Working Together to Keep Our Neighbourhoods Clean and Safe
Help keep Martensville beautiful, healthy, and safe! The City reminds residents that it’s the responsibility of homeowners to maintain their properties year-round by clearing waste, managing overgrown lawns, controlling weeds, and removing dilapidated structures.
Overgrown vegetation, especially weeds, aren’t just unsightly to look at. The spread of seeds can make future weed control more difficult while overgrown plants can attract nuisance animals like mice, who seek shelter in adjacent garages, sheds, and homes as the weather cools.
Under the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, it’s everyone’s duty to monitor, control, and report any issues that arise. Let’s work together to keep our city looking its best.
Reducing Foxtail From City Limits
The City of Martensville is responding to reports of foxtail around the city and is taking action to clear it from our parks and fields and is working with property owners on back lanes and residential properties.
Foxtail may appear harmless with its fluffy, cream-coloured seeds, but it can pose a real, even life threatening, danger to our pets. While rare, it can also cause minor issues for people, like getting stuck in clothing or even mild respiratory concerns.
Keep an eye out for foxtail now and into the fall to help us reduce nuisance weeds in the city. For more information and best practices around controlling foxtail, visit Martensville > Waste & Recycling > Back Lane and General Clean-up. \
The Back Lane and General Clean-Up Program is Back
The City of Martensville is pleased to announce the upcoming annual ‘Lane and General Clean-up’ program. This initiative allows residents to dispose of items that are not accepted during regular garbage pick-ups. For more information and dates for pick-up, head to Martensville.ca > Services for Residents > Waste & Recycling > Back Lane and General Clean-up
City Council Discusses Pedestrian Walkway on Highway 12 Overpass
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Martensville City Council met for the first time this month on Tuesday, September 3rd and one of the items on the agenda was a Request for Direction regarding the Martensville Interchange Pedestrian Walkway.
City of Martensville administration has been working with the Ministry of Highways and ISL Engineering on options to add a pedestrian/cyclist walkway on the existing overpass on Highway 12. The addition of this would improve access to the new Martensville Recreation Centre, which is expected to open this November.
“The first phase of this process is nearing completion with a final report expected in the first week of September. This report has conceptually identified options and preliminary high-level engineering considerations through a robust back-and-forth process with the Ministry,” the report from Director of Infrastructure and Planning, Matt Gruza stated.
The report brought to Council provided an opportunity for them to evaluate costs associated with the project and provide direction to administration as to whether the project is in line with council's vision and desired outcomes.
The 2024 budget approved a cost of $1.2 million for this project, with approximately $200,000 going to engineering and design costs, and the remainder for the construction of the project. Funds for this were anticipated to come from a combination of borrowing and CCBF funding, as well as $180,000 carried over from 2023 to the Public Work Infrastructure Reserve.
Engineering costs were estimated to be $200,000; however, if approved, costs would end up being approximately $225,000, with construction estimates from the consultant ranging from $2.4 million to $4.1 million. The preliminary design process identified additional requirements which increased the original estimated amount.
Gruza noted that the benefit to approving this project would be to provide safe streets and sidewalks to the residents of Martensville and provide a safe option for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the interchange to access the new Recreation Centre; however, the process has become more expensive that originally planned.
If approved, funds for this project will be required to be allocated for the construction in the 2025 budget.
RIGHT: Martensville City Council meets multiple times each month in Council Chambers at City Hall. Visit www.martensville.ca to view a schedule of all upcoming meetings and view meeting agendas.
Upcoming Council 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.
Upcoming Meetings: September 3 – Regular council Meeting
• September 10 – Committee of the Whole Meeting
• September 17 – 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 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.
Don’t Miss the Monster Garage Sale –September 20 & 21
Our Fall Monster Garage Sale is back and promised to be bigger than ever! Join us on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21, for a community-wide sale you won’t want to miss. For just $5, you’ll get your address listed on the event flyer and map, plus balloons and a Monster Garage Sale sign to draw in the crowds. Flyers will be available at gas stations, the MAP, and City Hall, and we’re promoting the event through local papers and social media for a fantastic turnout! Register online, at the MAP, or at City Hall by September 17 to be part of the fun.
