September 28, 2023 Digital Issue

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, 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.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th

In 2021, the Government of Canada designated September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #80, which called on the Federal Government to create a statutory holiday.

Each year since, this day is a reminder to take time to remember and honour the lost children, survivors and all those affected by the residential school system in Canada. Residential schools operated within the country for more than a century, and the federal government reports that 150,000 Indigenous children were removed and separated from their families to attend these schools, with an estimated 6000 children believed to have died at the schools. In total, there were 140 federally run residential schools within Canada, with the last school closing in 1996.

On this day, residents of Saskatchewan are encouraged to wear orange for Orange Shirt Day, as a way to unite and remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors that lived through the residential school system, as well as their families and communities affected.

This day was chosen for Orange Shirt Day, as this marks the time of year when children would be removed from their homes to attend residential schools and the orange shirt became a symbol of the culture, freedom and self-esteem that was taken from children based on a story shared by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad. Webstad told her story of how her brand new shiny orange shirt that she was so proud to have was taken upon her arriving at a residential school in 1973-74 and from that point forward, the colour orange reminded her of that moment and how her feelings and freedom was taken away from her.

As a federal holiday, this means that post offices, banks and federal government offices will be closed on Friday, September 29th. Employers within Saskatchewan have the option to close or to remain open on this day. Schools will be closed on Friday, September 29th in lieu of the 30th falling on a Saturday and will therefore be observing Orange Shirt Day on Thursday, September 28th.

For more information about Truth and Reconciliation Day in Saskatchewan, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/first-nations-citizens/moving-forwardwith-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission. To learn more about Orange Shirt Day, visit https://orangeshirtday.org/.

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:

Neighbourhoods North of Main Street- completed the week of September 25th

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.

Your City; Your Newspaper

Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0

Phone: 306-668-1093

advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

SPORTS

Martensville’s 15AA Team Prepares for Inaugural Season

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The 2023/24 hockey season in Saskatchewan marks the first year that there will be a 15AA league within the province. Hockey Sask announced the addition earlier this year, with the new league providing an opportunity for 15-year-olds to garner added experience and bridge the gap between the U15 and U18 levels.

A total of eight teams, consisting of Batttlefords, Moose Jaw, Martensville, Melville, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and Weyburn, were created in the province, with Martensville being one of the communities to have a team in the league. Once Martensville was announced as a team, the work began to prepare for the upcoming season.

Martensville 15AA Marauders Head Coach Ron Biberdorf explained that there was a tremendous amount of planning that was done prior to summer, and come Labour Day, a training camp was held. The camp was well attended, with 19 players being chosen to comprise the final team.

Players are from Martensville and surrounding communities, with some having moved here and being billeted in the community, to ensure they can attend daily practices.

‘Our training process is very similar to that of a Junior A hockey team. Players are on the ice every day, and have a robust schedule of games and tournaments. We are bringing in experts such a Trach Power Skating, a sports nutritionist, two different certified fitness trainers for dryland training and more. There will be a lot of extra inputs from different sources to help take them to that next level,” Biberdorf explained.

The season has so far consisted of four exhibition games against North Battleford, Weyburn, Melville and Prince Albert, all of which Martensville came out on top in. This weekend will see the start of the regular season, with Martensville hosting Regina at 7:15pm on Saturday, September 30th, and North West on Sunday, October 1st at 5:15pm.

“The first two weeks after training camp, we described it as ‘finding our rhythm’. We were getting the players settled and although we won, victories are more important in March than they are in September, so we just want to keep our eyes on growth and development, adding to our strengths and figuring out what we need to improve.”

In addition to on-the-ice training, Biberdorf noted that it is important to the coaching staff that players also be contributing members of society, so the team will be participating in a fundraiser event on November 4th in Martensville, with proceeds going towards supporting the Martensville Community Recreation Centre, and KidSport.

“We all see the new rink being built, and there have been a lot of people that contributed to the success of making that possible. We want the kids to realize that they are in a spot to help others and do something positive for the community and show our appreciation by doing some legwork of our own. We also really believe in KidSport because there are lots of kids that don’t have the chance to participate in athletics because of family finances and KidSport makes that possible,” Biberdorf said.

Players on the Marauders 15AA will be participating in a Hockey 10 class this semester, a course that is more specific and customized for their hockey goals, rather than a standard Physical Education class.

Biberdorf is looking forward to the season ahead, and stated that, “We will measure our success by the number of players that we see move on next year. If there are 19 kids going away to play at a higher level, your team can win some hockey games. The goal is to see these kids all move onto that higher level, and if we can see ourselves as a springboard towards that goal, then we will take pride in that.”

ABOVE: The Martensville 15AA Marauders. (Submitted)

Royals Continue to Show Determination and Spirit

Submitted by Royals Coach Tyler Munday

The Martensville Royals Football team has had its fair share of ups and downs this season, but amidst the challenges, there are shining moments that give hope to the dedicated fan base. This past Friday night, fans witnessed a remarkable feat on the field as Aidan Low scooped up a fumble and dashed an incredible 98 yards for a touchdown. It was a play that not only electrified the crowd but also showcased the indomitable spirit of the Royals.

