Moose Jaw Express, June 24, 2026

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MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER

Residents will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate Canada Day on July 1, with activities running from morning until night and culminating in the fireworks display at Hamilton Flats.

Pancake breakfast at the Cosmo Centre

Residents can start the day at the Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre’s annual pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The annual fundraiser will feature pancakes, sausages, strawberries, whipped cream, coffee, and tea. Entertainment will include pianist Kelly Sapergia performing O Canada, along with performances by Liberté Dance students and singers from the Harmony Arts Program. Tickets are $15, with proceeds supporting centre programming and operations.

The Cosmo Centre is located at 235 Third Avenue Northeast and can be reached at 306-692-6072.

For more information, visit “COSMO SENIOR CITIZENS MOOSE JAW” on Facebook or CosmoSeniorCentre.com.

ParkArt celebrates 50 years

One of Moose Jaw’s longest-running Canada Day traditions reaches a major milestone this year as the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery marks the 50th anniversary of ParkArt.

The annual arts and crafts market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Crescent Park and is expected to feature more than 80 vendors selling handmade products, artwork, jewellery, pottery, woodworking, and baked goods. Admission is $5 for adults, while children 12 and under can attend for free.

Visitors will also receive complimentary admission to the museum and gallery, where children’s activities and face painting will take place from noon to 3 p.m. The Moose Jaw Elks

Over the Bridge celebration hosted by Urban Cellars Moose Jaw.

Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will feature a dunk tank, face painting, balloon animals, games, sidewalk chalk activities, a bounce castle, barbecue, and farmers market vendors.

Activities will operate using a punch-card system designed to provide affordable family fun.

The celebration will take place in the parking lot at 510 Home Street West.

Concerts in the Park

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s Concerts in the Park series will continue its 31st season with a special Canada Day performance by Class Action.

will once again provide food service on site. For more information, visit MJMAG.ca or call 306-692-4471.

Canada Day tournament at Lynbrook Golfers can celebrate the holiday during Lynbrook Golf Club’s annual Canada Day Tournament.

The four-person team event begins with a 10 a.m. shotgun start and combines stroke-play scoring with a Canada Ball format. Registration is open to both members and non-members, with discounted rates available for junior golfers.

The registration deadline is June 29 through the Lynbrook pro shop.

The Lynbrook Golf Course is located at 1525 Fourth Avenue Northwest and the Pro Shop can be reached at 306-692-2838. For more information, visit LynbrookGolf.org.

Over the Bridge celebration

South Hill residents and visitors can celebrate Canada Day close to home during the annual

The free concert takes place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Crescent Park Amphitheatre. Donations collected during the evening will support the Foundation’s campaign to purchase new hospital beds for the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live local music.

Look for the full concert schedule on Page A5 of the Wednesday, June 3, 2026, edition of the Moose Jaw Express

Fireworks provide grand finale

The traditional Canada Day fireworks display will once again serve as the grand finale to Moose Jaw’s Canada Day celebrations thanks to the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club.

Club President Scott Paquin confirmed the event will follow the same format as previous years, with fireworks launching from Hamilton Flats at approximately 10 p.m. or shortly after dark. Paquin said organizers intend to maintain the traditional format for the annual fireworks show.

Fireworks light up the sky over Hamilton Flats during an earlier Canada Day celebration in Moose Jaw. The annual display will return on July 1, once again serving as the grand finale to a full day of community events across the city.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Running Festival sees record turnout, continued growth in support of pediatric rehabilitation

The Moose Jaw Running Festival continues to gain momentum, with organizers reporting a record number of participants and another strong year of fundraising in support of pediatric rehabilitation services at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

The event concluded June 14 after a day of races that brought supporters together from across Saskatchewan and beyond, including participants from British Columbia, Ontario, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

Race director Andrea Amiot said the festival welcomed more than 460 participants this year, representing a 40-per-cent increase over 2025 and continuing a trend of steady growth.

“It was really good. We lucked out with a beautiful day — not too hot, unless the sun was shining. That was perfect compared to the year before when we dealt with 70-kilometre winds,” Amiot said.

The festival was organized in partnership with Saskatoon-based 321 Go Running and Prairie Run Crew, with Golden West Trailer & Equipment returning as title sponsor. All proceeds support the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and pediatric rehabilitation equipment at the regional hospital.

Amiot also credited volunteers and community partners, including the Moose Jaw Miller Express and Doris Sitter School of Dance, which operated water stations along the course.

While the final fundraising total has not yet been calculated, Amiot ex-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

pects it will exceed last year’s donation of $15,004 once all expenses have been finalized.

Beyond the numbers, Amiot said one of the most memorable moments of race weekend came during the children’s Runt Run, where local pediatric rehabilitation patients Wells and Lydia participated using adaptive equipment supported through previous fundraising efforts. Their participation served as a visible reminder of how the festival’s

fundraising benefits local families.

“We had two children, Lydia and Wells, come out, and they (used) these little bikes and walkers,” she said. “It’s really cool to see the equipment that we fundraise for be used by local children.”

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Department supports dozens of local children and families each week, making it a central focus of the festival’s fundraising efforts.

The festival also featured community ambassadors who helped promote the event in the weeks leading up to race day, including Wells and his mother Chaydin Hodnefield, Lydia and her mother Stephanie Schubert, and mobility coach Sian Milne.

In a post-event message, organizers described Wells and Lydia as “such a big part of our ‘why’ — the reason we run, the reason we gather, and the reason this event means so much to our community.”

Competitive runners posted impressive results, with Simon Gagne and Lorraine Brezinski winning the men’s and women’s half-marathon divisions, Daniel Kelly and Caitlyn Janzen topping the 10-kilometre race, and Joseph Green and Bella Olson claiming victory in the five-kilometre event.

Amiot, now in her fourth year as race director, said the continued growth of the festival remains one of the most rewarding aspects of organizing the annual event.

“I love running — running is my passion,” she said. “To see it come to life and see people reach their goals and cross finish lines they never thought they could was amazing. It was just a really great day.”

After another year of record participation, Amiot said organizers hope the festival will continue to grow, allowing even more support to be directed toward pediatric rehabilitation services in Moose Jaw.

Full race results are available online at My.RaceResult.com/406085/results.

Race director Andrea Amiot addresses participants at the starting line before the Moose Jaw Running Festival on June 14. More than 460 runners and walkers took part in this year’s event in support of pediatric rehabilitation services at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

Photo by: Andrea Amiot

A young participant proudly displays his medal following the 2026 Moose Jaw Running Festival on June 14. Photo by: Moose Jaw Running Festival/Facebook

Lydia, a Moose Jaw Running Festival ambassador whose therapy uses equipment supported through the event’s fundraising efforts, is pictured with her Runt Run medal following the festival on June 14.

Photo by: Stephanie Schubert/Facebook

Running Festival ambassadors Stephanie Schubert, left, Chaydin Hodnefield, centre, and Sian Milne, right, helped raise awareness of the event’s support for pediatric rehabilitation services in Moose Jaw.

Photo by: Moose Jaw Running Festival/ Facebook

Race director Andrea Amiot, left, is with Lydia, centre, and Wells, right, on June 14. The two children participate in Moose Jaw’s Pediatric Rehabilitation program and use equipment supported through the festival’s fundraising efforts. Photo by: Andrea Amiot

‘Nothing can stop me — not even a big red truck’: Suzanne Blair completes 5K less than a year after hit-and-run

Less than a year after a hit-and-run left her with 11 broken bones and an uncertain road to recovery, Moose Jaw resident Suzanne Blair crossed the finish line at the Moose Jaw Running Festival — finishing the last half block with a sprint that few would have thought possible 10 months earlier.

“I’m amazed. I am amazed at what the human body can recover from,” she said.

Blair finished the five-kilometre course in 56 minutes and seven seconds, only about two minutes slower than the time she recorded on the same route two years earlier.

The achievement comes after a lengthy recovery from an Aug. 2, 2025, hit-and-run collision near First Avenue Northeast and Oxford Street East. Blair suffered fractures to her pelvis, wrist, jaw, and face, among other injuries, and spent months in rehabilitation.

“When Snap (Fitness) had paused my membership for me until I was recovered, I thought I’ll be ready by October (2025). No, I wasn’t ready to go back to the gym until March,” she said.

Blair credits more than two years of regular strength training before the colli-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

DJ Blair, left, and Suzanne Blair, right, ring the finish-line bell after completing the Moose Jaw Running Festival’s five-kilometre event on June 14. Ten months after a hit-and-run collision left her facing a lengthy recovery, Suzanne Blair completed the course in 56 minutes and seven seconds. Photo by: Suzanne Blair/Facebook

sion with helping her withstand the impact and navigate the lengthy recovery that followed.

Now approaching her 69th birthday, Blair said even she is surprised by how far she has come.

“My son put it in perfect words — not many people your age could get hit by a half-ton truck and walk it off, literally,” she said with a laugh.

For Blair, participating in the June

14 Moose Jaw Running Festival was about more than completing five kilometres. It was an opportunity to reclaim the confidence and independence shaken by the collision.

“It took until this spring to walk across the intersection where I was hit,” she shared. “It was more, ‘I can’t be afraid to do this for the rest of my life. I have to be able to feel confident that it’s not going to happen again.’”

The goal quickly became a family and community effort. Blair’s son, DJ, who works at the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa, accompanied her on the course, while the hotel sponsored both registrations. Along the way, around a dozen participants who had followed her recovery stopped to offer encouragement, turning the race into a celebration of just how far she had come.

As she approached the finish line, however, something unexpected happened.

“Once I hit the Crescent Park entrance area, I decided to try to run,” Blair recalled. “I ran across the finish line, and that was so empowering.”

The finish-line run also marked a full-circle moment for Blair, who was

Saskatchewan’s provincial cross-country champion in 1972.

“I will never run a mile and a half through the hills in nine minutes, but it doesn’t matter. That was great,” she said.

That support has extended far beyond race day. Known for her kind acts through baking, teddy bears, quilting, and craft work, Blair said community members have returned that kindness with meals, gifts, care packages, and dozens of puzzles. She said those gestures, along with countless conversations with residents checking on her progress, helped sustain her through some of the most difficult months of her recovery.

“(Given) what’s happened, here in Moose Jaw the support has been amazing,” she said. Having lived in the city for 27 years, Blair said the experience has reinforced her belief that Moose Jaw is a place where people genuinely care about one another.

Next year, she plans to be back at the starting line — with an even faster finish in mind.

“I’m going to do it in less than 50 minutes next year,” she said. “Considering where I was 10 months ago, I feel pretty darn good.”

Editor’s Note

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

Moose Jaw is a great community and has everything in it to raise a family and enjoy urban life within a smaller city setting, but as far as growth goes, we haven’t managed to get far beyond borders that were set in 1981. In fact, according to the census on Canada and specially on Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, the population hasn’t changed significantly since 1936. Looking at federal census data and historical population records, Moose Jaw’s population has been remarkably stable for much of the last 90 years.