Were You Affected by the June 21 Storm? Apply Now for Provincial Disaster Assistance
Good news for Martensville residents who experienced property damage from the June 21 storm. The City has been approved as an eligible assistance area by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency following the June 21 storm. If you were impacted, you can now apply for aid through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP).
Applications are made directly to the Province. You can pick up an application form at City Hall or fill out online at martensville.ca
Applications must be submitted by December 22, 2024, but applying early ensures quicker processing.
Notice Bylaw #13-2024
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, according to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1-2015, by zoning the proposed parcels as shown on the hatched section of the map shown below from FUD- Future Urban Development to C2A - Arterial Commercial
REASON: Consistent with the concept plan for the area, the zoning of the parcel of land is to allow for commercial development to occur
EXAMINATION OF BYLAW: This bylaw may be examined by interested parties at City Hall on any judicial day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Copies of the Bylaw and Notice are available for $1.00.
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on September 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the City Hall before September 11, 2024
Dated at Martensville this 26th day of August 2024
Welcome to Martensville Smitty’s
In August, it was announced that Martensville would be getting a new eating establishment for local residents to enjoy with Smitty’s taking over the location where Black Pepper Restaurant was previously located.
According to the owners, they have “revamped the space and menu to offer something fresh and exciting for our guests.”
A soft opening was held over the weekend where some had the chance to get a sneak peek at the space and the exciting new menu.
On Tuesday, September 3rd, the Martensville Smitty’s location officially opened their doors to the public and stated
for those visiting to “prepare to indulge your tastebuds with our delicious dishes, crafted with love and passion.”
Smitty’s will offer a wide variety of dishes, including an array of all-day breakfast options, tasty appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, steak, chicken, fish & chips, a kids menu, desserts and so much more.
ABOVE & BELOW: Smitty’s in Martensville opened its’ doors on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Air Cadets Hosting Open House
Jocelyn Ottenbreit,
Martensville Messenger
The 574 “Dakota” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, September 5th from 7pm-8pm at the North Ridge Community Centre. This is a great opportunity to learn about what the air cadet program has to offer.
Last season, there was approximately 40 cadets registered with the program that gives local youth a chance to participate in a variety of components such as aviation, community service, leadership, marksmanship, survival activities and more.
For those interested in joining, visit www.574dakota.ca and fill out the provided application. The program is available for youth between the ages of 12-18 and a legal resident of Canada. The program is free of charge, and all required uniform parts are provided to the cadet free of charge. The program runs from September to mid-June and weekly parades take place on Thursday’s from 6:15pm to 9:00pm.
Fuel Good Day Taking Place September 17th
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Each year Saskatoon Co-op celebrates ‘Fuel Good Day’ where participating Co-op gas bars donate a minimum of five cents from every litre of fuel sold to a local charity or non-profit organization in communities where they operate.
In 2023, Saskatoon Co-op members and customers helped raise over $31,000 to support nine charities in Saskatoon and the surrounding area during Fuel Good Day. Since 2017, Co-ops across Western Canada have raised more than $3 million for over 700 local charitable and non-profit organizations.
On September 17, Martensville Co-op Gas Bar will participate in ‘Fuel Good Day’ and the Martensville Food Pantry has been chosen as the recipient! Five cents from every litre sold on that day goes to the Pantry! Please come out and support this organization that gives back so much to our community and surrounding areas!
Annual Show n’ Shine
Hitting Centennial Drive on September 7th
On Saturday, September 7th, Centennial Drive North in Martensville will see a wide array of classic vehicles on display for the annual A&W Show n’ Shine. This event will take place from 9am-3pm, followed by the A&W Street Stock 100 race at the Sutherland Automotive Speedway at 6pm, which will include Pro Truck races, Cruisin the Dub Street Stock Trophy Dash, Super Truck races, Race-Your-Junk races, an A&W Victory Lap with the A&W Root Bear on hand, the feature A&W Martensville Valley Street Stock 100 lap race, and more.
During the Show n’ Shine, the eastern most lanes of Centennial Drive will be closed to accommodate the car show; however, the roadway will remain open to regular traffic with access to businesses. Motorists are reminded to reduce speed and be mindful of pedestrians.
Each year, the A&W Show n’ Shine draws a large crowd of approximately 80-100 vintage vehicles, and an even larger crowd of attendees stopping by to view the cars in awe.
ABOVE: Centennial Drive North will be lined with classic cars this Saturday, September 7th for the annual Martensville A&W Show n’ Shine.
