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Page 2 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 - martensville messenger

Martensville Collective Health and Wellness Continues to Serve Community, Despite Some Changes Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Although things have changed over the course of 2020, one thing that has not is the dedication that Dr. Allison Adamus and everyone at Martensville Collective Health and Wellness (MCHW) have for this community.

Currently MCHW has four doctors working within their walls; Dr. Adamus, Dr. Wong, Dr. Strasser and Dr. Okunola, with Dr. Walker returning from her leave near the end of October or beginning of November.

The clinic is still running normal hours, with walk-ins being accepted from 5:00pm to 8:30pm ABOVE: Dr. Allison Adamus Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 2:00pm on Friday. “We have the same hours, but now instead of actually physically walking in, we are doing appointments over the phone and if the physician feels that an in-person exam is needed after the initial phone call, they will incite them into the clinic,” Dr. Adamus explained.

COVID-19 precautions have forced many places to modify their operations; however, Dr. Adamus noted that some of these changes have been for the better. “The ability to do phone visits was something that was never covered through medical services at the provincial level and instead was always a private service. Now that this is covered by the health card, if is quite exciting. I am looking forward to the day when we go back to the majority of visits being in-person, with the minority being over the phone though. I believe we are going to get there, but right now, with all of the enhanced cleaning requirements when someone comes in-person, it is very difficult to keep up with as many in-person visits as we used to have, so anything that can be done over the phone will be done that way for now to minimize those in-person visits,” Dr. Adamus said.

Having been a big part of the community since November of 2014, MCHW has been able to support more patients throughout the years; however, Dr. Adamus said that there is still much need within the area and they are continually working to bring in more services.

Prior to COVID-19, MCHW was offering mental health services within the clinic, which Adamus stated was a start, but still only a drop in the bucket to what the community needs. “We have great private services in our community and wonderful partners that way, but there are many patients that are unable to afford private mental health services, or cannot access services offered in Saskatoon. This is something that we ��������

ABOVE: Martensville Collective Health and Wellness is still open to the public, and asks that those seeking an appointment call first to speak with a physician.

are still fighting passionately for,” she stated. Now that there are more doctors working out of MCHW, they no longer have the room to continue with mental health services, but they are working with Family Services Saskatoon to find an alternate location within Martensville, as well as with Saskatchewan Health Authority to bring in more publicly funded services.

This past March, Dr. Adamus took on the position of Area Division Lead for Pandemic Planning in Family Medicine for the Saskatoon North Division with Saskatchewan Health Authority. Since then, the role has evolved, and Adamus noted that it will continue to evolve as time progresses. She stated that much of the work has had to do with pandemic planning and making sure that everyone is safe within personal care homes.

For now, Dr. Adamus said that is it most important for people to remember general health and safety right now and that everyone does their best to keep the COVID numbers in our community low. Additionally, there is much talk being done both locally and provincially about how the flu vaccinations will be done this year, as mass gatherings are not possible due to COVID. “There is a lot of talking and creative thinking on how that’s going to happen taking place and we are still hopeful as a clinic in this community that we can provide this service for Martensville and area. We are working to get final details on how we can do that within the parameters of the COVID precautions.”

“We really want people to know that we are still here and we will continue to be here to serve the community. We are not closed. Things are just being done differently, so please do give us a call and if there is anything that we can help with, we are certainly still here.”

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martensville messenger - SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 - Page 3

October Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend.

Regular Council Meeting- October 6th Committee of the Whole- October 13th Regular Council Meeting- October 20th The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers.

Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM. 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.

Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic- What you Should Know!

City Hall has reopened to the public, however with some guidelines currently in place.

Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of September 17th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open, with occupancy limits City Hall - Open Aquatic Centre- Closed for the Season Northridge Centre - Open for Bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre - Open for bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Open Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time.

Residents and Customers are requested to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall.

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies - should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Protective Services - There are no changes in duty or status to Protective Services such as the RCMP, Martensville Fire Department, and Ambulance Service.