Unlike many prairie communities that experienced major declines, Moose Jaw largely held its ground. For Moose Jaw, the numbers tell an interesting story.

Contrary to what some may believe, Moose Jaw has not experienced a dramatic population collapse. In fact, our city has remained remarkably stable for decades. Since the early 1980s, Moose Jaw’s population has hovered around the 33,000 mark, moving up or down only slightly from census to census. That stability is something many communities would envy.

Across the Prairies, numerous towns have seen significant declines as farms grew larger, young people left for urban centres, and economic opportunities shifted elsewhere. Some communities have struggled simply to maintain their schools, businesses, and local services.

Moose Jaw has largely avoided that fate.

Our city continues to be a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, education, tourism, and agriculture. We enjoy a strong quality of life, affordable housing, excellent recreational facilities, and a location

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

that places us within easy reach of larger centres. These are strengths that should not be overlooked.

The real challenge facing Moose Jaw is not preventing decline. The challenge is creating meaningful growth.

Growth brings new customers for local businesses. It increases the tax base that helps fund infrastructure improvements. It attracts new services, healthcare professionals, restaurants, retailers, and investment opportunities. Growth also creates energy and optimism within a community.

The question is not whether Moose Jaw can survive; it’s been proven over the years. The question is whether Moose Jaw can position itself to thrive in the decades ahead.

That means continuing to support local entrepreneurs and encouraging new businesses to establish roots here. It means ensuring we have housing options for young families, skilled workers, and retirees alike. It means

Moose Jaw Express is proud to support free community access to ParentTV through the library. ParentTV is an online parenting support platform featuring over 2,000 expert-led videos and courses covering topics such as child development, mental health, anxiety, behavior, screen time, and more — helping support families at every stage of parenting.

Moose Jaw families, caregivers, educators can access ParentTV anytime using their postal code at: library.parenttv.com/library/mooseje

With Maggie Dent

What helps us build confidence? What is NOT helpful in building confidence? This video explores ways to model and teach authentic confidence and self-mastery. It also looks at how we can see failure as a feedback opportunity, and how developing a passion can be just as valuable as developing an ability, when it comes to building confidence.

promoting our city aggressively and reminding people across Canada that Moose Jaw offers something increasingly rare: a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to build a life. Communities that grow tend to believe they can grow. They focus less on obstacles and more on opportunities. They celebrate their successes while honestly addressing their shortcomings.

Moose Jaw has many reasons to be proud. We have weathered the decades, changing times and businesses coming and going while demographics have changed but the character that makes this city unique has not changed much over time.

The census numbers suggest that Moose Jaw is not a community in decline but if we want future generations to enjoy an even stronger city than the one we inherited, maintaining our population should not be the finish line. It should be the starting point.

Send your letters to the editor to: joan@moosejawexpress.com

All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express.

The contents of this publication are the property of the Moose Jaw Express. Reproduction of any of the contents of this publication, including, but without limiting the generality of the following: photographs, artwork and graphic designs, is strictly prohibited. There shall be no reproduction without the express written consent of the publisher. All ads in the Moose Jaw Express are published in good faith without verification. The Moose Jaw Express reserves the right to refuse, classify, revise or censor any ads for any reason in its sole discretion. This paper may include inaccuracies or errors.

The Moose Jaw Express does not under any circumstances accept responsibility for the

All users are advised to check ad and message details carefully before entering into any agreement of any kind and before disclosing personal information. If in doubt, please take legal advice.

- david@moosejawexpress.com Kevin Ogle - kevin@saskpromo.com

Editor: Joan Ritchie

Don’t miss our pre-planning seminars

Join Michael Penner for an infor mal 90 Minute Seminar. Your free meal is cour tesy

TUESDAY, July 7

Tuesday, June 30 th th ~ Rodo’s Pizza Event Room 9

InterPro matching campaign raises $20K for Moose Jaw and District Food Bank

A month-long matching donation campaign has raised $20,000 for the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank after residents rallied behind a challenge issued by Regina-based InterPro Pipe + Steel.

Launched in May, the campaign saw the company pledge to match public donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. Community support ultimately met the target, generating the full $20,000 for the organization.

Food bank staff announced the successful conclusion of the fundraiser on June 2 as representatives from InterPro visited the organization to present the cheque.

“What started as a simple matching donation campaign became something much bigger,” the food bank said in a public statement released June 2. “It became a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for a common cause.”

The campaign was launched shortly after the food bank announced in March that client visits would be reduced from twice monthly to once monthly amid rising demand and pressure on resources.

At the time, food bank executive director Jason Moore said the organization was continuing to see a sharp increase in visits, with more working families, seniors, and first-time users turning to the organization for support.

“The number of visits continues to rise. It’s not something that has stabilized or even started to diminish,” he said. “It still continues to increase month after month.”

The matching campaign originated after Dean Myers of InterPro Pipe + Steel learned about the food bank’s challenges through local news coverage and reached out to offer support.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

by InterPro’s contribution but also by residents, businesses, and community organizations that donated and helped spread awareness throughout the month.

“To every individual … who donated, shared our posts, and encouraged others to give, thank you,” the food bank said. “You showed us once again that when our community is faced with a challenge, it responds with kindness and action.”

Food bank officials noted that the impact of InterPro’s support extended beyond financial contributions. During the campaign, members of the company’s team also volunteered at the food bank, assisting with tasks such as sorting food, helping in the warehouse, and supporting day-to-day operations.

“(T)he Interpro team showed that community support goes far beyond writing a cheque,” the statement read.

The food bank said the campaign served as a reminder of the strong community support that exists when families in Moose Jaw face difficult circumstances.

“Dean (Myers) from InterPro Pipe and Steel, a company based out of Regina with many employees from Moose Jaw, was one of those people,” Moore said in an earlier interview. “He heard the announcements, read some of the news stories, and reached out to us and said, ‘Hey, I went to my boss, and we would really like to help you guys out to the tune of $10,000.’”

InterPro ultimately turned that contribution into a public matching fundraiser, inviting community members to double the impact of their donations throughout May.

“The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of families in need by providing

food at no cost,” an InterPro Pipe + Steel spokesperson told the Moose Jaw Express. “As a member of the Saskatchewan community for 70 years, InterPro Pipe + Steel is grateful to support the Food Bank’s important work. Giving back reflects InterPro’s own responsibility to care for our neighbours and strengthen Saskatchewan.”

According to the food bank, the campaign’s success was made possible not only

“Because of you, this campaign was not only successful, it was extraordinary,” the food bank said. “Together, we are feeding hope, strengthening our community, and reminding one another that no one has to face hardship alone.”

Michael Penner Purple Shield Representative

Representatives from InterPro Pipe + Steel present a $10,000 cheque to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank following the successful completion of a month-long matching donation campaign that raised $20,000 for the non-profit. Photo by: Moose Jaw and District Food Bank

might be a better gift for a woman who is a gardener!!!

By Patricia Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express

Father’s Day in the Garden

As Father’s Day is coming up, I thought it might be fun to write about gardening and men (specifically Fathers). As I do with all writing, a bit of time was spent on searching what else is out there and whether there is any appreciable marketing around this theme. Well, what a surprise - it was the gadgets, the tools, the toys that are advertised for those fathers that are also gardeners. In comparison, for Mother’s Day, you see purchases of flowers and all things traditionally womanlike that are the biggest sellers. Given that a woman is physically different from a man and generally not as strong (in brute strength), one might think that the tools of the trade

At any rate, it was an interesting perusal. Many men are very avid gardeners and many of those men are traditional in that pursuit. They do not need all the latest gadgets but instead just get enjoyment from the act of growing and nurturing itself. So what do you get “Dad” the gardener?

Every gift with thought behind will usually turn out to be the most appreciated. So if your “Dad” is that type of gardener, perhaps the best gift might be a perennial or shrub that he loves. Any plant that grows for many years is truly a gift that is appreciated long term. For instance, the ‘Morden Sunrise’ rose is a smaller hardy shrub rose from the Parkland series. It has attractive dark green shiny foliage and a very unique orange and yellow bloom that brings a sunrise to mind. It will bloom all summer long and has no appreciable disease problems.

If your “Dad” is a gadget guy, then a trip to any of your local garden centres will fulfill your gift needs. From a quality pair of secateurs or a handy hoe, tools that are needed every day in the garden will be appreciated. The sky is

the limit with gadgets so how much you are willing to spend will be your guideline.

Feature items in the garden are also a good choice as well. A new obelisk to support a climbing rose in a style that will fit the current garden decor is another gift that will last for years. Fountains for the table top or for the garden itself will not only bring beauty but all the birds in your neighbourhood. A nice gift for anyone who enjoys sitting outside in the garden. If you just can’t make up your

mind, then there is still yet another solution. Get a gift card for one of the garden centres that Dad might frequent. It is a sure fire way to ensure he gets what he really wants!

Last but not least, if your Dad is not a gardener, why not give him your labour for a chore that he does regularly but does not really enjoy. Perhaps mowing the lawn might be a great chore to take over. Hand-made cards entitling him to pass on that chore by choice is a gift that not only says I love you, but I understand that you may not like mowing the lawn but do it because it is a chore that needs to be done.

Happy Father`s Day to the fathers of children, of dogs, and of course Mother Earth!

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.

Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW… https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

ExploreSask photo contest returns with chance to showcase Saskatchewan and win prizes

Photographers and videographers are once again encouraged to capture the people, landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make Saskatchewan unique as Tourism Saskatchewan’s annual ExploreSask Photo Contest opens for entries.

The contest launched June 15 and will accept submissions until Sept. 15, inviting both amateur and professional photographers and videographers to share their favourite Saskatchewan experiences for a chance to win cashequivalent prizes and province-wide recognition.

Participants can submit entries in six categories: Prairie, People and Places, Wildlife, Winter, Woods and Water, and Video.

The Prairie category focuses on

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

scenic images from grasslands, valleys, hills, badlands, and other natural features that highlight Saskatchewan’s diverse geography. People and Places celebrates portraits of residents enjoying indoor and outdoor activities, along with images that capture the spirit of Saskatchewan’s communities, attractions, and urban life.

The Wildlife category features Saskatchewan’s animals, birds and insects, while Winter highlights outdoor activities and snowy landscapes from across the province. Woods and Water is dedicated to images showcasing the province’s lakes, rivers, and forests, ranging from southern aspen groves to the northern boreal forest.

The Video category allows entrants to submit either a single-shot or

edited video featuring wildlife, people, places or landscapes. Video entries must not exceed 60 seconds in length.

The winner in each of the five photography categories will receive a $500 Visa gift card. A Grand Prize winner will then be selected from among those five category champions and awarded an additional $500 Visa gift card.

The Video category winner will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card but will not be eligible for Grand Prize consideration.

One change for this year’s contest is that entrants will only be eligible to win one category prize, although they may still be selected for the Grand Prize.

