September 4, 2025 Digital Issue

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Martensville A&W Car Show and Street Stock Races

The Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock 100 Race and Show & Shine is happening this Saturday, September 6!

Things to keep in mind:

- The Show n’ Shine takes place on Centennial Drive N from 10am-2pm on Centennial Drive.

- Meet the drivers and see the cars of the Street Stock Invitational from 9:00am – Noon at the Martensville A&W

- Please watch for lane closures on Saturday. Traffic detours will be in place for Centennial Drive during this event.

- From 12- 2PM the Martensville Coop Food Store will be offering giveaways, samples and draws

- Racing starts at 5:00pm at Sutherland Automotive Speedway - Gates open at 3:00pm

- Intermission features A&W Root BEAR and balloons for kids

- Feature Race starts at approximately 7:15 (at Race Directors discretion)

Fall Monster Garage Sale –September 19 and 20

For $5, register your house with the City of Martensville and have your address distributed on Flyers throughout the City! Registrations can be done at City Hall, at the MAP, online at Martensville.ca, or by calling 306-683-5576.

Start and end times will vary per house. Thank you to our Community Champions North Prairie Developments and CANWEST for their continued support!

Culture Days 2025: Filipino Festival –September 21 | 8:00am – 8:00pm

- The first-ever Filipino Multi-Cultural Music, Food, and Dance Festival will be held at the Heritage Centre on September 21!

- This event will feature live music, cultural dance performances, and delicious food from a variety of vendors.

The Filipino Bayanihan is a group of locals who wanted to bring their culture to Martensville to celebrate through music, food, and dance. They have hosted a festival in Saskatoon, but this is the first one in Martensville.

The City of Martensville is committed to bringing people from all backgrounds together by celebrating multiculturalism and being one community.

Council Meeting Highlights: Subdivision, Infrastructure Funding, and Business Incentive

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council held its first meeting of September on Tuesday night, addressing several motions and development proposals.

The meeting began with a motion regarding a proposed subdivision at 31 2nd Avenue. The applicant requested approval to subdivide the property in order to create two homes with a shared common wall.

Council also discussed the submission of five infrastructure projects to the Canada Community-Building Fund. The application totaled $643,193.75 and included paving projects on Heibert Crescent ($300,280.00), 1st Avenue North ($106,027.50), 6th Street South ($108,516.25), 6th Avenue North ($91,070.00), and Rock Hill Lane ($37,300.00). To qualify for federal funding, municipalities must provide detailed applications and demonstrate immediate need as outlined in the city’s asset management program. There will be no direct financial implications to the City of Martensville 2025 operating budget, as these projects will be fully funded by the CCBF.

“These projects are critical for maintaining the City’s roadway infrastructure, extending the lifespan of assets, improving resident safety, and supporting the City’s Asset Management Plan,” the report provided by Infrastructure Manager Usman Ahmad, stated.

Amendments to the Bench Dedication Program and Memorial Tree Policy were also passed. The updates modernized terminology and ensured both programs better reflect current practices.

The final item on the agenda was an Economic Development Business Incentive Application for a project at 65 Rutten Court. Council approved the development, which will see the construction of 10,650 square feet of space, with an estimated value of $2.3 million.

Martensville City Council will meet again on Tuesday, September 9th for their Committee of the Whole meeting. More details on Council, upcoming and past agendas and more can be found at Martensville.ca.

Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Dates City of Martensville Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend in person or virtually to see what is happening in our community.

September 9 – Committee of the Whole Meeting September 16 – Regular Council Meeting

Location: Martensville City Hall Council Chambers, 37 Centennial Drive Time: All meetings begin at 5 pm

If you’d like to speak or present at a meeting, make sure you’re on the agenda by contacting the City Clerk’s office. If you’d prefer to join from the comfort of your home, contact the City Clerk or check the online agenda at martensville.ca for the meeting link.

School Zone Speed Limits – Back in Effect for September

- Starting September 1st, school zone speed limits are back in effect until the end of June.

- Please follow posted signage of max 30 kph zones, enforced Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.

- Drive smart and drive safe – Be mindful of traffic increases and watch for children crossing streets, especially near crosswalks and intersections.