Water and Sewer - These services remain unimpacted and unchanged, including water quality testing. Meter reading will continue to take place under the Read/Estimate schedule; however, staff will not be doing reads of meters located inside of homes or occupied buildings. In these cases, estimates will be taken or reads can be provided into City Hall. In respect to water and sewer emergencies, city staff may not be able to enter resident homes at this time and private contractors should be considered.

Water Meter Read/Estimate Schedule - Normally the Read/Estimate Schedule that takes place from October-April would be completed and the entire City would have water meter reads completed by City of Martensville Meter Readers. However due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Water Meter Read/Estimate schedule continues to be extended into foreseeable future Garbage and Recycling - Services remain in place and on schedule with no anticipated service delays at this time. Organics collection has also commenced.

Road Maintenance - will continue as required and is not expected to change at this time.

Playgrounds and Sports Fields - Playgrounds are currently open. The Spray Park is open.

Sports Fields have reopened but users should continue to follow activity guidelines as may be provided under the Provincial Re-Open plan.

Trails and passive park spaces remain open for use, but we continue to urge residents to incorporate safe practices.

Utility and Property Tax Updates - The City has implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, currently in place: • • • •

Interest charges on utility bills will be suspended until November 1, 2020.

Water service will not be discontinued due to non-payment or overdue account status.

The deadline for property tax payments will be extended from July 31 to October 30, 2020.

All interest charges on property tax owing will be suspended until November 1, 2020.

Stay Informed! - The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca.

Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

Still Plenty to Do! Culture Days Events The City of Martensville is once again celebrating culture days this year! We have three different events taking place, Art for all Ages, where you get to try Sculpting, Painting and Wood Carving; Seniors Try-it Event where older adults can try Pickleball, Gentle Yoga, Walking Soccer, or Line Dancing; and Handcrafts for All Ages where we will have a variety of handcrafts being demonstrated! Theses events take place at the end of September, they are free to anyone but registration is required! Visit the City or Martensville Program Registration page, or phone us at 306-683-5576 for more information!

Fall Back Lane and General Clean-up Schedule

This service aims at limiting the amount of trash and debris that is dumped in back lanes, at the City yard waste depot, and business/contractor dumpsters. This program is intended for residential household yard cleanup waste, and not intended for commercial and industrial business waste. It is the responsibility of residents to ensure that their waste is disposed of properly.

Residents that live South of Main Street will have their items picked up the week of September 28th-October 2nd. All items will need to be out by September 28th - 8:00 AM. Residents that live North of Main Street will have their items picked up the week of October 5th-9th. All items will need to be out by October 5th - 8:00 AM. Items should not be placed out prior to one week for scheduled pick-up. There also will only make ‘one-pass’ so please have your items out in time.

Visit Martensville.ca for a list of Accepted and Non-Accepted Items

Sump Pump Discharge- What Residents Should Know

• Don’t allow discharge to become a hazard for pedestrians and property.

Measures must be taken by property owners to prevent ponding, icing, mud, or algae build up on both public and private property.

• Sump pumps MUST NOT discharge into the sanitary sewer system unless given written permission by the Director of Infrastructure and Planning or if the system into the sanitary sewer was installed prior to the adoption of the Sump Pit and Surface Discharge Bylaw on February 1, 2008.

• Sump pump discharge lines must be directed into the rear yard only unless given written permission by the Director of Infrastructure and Planning to do otherwise.

The City also asks that the discharge lines remain 3 meters (9 feet) from the rear property line and 1 meter (3 feet) from the side property lines.

Any questions or concerns related to sump pumps, discharge or drainage can be directed to City Hall.