The contest is open to residents and visitors alike. Tourism Saskatch-

ewan notes the online gallery displays only a random selection of entries, meaning not every submission will be shown.

Tourism Saskatchewan is also promoting its free online Saskatchewan Ambassador course, which is open to anyone interested in helping showcase the province to visitors.

Complete contest rules, entry requirements, and submission details are available at TourismSaskatchewan. com, along with several photos from past competitions. Entries must be submitted by Sept. 15.

Additional information is available by calling Tourism Saskatchewan toll-free at 1-877-237-2273.

June Specials

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MJMAG, Sadi-Rose Vaxvick honoured for Indigenous heritage leadership

The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG) and Indigenous curator SadiRose Vaxvick are being recognized at the provincial level for their work to strengthen Indigenous representation, stewardship, and reconciliation within the museum sector.

The Museums Association of Saskatchewan will present the Excellence in Saskatchewan Museums Award of Merit to MJMAG and Vaxvick during the 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Awards ceremony at Government House in Regina on June 24. The award recognizes the pair’s collaborative work on Indigenous collection stewardship, repatriation efforts, and the creation of the museum’s Môso-Tâpiskan: Indigenous Living Heritage exhibition.

Jennifer McRorie, MJMAG’s executive director and curator, said the recognition came as a surprise.

“This was a little bit of a surprise to us because we didn’t even know that we were nominated,” she said.

While the award is being presented alongside the Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Awards, McRorie noted it is a separate honour administered by the Museums Association of Saskatchewan.

According to Heritage Saskatchewan, the awards celebrate individuals and organizations that help safeguard the province’s heritage and cultural history.

McRorie said the recognition specifically acknowledges the work completed with Vaxvick during her nine-month term as Indigenous artist and curator-in-residence.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

the development of the museum’s new Indigenous exhibit,” she said. “It was an important step not only in bringing that exhibition to life, but also in advancing important work with the Indigenous collection, including identifying objects that should be repatriated.”

Vaxvick also helped develop repatriation policies and procedures while ensuring Indigenous voices played a leading role in shaping museum programming, exhibitions, and decisionmaking involving Indigenous cultures and histories, McRorie added.

The museum previously received an Award of Merit from the Museums Association of Saskatchewan for its 2019 touring exhibition A Prairie Vernacular: Folk and Contemporary Art Narratives of Life on the Canadian Prairie, but McRorie said this latest recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the relationships and collaboration behind the project.

“It was to recognize the work that we did together with the Indigenous collection and the repatriation of some grandfather rocks to Kahkewistahâw First Nation, and also the work on the Môso-Tâpiskan exhibition,” she said.

Grandfather rocks are sacred stones in many Indigenous traditions and are regarded as holders of knowledge, history, and cultural teachings.

Vaxvick, who is of Nêhiyaw and Saulteaux heritage and a member of Ochapowace First Nation, worked closely with elders, traditional knowledge keepers, and the museum’s

Indigenous Advisory Committee to review the institution’s Indigenous collection and guide changes to how Indigenous history is presented.

The resulting exhibition, unveiled earlier this year, transformed the museum’s long-standing Indigenous display through Indigenous-led interpretation, new cultural content, and a stronger emphasis on living heritage and community connections.

Beyond the public-facing exhibit, McRorie said significant work also took place behind the scenes.

“Sadi-Rose Vaxvick helped lead

“It means a lot to be recognized by our peers for the work that we’re doing,” she said.

A delegation of museum staff, board members, Indigenous Advisory Committee representatives, elders, and family members is expected to attend the ceremony in Regina.

“We’re looking forward to the event and bringing a crew with us to celebrate,” McRorie said. “We’re just really thrilled and honoured.”

The awards ceremony begins at 5 p.m. on June 24 at Government House in Regina, where Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre will present the awards on behalf of Heritage Saskatchewan.

Sadi-Rose Vaxvick, left, leads a tour of the Môso-Tâpiskan: Indigenous Living Heritage exhibition earlier this year. Vaxvick and the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery are receiving the Excellence in Saskatchewan Museums Award of Merit for their work on Indigenous collection stewardship, repatriation, and the development of the exhibit

Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery

SaskEnergy proposes major natural gas expansion north of Moose Jaw

A proposed SaskEnergy infrastructure project north of Moose Jaw aims to strengthen the province’s natural gas network while supporting future population and industrial growth in the region.

SaskEnergy, through its subsidiary TransGas, hosted a public open house at the Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre on June 10 to provide information and gather feedback on the proposed Moose Jaw Area Expansion Project.

The project would see the construction of a new natural gas compressor station between Moose Jaw and Buffalo Pound Lake, east of Highway 2, along with approximately 13 kilometres of new high-pressure pipeline connecting the facility to the existing transmission system.

Alana Johnson, SaskEnergy’s director of strategic communications, said the project remains in the planning stage, with route selection and consultations currently underway.

“We’re looking to pick a gas line route, and what we want to do is build a new compressor station between Moose Jaw and Buffalo Pound Lake, east of Highway 2,” Johnson said. “As part of that project, there’ll be another 13 kilometres of new high-pressure gas line installed, and it’s to connect that compressor station to the transmission system in the area.”

The development would also include a new meter station at the compressor site to connect with TC Energy’s mainline system and measure incoming natural gas supplies entering Saskatchewan’s transmission network.

Johnson said the project is the result of ongoing assessments of Saskatchewan’s natural gas network and anticipated future demand.

“This specific project will increase reliability of the natural gas system in the area, and then improve access to natural gas supply via that TC Energy interconnect,” she said.

While the project is centred near Moose Jaw, Johnson said the benefits extend beyond the area because Saskatchewan’s natural gas network operates as an interconnected provincial system that allows gas to be moved where demand is needed.

“It’s an assessment of the system in the area to determine growing ener-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SaskEnergy’s proposed Moose Jaw Area Expansion Project includes a new compressor station north of Moose Jaw and a 13-kilometre pipeline connection to the existing transmission system. The map shows three potential pipeline routes currently under consideration. Photo by: TransGas.com

gy needs. Growing customer (demand) meant that we need to increase capacity and reliability in the area,” she said.

Asked whether the expansion is intended to support population growth, industrial development, or both, Johnson replied: “I would say both.”

SaskEnergy is currently evaluating multiple potential routes for the proposed pipeline and continues to engage with affected landowners, Indigenous communities, residents and other stakeholders before a final route is selected.

Johnson said community feedback remains an important part of the planning process.

“We’re always looking for feedback and to really have people understand the needs, and for us to get a good understanding of the impacts in the area,” she said. “We always want to consider impacted landowners and other impacted stakeholders in the area. We need to understand First Nations and Métis communities and the impacts there as well.”

She added that environmental factors, future development opportunities, and long-term land use considerations will also play a role in determining the preferred route.

Before construction can begin, the project must undergo heritage, archaeological, and environmental reviews and receive the necessary provincial approvals.

Once those processes are complete, SaskEnergy expects construction to begin in the summer of 2027.

“We’ll have to propose the route

once it’s picked and get that through heritage and environmental screenings,” Johnson said. “Once those approvals are in place, we’re looking to start construction in summer 2027 and anticipate that to be wrapped up in late 2028.”

At this stage, SaskEnergy has not identified any specific traffic disruptions or road closures associated with

the project.

Johnson said safety will remain a top priority throughout planning and construction.

“Community members and anybody in the area can be assured that the safety of the area and of the project is going to be a top priority when it does happen,” she said.

Oh Clark’s

I

More than 200 Moose Jaw-area elementary students traded desks for tractor seats, seed plots, and hands-on lessons in agriculture last week at McDougall Acres.

The Food Farm program, organized by Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan and hosted by the McDougall family farm on June 9, welcomed 202 Grade 3 and 4 students from St. Margaret, Palliser Heights, Lindale, and Sunningdale schools for a day focused on helping young people better understand where their food comes from.

Sarah O’Doherty, sales and marketing manager with McDougall Acres and a member of the family farming operation, said the event was designed to give students a meaningful introduction to agriculture through direct experience.

“There (were) eight different stations tailored to ag, including planting potatoes. We had South Country Equipment out so (students) could climb on a brand new tractor. We had SaskMilk come out, and they got to learn how to milk a demo cow. We made hummus, and we had Prairie Bee Meadery from Moose Jaw out teaching (students) about bees,” she said.

The June 9 event marked the return of the Food Farm program to Moose Jaw after several years.

“The Food Farm model has been established for a number of years now, but there hasn’t been one in Moose Jaw for about four years, so this is the first one back in Moose Jaw,” she said.

The program is designed to help

and more!!

you are always there whenever i call... you meet all my needs!

Students get hands-on lesson in agriculture at McDougall Acres

livestock, seed identification, and water management. Students participate in spring planting activities before returning in the fall to harvest crops and learn about the next stage of the agricultural cycle.

For O’Doherty, one of the most important aspects of the day was simply giving students an opportunity to engage with an industry that plays a major role in Saskatchewan life.

“Agriculture is a big deal here in Saskatchewan, and there isn’t as much ag in the curriculum anymore as there used to be,” she said. “This is just getting ag more in front of (students) and getting them to touch (soil, seeds, and farm equipment), and ask questions.”

Rather than focusing on a single lesson, organizers hoped students would leave with a broader appreciation for farming and food production.

students experience the full cycle of farming. As part of the spring event, students planted potatoes that they will return to harvest in the fall when many of them are in Grade 4.

“The potatoes that (students) planted, they’ll be able to dig up in the fall, and they can either take them home or we’ll donate them to the food

bank,” O’Doherty said. Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan’s Food Farm program introduces students to agriculture through hands-on activities led by industry professionals. Hosted at 10 locations across Saskatchewan, the program explores topics ranging from food production and farm safety to

O’Doherty said teachers were pleased with how engaged students remained throughout the day, with many eagerly participating in activities and asking questions. For a family whose agricultural roots in the Moose Jaw area stretch back more than a century, providing young people with a firsthand look at farming was a natural extension of its commitment to education, community involvement, and sharing knowledge with future generations.

“We’re very honored to be able to host (the program) at our farm and give (students) a little taste of what we do,” O’Doherty said. “It was just a really, really good day.”

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

An aerial view of McDougall Acres near Moose Jaw. The century farm, operated by the McDougall family for five generations, recently welcomed 202 elementary students for Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan’s Food Farm program, offering hands-on lessons about agriculture and where food comes from. Photo by: McDougall Acres Ltd/ Facebook

‘It’s all

free’: Community support powers successful Shriners Children’s Festival

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

A thousand hot dogs, countless smiles, and a steady stream of families helped make this year’s Shriners Children’s Festival one of the most successful editions yet, as crowds gathered in Wakamow Valley on June 13 for a day of free activities and entertainment.

Hosted by the Moose Jaw Shrine Club at the Wakamow Valley skating oval, the annual festival transformed the area into a hub of family activity, with children lining up for rides and games while vehicles lined roads leading into the park.