Saskatchewan Man Wins $1 Million on Lottery Ticket
John Branigan makes a point to stop every week to pick up WESTERN MAX tickets. He said a recent ticket he picked up while on the road gave him a huge surprise.
“I scanned it in store and saw all of the zeroes,” he said. “I scanned it a few more times trying to make sense of it!”
“I wanted to jump up and down I was so excited, but I didn’t want to do it in front of the other customers,” he continued, laughing.
The Redvers resident’s excitement was over a jaw-dropping $1 million win on the WESTERN MAX July 23 draw.
John Branigan recently won $1 million on a WESTERN MAX ticket. (Sask Lotteries)
“I feel like breaking down in tears, I’m so happy,” he said at his prize claim interview.
He said he needs some time to figure out what the money will mean for his future.
“First thing I’m doing is taking a couple of weeks of vacation and thinking about what is next!” he said.
Branigan purchased his winning WESTERN MAX ticket from Triple LB Convenience at HWY 13 and Broadway St. in Redvers. He won his $1 million prize by matching the selection for one of the million-dollar prizes drawn on July 23: 6, 12, 21, 23, 26, 38, 42.
Sask Lotteries is celebrating 50 years as the main fundraiser for more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups in communities across the province! Since 1974, through an agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, lottery sales in Saskatchewan have been used to provide more than $1.4 billion to support athletes from the grassroots level to the international stage, connect youth to artistic experiences, help residents experience the beauty of the parks that cover the province and so much more. Learn about games, jackpots, winning numbers and more at sasklotteries.ca.
Local Artists to be Featured at Impressions of Nature Art Show & Sale
Mark your calendars for September 14th and 15th and be sure to stop by the Impressions of Nature Art Show & Sale at the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation Banquet Hall on Range Road 3050 (McOrmond Drive near North Bridge). This event will feature the work of the talented members of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Art Association and will run from 10am-5pm on September 14th and 10am-4pm on September 15th.
Shanine Sealey,
Martensville Messenger
Admission is by donation, and there will be art demonstrations, make and take items, a concession booth and a wide variety of incredible art available by artists from Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman and other local communities.
“The show is designed for members to show their artwork and hopefully sell it to the people who come to see what our artists have done,” event organizer Harvey Rebalkin stated.
Proceeds from this event will go to the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation Youth Programs.
“We hope that you will join us in celebrating beautiful wildlife art in various mediums created by our local artists.”
ABOVE:
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Rachelle Buffin of the Martensville A&W with the A&W Root Bear at the 2023 Show n’ Shine.
School is Back, But Cell Phones Aren’t
School is back in session, and with it comes new protocol regarding the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones during instructional time in Kindergarten – 12 classes.
A letter was sent out from the Prairie Spirit School Division reminding all parents/guardians that personal electronic devices will not be permitted during instructional time for all grades, and that some schools may have additional restrictions during noninstructional time. Personal electronic devices will also not be accessed in washrooms or changerooms at any time.
Exemptions may be granted to students that have identified learning adaptations and/or medical restrictions or limitations. There may be times when Grade 9-12 classrooms may be granted an exemption based on specific learning tasks when requested by the teacher and approved by the principal.
“We believe this will support a balance between the role of technology and the well-being and learning of students. We appreciate your support as you discuss this with your children to ensure they have a clear understanding of these expectations at school. You can anticipate a letter from your school administration later this week with the details of implementation at your school. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work together to foster safe and successful classrooms in Prairie Spirit School Division,” Director of Education Tracey Young stated in the letter.
POLICE BEAT
Attempted Traffic Stop
Sask Serious Incident Response Team Investigates Death Following
On Monday, August 26, at approximately 7:11 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the Saskatchewan RCMP regarding a serious incident involving police.
SIRT's Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT's mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.
On Friday, August 24, at approximately 1:12 a.m., a member of the Warman RCMP detachment observed a truck being operated with no taillights on Highway 16 near Saskatoon. The member activated the emergency equipment on the police vehicle, but the truck failed to stop and accelerated out of sight. The RCMP member deactivated the emergency equipment and pulled to a stop at the side of the road without engaging in a pursuit. Members of the Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) and Dalmeny Police Service (DPS) were advised of the incident and of the vehicle's description.