Back Lane and General Cleanup Program –Starting in September

The City of Martensville’s Fall Lane and General Cleanup program is back this September, giving residents the opportunity to dispose of items that are not accepted during regular garbage pick-ups. Our Public Works department, in collaboration with the Urban Camp, will collect eligible items on specific dates, which are listed below. This program helps reduce the amount of trash and debris left in back lanes, at the City Yard Waste Depot, and in business/contractor dumpsters.

Residents are responsible for ensuring their waste meets the criteria for collection. Any items not collected or not accepted under the guidelines must be properly disposed of through approved means to avoid penalties under the Waste Bylaw. Please note: This program is designed for residential yard cleanup waste only and is not intended for commercial or industrial waste.

2025 Collection Schedule

Residents that live North of Main Street will have their items picked up the week of September 8th - 12th. All items will need to be out by September 8th - 8:00 AM.

Residents that live South of Main Street will have their items pick up the week of September 15th - 19th. All items will need to be out by September 15th - 8:00 AM.

Please note that the City will be making one pass only. When can I place items out for collection? All residents with back lanes shall not place any items out in the lane until one week prior to pick-up each year. All residents without back lanes shall not place any items curbside until one day before pickup. Please ensure that the items placed in the lanes and curbside are not restrictive to traffic, and that lanes and curbs do not contain any items that you do not want removed. The City will not be responsible for anything left in the back lanes by residents. Please kindly keep the lane bordering your property maintained to ensure a safe and quick collection.

For a full list of accepted items and additional information on this program, please visit: Martensville.ca > Waste & Recycling.

ABOVE: At the Tuesday, September 2nd meeting, Martensville City Council reviewed an application under the Economic Development Business Incentive program. The proposal outlines a 10,650-square-foot development valued at approximately $2.3 million within Rutten Court.

Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it. Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising Ph: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Martensville Revved Up for Annual A&W Show & Shine and Street Stock Invitational

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville is set to roar with excitement this Saturday, September 6th, as the city hosts its annual A&W Show & Shine on Centennial Drive and the highly anticipated A&W Valley Street Stock 100 at Sutherland Automotive Speedway. What started more than two decades ago as a small gathering in the A&W parking lot has grown into one of Martensville’s most celebrated community traditions.

The day kicks off at 9:00am with a chance to meet the drivers of the Street Stock Invitational at Martensville A&W until 12:00pm. The Show & Shine will take place along Centennial Drive North from 10:00am. to 2:00pm. Motorists are reminded to be cautious when driving in the area as there will be some lane closures in place throughout the event, as well as to watch for pedestrians crossing the roadway.

The Show & Shine will include a wide array of classic, vintage, and custom vehicles line the roadway, offering car lovers the chance to admire everything from gleaming muscle cars to well-preserved antiques.

The event offers much more than just cars, as many local businesses will be part of the festivities, with family-friendly attractions including giveaways, samples, and draws at the Martensville Co-op.

The energy shifts gears in the afternoon at Sutherland Automotive Speedway. Gates open at 3:00pm, with the green flag dropping at 5:00pm for an evening of highoctane racing.

The main event, the Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock 100, is the final stop on the Prairie Dirt Racing Association tour. With a prize purse of more than $9,000, fans can expect fierce competition as drivers battle for victory. The night will also feature races in the Super Trucks (Points Final), Bandoleros, and the fan-favourite “Run Your Junks” division. At approximately 7:15pm, the Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock 100 Feature Race will take place.

Adding to the fun are intermission activities, sponsor victory laps, and special appearances by the A&W Root Bear, making it a family-friendly night out at the track. Children six and under are admitted free.

The A&W Show & Shine and Street Stock Invitational highlight not only the city’s passion for automotive culture but also its strong sense of community. Supported by local sponsors, volunteers, and organizations like the Martensville & District Lions Club, the event continues to grow each year while staying true to its roots of bringing people together.

Whether you’re a racing fan, a classic car enthusiast, or simply looking for a family outing, this Saturday’s event promises nostalgia, excitement, and community pride all in one.

Martensville Co-op Liquor Store Celebrates Grand Opening with Community BBQ

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Co-op Liquor Store officially opened its doors on Wednesday, August 27, with a grand opening celebration that brought the community together in support of local causes.

The event featured a community BBQ with proceeds directed to the Martensville Food Pantry, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, free cookies, liquor samplings from local and regional brands, and prize giveaways. The first 100 customers who made a purchase also received a complimentary Co-op shot glass.