Children had no shortage of activities to choose from as they made their way around the festival grounds. Returning favourites included the everpopular Thomas the Tank Engine train rides, while bouncy castles from Royal Kiddies Rental Limited, a petting zoo, games, free treats, and a barbecue helped keep families busy throughout the late morning and early afternoon.

Shrine Club president Chuck Cole said “the overwhelming community response” helped make the event a success.

“I just want to say this year’s festival was absolutely fantastic. We cooked 1,000 hot dogs, and there’s not one left, so 1,000 kids got to eat, ride the train, and enjoy the bouncy castles. They also received ice cream treats from Superstore and bags of candy from RBC Dominion Securities, and there are just so many good sponsors that look after us,” Cole said. “I don’t know what else I can say except thank you to the community of Moose Jaw for making this event such a resounding success.”

The Children’s Festival has become one of the Shrine Club’s signature community events and continues to grow from its roots as the former Shrine Circus. Organizers shifted to a free outdoor

festival format years ago to make the experience more accessible to families while keeping the focus on children and community participation.

Cole credited local businesses, organizations, and volunteers for helping make the event possible.

“The people that look after us — JGL, Fifth Avenue, all the supporters — people like Kona Ice come out and give away 1,000 Kona Ice (treats), and that’s a lot of stuff for kids that might not always get it,” he said. “It’s just really so nice to see so many community sponsors looking after this program. I think it’s something that’s going to continue to grow.”

The festival also provided an opportunity to showcase local talent, with young performers from Dance Images entertaining festival-goers during an afternoon performance at the adjacent Kiwanis River Park Pavilion.

Cole said one of the most reward-

ing aspects of the festival was seeing the reaction from children and parents.

“Fantastic. Just look at the smiles on their faces. Every one of them — they get free food, free ice cream and all these activities, and the parents are mostly blown away that nothing costs anything, that it’s all free,” he said. “That’s the great thing about living in a community like Moose Jaw — there are so many people willing to help.”

With another successful festival now complete, organizers are already looking ahead to next year.

“I’m really looking forward to next year,” Cole said. “We’re going to make it even bigger and better than it was this year. We’re going to find some new events because it’s all about the kids.”

Members of the Moose Jaw Shrine Club gather for a group photo after hosting another successful Shriners Children’s Festival in Wakamow Valley on June 13. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Moose Jaw Shrine Club

Photo by: Wakamow Valley Authority

Photo by: Wakamow Valley Authority

Photo by: Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

The bot test proves I’m human but still awkward Reflective Moments

I know I don’t get out as much as I used to but even by staying home more than normal, I am still able to learn things that I really didn’t know I needed to know.

I do spend a bit of time on Facebook and Instagram platforms (see there: I learned some new technological language) and it is an education in itself to try to figure out what all those acronyms mean. In some cases I learned I really didn’t want to know, but now I do.

One of the items I’ve learned lately is that I get annoyed every time I try to go onto a website and I’m greeted by the following: “This website uses a security service to protect against malicious bots. This page is displayed while the website verifies you are not a bot.”

Then follows the notification that someone unseen is taking on the task of verifying “you are human” with a box for me to check. A bit of whizzing follows and I pass whatever testing method was used.

What a relief to have it confirmed that I am indeed “human.” Some people might disagree with that assumption, but I say “phooey” to them. There is proof catalogued somewhere although I have not received a certificate or wallet card from the testing platform.

Despite passing the test, I am still confused. What exactly is a bot? I wonder to myself, being careful not to ask anyone this question for fear of appearing “out of the loop”

I finally give in to my curiosity and ask Google this

burning question. How inadequate I feel when I learn a bot is short for robot. Of course it is, and I should have known that. Just as I guess I should have known “a bot is a software application programmed to execute automated, repetitive tasks over a network. Bots can perform digital actions far faster and more consistently than humans, whether for helpful purposes like customer service or malicious activities like spam.”

With this knowledge firmly in hand, I wonder about the bots that are helping me in my daily life. There are several kinds from chatbots to web crawlers to social media bots.

I think I might have met a chatbot the other day when I was attempting to chat to someone about a health care issue that arose in the human world. When no one answered the telephone, I logged onto a website that offered me the opportunity to type out my concern, with a reply promised momentarily. I was surprised when the response indeed came swiftly. My question wasn’t answered but the person on the other side of my query prompted me with kindness to supply more details. I did that and we continued on like we had been friends for a lifetime.

I became suspicious when I was referred to a legal firm that turned out to be in Ontario. “Don’t we have lawyers in Saskatchewan to answer Saskatchewanbased questions?” I wondered and immediately disen-

gaged and shut down my chats.

It indeed might have been and likely was one of the bots designed for chatting, an “AI powered program that understands natural language and simulates human conversation to answer questions or provide support.”

Is there a program that would allow humans to question whether there is a human or a bot on the other end of the chats? If there isn’t, there should be.

And now I have another concern about bots. As I understand it, social media bots are configured to “automatically like, share or generate content and responses.” Does that mean all the likes I receive for comments on Facebook aren’t really coming from my friends but from a bot that feels sorry that none of my so-called friends have the inclination to respond. Shame on them for putting me at the mercy of a bot.

And finally, there is a slang bot, used as a mild insult to mock someone who acts awkwardly, moves rigidly or lacks emotional depth.

Now that I know all of this about bots, I cling to one outcome of my research. I have been designated a human and no amount of slang will take that away — no matter how awkward I appear in the discussion of bots.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Moose Jaw student’s heritage project earns provincial honour

A Moose Jaw student was among the award recipients recognized at the 2026 Saskatchewan Provincial Heritage Fair after advancing from the Regional Heritage Fair held earlier this spring at the Western Development Museum (WDM).

The provincial event took place June 3 at Government House in Regina and brought together 60 students in Grades 4 to 8 from across Saskatchewan to present projects exploring topics of local, provincial, and national historical significance.

Among the participants was Grade 5 student Colbie Pepin of Moose Jaw, whose project, French Settlement, earned the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society Prize during the provincial awards ceremony. The project examined the history of French settlement in Saskatchewan and the role francophone communities played in shaping the province. It was one of seven projects selected at the Regional Heritage Fair to advance to the provincial level.

Hosted by Heritage Saskatchewan, the annual provincial fair represents the culmination of months of research completed by students who first participate in school and regional heritage fairs before qualifying for the provincial showcase. The provincial fair featured judging sessions, educational activities and a public viewing period where students shared their projects with family members, visitors, and fellow participants.

Faith Boser, Heritage Fairs coordinator with Heritage Saskatchewan, previously noted that many students choose topics connected to their families, communities, or personal interests, helping create a wide variety of projects each year.

The event showcased a diverse range of student research projects covering Saskatchewan and Canadian history. Topics included French settlement, Indigenous leadership, Canadian immigration, prairie agriculture, the Canadarm, national parks, the Moose Jaw Tunnels, Hutterite and Mennonite communities, Canadian health care,

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

notable historical figures, family histories, folklore, and major events that helped shape the country.

Pepin’s recognition was one of eight major awards presented during the fair. Other award recipients included students from Regina, Saskatoon, Martensville, Mossbank, and Aberdeen.

In addition to receiving the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society Prize, French Settlement was also recognized among the province’s top 10 scoring projects following the judging process. It joined entries from across Saskatchewan that were recognized for their research quality, presentation, and historical thinking.

The top-scoring project at this year’s provincial fair was Dr. Oronhyatekha: The Man Who Refused to Shrink, Breaking Barriers, Building a Legacy by Saskatoon students Miraaj Mohammed and Rimsha Rafiulla, while Regina students Elayna Logan and Paige McIlmoyl earned runner-up honours for

The Riel Rebellion

Boser said the fair’s educational value extends beyond awards and

competition.

“I think it’s good to emphasize that the program is not only meant to be fun for the students, but meant to build foundational skills in critical thinking and how to assess sources, which is really important in this day and age,” she said.

The program’s focus on critical thinking and source evaluation mirrors goals Boser highlighted during the Regional Heritage Fair in Moose Jaw earlier this year.

“Being able to assess sources and think critically about them is really important. It helps build that foundation for high school, university, and life,” Boser said.

To learn more about the regional fair held at the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw on May 20, see Page A28 of the Wednesday, May 27, 2026, edition of the Moose Jaw Express

For a complete listing of Heritage Fair projects, visit HeritageFairsSK.ca.

Moose Jaw student Colbie Pepin, pictured in the front row, sixth from left, joins fellow top-10 scoring students and Her Honour the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre at the 2026 Saskatchewan Provincial Heritage Fair at Government House in Regina. Pepin’s project, French Settlement, earned the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society Prize and was recognized among the province’s top 10 projects. Photo by: Heritage Saskatchewan

Sask NDP promotes alternative power strategy during Moose Jaw fireside chat

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck says decisions made today about electricity generation will shape Saskatchewan’s economy and affordability for decades, as she and Shadow Minister for SaskPower Aleana Young brought the party’s Grid and Growth Plan to Moose Jaw for a public discussion on June 12.

The fireside chat, held at the Grant Hall Hotel, focused on the opposition party’s proposed alternative to the provincial government’s Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan. The event brought together residents and business owners to discuss the future of Saskatchewan’s power grid, electricity rates, and economic growth.

Speaking after the event, Beck said the discussion centred on what she described as one of the most significant policy decisions facing the province.

“The issue of how we generate power and how we’re going to pay for it, and what that’s going to look like, is one of the biggest decisions that we’re going to make in our lifetime that’s going to impact this province for years and years into the future,” Beck said.

The Sask NDP’s Grid and Growth Plan was released on April 9 and is based on modelling commissioned from Energy Super Modelers and International Analysts (ESMIA). According to the party, the plan emphasizes a mix of natural gas, renewable energy sources, and eventual nuclear

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

generation, while phasing out coal generation as originally planned by SaskPower. The proposal also calls for major transmission investments, Indigenous partnerships, expanded renewable generation, and the creation of an independent energy regulator.

Among its key claims, the NDP says its plan would generate more than $33 billion in economic activity, reduce reliance on electricity imports, and keep power rates lower than under the provincial government’s current strategy. The party argues that Saskatchewan’s existing path could significantly increase electricity rates and Crown debt over the coming decades.

The leaders said affordability was a recurring concern among participants in Moose Jaw.

Young said while discussing the estimated cost of the current strategy. “People from across southern Saskatchewan … want a power system that provides job security, energy security, and affordability, and that should be the driving goal of SaskPower.”

Beck added that affordable electricity remains critical for communities such as Moose Jaw.

“You cannot run a business without affordable power,” Beck said. “Looking at a community like

Moose Jaw, whether it’s ag, whether it’s transportation, or whether it’s manufacturing, those are centres that are dependent on low-cost power (to remain) competitive.”

The Sask Party government unveiled its Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan in October 2025. The plan centres on extending the life of existing coal-fired generating stations until as late as 2050 while developing small modular nuclear reactors and expanding transmission infrastructure. The government has argued that extending coal generation provides a reliable source of baseload power while the province develops nuclear generation and expands transmission capacity, helping ensure reliability, affordability, and provincial energy security while maintaining Saskatchewan control over electricity generation.

