for their ongoing support of youth mental health,” said Perratt.
Perratt then gave a summary of the work they offer.
“We currently have four different programs in operation through Possibilities and three of the four programs are offered to participants at zero cost to them. Two of our youth programs are the recipients of funds raised here today, Possibilities Recovery Center and Martensville Youth Connection (MYC).”
“Possibilities Recovery Center was founded in 2020 with a vision to provide clients with a quality addictions treatment program that follows an EvidenceBased model and is delivered using a practical delivery method. Our first program is a collaboration with Elizabeth Fry Society and is funded by a Health Canada grant for two years. It is a 16-week addiction treatment program for Indigenous Women and Gender Diverse folks completing sentences with the criminal justice system. PRC provides the treatment program and Efry provides support with housing, employment, and social support. The goal is to reduce recidivism and create healthier individuals and families which indirectly creates a better community.”
Secondly, they offer an Adult Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program. This program is 8-16 weeks in length and is offered as a three hour per day group session that allows a person to remain active in their daily life.
“As one client put it, ‘A few months ago I completed a high class 6-week inpatient program in BC and within a week of returning home I had relapsed and felt hopeless. Although your material is similar the fact that I’m learning it and going home each night and having to put it to practical use is a game changer.’ To date this client has been successful in their recovery and is back to work full time. We have a total of 20 adult treatment spots and our groups are operating very close to capacity.”
The third program offered is their Youth Intensive Outpatient Mental Wellness Program.
“This program is developed cloning our adult program but tailored to meet youth where they’re at. It is still very much substance focused but adds in a lot more info about compulsive behaviour as many youths don’t identify with having an addiction but can relate to the compulsive behaviour. Things like distorted eating and self-harm are recognizable areas that we need to address with youth.”
These three programs are their intervention side of Possibilities. The fourth program offered is focused on youth prevention, and it has developed into an amazing community mental wellness program, the Martensville Youth Connection.
Youth Connection Manager Katharine Carter spoke on behalf of the MYC and began by saying that she is honored to speak about a program that holds a special place in her heart.
“This is not just a program; it is a hub of hope, growth, and transformation for our youth,” said Carter.
“The MYC stands as a symbol of our commitment to nurturing and empowering the future generations of Martensville. Founded on the principles of inclusiveness, education, and support, MYC has been a beacon of light for our youth since 2020.”
“At MYC, the mission is clear: to engage, inspire, and uplift our youth. It’s a place where young minds come to explore their potential, to learn, and to dream. MYC understands the challenges that today’s youth face, from academic pressures to social dynamics, and it provides a safe haven—a place where they can be themselves, free from judgment.”
Carter stated that MYC is not just about recreation and leisure; it’s about education and personal development. Through various programs and initiatives, MYC equips youth with essential life skills, fosters leadership, and promotes community engagement. It’s about building not just strong individuals but responsible citizens who care about the world around them.
“We have been supporting seniors, completing community clean ups, helping at Buster days and leaving positive notes for the community.”
One of the remarkable aspects of MYC is its dedication to inclusiveness. It recognizes that every youth is unique, and it celebrates diversity. MYC values and respects cultural differences, creating an environment where all backgrounds are embraced. This ensures that every young person feels a sense of belonging, a sense of identity, and a sense of pride in who they are. This was evident in the testimonies that were provided during the evening by some of the youth who have participated in the program.
“The impact of MYC on our community is immeasurable. It’s a place where lasting friendships are formed, where talents are discovered, and where futures are shaped. It’s a place that gives hope to parents, knowing that their children have a place to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Carter explained that MYC’s journey is not without its challenges. To continue providing these vital services, they rely on support from generous individuals and organizations such as the sponsors that were discussed earlier in the evening.
“It’s a collective effort, and each contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in the lives of our youth.”
From January to July, 260 different youth in Martensville attended the program and have been accessed by these youth over 1,000 times.
“The Martensville Youth Connection is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in our community. It’s a place where our youth find guidance, support, and a chance to flourish. As we reflect on the importance of MYC, let us remember that investing in our youth today is an investment in a brighter tomorrow.”
“Thank you for your attention and let us all continue to support and celebrate the Martensville Youth Connection and the incredible work they do for our community. Together, we can help our youth reach for the stars and achieve their dreams.”