Organizers expressed their gratitude to both the Co-op and the community for their strong turnout and continued support.

With its wide selection of wine, spirits, and beer, along with a knowledgeable team, the new Martensville Co-op Liquor Store is set to become a valued addition to the community.

ABOVE: The popular Show & Shine organized by the Martensville A&W will be taking place on September 6th.
ABOVE& BELOW: A ribbon cutting and BBQ, with proceeds going towards supporting the Martensville Free Pantry, took place at the Martensville Co-op Liquor Store on Wednesday, August 27th. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

School Zone Speed Limits Back in Effect in Martensville

With the start of the new school year, school zone speed limits are once again in effect within the community. Beginning September 1, motorists are reminded to slow down to 30 km/h in designated school zones. The reduced speed limits are enforced Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and will remain in place until the end of June.

Drivers are urged to be extra cautious during busy pick-up and dropoff times, when traffic increases around schools. School zones are often congested during drop-off and pick-up times. Young children may cross the street unexpectedly, assuming vehicles can stop instantly. Be especially careful near parked cars, where children may dart into the street with little warning.

School zones are marked with signs indicating reduced speed limits. While limits vary between communities, the principle is the same: slowing down gives drivers more time to react in an emergency.

In 2022, two children in Saskatchewan were injured in school zone collisions and the difference between a near miss and a tragedy can come down to just a few seconds.

Fines for speeding in school zones start at $170, increase with speed, and carry an additional victim surcharge. Drivers also face three demerit points through SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program.

Remember to always slow down near school buses, and stop completely, on both sides of the road when red flashing lights and stop arms are activated. Do not proceed until the lights are off and the stop sign is retracted.

As students return to classrooms, following school zone rules and practicing safe driving habits can help ensure that every child makes it to school and back home safely.

Prairie Spirit Shares Details on Proposed Regional Joint-Use High School

Families in Warman and Martensville have been hearing growing discussion about the proposed regional jointuse high school, planned for a location in the RM of Corman Park. The project, put forward by Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS), aims to address overcrowding, meet long-term educational needs, and provide enhanced programming opportunities for students in the region.

In 2022, Prairie Spirit surveyed families in both Warman and Martensville as part of its long-term planning. Parents expressed a strong preference for a large, centrally located composite school that could offer a wider variety of programs. Families wanted expanded career training options, particularly in the trades, as well as access to specialized programming similar to what Saskatoon high schools provide.

The proposed joint-use high school is designed to meet those needs. By combining enrolment from Warman, Martensville, and surrounding areas, the school would create more classroom space for both divisions and could provide opportunities similar to those found in Saskatoon high schools, such as a theatre, an expanded industrial arts program, and a commercial kitchen.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education places joint-use projects at the top of its capital funding priority list, making the Warman–Martensville proposal especially strong. Currently, the project is at the top of the Ministry’s list for future school builds, reflecting both the urgency of the need and the strength of the partnership between PSSD and GSCS.

By contrast, separate applications for a new high school in either Warman or Martensville alone would not qualify under provincial criteria. Only through the joint approach can a project of this scale move forward.

As of fall 2024 Warman High School was operating at 103% capacity with 751 students and Martensville High School was near 92% capacity with approximately 701 students.

Both schools have seen steady growth in recent years, with no sign of slowing. A new facility would not only relieve crowding but also ensure space for future student populations in the fast-growing communities.

The proposed site lies along Township Road 384 in the RM of Corman Park, just east of Martensville and southwest of Warman. The location was identified through two studies funded by local municipalities under the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G).

While the City of Martensville and the RM support the regional approach, Warman’s City Council has voiced concerns about the costs of servicing a rural site and the logistics of busing students outside city limits, which prompted PSSD to release information pertaining to the various concerns being discussed.

Prairie Spirit has confirmed that student transportation would be fully funded by the Ministry, ensuring bussing for students to the new school.

If approved, the new school would add to existing capacity, meaning Warman students would be served by both the new joint-use high school and Warman High School. This would create greater choice and opportunity for families.

Questions have also been raised about whether Warman High School could expand into the Great Plains College space; however, PSSD clarified that this is not possible, as the College co-funded and permanently occupies that part of the facility.