Under the provincial strategy, SaskPower has been directed to extend the life of up to 1,530 megawatts of coal-fired generation capacity and continue pursuing nuclear development through its partnership with GE Hitachi on the BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology. The government has also emphasized Indigenous partnerships, workforce development, and future electricity export opportunities as part of the strategy.

Beck encouraged residents to review the proposals themselves and provide feedback.

“We’ve got the whole plan (online) … at GridAndGrowth.ca. I invite people to have a look (and) send in your questions,” she said. “I have confidence in the people of this province. They’re practical, they are folks that don’t just think of themselves — they think of their neighbours and into the future …”

Readers interested in comparing the two approaches can review the Sask NDP’s Grid and Growth Plan at GridAndGrowth.ca and the provincial government’s Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan through Saskatchewan.ca.

NewsBrief: Father’s Day car show cancelled due to weather

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The 10th annual Those Guys Car Club Bent Wrench Run Father’s Day Show & Shine was cancelled due to wet weather conditions and an unfavourable forecast.

The event had been scheduled for June 21 in Wakamow Valley and was set to feature a vehicle show, food and beverages, and fundraising in sup-

port of Hunger in Moose Jaw. The decision was made after significant rainfall throughout the week and forecasts for more rain over the weekend.

Organizers thanked supporters for their understanding and said they look forward to bringing the event back on Father’s Day in 2027.

Shadow Minister for SaskPower Aleana Young, left, Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck, centre, and former Saskatchewan premier Glenn Hagel, right, discuss Saskatchewan’s energy future during a fireside chat at the Grant Hall Hotel on June 12. Photo by: Aaron Walker

‘Just Can It’ campaign shifts focus from cleanup to litter prevention

After more than a decade of community cleanups, volunteers with the South Hill Community Association (SHCA) say picking up litter alone is no longer enough.

That realization led the organization to launch its new “Just Can It” campaign, a city-wide initiative focused on reducing litter through prevention, education, and community partnerships.

SHCA chairperson Crystal Froese said volunteers have witnessed a noticeable increase in litter across Moose Jaw over the past decade.

“For more than 10 years, SHCA volunteers have been organizing cleanups in our neighbourhood and along the river valley,” Froese said. “What we’ve noticed is not just more litter, but a wider distribution of it. Areas that used to require a quick cleanup now require multiple bags of garbage, and we’re finding litter in places that were once relatively clean.”

She said the group routinely collects everything from fast food packaging and beverage containers to construction debris, household waste, and materials that appear to have blown from overloaded vehicles or waste bins.

“Our volunteers consistently report collecting more garbage than they did several years ago,” Froese said. “We clean up similar areas twice a year and

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

the problem is not getting better.”

While personal responsibility remains part of the issue, Froese believes the causes are more complex.

“I think it’s a combination of factors,” she said. “The reality is that some of it comes down to people making poor choices. We still find fast food packaging, beverage containers, granola bar wrappers, and cigarette butts discarded in parks, along trails, and in public spaces.”

She said inadequate infrastructure can also contribute to litter problems when garbage cans overflow, bins are unavailable in high-traffic areas, or waste is not properly secured.

“This isn’t about blaming one group,” Froese said. “It’s about recognizing that residents, businesses, organizations, and governments all have a role to play in keeping our community clean.”

The campaign was not prompted by a single cleanup event but by years of seeing the same locations repeatedly littered after they had been cleaned. Froese said volunteers concluded that while community cleanups are important, they treat the symptoms rather than the causes.

Beyond the visual impact, the association argues litter can have broader consequences.

SNAPSHOT: Growing Wakamow’s urban forest

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: Volunteers Shawn, Brenda, Hayley, and Eileen helped plant 30 new trees in Lions Park on June 20 during a community tree-planting event organized by the Wakamow Valley Authority. The project, aimed at growing Wakamow Valley’s urban forest, will contribute to increased shade, improved wildlife habitat, and the long-term health of one of Moose Jaw’s most popular recreational areas. The trees were planted in just a few hours with the help of the volunteer crew, demonstrating how community involvement continues to play an important role in enhancing and preserving local green spaces. Photo by: Wakamow Valley Authority

“In places like Wakamow Valley and our community parks, wildlife can become entangled in garbage or mistake it for food,” Froese said. “Once garbage enters waterways, it can travel throughout the ecosystem.”

The campaign is advocating for additional garbage and recycling bins in high-traffic areas, more frequent emptying of waste containers, improved waste containment, and greater public educa-

tion around litter prevention.

The recommendations align with concerns previously identified by the City of Moose Jaw, which encouraged residents during its annual Community Clean Up Day in May to properly bag household waste and securely cover loads during transport.

Froese said businesses also have an important role to play through public awareness efforts, sponsorship of garbage cans, and encouraging customers to dispose of waste responsibly.

“The goal isn’t to organize bigger cleanups every year,” she said. “The goal is to create a culture where less litter is generated, less litter is discarded, and less litter needs to be picked up.”

The association hopes the campaign’s logo will become a recognizable symbol throughout Moose Jaw, appearing on garbage cans and signage, and in schools, parks, and other public facilities. Donations are currently being accepted to help produce and distribute “Just Can It” decals.

For more information or to support the campaign, contact the South Hill Community Association at SouthHillMJ@gmail.com.

• Quality 100% cotton fabric: solids, themed, Indigenous • We carry interfacing, notions, thread, embroidery thread, batting, panels, ribbon skirts, 1 1/2" satin double faced ribbon, broadcloth, Metis content. Kokum scarves and felt.

A proposed “Just Can It” decal that the South Hill Community Association hopes to distribute as part of its litter prevention campaign. Photo by: South Hill Community Association

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

A food journey through Canada will offer such delights as maple syrup and apple pie, moose burgers, cod tongues, rappure pie, caribou stew or bannock, saskatoon berry pie, cod fish, steak and potatoes and the sweetest fruits one can imagine.

Our country embraces us all with foods that are typically Canadian and some of them are featured in this week’s column.

•

YUKON

MOOSE BURGERS

1 lb. ground moose meat

1/2 cup cooled, caramelized onion

4 tsps. melted bacon fat

1/2 tsp. savoury

1 egg, beaten

1 garlic clove, minced

4-5 slices aged cheddar

In a large bowl, combine onion, garlic, egg, bacon fat and savoury. Add ground moose and mix until just combined. Form into 4-5 patties and refrigerate for one hour.

Heat a frying pan to medium-high heat. Add some oil then sear patties, turning once. Meat is done when thermometer reads 160 degrees F.

Top each pattie with cheese and broil until cheese melts.

Canada feeds us from prairie, oceans and orchards

SASKATCHEWAN SASKATOON CRISP

Filling:

8-9 cups saskatoon berries

3/4 cup white sugar

3 1/2 tbsps. cornstarch

Topping:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine filling ingredients in a large pan. Heat until mixture thickens, then cook another 5-6 minutes. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan.

For the topping, combine flour, sugar and oats. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of the berries. Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping browns and crisps. Serve warm.

MANITOBA WHEAT SALAD

1 cup wheat kernels

1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese

1-14 oz. can crushed pineapple

1-3 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding powder

1-8 oz. container Cool Whip

Place wheat in a large thermal container. Fill with boiling water, seal and let stand overnight or

until kernels are tender. Drain and cool. Note: wheat may be cooked on the stove, drained and cooled completely before using.

Cream the cream cheese, stir in pineapple and pudding mix. Stir in wheat and fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving.

NUNAVUT’S PAN-FRIED BANNOCK

2 cups flour

3 tbsps. baking powder

1 cup raisins or seasonal berries

2 cups water

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp. lard

Mix flour and baking powder. Cream eggs and sugar. Alternately add flour and water and mix. Stir in raisins or berries.

Melt lard in a frying pan on medium heat. Pour bannock mixture into pan and cook on medium. Rotate the bannock so it cooks evenly. Turn over to cook on other side. Insert fork to ensure bannock is cooked inside. Cut into portions and remove from pan. Cool on rack. Serve with a berry jam or honey.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Report Confirms On-Going Probe Into Planning Department

The City may not have released any documents nor admitted that a review was even ongoing but the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2025 confirm there is in fact an on-going review within the Planning Department.

To be released to Council this coming Tuesday there is a lengthy paragraph on the subject admitting the City could be headed into financial and legal liability because of work done by the department.

According to a note on page 35 of the 2025 Consolidated Statement “On February 26, 2026, City Administration became aware of potential concerns related to the manner in which its Building Officials

were processing Building Permits and whether they were in compliance with the City’s bylaws, legislative and regulatory requirements, and inspection practices.”

Just how much the actual review and other liabilities will cost is unknown at the time the Consolidated Financial Statement documents were produced.

“As at the date these consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue, the scope, timing, and cost of the consultant engagement, as well as any potential financial, legal, or regulatory impacts, had not been determined and could not be reasonably estimated,’ the Statements read.

By Robert Thomas

The note also continues to state the costs - if any - would be reported to Council as they become available.

MJ Independent broke the story of the internal review going on in the Planning Department in the May 29th article “Planning Department Under Review.”

A attempt was made to have Mayor James Murdock comment on the issue. After first indicating there would be a comment none was given.

The City has yet to publicly comment on the issue.

https://www.mjindependent. com/new-blog/2026/6/21/cityadmits-on-going-probe-intoplanning-department

Screenshot of report where it refers to on-going review and the potential liabilities to the City

ParkArt returning to Crescent Park with milestone celebration for MJMAG

One of Moose Jaw’s longest-running Canada Day traditions is set to celebrate a major milestone this summer as the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) marks the 50th anniversary of ParkArt on July 1.

The annual arts and crafts market will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Crescent Park outside the Moose Jaw Public Library and MJMAG. Admission is $5 for adults, while children aged 12 and under can attend free. Visitors will also receive free admission to the museum and gallery spaces throughout the day as part of the Canada Day celebrations.

Organizers say more than 80 vendors have applied to participate, making this one of the largest ParkArt events in the fundraiser’s history.

“This is our (largest) fundraising event for the year, and all funds raised through admissions and raffles go toward the public programming that the MJMAG provides to our community,” Warren said.

The MJMAG provides a variety of arts, heritage, and educational programming throughout the year, including summer art camps, school visits, public workshops, exhibitions, family activities, outreach initiatives, and programs tailored to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“This is a good chance for community members who have maybe never visited the museum and art gallery to explore what we have to offer, enjoy a day in the park and some sunshine, and support local artisans as well,” Warren said.

The Moose Jaw Elks will once again be on site serving hot dogs and hamburgers throughout the day.

Additional offerings will include pottery, paintings, jewellery, textiles, woodworking, baked goods, and other handcrafted products. Returning favourites include The

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Visitors attend a previous ParkArt fundraiser in Crescent Park. This year’s 50thanniversary event takes place July 1 and is expected to feature one of the largest vendor lineups in the event’s history.