For more information about these programs, go to possibilitiesrecovery.ca or the Martensville Youth Connection Facebook page.
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ABOVE: Youth Connection Manager Katharine Carter. (Submitted)
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RIGHT: Tanner Perratt, Founder and Executive Director of Possibilities Recovery Centre, and Katharine Carter, Youth Connection Manager, speak at The Legends golf tournament fundraiser. (Submitted)
Page 6 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
Tough Governance Choices Come Home to Roost
The problem with running government; especially in a place like Saskatchewan; is that you are always confronted with tough choices for problems you can’t easily fix. Such problems are magnified in places like Saskatchewan for familiar reason: A sparse and scattered population in need of services that are hard to deliver; the unpredictability of revenue from agriculture, oil and mining where neither people nor government be assured of predictable income, and; an unhospitable climate of long, cold winters and hot, dry and stormy summers.
Think of how the above adds to the cost and difficulty of seeing a local doctor when you have to travel long distances over rough and icy roads. Think about how it affects getting to a hospital when someone in your family gets sick or is about to give birth or getting local care or how much more difficulty if you want to visit an elderly loved one in a care home. Think about the challenges of getting your kids to a good school how these things affect their opportunities to go to university or simply get a good job in this province after they graduate.
Consider how all this has been a key component in why our children have been leaving this province for better opportunities elsewhere for almost a century now and about all the time, energy and resources governments have exhausted trying to bring them home or perhaps attract other people from around the world to come here and replace them.
This takes us to today where a Saskatchewan Party government again seems to be confronted by problems demonstrating that governing is hard and is an especially hard thing to do here.
Since the beginning of summer, the Sask. Party has seen its majority reduced by two seats after losing two byelections in north Regina. It easily retained one rural seat in Lumsden-Morse, but it seems that the Sask. Party’s concerned are now the strong showing by the upstart Saskatchewan United Party that’s propelled it to take action on social policies like the “rights” of parents to be informed of the way their child in school is gender identifying in schools.
Protecting the rights of parents will be the first piece of legislation this fall, Premier Scott Moe told supporters during a recent fundraising dinner; however, it seems the real problems facing real people often have more to do with meat and potato economic issues that social issues that go beyond those in poverty.
Prior to the Moe’s pronouncement on parents and pronouns and schools and after his less-than-pleasing byelection results, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer announced the surplus in 2023-24 budget released in March with more than a billion dollars surplus is now projected to have less than half that surplus.
Some rightly point out that the Sask. Party government’s decision to take on social issues like gender identity in classrooms conveniently deflected from issues like overcrowded classrooms as children return to schools this month.
Consider how this ever-present difficulty in governing of finding the money to deal with overcrowded classrooms in the cities (that are growing and likely in need of infrastructure help) or split grades in rural schools (that’s suffering from depopulation and has to contend with the impact) relates to our long-standing issues and every time government makes a choice, someone asks: Is it making the difficult choices or the popular one?
In fairness, it’s not as if the Sask. Party government or any other always opts for the political choice. For example, the still-unexplained reason for not excepting a $2 million donation for an MRI in Estevan would be locally popular but may not be the choice best suiting the overall needs of the Ministry of Health, but it is one more reminder that the choices in government are never easy ones.
Provincial Government Approves SaskEnergy Bill Decrease for October 1, 2023
Going into the winter season, SaskEnergy customers will be paying less on their monthly natural gas bills.
The Government of Saskatchewan has approved SaskEnergy's commodity rate decrease of 24.5 per cent, bringing it from $4.20 per gigajoule (GJ) to $3.20/GJ, as well as its five per cent delivery service rate increase.
Effective October 1, 2023, this combined rate adjustment will result in an overall bill decrease of nearly eight per cent or $6.52 per month for the average residential customer.
"Affordability is front and centre in all utility rate decisions in Saskatchewan," Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Dustin Duncan said. "SaskEnergy has done solid work on managing fluctuating markets by using its hedging program to lock in natural gas at beneficial prices. That hedging strategy provides price stability and shields customers from the extremes of market volatility."
SaskEnergy bills are a combination of two rates - the commodity rate and the
delivery service rate. The commodity rate is set on a costrecovery basis, reflecting the market price of natural gas, with no profit or loss earned or incurred by SaskEnergy. The delivery service rate supports planned investment in system integrity and safety efforts of about $50 million annually, as well as investment in the growing communities of Saskatchewan.