Support from all local municipalities will strengthen the case for this project. Prairie Spirit and GSCS remain committed to building a regional joint-use high school that serves Public and Catholic students from Warman, Martensville, and Corman Park. The proposal stands as a long-term investment in the region’s future, with the potential to expand classroom space, reduce overcrowding, and open doors to specialized programs that better prepare students for post-secondary studies and careers.

For more information, families are encouraged to contact Prairie Spirit directly at contact@spiritsd.ca.

New Season Kicks Off for Skate Martensville

The ice is ready, and so are the skaters! Skate Martensville is ready to begin its new season, bringing exciting opportunities for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This year, the club is once again offering two Adult Synchro teams, giving both newcomers and seasoned skaters a chance to hit the ice. Adult III is tailored for those who are new to synchronized skating or looking for a fun, recreational experience, while Adult II is aimed at experienced skaters seeking a more competitive and challenging environment. Both teams practice Friday evenings at the Martensville Sports Centre’s Old Rink, with a 15-minute overlap to work on synchro skills together.

On the youth side, Skate Martensville is also running two STAR Synchro teams, STAR 4 and STAR 8. These teams bring together skaters from Martensville, Warman, Delisle, and surrounding areas, creating a supportive and competitive environment. STAR 4 provides an entry point for newer synchro skaters, while STAR 8 is designed for advanced athletes ready to take their skills to the next level.

For those just starting out, the club continues to offer CanSkate, Canada’s nationally recognized learn-to-skate program. With a focus on balance, control, and agility, CanSkate is the foundation for future figure skaters, hockey players, ringette players, or anyone wanting to feel confident on the ice. Programs are available for beginners as young as three through to adults.

With opportunities ranging from recreational to competitive, and from preschoolers to adults, Skate Martensville is encouraging the community to lace up and join in the fun this season.

Registration is now open online at www.skatemartensville.ca/registration.

Martensville Chiefs Set to Hit the Ice

The Prairie Junior Hockey League (PJHL) is excited to welcome the Martensville Chiefs, who will begin play in the 2025–26 season. Formerly the Delisle Chiefs, the team is relocating to the Martensville Sports Centre, marking an exciting new chapter for local hockey fans.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Annual Mike Smith Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament Takes Place Saturday, September 6th

Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Friends and family will gather for a one-day tournament to honour the memory of Mike Smith at the annual Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament at the Martensville Slopitch diamonds this Saturday, September 6th.

Smith passed away in May 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of life and a ball tournament were subsequently held at the Slo-Pitch Diamonds to honour his memory. In tribute, friends established an annual tournament to be held every September in his remembrance.

Smith was dedicated to his family and earned recognition for his community service as a long-time volunteer firefighter and hockey coach. His significant contributions made him a valued member of the community. In acknowledgement of his positive impact and attributes, friends established this annual tournament in his honour, with all proceeds directed towards supporting the local community and assisting those in need.

To raise some extra money and for some extra fun, players can pay $20 before the game and rewind any play at any point throughout the game, so if someone hit a grand slam, you can ‘rewind’ the play and everybody goes back to their original places.

“We are still hoping for one more team by noon on Wednesday to make the pools even. We are currently at 13 teams. Angie Reddekopp is the biggest hero in making this tournament possible!” said Kristin Smith, Mike’s wife.

The slo-pitch association is donating diamonds for the event. Martensville & District Kinsmen Club is organizing the bar and supporting the prizes for the tournament along with the Caesar Mill. Kinsmen, the Seniors from the New Horizon Center, and the fire department have volunteered to work the bar.

“Instead of running our own 50/50, we are supporting the Kidsport 50/50 that is currently running. Funds will be supporting Kidsport, the slo-pitch association, Kinsmen Club, and looking into possible needs at Venture Heights School.”

Come on out to support this great cause to celebrate the life of an amazing man who was a significant part of our community.

The Chiefs will host their first pre-season game at home on Sunday, September 7th at 2:00 PM, taking on the Saskatoon Westleys on their new home ice. Fans can catch more action when the Chiefs face the Saskatoon Royals on September 14th and take on the Westleys again on September 21st.

Admission for home exhibition games is $2, and fans with a Chiefs Punch Card get in free, no punch required.

During the exhibition season, the team will wear a version of their old Delisle jerseys while finalizing the roster, which will officially become the “Martensville Chiefs” lineup for the regular season.