Cookie Lady, while a complete vendor list is available through the gallery’s Facebook page.

In addition to the vendor market, several family-friendly activities will take place inside the MJMAG building.

Free children’s programming will be offered in the Kinsmen Learning Centre from noon to 3 p.m., while face painting will be available in the adjacent Co-op

Discovery Centre during the same hours.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to explore current exhibitions at the gallery and museum.

Current art gallery exhibitions include Odyssey by Saskatchewan artist Alison Norlen, the permanent collection exhibition Stilled Lives, and With Pride, an exhibition honouring the legacy of Doug Townsend.

Reflecting on the event’s longevity, Warren said ParkArt’s continued success speaks to the community’s ongoing support for arts and culture.

“To know that this event has been going on for 50 years … we love that a community of this size can support this event and bring thousands of people out,” she said. “It just goes to show how community-minded Moose Jaw is and how supportive people are of arts and culture.”

Vendor applications are now closed, with a full vendor lineup available on the MJMAG’s Facebook page, “Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery.” For more information, visit MJMAG.ca or call 306-692-4471.

Among them is Môso-tâpiskan: Indigenous Living Heritage, a recently opened exhibition in the Heritage Gallery that highlights the history and living heritage of Indigenous Peoples in Moose Jaw and southern Saskatchewan, through artifacts including ceramics, projectile points, stone tools, and beadwork. The exhibition was curated by Sadi Rose Vaxvick, the gallery’s former Indigenous artist and curator in residence.

City invites residents to help preserve local history through Moose Jaw Memories Project

Whether it’s a photograph of a longdemolished building, a memory of dancing at Temple Gardens, or a family story passed down through generations, residents are being encouraged to share their piece of Moose Jaw’s history through the Moose Jaw Memories Project.

The City of Moose Jaw is highlighting the initiative as part of International Archives Day, observed each year on June 9. Originally created by the city’s former Heritage Advisory Committee, the project is hosted on the MemoryKPR digital storytelling platform, where users can explore local history and add their own photographs, stories, and historical materials.

International Archives Day is intended to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historical records and ensuring they remain accessible to future generations. City officials say the Moose Jaw Memories Project gives community members an opportunity to help document and preserve Moose Jaw’s heritage.

The online collection features stories, photographs, and other multimedia content focused on heritage properties, notable residents, community landmarks, and significant

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

events from the city’s past.

Featured topics include the Temple Gardens Dance Hall, where generations gathered for dances and social events, the Moose Jaw Public Library, and the historic Public Comfort Station, which was relocated to Crescent Park through a community fundraising campaign known as “A Buck a Brick.”

Other entries delve into the history of the city’s first firetruck, Ross School, Market Square, and the former

NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS VILLAGE OF BELLE PLAINE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the o ce of Councilor x 1 for the Village of Belle Plaine will be received by the undersigned on the 8th day of July 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Community Hall, 111 Coteau St, Belle Plaine. Nomination forms may be obtained at Community Hall, 111 Coteau St. Belle Plaine and during regular business hours on Tuesdays, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Dated on this 23rd day of June. 2026.

Leane Johnston

Returning O cer

former Member of Parliament Edward N. Hopkins, pioneering physician Dr. Arthur Turnbull, and brickmaker Wellington White, whose products helped shape much of the city’s early landscape.

Entries also honour local veterans, revisit community celebrations that brought generations together, and document milestone events such as Moose Jaw’s participation in Canada’s Centennial celebrations in 1967.

Canadian Pacific Railway station, a municipally designated heritage property whose distinctive clock tower has welcomed visitors to Moose Jaw for more than a century.

The archive also shines a spotlight on the people behind Moose Jaw’s history. Collections explore the lives of influential residents such as LieutenantColonel David Vivian Currie, Moose Jaw’s only Second World War Victoria Cross recipient, businessman and

City officials are encouraging residents to browse the existing collection and consider contributing their own historical materials, whether that includes family photographs, personal recollections, memorabilia, or stories connected to local landmarks and events. Contributions can help expand the historical record and provide future generations with a richer understanding of the community’s past. Residents can upload photographs, documents, memories, and other items directly to the platform for inclusion in the growing digital archive.

To explore the collection or submit your own materials, visit MemoryKPR.com/discovery/author/ city-of-moose-jaw.

Carmichael Earns $440,000 In 2025

By Robert Thomas

The answer to the question is did the City of Moose Jaw have to pay out their former City Manager Maryse Carmichael after she was terminated without cause and the answer appears to be yes.

In the 2025 public accounts report, to be tabled at this Tuesday’s regular council meeting, $440,977.56 was paid to Carmichael.

This is more than double the $208,722.51 Carmichael received according to the 2024 Public Accounts.

Although it’s not stated Carmichael did not receive any massive raise in 2025.

By law public employees’ salaries

must be made public.

Carmichael was hired to great fanfare on May 2, 2023. She was let go and literally hustled out the back door without cause on December 2, 2025 when Council felt they wanted to go in a different direction.

Also, although it has appearances of being over, the 2025 Public Accounts do not state if there will be further remuneration to Carmichael in 2026.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ new-blog/2026/6/20/carmichael-earns440000-in-2025

An early view of the Temple Gardens Dance Hall, where generations of residents gathered for dances and social events. The hall’s history is among the many local stories preserved through the Moose Jaw Memories Project. Photo by: Courtesy of the Moose Jaw Memories Project

CITY HALL

COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS TUES. JUNE 23, 2026

Moose Jaw’s borrowing capacity increased to $135 million during the first quarter of 2026, one of several developments highlighted in departmental reports presented to city council during its June 9 regular meeting.

Council unanimously voted to receive and file first-quarter reports from the City Clerk’s Office, Financial Services Department, and Strategic Growth Department. The reports also provided one of council’s first opportunities to review newly introduced key performance indicators (KPIs).

Administration said the KPI reporting system remains in its early stages and will continue to expand as departments refine data collection and reporting practices.

Financial services

One of the quarter’s most significant developments was approval from the Saskatchewan Municipal Board to increase the city’s debt limit to $135 million from $95 million, adding $40 million in borrowing capacity to support future infrastructure and capital projects.

The city submitted its application in January, completed the required analysis and discussions in February, and received approval on March 12.

The department also reported strong tax collection results, with outstanding property taxes representing 11 per cent of the total tax levy at the end of the quarter, surpassing its target of 13 per cent.

Meanwhile, 87.37 per cent of invoices were processed through electronic funds transfer, slightly below the department’s 90 per cent target.

The department also awarded a $35,442 contract to Business Furnishings (Sask.) Ltd. for office furniture and chairs, well below the project’s $65,000 budget.

Strategic growth

The Strategic Growth Department’s first-quarter activities focused on communications, economic development, and Indigenous engagement.

On the communications side, the city launched a MooseJaw.ca survey that attracted 127 responses from residents and completed several front- and back-

Quarterly city reports detail debt-limit increase, new KPI tracking

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

end website upgrades aimed at improving the site’s appearance, performance, and security.

The department also selected a consultant and launched the Community Safety and Well-Being Project in partnership with the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce.

Economic development efforts included participation in the Saskatchewan Aerospace and Defence Forum in Sas katoon and DEFSEC West in Calgary, where city representatives promoted in vestment opportunities related to the Fu ture Aircrew Training (FAcT) program and ongoing expansion at 15 Wing.

Staff also attended the 2026 Cana dian Spending Intelligence seminar and participated in meetings with the Moose Jaw Farm and Food Partnership as the organization worked toward incorpora tion.

The department began formal busi ness visitations during the quarter, meet ing with three local businesses to discuss challenges and growth opportunities. It also responded to development inquiries involving industrial park land, multi-unit residential development, and infill hous ing opportunities.

Indigenous engagement included participation in the Indigenous Business Gathering in Saskatoon. Staff also at tended the Môso-tâpiskan exhibit launch at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gal lery, Sask Polytech Storytelling Month events, the March Out Racism event at A.E. Peacock Collegiate, and provided an introduction during an Indigenous storytelling event at the Moose Jaw Pub lic Library.

City Clerk’s Office

The City Clerk’s Office reported several initiatives during the quarter.

Among them was council’s ap proval to consolidate several existing ad visory committees into two new bodies — the Operations Advisory Committee and the Community Services Advisory Committee. According to the report, the restructuring is intended to improve gov ernance, communication, and co-ordina tion between advisory committees and city council.

The office also co-ordinated the appointment of Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. to oversee the city’s Board of Revision process through Dec. 31.

Council nominated Jessica McNaughton to serve as Moose Jaw’s representative on the Regina Airport Authority Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning May 1 and concluding April 30, 2029.

During the quarter, the department

Appreciation for a new format

During council discussion, Mayor James Murdock said he appreciated the new quarterly report format and the move to present departmental reports together rather than over several meetings.

“There was a time … where we would have some of these reports sprinkled into every meeting, and by the time you got to the last ones, you’re already at the beginning of the next quarter,” Mur

City withdraws Hopkins Park playground survey following accessibility concerns

The City of Moose Jaw has temporarily withdrawn a public survey seeking feedback on the final design of a new playground at Hopkins Park after

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

community members raised concerns about accessibility features in the proposed concepts.

The latest survey, launched

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF BEVERLEY LYNNE THOMPSON, late of the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration with the particulars and valuation of security held, if any, may be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of July, 2026

CHOW MCLEOD

Barristers and Solicitors

48 High Street West

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 1S3

Attention: Mr. Parker A. Chow

Solicitors for the Executrix

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF GERALD ALLAN ALEXANDER, late of the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration with the particulars and valuation of security held, if any, may be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of July, 2026

CHOW MCLEOD

Barristers and Solicitors

48 High Street West

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 1S3

Attention: Mr. Parker A. Chow

Solicitors for the Executor

earlier this month with an original closing date of June 24, asked residents to choose between two playground designs and select their preferred rubber surfacing colours for the Hopkins Park Playground Project, located near Grace Street and Hopkins Crescent.

In a June 18 notice, the city said it was withdrawing the survey following feedback indicating the proposed playground concepts did not include sufficient accessibility features.

“The project team will now revisit the playground concept, working to incorporate more inclusive and accessible features,” the city said in a statement.

The playground is scheduled for replacement in 2026 as part of the Community Services Department’s Playground Renewal Program, which aims to assess playground conditions, support longterm planning, and prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF ELEANORA LUCAS, late of the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration with the particulars and valuation of security held, if any, may be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of July, 2026.

CHOW MCLEOD

Barristers and Solicitors

48 High Street West

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 1S3

Attention: Mr. Devin R. Wilder

Solicitors for the Executor

public recreation spaces.

Earlier this spring, residents were asked to provide feedback on broader concepts for the site. The city reported that 78 per cent of respondents selected an option that included replacing the playground while adding a pathway, gazebo, and benches to the park.

The now-withdrawn survey represented the next stage of consultation, focusing on specific playground layouts and surfacing options.