Page 4 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 - martensville messenger

Positive Case of COVID-19 Identified at Martensville School Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Students at Venture Heights Elementary School enjoy the fall weather, while participating in class at a safe distance from one another. (Facebook)

Notice of Call for Nominations School Division Elections

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office of: BOARD MEMBER: ST. PAUL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 20, SUBDIVISION NO. 1 will be received by the undersigned on the 7th day of October 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board Office, 420 - 22nd Street East, Saskatoon, SK and during regular business hours on September 14th, 2020 to October 6th, 2020 at the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board Office, 420 - 22nd Street East, Saskatoon, SK. Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location(s): • Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board Office 420 - 22nd Street East, Saskatoon, SK • Aberdeen Town Office • Clavet Village Office • Viscount Village Office • Martensville City Hall • Warman City Hall • Vonda Town Office • Prud’homme Village Office • Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools website: www.gscs.ca/election Dated this 14th day of September 2020.

Ron Walter Returning Officer

A positive case of COVID-19 was identified by officials from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) in an individual at Valley Manor Elementary School (VMS) in Martensville on September 21st.

In a media release from Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD), Brenda Erickson stated that communication has been shared with the specific classroom/ cohort, as well as the school community. Erickson continued to state that the SHA is conducting contact tracing.

“Our thoughts are with this member of our school community, and we hope they are doing well. We all have a shared responsibility to decrease the risk of COVID-19 entering schools. Our school plans contain many important measures, processes and protocols which add layers of protection for students and staff,” Erickson said, adding that no other details will be shared.

A letter was sent to parents from VMS on Monday, September 21st stating that “Public Health will be contacting parents/guardians of students and any staff/ visitors/volunteers who may have been in close contact with the case and providing direction,” Principal Garth Harrison said in the letter, adding that, “If you do not hear from them, your child has not been exposed because of the measures that are in place.”

All schools within PSSD have a Safe School Plan in effect, including VMS, which include measures such as having students bring a full water bottle, having students go home at lunch, not arriving before 8:40am, entering the school through assigning doors, sanitization procedures and more.

In a recent post to their Facebook page, Harrison noted the protocol regarding students being sent home with COVID symptoms, noting that the school has 640 staff and students that they are responsible for, and that they are following Sask Health’s Guidelines.

The post stated that if a student is identified as having symptoms, including allergy symptoms that are common with COVID, they are obligated to contact the parents and have them come and pick up the child. From there, the family will be given instructions to call 811 and follow the directions regarding quarantine, isolation, or testing. Harrison also added that the policy states that the child is not to return to school until they are symptom free for 48 hours.

“We ask for your understanding during these unusual times and hope for some less strict guidelines when our provincial numbers start to drop,” Harrison stated in the post.

Students and families are reminded to be diligent in performing the daily health screening, stay home if ill, call HealthLine 811 if exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, practice proper hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing as much as possible, wear a mask when appropriate, and do everything we can to keep each other safe.

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Valley United Soccer Club (VSA) opened up its registration for the 2020 season for competitive girls and boys wanting to play inter league/club games for ages U15 to U19.

Because they play in the Saskatoon Soccer League, they have to follow their rules for return to play due to COVID-19 regulations. This year there will only be two sessions for the indoor league.

The first one will run from October to December. The other one will begin after the New Year. They are also offering a Development program to the U9 – U13 age groups.

“We have only opened registration for the first session at this time as we are uncertain what could change once the season gets underway. This is the reason we offered the Developmental program to the younger age groups, which would fall under the VSA/ Valley United ‘Return to Play’ program. We thought it would be easier for parents who don't wish to travel into the city to offer something to the communities in the Valley bubble,” stated Christine Halisky, Valley United Soccer Club representative.

She also said that the younger kids could play in the Exclusively Sold Through city if they choose to if they are playing in the competitive league, depending on where they live.

“The younger children are only playing mini games amongst their individual clubs and won't play against any other clubs.”

All events will be held at the Legends Centre in Warman.

For more information about VSA, you can email vusc. sk.reg@gmail.com or visit their website at valleysoccer.ca.