The brand-new Martensville Chiefs uniforms will be unveiled at the home opener on Saturday, September 27th at 7:30 PM at the Sports Centre. The team noted that fans can expect some exciting additions to the home-opener, so be sure to watch for updates later this month.

Stay up to date by following the Chiefs on social media or visiting chiefs.pjhl. ca for more information.

Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre Passes 25 Per Cent Construction Point

Working in partnership with Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments (ACD), construction of the new Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre (UCC) is progressing with the completion of foundation work and piling, waterproofing, concrete floor slabs and exterior studs.

“We are very excited to see great progress being made on the new Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre, which will take pressure off our hospitals and give Saskatoon residents quicker access to frontline health care,” Premier Scott Moe said. “In partnership with Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments, this facility reflects our governments commitment to expand this model of delivery to more communities across Saskatchewan.”

In the coming months, Graham Construction crews will continue with mechanical and electrical work, site grading, roofing, interior steel stud installation and exterior boarding and masonry.

“I want to thank everyone involved in bringing this project to life, from our partners at Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments to the construction crews and health system leaders,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Their dedication ensures that families in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan will soon have greater access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

When complete, the UCC will function as an alternative to emergency departments for minor illness, injuries and mental health and addiction supports that are non-life-threatening but require treatment before the following day.

The new Urgent Care Centre is being built on the former Pleasant Hill School site at 215 Avenue S South, near St. Paul's Hospital. When it opens, this location aims to help relieve pressure on the hospital's emergency department.

"I am very pleased that construction on the Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre is progressing as expected," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. "This important milestone demonstrates our government's commitment to building the health infrastructure Saskatchewan needs now and into the future."

The design is based on the existing Regina Urgent Care Centre. Once construction is complete, the facility will be operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) through a long-term lease agreement with ACD. Substantial completion is anticipated in Fall 2026.

“The Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre will give patients faster access to urgent care, provided by dedicated health professionals working together as a team,” Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Andrew Will said. “This progress would not be possible without the commitment of our partners from Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments and the Government of Saskatchewan.”

"The Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre is more than a facility; it is a commitment to reconciliation and long-term system improvement,” Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments CEO Jay Ahenakew Funk said. “It directly responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in health, and it demonstrates how First Nations and governments can work together to strengthen healthcare for all."

Supporting Saskatchewan By Adding Child Care Spaces In Post-Secondaries

The Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada are investing $10.8 million to expand early learning and child care (ELCC) through the development of new child care centres at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses and Northlands College.

Through the federal ELCC Infrastructure Fund, as part of the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide ELCC Agreement, 450 new child care spaces will be created at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses in Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and the new Saskatoon campus, along with 90 additional spaces at Northlands College in La Ronge.

This investment in infrastructure will strengthen the regulated child care system by designating 30 per cent of the spaces for families facing barriers to access, including children with disabilities.

These new 540 child care spaces will provide on-campus child care for students, faculty and staff, while also serving as training sites for students pursuing careers in early childhood education.

"This initiative will increase child care in these communities and support early learning and child care students through work-integrated learning opportunities," Saskatchewan Education Minister Everett Hindley said. "These early learning and child care centres will serve children, students, faculty and the broader community supporting our commitment to making Saskatchewan the best place to work, live and raise a family."

"Child care spaces on campuses across Saskatchewan will help children grow and help families to get ahead," Canada's Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey said. "When early childhood education spaces are available for fees Canadians can actually afford, it supports families' financial security and lets parents build their careers in a growing workforce."

"We appreciate the provincial and federal government's investment in our campus communities and are excited to start planning for the new child care centres," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. "The centres will enrich the learning experience for Early Childhood Education students, giving them the opportunity to practice their skills and interact with children as part of their daily learning. These vibrant education centres will also benefit students, employees and the wider community by providing child care on site."

Saskatchewan is committed to increasing access to high-quality, affordable early learning and child care for families through the Canada-Saskatchewan CanadaWide ELCC Agreement. Since the launch of the Canada-wide ELCC Agreement in 2021, Saskatchewan has made strong progress, announcing more than 23,000 early learning and child care spaces that are now either operational or in development. This represents 84 per cent of the way toward reaching the province's ambitious target of creating 28,000 additional licensed child care spaces by March 2026, bringing high quality, affordable child care within reach for more families every day.