City officials said feedback from residents directly informed the decision to pause the process and revisit the proposed designs. Community members who had already completed the survey were thanked for their participation.

The city said the consultation supports goals identified in its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, including public engagement and the development of accessible community amenities.

No timeline has been provided for the release of updated designs or a new public survey.

An aerial image from the City of Moose Jaw’s Hopkins Park Playground Design Survey shows the location of the planned playground renewal project. Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

Option one of two proposed playground designs for the Hopkins Park renewal project. Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

Option two of two proposed playground designs for the Hopkins Park renewal project. Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

Thirty-seven ag-related businesses are taking part in Saskatchewan’s Open Farm Days this year.

The days on August 8 and 9 will see operations encourage visitors with free experiences and an opportunity to buy fresh farm products. Not all are open both days.

The idea of the Open Farm Days is to show people agriculture and expose them to fresh

products.

7 operations in Open Farm Days

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

A number of the participants are located in the southwest.

Prairie Bee Meadery of Caron will demonstrate honey extraction from bee hives.

Near Mankota, Hi Horse Adventures offers a two-hour trail ride in the scenic hills.

At Bradwell, Wander Tiny Farms offers tours.

Sage Valley Farms near Li-

sieux offers tours.

Bandy Creek Botanical offers flowers and tours near Swift Current.

At Lumsden, Over the Hill Orchards has wine samples and a cherry festival.

Ttreasure Valley Markets near Cadillac offers the sight of fruit trees and a petting zoo.

Val Marie has an event at the restored grain elevator.

The Western Develop-

Rains great for emerged crops

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express Young plants thrive on rain and that’s what the Moose Jaw region experienced during the week ended June 15.

Rainfall varied across the region with many rural municipalities getting three to four inches that week, according to the Ministry of Agriculture weekly crop report.

Evidence of the heavy rain can be seen in pools of water lying in district fields.

The heaviest rains fell southwest of Moose Jaw with 110 millimetres anh the same in

The man who insists upon seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides.

-- Henri-Frederic Amiel

the RMs of Craik and Eyebrow.

The RM of Stonehenge at Assiniboia, 109 millimetres, was next with Wood River at Lafleche getting 92 millimetres.

In the Moose Jaw area, Moose got 49 millimetres, Caron, 83, Huron at Tugaske. 93,

The RM of Pense got 23 millimetres, with 76 millimetres at Bethune, 59 millimetres at Avonlea, and 43 millimetres at Rouleau.

The rain caused some diffi-

culties seeding that last two per cent of the crop. Virtually all of the region is seeded, compared with three per cent left provincially.

The rain has improved moisture levels in the southwest with pasture land 80 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and only three per cent very short.

Crop land soil moisture was four per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, nine per cent short and two per cent very short.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF SHARON ANN GARNER, late of the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration with the particulars and valuation of security held, if any, may be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of July, 2026.

CHOW MCLEOD

Barristers and Solicitors

48 High Street West

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 1S3

Attention: Mr. Parker A. Chow

Solicitors for the Executor

ment Museums at Moose Jaw and Saskatoon offer events and there will be the Swift Current and Regina farmers’ markets.

Rebellion Brewing of Regina and Saskatoon and Outlaw Trail Spirits Distillery near Regina will offer events.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF ANTONIETA M. AQUINO, late of the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration with the particulars and valuation of security held, if any, may be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of July, 2026.

CHOW MCLEOD

Barristers and Solicitors

48 High Street West

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 1S3

Attention: Mr. Parker A. Chow

Solicitors for the Proposed Administrator

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF FLOYD STANLEY LONGMIRE, late of the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration with the particulars and valuation of security held, if any, may be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of July, 2026.

CHOW MCLEOD

Barristers and Solicitors

48 High Street West

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 1S3

Attention: Mr. Parker A. Chow

Solicitors for the Executor

MJPS canine teams to represent Moose Jaw at 2026 National Police Dog Championships

Two Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) canine teams will head to Saskatoon this fall to take part in a national gathering of police dog handlers from across Canada, with the focus placed as much on learning and professional development as competition.

Const. Curtis Amiot and Police Service Dog (PSD) Draco, along with Const. Casey Lea and PSD Mace, are scheduled to attend the 2026 National Police Dog Championships from Sept. 11 to 13. The event, hosted by the Canadian Police Canine Association and the Saskatoon Police Service, will bring together canine teams from police agencies across the country.

While some championship events require qualification, Amiot explained that participation in the national championships is voluntary.

“For this event, teams sign up to participate rather than qualifying. Because the event is being held in Saskatoon, we felt it was a great opportunity to network and learn from other dog handlers from within the province and across the country,” Amiot said.

The MJPS canine unit plays a key role in frontline policing, assisting with criminal apprehensions, evidence detection, tracking, building searches, and other high-risk incidents. Canine teams are also a familiar presence at school visits, public demonstrations, and community events.

The upcoming championships will provide handlers with a chance to compare training approaches and exchange ideas with colleagues from a wide range of jurisdictions.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“The biggest asset to going on any canine seminar is the knowledge you bring back from other handlers in other areas. Whether it’s feedback from evaluators or campfire discussions at social events, we all look forward to spending time together and see it as a real asset to make each other better handlers,” Amiot said.

The event will also showcase two very different canine partners representing Moose Jaw.

“PSD Draco is a Belgian Malinois and PSD Mace is a German Shepherd, so they have very different personalities simply because the breeds have very different dispositions. They are both very loyal

Amiot noted that Draco, who joined the service in 2025, has already demonstrated particular strengths in scent-related work.

“PSD Draco has a very good nose, so he is good at person searches and evidence (detection),” he said.

Behind every deployment is a close bond between handler and dog, built through daily interaction both on and off duty.

“We see, feed, and spend time with our dogs every day. They are a part of our lives and our families’ lives. The bond, trust, and support we have is the foundation of our success as a team,” Amiot said. “Maintaining that communication and trust takes daily maintenance.”

For Moose Jaw’s handlers, success in Saskatoon will not necessarily be measured by trophies.

“(Learning about) training methods, gear you use, or just learning from each other’s mistakes is by far the biggest benefit to attending this event,” Amiot said.

The championships will conclude with a public demonstration day on Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon, where spectators will have an opportunity to watch police canine teams in action.

To learn more about the Canadian Police Canine Association, visit CanadianPoliceCanine.com.

and love to work, but they are also very social,” Amiot said. Although national championship events typically include exercises such as obedience, tracking, evidence detection, and suspect apprehension, Amiot said the unit’s preparation remains focused on realworld policing rather than competition-specific training.

“We try to train as (close to possible real-life scenarios) as we can on a regular basis, so training for a competition isn’t a large focus for us,” he said. “Our primary responsibility is to our community and how to best serve it, so hopefully (those) skills transfer over to the events (at the trials) and we find some success.”

Const. Curtis Amiot and PSD Draco will join canine teams from across Canada at the 2026 National Police Dog Championships in Saskatoon from Sept. 11 to 13. Photo by: Canadian Police Canine Association/Facebook

Const. Casey Lea and PSD Mace are among two MJPS canine teams set to attend the 2026 National Police Dog Championships in Saskatoon this September. Photo by: Canadian Police Canine Association/ Facebook

Ottawa Real Estate Co. Ltd.

Ottawa Real Estate Co. Ltd., located at 324 Main St N., has proudly served Moose Jaw and the surrounding area since 1910. The company was named by its founder, Frank McRitchie, who stopped in Moose Jaw from Ottawa and decided to stay, giving the company its name "Ottawa Real Estate Co. Ltd". Derek McRitchie is honored to be the fourth generation of the family to provide the same quality of service to the community.

Ottawa Real Estate has grown to 14 full-time employees offering full-service real estate, including residential, commercial, rural, and property management. They also offer insurance coverage for home, auto, farm, and commercial properties, and serve as an SGI motor license issuer with online renewal options. Additionally, the office features a full bilingual post office and an on-site Notary Public.

LB Beattie Autobody

LB Beattie Autobody, the most trusted family name in collision repair for over 50 years.

Founded by the Beattie brothers 54 years ago, the business has operated out of its current location at 340 River St. W. since 1995. The team currently consists of six journeypersons, two apprentices, and three administrative staff, and they are currently working toward expanding the facility and hiring a

Terry Beattie notes that the rising cost of living remains a primary challenge, emphasizing the importance of community resilience. He credits the business's success to his fantastic team, citing them as their proudest achievement. Additionally, LB Beattie Autobody is a proud supporter of local organizations, including the Moose Jaw Shriners, the Moose Jaw Humane Society, and various minor sports groups.

For more information, you can reach LB Beattie Autobody at 306-693-6648 or visit their website at www.lbautobody.ca

•

•

For nearly two decades, Jillian and her dedicated team have built more than a store—they’ve created a destination for beautiful living. Discover a thoughtfully curated collection of furniture, home décor, and unique gifts designed to help you create a home you love.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect in-stock piece, designing custom furniture tailored to your style, refreshing a room, or finding a meaningful gift, our team is here to help bring your vision to life.

From inspiration to installation, we’re passionate about helping you create spaces that feel welcoming, personal, and truly like home.

Stop in, explore, and be inspired. Your home starts here

Proudly Serving Moose Jaw and the surrounding area for 104 years (since 1922).

Second generation takes the wheel at Panda Tire & Auto

A longstanding family business in Moose Jaw is entering a new chapter, as Panda Tire & Auto transitions to its second generation of ownership.

As of Jan. 1, Lance, Lorrie, and Crystal Moggey officially took over operations of the Main Street auto service shop, continuing a legacy built by their parents, Curtis and Rosemarie Moggey.

The changeover marks both a milestone for the family and the continuation of a business that has served Moose Jaw for decades. Originally established in 1955, the operation was taken over by Curtis and Rosemarie in 1989 before being incorporated as Panda Tire & Auto in 1992.

For the new owners, the shift to leadership has been years in the making.

“It’s been a transition over several years, going through all the processes to get to where we are, but January 1 was our official takeover date,” said Lorrie, service manager and co-owner.

The three siblings are no strangers to the business, having grown up around the shop.

“Lance has been here since he was 13, pushing a broom,” Crystal said, recalling their early involvement. “I tried

to follow suit, but they didn’t like me pushing brooms as much as they liked him doing it, so I ended up working up front and talking to customers instead.”

Crystal, now a support manager, technician, and co-owner, said her path included time away from the shop before returning — a kind of versatility that has long been part of the family-run operation, where stepping into multiple roles is simply part of the job.

Despite their fresh perspectives, all three emphasized there are no major changes planned, with the focus remaining on the same core values and approach that have long defined the business.

“There’s something Curtis and Rosemarie have built — a successful business — and having been part of it for as long as we have, we plan to keep doing things the way they’ve been done while also keeping up with the times,” Lorrie said.

That approach, they said, is rooted in the values their parents established.