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Matheson Says Good-Bye to Martensville After Ten Years of Service to the MFD Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Jason Matheson has been a member of the Martensville Fire Department (MFD) for the past ten years.

He first joined as a way to give back to the community that he and his family were living in.

Being a firefighter was something that Matheson had always wanted to do, and in his time with the MFD, he had the opportunity to learn a wide array of skills that he will utilize in his plans to take the Safety Codes Officer Course, with plans to become a Fire Prevention Officer in Edmonton.

“I would like to thank the community for their support. It was the best experience of my life. I met so many friends that will be friends for life and I learned so much along the way. If you have ever thought about being a firefighter, I would encourage you to apply to be a part of the great team of MFD. They are second to none,” Matheson said.

The Martensville Messenger would like to thank Matheson for his years of service to our community and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

martensville messenger - SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 - Page 5

Additional Influenza Vaccine Ordered To Accommodate Anticipated Increase In Demand

While COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind right now, influenza season is just around the corner. In anticipation of this, the Ministry of Health has purchased 36.5 per cent more vaccine than last year to meet the anticipated increase in demand.

Another enhancement to the seasonal influenza immunization program is the addition of no cost access to the high dose vaccine for personal care home residents 65 years of age or older. Long-term care residents in the same age bracket will receive the high dose vaccine at no cost again for the third year.

“It is always a good idea to receive the influenza vaccination but it is particularly important during the pandemic,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Receiving the vaccine will help prevent the spread of influenza.”

Flu shots are recommended for those at higher risk, including seniors, people with underlying chronic health conditions, children under five and pregnant women.

Seniors often have chronic health conditions (like heart or lung disease or diabetes) and weaker immune systems, which makes them particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza.

There will be modifications to where and how flu shots will be administered this year. To accommodate public health precautions due to COVID-19, there will be increased physical distancing and sanitization procedures. Details will be available when the fall immunization program gets underway in mid-October.

For further information on influenza symptoms and when to seek care, call HealthLine 811 or visit www.healthlineonline.ca.

Martensville Fire Department Receives Training on Newly Purchased Extrication Equipment

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Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Recently, the Martensville Fire Department had a chance to get in some extra training with their new equipment - Halmatro Pentheon cordless extrication tools. This new equipment consists of a spreader, cutter, ram and combination tool which will all be placed on their new Rescue Unit 5.

Mike Beamish, Holmatro Rescue Tool Specialist with Sea Hawk worked with members of the MFD on an Awareness and Operations Extrication course, getting an overview of the equipment that was purchased as well as a lesson on how it all functions.

A total of 16 members of the MFD participated in the course, which consisted of an evening and part of a morning dedicated to classroom theory, where MFD members learned the basics and some of the more advanced facets of extrication.

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In addition, the members did some hands on training, where they worked with nine different vehicles and had the opportunity to practice extrication skills in a variety of circumstances from head on collisions, to rollovers, as well as multiple vehicle accidents.

Dean Brooman, MFD Deputy Fire Chief explained that the training was requested because there are new members to the department, and also, the training is a good refresher for veterans on the department. “Members who participated in the course will receive certification on extrication from the province of Saskatchewan,” Brooman said.

Brooman added that the members that participated in the training were grateful for the opportunity. “Skills were put to the test along with the equipment recently purchased. A tremendous amount of learning was done and reviewed Our new tools performed flawlessly and rose to the task at hand.”

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Page 6 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 - martensville messenger

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Province United Behind Sask. Party

The province isn’t quite as divided as we sometimes think, which is bad news for Ryan Meili and the NDP. For years, we have thought of Saskatchewan to be a province divided between urban and rural … and not without good reason.

It just wasn’t that long ago in Saskatchewan that it was just a given that the four biggest cities would vote NDP and the smaller cities, towns and farms would vote for anyone else.