At approximately 1:30 a.m., a member of CPPS observed the vehicle travelling westbound on Highway 16, being operated at a normal rate of speed, but without taillights. The truck turned off of Highway 16, but was not followed by the CPPS vehicle. After several minutes the CPPS vehicle proceeded down the same road as the truck, without emergency equipment activated. The truck proceeded off the road into a field, and out of sight of police. Members of the RCMP, CPPS and DPS attended the area but did not re-establish contact with the truck, and departed the area a short time later.
The next morning, DPS received information that the registered owner of the truck had not returned home the previous night. A subsequent search of the area located the truck partially submerged in the sewage lagoon near Langham. An aerial search of the lagoon conducted by both RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service did not locate the truck's owner.
The next day, a body was discovered floating in the lagoon, subsequently recovered by emergency services, and determined to be that of the truck's registered owner, an 18-year old man.
Immediately following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the Civilian Executive Director and five SIRT Investigators was deployed to begin their investigation. SIRT's investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including any relationship to the death of the 18-year old man. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.
SIRT's mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.
For updates on SIRT investigations, follow SIRT on Twitter at https://twitter. com/SIRT_SK.
Warman Man Faces Charges After Attempting to Evade Police
A Warman man is facing charges after evading police early Tuesday morning on August 27, 2024 at approximately 1:30 a.m. Police attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of 11th Street West and Fairlight Drive. The same vehicle had previously evaded police in July.
The Air Support Unit (ASU) was notified and began monitoring the vehicle as it fled from police at a high rate of speed. Ground officers disengaged as ASU monitored the vehicle from above. As the vehicle approached the Circle Drive overpass at 11th Street a tire deflation device was successfully deployed.
The vehicle then turned onto Circle Drive South towards Lorne Avenue eventually making its way to Grasswood Road where another tire deflation device was successfully deployed. The vehicle came to a stop on Tamke Road when it hit the ditch and rolled. The driver was arrested without further incident and was eventually taken to hospital with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result, a 23-year-old man is facing charges relating to impaired driving, evading police, and dangerous driving.
RIGHT: Valley Manor Elementary School held a Welcome Back BBQ and a chance for students and their families to meet the teachers on Thursday, August 29th from 5:30pm-7:00pm. The halls of the school were packed with excited students ready to kick-off another school year. Shanine Sealey/MM
ABOVE: Venture Heights Elementary School hosted a Welcome Back Family Night on Thursday, August 29th complete with a BBQ hot dog sale, a chance for students to meet the teachers and see their new classrooms, followed by a Drive-In Move Night. Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM
The FCAA Warns Consumers of Unlicensed Door to Door Sellers
The FCAA remains committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that all direct sellers in Saskatchewan comply with The Direct Sellers Act and Regulations. All door-to-door salespeople, also known as direct sellers, are required to be licensed in Saskatchewan and must adhere to specific contract requirements and cancellation rules. To view a comprehensive list of licensed door-to-door sellers, visit: FCAA411.
This includes companies such as Tartans Paving and Hortons Paving and Masonry, who were conducting unlicensed door-to-door sales in Moose Jaw and the surrounding area. While information available indicates these direct sellers have ceased their operations, consumers are reminded to only deal with door-to-door sellers licensed by the FCAA.
Consumer Rights for Door-to-Door Sales
If a salesperson comes to your door, here are some rights you should be aware of:
• All contracts must be in writing unless the sale is less than $100.
• All direct sales contracts must include a statement of cancellation rights.
• You have 10 days to cancel a contract without needing to provide a reason.
• If a contract is canceled, the vendor must refund all money received under the contract within 15 days of cancellation.
Tips for Consumers Considering Door-to-Door Purchases
If you decide to purchase goods or services from a door-to-door seller, consider the following tips:
• Ask to see a copy of their license and verify their listing on FCAA411.
• Read the contract carefully, including the fine print.
• Ask questions if you do not understand something.
• Do not feel pressured to make an immediate purchase.
• Keep down payments to a minimum; the higher the amount paid in advance, the greater the risk of loss.
• Never hand over a blank cheque.
• Check the seller's rating and customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau directory at https://www.bbb.org/ or call 1-888-352-7601.
For questions about door-to-door sellers, please contact the FCAA's Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at branch. consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
For more information about contract rights and cancellation rules, visit: https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/regulatedbusinesses-persons/businesses/directdoor-to-doorsellers.