However, it's been clear this season that the Royals' strength lies primarily on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, the defense has been the team's anchor for a significant portion of the games, proving its mettle week after week. Whether it's making crucial stops or creating turnovers, the Royals' defense has consistently shown up to keep the team in contention.

One of the challenges faced by the Royals this season has been on the offensive front. Despite their best efforts, the offense has struggled to maintain drives and find the end zone consistently. The setback was compounded when the team lost their starting quarterback, Thomas Shoemaker, to injury. It's a tough blow for any team, but adversity often reveals a team's true character.

The focus for the Royals now shifts to building an offense around a new quarterback. This is no small task, but it's a challenge the team is eager to embrace. Adjusting to the 12-aside format has been a battle, but the Royals started strong, and they are determined to rebound from recent setbacks. The Lloydminster matchup against the Lloyd Comp Barons on Friday, September 29th, is an opportunity for the Royals to demonstrate their resilience.

One advantage the Royals have is their coaching staff's experience with the 12-aside game. Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable in helping the team adapt to the new format. These coaches are not only knowledgeable but are also fantastic individuals who instill a sense of unity and purpose within the team. With their guidance, the Royals are optimistic about a stronger second half of the season.

For the loyal Martensville Royals fans, the next home game on October 5th at 4:00 pm against St. Mary's will be a crucial one. It's an opportunity to rally behind their team, show their unwavering support, and witness the evolution of a resilient squad. The Royals may face challenges, but they've shown time and again that they have the determination and spirit to overcome them.

As the season progresses, the Martensville Royals are proving that they are not just a team; they are a community united by their love for the game and their unwavering support for their players. So mark your calendars, Royals fans, and get ready to cheer on your team as they embark on a journey of resurgence and redemption. The best is yet to come.

SPORTS

ABOVE: The Martensville Royals Football team hosted the North Battleford Vikings on Friday, September 22nd. The game ended with the Vikings taking the win with a score of 34-10. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

ABOVE: In the September 22nd home game against the North Battleford Vikings, the MHS Royals football team showed their defensive skills. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

ABOVE: The Maddogs Peewee team hosted the Warriors for the September 23 community day where they took the win with a score of 58-25. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

RIGHT: Marty the Maddogs mascot was making the rounds during the Maddogs Football Community Day on Saturday, September 23rd. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

Maddogs Football Community Day Draws Big Crowd

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville’s Maddog youth football organization is in full swing for the fall season with games being held at the Maddogs Football Field as well as the Saskatoon Minor Football (SMF) field in Saskatoon.

Each year the organization hosts the Maddogs Homecoming event that involves fun for the whole family. This year the organization decided to change the name of their annual Homecoming event to the Maddogs Football Community Event which took place on Saturday, September 23rd at the Maddogs Football Field.

The day included great football, games for kids, food, 50/50, silent auction and raffle tables full of prizes from various community sponsors. “We were also fortunate enough to have Hawks Nest Studio students Seneca Santo and Hawkley Dereniwski provide us with live entertainment between our two games. Berkeley Dereniwski and Seneca Santo sang anthems for the games,” said Maddogs President Som Houmphanh.

Peewee Maddogs teams started off the day at 10 am and came up on top with a 58 – 25 win against Babineau Warriors, and the Bantam Maddogs beat the Ledingham Steelers in a close match of 18-14.

"Maddogs football has been a staple piece in Martensville for the past 18 years and has seen the evolution from a day of football games to a day of fun for the entire family. With every year, we had two very competitive and exciting football games, where both Martensville teams came away with the wins over their opponents.”

“We want to thank all the volunteers for their help and support in making this community day event such a success.”

“We look forward to hosting the event next year and hope more of our community members attend to cheer on both teams. Go Maddog's!!"

ABOVE: The Maddogs Bantam team took on the Steelers for a nail-biting match-up, with the Maddogs coming out on top with a score of 18-14. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

ABOVE & BELOW: There was a wide variety of raffle items and Maddogs swag available during the September 23rd Community Day. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

Province Funding New Saskatchewan Polytechnic Campus

In Saskatoon

A new Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Saskatoon will transform an existing network of 11 decentralized, outdated buildings into a revitalized complex that offers modern, technology-rich learning for students and greater opportunities for applied research and investment.

The new campus will be located at Innovation Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

The Government of Saskatchewan made the announcement today in partnership with the two postsecondary institutions. The province is committing up to $200 million to the project, pending successful completion of planning deliverables.

"This visionary project will attract more students, talent and investment to Saskatoon and the province," Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. "It will help prepare more job-ready graduates who can support vital public services like health care and contribute to Saskatchewan's strong, growing economy and long-term prosperity."