It was a trend that started in the late 1970s when the NDP was already starting to lose farms still had bedrock support in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert. That all changed in 1982 when Grant Devine’s Progressive Conservatives not only swept most of the countryside but also every seat in the four major cities except for two in Regina’s core.

That city vote would revert back to the NDP in 1986 and remained solid NDP for the next four elections, including 2003 when the Saskatchewan Party - formed in 1997 via a merger of PC and Liberal MLAs as a single, right-wing alternative to the NDP - broke through with three urban seats.

Since the Sask. Party win in 2007, it’s grown its urban base to the point where it’s far less distinguishable from its rural base. There were 31 Sask.

Party seats in 2016 in which its candidates won by 2,500 votes or more. The significance of this is twofold: You need 31 seats in Saskatchewan’s 61-seat legislature to form a majority government and winning a seat by 2,500 votes in the previous election is a pretty solid benchmark when it comes to holding that seat in the next election.

In Saskatchewan’s entire history going back to 1905, there has been 1,703 MLAs elected or re-elected in general elections or by-elections. In all that time, there have been a total of six riding elections in which a party that registered a 2,500-vote win the next election.

Interestingly, this rarity happened four times in 1982 when Grant Devine’s Progressive Conservatives shocked the NDP in the home of North America’s first social democrats by knocking off NDP heavyweights like Roy Romanow.

In the 38 years since, no party has come close to winning a seat it lost in the previous election by 2,500 votes. In fact, winning any Saskatchewan seat by 2,500 had been a rather unusual event in election rates … or at least, it was until the arrival of the Sask. Party and its stronghold on rural seats.

However, it’s not just rural seats in which the Sask. Party has established a huge voter base that makes suddenly losing that seat unlikely.

Of those 31 seats in 2016 that the Sask. Party won by 2,500 votes or more, six were in the cities. In fact, the Sask. Party won a third of all the city seats in the one-time NDP stronghold that no other party could penetrate by more than 1,000 votes. A thousand votes is a very tough thing for any candidate to overcome.

It likely has a lot to do with fact that all voters in the province - rural and urban - have benefitted from the prosperity that has paralleled the Sask. Party years in power.

It’s worth remembering that Ralph Goodale; the last Liberal MP in this province; was voted out of office a year ago in the federal election.

So when Premier Scott Moe takes on federal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over support for oil and agriculture as he recently did in advance of the federal throne speech (and likely, the provincial election), there are city people cheering, but, mostly, it’s a reflection of how rural and city people are maybe a bit more similar in their politics right now than some assume.

Members of Council Seek Re-Election JAMIE MARTENS

Martensville City Councillor Jamie Martens will officially be running for her third term, after already contributing eight years on City Council.

“I am more than honoured to be representing Martensville. I am driven to bring the voice forward of the citizens through Council. It is an amazing opportunity for involvement in providing guidance for the future and growth of our city. I am always interested in what the citizens have to say and always willing to work towards a solution.

Together we can make our city one of the best places to live. Together is the key word.

We are here as a voice for you,” Martens said.

In her time serving on Council, Martens noted that the moments that have stood out most is to see the incredible growth within Martensville; including the construction of two new schools, planning for the future recreation facility, the support of the provincial government on the waste water project and overpass, along with much more. “I also ABOVE: Jamie Martens have to mention the incredible Council, as well as administration that we have, which works together for the best outcomes for the City.”

As for future plans that she would like to see for Martensville, Martens stated that she is still confident that the City will find a solution to the senior housing shortage that they have been working so diligently towards. “I would love to see more arts involvement for our City; be it arts symposiums, galleries, shows, drama and many more venues of expression.”

Martens will also be running for a position on the Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities this fall, which she stated, “Can be a new awareness for Martensville as a representative from Saskatchewan.”

MIKE COX

City Councillor Mike Cox has served Martensville for the past four years and is not done yet. Cox will be seeking re-election this fall and if elected is looking forward to serving another four years.