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.
Thank You For Supporting the Martensville Messenger for the Past Ten Years
This September, Jocelyn and I are celebrating ten years of operating the Martensville Messenger. Throughout those ten years, we have seen some ups and downs; however, one thing is always consistent and that is the community that supports us.
The Martensville Messenger was founded in 2007 by Christine Lyon, and then operated by Jo Osczevski until 2014. Jocelyn and I found a family while working for Osczevski at the Messenger and when it was announced that the local newspaper would be shutting down, there was a huge sense of loss for us both, because we had found ourselves involved with something that we felt was extremely special.
While working at the Messenger, we ourselves were fortunate to have the opportunity to meet so many members of the community and create lasting bonds with the people that make Martensville such an amazing place to live, work and visit.
With assistance from Joni Ayotte, we decided that we needed to keep the small-town spirit of Martensville alive through the community newspaper and formed a partnership to make that happen.
These days, media is often filled with sorrow, anger, destruction and so much negativity taking place in the world, and while we know that is important to share with our readers, we also feel that it is important to share the things that make Martensville such a unique and wonderful place.
We want to show you the story about children holding a lemonade stand to raise money for charity, or about the perseverance of community members coming together to help bring a new rink to the community. We want to tell you about a trio of high-school students that decided to open a successful ice cream business and about the hard-work and dedication that our community groups such as the Kinsmen/Kinette Club and the Lions Club consistently do to make Martensville a better place. We want to share the positive side of the world with you and highlight the regular people that are doing incredible things right here in our own community.
The past ten years hasn’t always been easy, and like many small businesses, we have had our struggles. We have had to make changes, some that we were excited about and some due to circumstance, but no matter what has happened along the way, we have always felt extremely lucky to be where we are.
The stories we have had shared with us through the years have been inspirational and without a doubt, the people of this community have made us better people. It is all of you that have shown time and time again that when there is negativity, doubt, fear, and loss, all you have to do is look and you will find a helping hand.
Ten years ago, we decided to purchase this newspaper. Many things have changed during that time, but we are still here, and we plan to continue to be here in ten years from now celebrating 20 years of operating the local community newspaper. We both live in this community, and the things that we share with you are things that affect us directly. This is our home, these are the businesses that we support each and every day. These are the events that we are attending alongside with you. These are the charities that we are supporting. This is our home and we are so grateful and honoured to have had the opportunity to operate the Martensville Messenger for the past ten years. Thank you to the City of Martensville. Thank you to the businesses that support us. Thank you to all of the amazing people that have worked with us and contributed to this community newspaper over the years. Thank you to our readers. Just….thank you for letting us continue to do what we love in a community that we love.
Sincerely,
Shanine Sealey and Jocelyn Ottenbreit
KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD
Popular Annual 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament Underway at Martensville Sports Centre
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Arena has been booming with the Martensville Community Recreation Project’s annual 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament.
This year they are offering each participant 7 fast paced games of full ice 3-on-3 hockey in the U9 (including 2018 born players), U11, U13, U15 and 15+ age divisions. All games will be played at the Martensville Arena. The tournament runs for 3 weeks from August 25th through to September 15th.
The tournament took a break on August 30th, 31st and September 1st allowing hockey families one last weekend at the lake! Play resumed on holiday Monday September 2nd.
“Each full time player will be given a souvenir t-shirt at the end of the tournament thanks to to our T-Shirt sponsors BN Metals and Al Andersons Source for Sports,” they stated on their FB page.
This popular event began in 2018 and is one of the many fundraisers the MCRP hosts each year. All proceeds generated from this tournament go directly back to the New Multi-Purpose Rec Center project in Martensville which is scheduled to open in October 2024.
A full schedule of the 3 on 3 games can be found at martensville3on3.ca. Watch for upcoming fundraising projects on the MCRP Facebook page. Photo: MCRP FB
ABOVE: Andie M. represented Team Saskatchewan at the 14U Girls Western Canada Championships from August 16-18 in Spruce Grove, AB. In addition to playing for Team Sask, Andie was also a member of the 15U AA 4/5 Sask Five Sluggers, who captured both the Saskatoon Baseball league title, and the Provincial Tournament Championship. Congratulations on a great season! (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)