"A new Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Saskatoon is a once-in-a generation opportunity to create a 21st century, modern learning environment that supplies the expert workforce for existing and emerging industries," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. "It will increase program capacity and create a skilled talent pipeline to help grow the economy and increase our competitiveness in attracting investment to Saskatchewan and Canada."

The new Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus will support and strengthen the Innovation Corridor that brings together business, entrepreneurs, students and other learning institutions to create a centre of excellence in applied learning and research.

“We are pleased to support the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic on plans to create a new centralized Saskatoon campus to be developed in the future at Innovation Place,” USask President Peter Stoicheff said. “This ambitious co-location initiative provides a new home for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and in the process will strengthen the city’s growing innovation corridor by increasing the potential for visionary collaboration among Saskatchewan Polytechnic, USask and Innovation Place.”

"As a former student leader and involved alumnus the first thing I share about Saskatchewan Polytechnic is the institution’s commitment to innovating its methods of delivering education,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduate Jesse White said. “The Saskatoon campus project will be the next step in that innovation. The new campus will become a beacon welcoming students from around the world to study here, and help grow the province of Saskatchewan."

The 2023-24 Provincial Budget provided $6 million for planning and design. Since 2018-19, the province has provided $11.4 million for planning and design work related to the project, which aligns closely with Saskatchewan's Growth Plan goals. Led by the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, partners continue to work on program review, financial planning, preliminary design and other planning deliverables.

More Doctors Set Up Practice In Saskatchewan

Sixteen new physicians began practicing in rural Saskatchewan this summer after completing the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program in June.

There are currently 283 internationally-trained family physicians who were assessed through SIPPA working in the province, 77 per cent of whom have established practice in rural communities.

"We are very happy to welcome these new doctors and their families to Saskatchewan," Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod said. "As one of the many ways we're working to recruit more doctors to our province, SIPPA continues to be a success. I congratulate this latest cohort on completing the program and wish them the best as they embark on this new chapter."

Launched in 2011, SIPPA is a Saskatchewan initiative that offers new opportunities for doctors trained in countries around the world. The program assesses internationally-educated physicians on their medical training and clinical ability as part of the licensure process to practice medicine in Saskatchewan. Through a return-of-service contract, they agree to work in the province for a minimum of three years upon completion of the SIPPA assessment.

Dr. Jon Witt, SIPPA's program director at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, congratulates the SIPPA program graduates as they enter this next phase which will include supervision by local physicians.

"The Government of Saskatchewan's increased funding for the SIPPA program is supporting more internationally-trained physicians in completing SIPPA and is providing increased resources and mentorship to these physicians as they begin their practices in Saskatchewan communities," Witt said.

The program assesses physicians three times a year, with an annual capacity of approximately 45 physicians. "The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) congratulates and welcomes the new SIPPA graduates joining the ranks of our highly dedicated doctors," SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said. "We are proud to continue to strengthen our existing physician workforce, especially in rural communities, and ensure that we can provide seamless care as close to home as possible."

The SIPPA program is one of many important initiatives designed to increase the number of physicians working in Saskatchewan. Other initiatives include:

• quadrupling the Rural Physician Incentive Program up to $200,000 and expanding eligibility to include physicians practicing through the SIPPA program;

• training more doctors in Saskatchewan by expanding medical residency seats from 120 to 128 at the University of Saskatchewan; and

• expanding post-graduate medical residency training sites outside Regina and Saskatoon to Prince Albert, Swift Current, La Ronge, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and southeast areas of the province.

Physicians interested in working in Saskatchewan are encouraged to contact Saskdocs directly at info@ saskdocs.ca, toll-free 1-888-415-3627 or 306-933-5000.

Stuff a Trailer

Helping Halt Hunger Here at Home

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

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

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

HELP THE LIONS FILL THE MARTENSVILLE FOOD PANTRY!

Letter to the Editor

Odd Job Squad Helps Youth Learn Valuable Skills

Shanine

Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Eagles Nest Youth Ranch (ENYR) Odd Job Squad has been busy throughout the summer months working hard on a variety of jobs throughout Saskatoon and surrounding areas.

The ENYR Odd Job Squad, which was created five years ago, consists of foster youth, ranging in age from 13-17 that work either independently, or as a team to help introduce them to the world of work, and teach them skills and responsibility such as

money management, teamwork and customer service that will help prepare them to find a job on their own.

Jobs consist of many different things such as yard cleaning and maintenance, pet waste removal, grocery pick-ups and delivery, house cleaning, dump runs, dog walking, car cleaning, snow removal and more.

Eagles Nest is in place to provide a temporary support for youth that are lacking alternative family supports and through the Odd Job Squad, these kids have the ability to learn new skills and gain more confidence. The youth that participate in the OJS are always excited when a new job becomes available and look forward to having the opportunity to help others.

Customers are charged $15/hour per youth and a supervisor is on site to assist the youth with their jobs. Once complete, customers can pay by either cash or E-transfer. For more information, or to book a job, contact (639) 533-6406 or visit the ‘ENYR Odd Job Squad’ on Facebook.