“I have appreciated the opportunity to work alongside the great people on this Council and with the great team at City Hall. I have also appreciated the opportunity to learn and grow as a member of Council and represent the people of our great community,” Cox said.

Cox added that this term feels like it went by quickly, so he would like to serve another term to see many of the decisions that were made throughout the past four years come to fruition.

In the past four years, Cox has appreciated having the chance to work alongside ABOVE: Mike Cox the Martensville Community Recreation Project to bring a new recreation facility to the City. “This amazing group of volunteers has worked hard over the years to raise funds through their annual fundraisers as well as raise awareness for this much needed facility in our community.”

One thing that Cox hopes to see if re-elected is increasing the number of senior housing and care facilities within Martensville. “Martensville is a relatively young community but we also know we have parents and grandparents who want to be close to their families or remain in their home community as they age. Unfortunately, there currently isn’t enough affordable seniors housing or care facilities in our community to meet the demand.

Martensville seniors are having to make a choice to leave our community to find affordable housing or long-term care facilities. There has been work to address this lack of seniors housing this term looking at feasibility studies. The next step is finding a way to address this shortage of available housing and care facilities in our community.”

“I appreciate the support of our community over the past four years and hope to be able to continue to serve in this role for the next four. Make sure to vote on November 9th.”

DEBBIE McGUIRE

Debbie McGuire decided to run for Martensville City Council four years ago because she loved the City that she has called home since 1980. After serving this past term, the experience has inspired her to once again run, in hopes of serving her community for another four-year term.

“I love Martensville and I am passionate about this City. I have learned a lot over the past four years and there are still many things that I would like to work towards, with additional senior housing being a main focus for me,” McGuire said.

McGuire added that she has enjoyed seeing first-hand the growth that Martensville has experienced over the past four years; including the recent announcement of a location for a new recreational facility; and is excited to look ahead to the future.

ABOVE: Debbie McGuire

When it comes to what she would like to see accomplished for the next Council term, McGuire stated that senior housing is a main focus for her, and a big part of her reason for running for Council a second time. “I would also like to see more beautification within the community and more activities for our youth. Honestly, I just really care about Martensville, that’s the bottom line. I want to be a part of this community, and be a voice for the people living here.”

Another topic that McGuire touched on was regarding expanding our business sector within Martensville.

“I think we need to grow that area so we can help take the tax burden off of residents.”

“I hope that people get out and vote to help voice their opinion. Also, make their questions and concerns heard. That’s what we as a Council are here for.”

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.

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Martensville Math Teacher Shares Analyses of COVID-19 Data to Help People Stay Positive Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

result of exposure.

Although schools were shut down early this

“Secondly, I am hoping that people realize that spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rory Bergermann, using mathematical modelling to make future projections is who teaches physics and math at Martensville High School, not a crystal ball. It is an estimate at best – regardless of kept busy educating people by sharing Saskatchewan’s what it is that we are attempting to predict with modelling.”

COVID-19 data daily on his Facebook page, which is now

He noted that the original projections back in March read by many people across the province. were forecasting a minimum of 3000 deaths if we locked

When asked what made him come up with the idea everything down and 8000 deaths if we did not lock down. to start this project, he stated that when the pandemic forced After six months we have 24 deaths. “I closures for many functioning parts of “By taking the daily data and don’t mean to trivialize these deaths, but Saskatchewan daily life, there was a graphing, analyzing, and our mathematical modelling projections lot of mathematical modelling being interpreting the meaning for were completely wrong.” used to make projections for infections, everyday people in a context that Bergermann said that the hospitalizations, and projected deaths.

“All of these were based on they can relate to, it helps them feedback from his facebook page has reproductivity rate for viral transmission. to realize that there is no need been great and that many Saskatchewan residents do not analyze data, and therefore I wanted to see for myself with published for fear and panic.” when they see and hear headlines, it can data if we were experiencing exponential cause quite a bit of fear and / or anxiety growth of new infections. This is what - Rory Bergermann about what the numbers mean to them.