The Regina UCC opened in July 2024 and has been very successful, delivering same-day care for more than 41,000 patients in its first year. Planning is underway to add UCCs in Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, North Battleford and second UCC locations in both Regina and Saskatoon. Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

The agreement also continues to invest in supporting early childhood educators (ECEs). In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, up to $18.5 million is allocated to initiatives such as tuition-free ECE training seats, enhancing practicum opportunities and the delivery of over 3,000 micro-credential programs to strengthen the workforce.

More information on ECE training can be found at https:// www.saskatchewan.ca/ government/educationand-child-care-facilityadministration/earlychildhood-educator.

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.

Saskatoon Police Warn of Potential Paving Scam

Members of the Economic Crime Section are alerting the public to a potentially fraudulent paving scam.

Recently, the SPS received a report of a citizen being approached in their yard by individuals claiming to represent a contracting business and offering to pave their driveway with asphalt or rubber for an immediate cash deal. The individuals claimed they would do the job at a below-market price as they would use leftover materials from another job. The citizen agreed and paid several thousand dollars for the work to be done; however, the material used was substandard and not what had been agreed upon. The citizen began to believe they’d been defrauded and contacted police after finding information online of similar scams reported by the Saskatchewan RCMP in recent months.

Saskatchewan-based door-to-door salespersons are required to be licensed under The Direct Sellers Act. Licenses can be confirmed on the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority’s website. Members of the public are advised to be cautious when approached with unsolicited offers. Always ask to see the direct sellers license number and check its validity prior to proceeding with a transaction. Protect yourself further by always being cautious of out-of-province door-to-door sellers as they do not require the same licensing as local sellers. Never hand over a blank cheque or pay a substantial down payment in advance of any services being provided and always get a written contract with clear expectations of the transaction. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Anyone who believes they may have experienced a similar interaction or transaction is encouraged to report it to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306975-8300.

Two Teens Charged Following Bear Spray Armed Robbery in Saskatoon

Two teenagers are facing charges after an armed robbery involving bear spray occurred in the 300 block of 23rd Street East on the evening of August 28th.

Police were called to the bus mall at approximately 10:40pm, after two girls, aged 12 and 16, reported being approached by a group of teens. One of the girls was sprayed with bear spray, while the other had her purse stolen.

Officers quickly located three youth matching the suspect descriptions near 22nd Street and 1st Avenue and took them into custody.

A 14-year-old male has been charged with Assault With a Weapon and Armed Robbery. A 15-year-old girl faces charges of Possession of a Prohibited Device and Carrying a Concealed Weapon, both related to the bear spray used in the incident.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery, emphasizing the seriousness of using bear spray as a weapon and encouraging community members to remain vigilant.

RCMP’s Helmet Safety Program

Extending into September

This summer, the Warman and Martensville RCMP rolled out a new initiative aimed at encouraging safe biking, scootering, and skateboarding across local communities. Children spotted practicing proper safety, especially those wearing helmets, were rewarded with a “Positive Ticket,” redeemable for a cool summer treat.

The idea for the program was sparked after Cpl. Jared Rau of the local RCMP detachment spoke with a group of kids riding without helmets. When asked why, they replied that it simply wasn’t “cool.” That conversation inspired Rau to turn safety into the trend of the summer.

The message behind the initiative was simple but important: helmets save lives. Even the best riders, whether on bikes, scooters, or skateboards, could have accidents and one fall can have a huge impact on people’s lives.

Children receiving these 'Positive Tickets' were approached by RCMP members in uniform to ensure they knew the treats were coming from a trusted source. Beyond safety, the program also offered officers a chance to connect with young community members in a positive, memorable way. Originally, the plan was to run the Helmet initiative throughout July and August, but Rau noted that it will be extended until the end of September.

“We still have a few positive tickets left over that are burning holes in our pockets, so I would like to get those handed out before the weather changes,” Rau said. With the initiative being an overall success, Rau estimates that approximately 200 slurpee/slushies, as well as 60 DQ Dilly Bars were handed out since the program began earlier this summer.

“There have been a lot of smiling faces, both from the community, and the members of the RCMP,” Rau added.

The RCMP would like to thank all the local businesses that helped make this program a success, including the Warman, Delisle and Martensville Co-op locations, Warman 7-Eleven and the Warman Dairy Queen.

The initiative has successfully promoted helmet use, encouraged safe riding, and strengthened ties between local youth and the RCMP.

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