"We have a responsibility to provide affordable service to our customers while also investing in the maintenance and growth of our system," SaskEnergy President and CEO Mark Guillet said. "This rate adjustment allows us to provide lower bills for customers while also addressing inflationary pressures we have been managing, such as rising fuel and operating expenses."
In June, SaskEnergy applied to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel (SRRP) for a combined rate adjustment. After analysis of the application, the SRRP recommended that the provincial government approve a commodity rate reduction and delivery service rate increase.
Fall Fundraiser Being Held to Support Sport in Martensville
The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) will be hosting a fall fundraiser which will be taking place on Saturday, November 4th at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville.
“You are invited to an unforgettable evening in support of our community’s exciting recreation centre project, KidSport and our new 15AA Marauder Hockey Team. Get ready to be dazzled and delighted at our exclusive fundraiser event, where cocktails, a sumptuous plated dinner by the renowned Sports Page and mesmerizing entertainment by Kris Klyne and Matt Gore (the Magician) will take centre stage,” the MCRP explained via their social media announcement about the event.
The event will begin with cocktail hour at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6pm and entertainment at 7:30pm.
All proceeds raised through this event will go towards supporting the new Martensville Recreation Centre, KidSport and the newest addition to hockey in Martensville, the 15AA Marauder team. Tickets can be reserved by following the link provided on the ‘Martensville Community Recreation Project’ Facebook page, or contacting Brenda Black at Brenda.black405@gmail.com.
Truth and Reconciliation Speaker Series
Continues in Wheatland
Wheatland Regional Library is honoured and excited to partner with Tim Poitras for the 2023 edition of their Truth and Reconciliation Speaker Series.
“We hope that our work with Tim and future speakers will be opportunities for everyone in the community to learn, build relationships and engage in actions that bring us forward along our shared journey of Truth and Reconciliation” says Desirae Munro, Branch Manager, Wheatland Regional Library.
Tim Poitras is Lakota/Dakota of the Muscowpetung First Nation on Treaty 4 Territory. He will be sharing his experiences as a Residential School survivor, Knowledge Keeper, and Sundance Chief in his all-ages presentation.
Wheatland Regional Library will be hosting a number of presentations in September as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Everyone is invited to attend an event in their area. Tim’s presentation in Warman will also be live streamed on the Wheatland Regional Library Facebook page to increase access for those unable to attend in-person.
More information about the tour can be found on the Wheatland Regional Library website at www.wheatland. sk.ca.
The schedule is:
Friday, September 29 – Eston, 11:30am Eston Library – 218 Main Street
Saturday, September 30 – Waldheim, 12 noon - Waldheim Library – 409 Main Street
Saturday, September 30 – Warman, 5:00pm doors open at 4:30pm- Warman Community Middle School Theatre – 700 Gowan Road.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 - Page 7 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.
$250,000 EXTRA Win in Martensville
Tammy Lee was enjoying time with her family when the day took a surprising turn and got 250,000 times better.
The Martensville local discovered she had won the top EXTRA prize of $250,000 on her DAILY GRAND ticket for August 10.
“It was borscht day,” she explained while claiming her prize in Saskatoon. “My family was all around me and I took a quick break to check some of my tickets.”
The winner said initially she thought she won $250. When she realized there were too many zeroes for it to be $250, she was completely stunned.
“I couldn’t speak! I just gasped and showed my phone screen to my family across the table,” she said. “I kept looking at the screen thinking, ‘This can’t be real. Is this real?!’”
To celebrate her win, Lee said she is going to start by spoiling her family.
“I’m going to take everyone for a trip this holiday season,” she said. “I’m thinking somewhere all-inclusive!”
Lee picked up her winning DAILY GRAND and EXTRA ticket as part of a $24 Super Pack. She purchased her tickets from the Martensville Corner Store located at 301 Centennial Dr. N in Martensville. Her EXTRA-winning numbers were: 5586589.
Sask Lotteries is the main fundraiser for more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups in communities across Saskatchewan.
Page 8 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
ABOVE: Tammy Lee of Martensville recently won $250,000 on a DAILY GRAND ticket.