I teach my math and science students to

“By taking the daily data and graphing, analyzing, do - collect data, graph the data, then analyze and make and interpreting the meaning for everyday people in a context interpretations of the data,” said Bergermann. As he was that they can relate to, it helps them to realize that there is no sharing his results on Facebook, it became clear that there need for fear and panic.” was a problem with the mathematical modelling being

His hope is that anyone who reads his daily posts used early on by official sources for predictions. When can see that the COVID-19 virus is here and it is not going his Facebook friends requested that he make his posts to go away; however, it is not anywhere near as deadly as the shareable, it took off from there. initial mathematical modelling projections predicted it would

One of the things Bergermann wants people to be. As a result, we are slowly opening up our province and take away from his posts is that, first, it is possible to live monitoring the effects of each incremental step. with this virus rather than hide from it. “We have been

In his daily posts he also reminds people the living with COVID-19 for six months now and even importance of regular handwashing, staying home as much though we are opening up our economy, our churches, as possible, staying at least a “one hockey stick” distance and our schools again, we have never overrun our health from others, and wearing a mask in public. care system. COVID-19 is a real virus with potentially

“So far it has gone extremely well. I always end deadly outcomes for a few people, but most of us may my daily post with what I truly hope people will get from my or may not get sick like always.” He also stated that our daily statistical analysis – Keep Calm and Carry On!” immune system will protect us and be strengthened as a

Martensville Mayor Kent Muench Seeks Third Term Re-Election

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Kent Muench has served three terms equaling nine years as a City Councillor in Martensville, and two terms as Mayor. During his time serving the City of Martensville, Muench has seen many changes occur within the community and is proud to have had a role in that growth.

Mayor Muench will be seeking re-election this fall to serve his third term as Mayor.

“It comes down to the fact that I really love Martensville and I wouldn’t be seeking reelection if I didn’t still have a passion for it. It has been amazing to see the continued work and focus that our community has had over the years. A big piece of that in my opinion has been the forward progression of the community spirit, which I think has been embodied by the Martensville Community Recreation Project and the work towards the construction of a new recreation facility,” Muench said.

Having lived in Martensville since 2001, Muench has seen first-hand the growth that the community has experienced over the years, with some of it being quite obvious; such as the addition of new neighborhoods, the construction of the overpass and new schools being built, and others being a little more under the radar. “There is an infrastructure deficit across North America that communities face, and because Martensville is a newer City, I think we had a chance to learn from those mistakes and build a funded plan to ensure our roadways are replaced in a predictable and effective manner. It puts future Martensville residents in a better place because we will have a plan for our assets.

I look forward to that, as well as expand that plan into other areas such as water and wastewater, sidewalks and things like that. It might not be as noticeable of a project, but I am really proud of the work that has been done.”

When it comes to the future of Martensville, Muench noted that one thing he would like to see move forward is expanding health care in the area, as well as continued work within Kinsmen Park. “We have seen many improvements over the past number of years with the addition of the skatepark, more pathways, lighting and connectivity. It is a showcase of the community and a sense of pride for Martensville.”

Muench, who is a member of the Regional Oversight Committee for the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth Regional Plan (P4G), believes that regional partnership is a huge part of Martensville’s future when it comes to opportunity for investment. “For as long as I have been here, people have talked about paving Main Street and that is one of those projects that was completed and was possible through regional partnership. We also have our water/wastewater project that we are working on with Saskatoon. Those are all really important things that happen by working together as a region.”

“I would be really honoured to continue to work in this role and to keep building relationships and listening to our community so that we can really work to ensure that all of our voices are heard and the decision making process is in the best interest of the community. I really believe in a collaborative leadership style and look forward to the opportunity to be given four more years to work for the City of Martensville,” Muench stated.

ABOVE: Mayor Kent Muench

ABOVE: An example of Bergermann’s post from September 21, 2020.