“Their saying has always been that hometown service makes a difference, and they’ve always treated people like people — people come first, numbers come second,” Crystal said. “Honesty and integrity are what they built the business on, and they take pride in making

sure every customer who walks through the door is treated like family, not just a number.”

The business has seen its share of growth over the years, including a significant expansion around 2010 that doubled the size of the shop and increased service capacity.

Still, stepping fully into ownership has brought new challenges.

“There’s a lot more responsibility than we were necessarily anticipating,” Crystal said. “We knew it was coming, but you don’t realize how much there is until you’re fully in it.”

She added that the shift has required a broader awareness of the business as a whole.

“Having to be more conscious of everything that goes in and out of the shop has definitely been an eye-opening experience now that we’re the ones in charge of it all.”

While the new owners are focused on maintaining operations, they said community support has been noticeable in the early months of the transition.

“Thank you to our regular clients for their continued support, and for all of the congratulatory wishes we’ve received,” Lorrie said. Crystal added, “We received a lot of messages we weren’t expecting.” Curtis and Rosemarie are expected to remain involved during a gradual transition period over the next few years, offering guidance as the new ownership group settles into their roles — though, by all accounts, Curtis may not be in a hurry to fully step away from the shop just yet.

For now, the priority remains steady continuity and keeping drivers on the road.

“Our goal is to keep the business maintained and successful for the future,” Lorrie said.

Panda Tire & Auto is located at 888 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-691-0080. To learn more, visit “Panda Tire & Auto” on Facebook or PandaAutoService.ca.

From left: Lance, Lorrie, and Crystal Moggey are stepping into a new chapter as the second-generation owners of Panda Tire & Auto in Moose Jaw, officially taking over the family-run business on Jan. 1. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Repair and Maintenance

We

Novus Auto Glass

Novus Glass Moose Jaw, located at #5-63 Highland Road, offers a full range of services, including crack repair and complete glass replacement for automobiles and heavy equipment. Our shop is equipped with modern tools to service windshields featuring Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Owner Murray Klassen has operated Novus Glass for the past two years. While his primary focus this year is business growth, he would like to thank the community for the ongoing support that allows him to continue growing and giving back to Moose Jaw.

For more information, please visit www.novusglass.com or contact

Benefits of Supporting Moose Jaw Businesses

Local businesses are the backbone of our community. They provide jobs, support local families, and contribute to the unique character of Moose Jaw. When you choose to shop locally, you keep money circulating within our community, which benefits everyone. These businesses frequently support local charities, sports, and culture while offering personalized customer service that larger corporations often cannot match.

Every purchase made at a local business, no matter how small, makes a difference. Supporting them builds a stronger local economy and preserves the businesses that make our community special.

Supporting local business is about more than just spending money—it is about investing in the future of Moose Jaw.

WE FIX EVERYTHING!

We help the hard-working get back to work.

Moose Jaw Truck Shop

I would like to introduce you to Moose Jaw Truck Shop, a locally and family-owned business serving our community since 2007.

Their team of trusted professionals provides a wide range of services, including oil changes, brake repairs, engine repairs, and tire services. They also specialize in EGR and DPF diagnostics and service. To ensure the best experience for their customers, they offer:

Free loaners, on approved repairs Ask us about our 36,000 km warranty Same-day urgent repairs No-appointment drop-offs Shuttle service

Moose Jaw Truck Shop is located at 22 Lancaster Road, Moose Jaw. You can reach them at 306-694-4644 or visit their website at moosejawtruckhop.com.

EECOL Electric

EECOL Electric, founded in Moose Jaw in 1919, is a trusted name in electrical supplies and has since grown into one of Canada's leading electrical distributors. Now, more than 100 years later EECOL Electric continues to operate in the city where it all began. In August 2024, the branch moved into a brand-new facility at 663 Ominica Street West to better serve its growing customer base, employing 8 full-time employees. They now stock a large range of Milwaukee and Klein power tools, hand tools, and electrical supplies.

You don't need to be a contractor to shop at EECOL Electric; you can come in and purchase tools and general products for any home project. They support heroes in the community with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Your potential, ampli ed by our expertise.

EECOL Electric - Your One Stop Shop for Milwaukee Tools

Looking for top-quality Milwaukee tools and expert advice? At EECOL Electric, we don’t just sell tools we help you get the most out of them!

Electric, we don’t just sell tools-we help you get the most out of them!

Explore the latest Milwaukee gear-built tough for the job site.

Get expert guidance-our team helps you pick the right tool for the task.

Access to pro tips & support-so you can work smarter, not harder!

Stop by our new location today and experience the EECOL di erence!

663 Ominica Street West, Moose Jaw, SK

Hopkins Dining Parlour

Passing through a beautiful, glass paneled wooden door transports you to a dining experience that escapes the ordinary.

Surrounded by history and antiques, some dating back to the 17th century, dine in elegance at Hopkins Dining Parlour.

Hopkins Dining Parlour, at 65 Athabasca Street West in Moose Jaw, blends a four tier, 5000 square foot mansion from 1905 with a wonderful experience in casual fine dining.

To the left of the grand staircase a lounge awaits you, beautifully arrayed in Victorian decor. You'll love the Persian style area rugs, and cozy, bay window seating that encourages meaningful conversation with enjoyable company. Numerous corners and candlelight are perfect for a warm and intimate meeting for two. Larger groups are welcome and appreciated for Hopkins timelessly elegant "Top of the Parlour" dining. Opening the leather-bound menu reveals a wealth of Canadian cuisine, with a hint of European influence. Wines featured are carefully curated, and currently All-Canadian. Cocktails and mocktails evolve by the season.

(left) Gladys Pierce, original owner of Hopkins Dining Parlour for 41 years with current owner, (right) Linda Lin.

Stimulate your appetite with the classically British, Prime Rib Yorkies; Baked Lobster with Cheese; and Hopkins signature Chicken Wings.

Indulge your taste buds with entrees ranging from succulent seafood, savory pastas, and the highly acclaimed AAA Prime Rib. After a pleasing journey with fine food, family, and friends, ask their friendly servers for a little journey through Hopkins Dining Parlour. History unfolds, mysteries are unveiled, and your night

magical adventure.

Keon Gardens is Celebrating 47 Years if Helping Gardener's Create The Garden of Their Dreams

The staff are more like family, she makes working there fun, which is reflected in the service you receive.The business has long focused on building strong relationships with customers and maintaining knowledgeable staff capable of helping all gardeners create the garden of their dreams.

The locally owned greenhouse first opened in 1979 by Ron and Keith Johnson as a Landscape and Tree Nursery. Marcy first worked for the Johnson brothers before she and her husband, Kelly, bought the business in 2008.

Marcy, Kelly and the amazing team at Keon worked hard to get the business to where it is today. They won Business of the year in 2024 and also a customer service award. Operating from March 1st to December 24th. Making it her own, the centre offers prairie-hardy perennials, annuals, sod, trees, shrubs, and vegetable plants, all backed by decades of expertise. As well as bulk soils, aggregate, bricks, stones, garden decor, and supplies. All the trees, shrubs and perennials sold at Keons are hardy for our zone.

You will find that the 8 greenhouses and the tree nursery are all clean, well organized, and have room to

250 Thatcher Drive East

w.moosejawex.ca

Custom Aluminum LTD

Custom Aluminum LTD serving Moose Jaw and Southern Saskatchewan with high-quality gutters since 1990 and are proud to say that it has installed thousands of gutters in Moose Jaw over the last 36 years. Mike Drackett took over the business from his dad and maintained the same superior quality products. They guarantee their products and workmanship at a good price and outstanding service is their motto. They install the Alu-Rex product line which is the best on the gutter market. They rely on trusted technology to protect your eavestrough against problems caused by weather, sun, snow, ice and debris. This makes their state-of-the-art patented gutter system designed to last for years. The gutter guards are designed to make maintenance easier. With the perforated aluminum, debris sits on top, dries out, and is carried off by the breeze. They have a new line, Double Pro leaf/pine needle guards, that Alu-Rex guarantees your gutters will stay clog-free for 25 years. They also specialize in soffit and fascia. Mike said his biggest challenge is

Custom Aluminum serving Moose Jaw and surrounding community for over 35 years. Striving for the highest quality work, e ciency, and production. Only using today’s highest quality material, we’re always moving forward!

Stop by Custom Aluminum and find that we are the one-stop gutter shop in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, 740 High St. W.

At Custom Aluminum Eavestroughing we are always ensuring your job is done right the first time.

Salvation Army Community Church and Community Ministries

306.694.0045 www.salvationist.ca

Join us as we look into God’s word, Sundays at 11:00am

Bean Redeemed Coffee House from 2:00pm-4:00pm

Bible Study at 7:00pm

Quiet Connections, per sonal prayer time in our Sanctuar y from 2:00pm-4:00pm

Grace in Action low impact e xercises at 7:00pm

Love Ne w Canadians Conver sation Class 1st & 3rd Friday

monthly at 7:00pm

Adult Fellowship 4th Friday monthly at 7:00pm

Men’s and Women’s Fellowship Brunch 2nd Saturday

Monthly at 10:00am 2 Wintergreen Drive

Hanover Cabinets

Salvation Army Community Church is located at 2 Wintergreen Drive, the Store is at 175 1st Ave NE and the Sorting Center is located at 670 High St W.

The Community Church and Community Ministries offer services Sundays at 11am, Tuesdays: CoffeeHouse from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday: Bible Study at 7 p.m. Thursday: Quiet Connections Personal Prayer Time from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday: New Canadians Conversation Class on the 1st and 3rd Friday monthly at 7 p.m., and Adult Fellowship on the 4 Saturday: Men's and Women's Fellowship Brunch is the last Saturday of every month.

They are considering new ministries and activities to help the community. Their biggest challenge is meeting an increased financial need in the Community Ministries. They feel their biggest achievement this year is seeing an increase in the number of individuals they have been able to help through the Trustee Program. They also provide a daily breakfast program for our vulnerable population.

Hanover Cabinets, located at 63 Highland Rd. Moose Jaw, a family-owned Moose Jaw business that has been operating for 38 years. Co-owned by Jason and Joe Cushway, the company specializes in custom kitchen design and production with a dedicated team of six employees.

We keep the ability for budget-conscious homeowners to enjoy the beauty of custom cabinets while staying within budget. Easy-to-clean surfaces require minimal maintenance time.

Hanover Cabinets is deeply committed to the Moose Jaw community. In addition to sponsoring local youth sports, they recently donated a new kitchen to Hunger in Moose Jaw. Jason and Joe believe in the importance of giving back to help build a stronger Saskatchewan together. Their biggest challenge this year will be keeping prices down.

On behalf of the team, they would like to thank the residents of Moose Jaw and the surrounding areas for their continued support of small businesses and for choosing to shop local.

For more information, please visit www.hanovercabinets.ca or call 306-631-8727.

Evans Serves Customers for over 108 Years

Evans Florist Ltd. has proudly served Moose Jaw and district for over 108 years. They began business in 1918, originally opening as a seed store at 24 High St East. After a short time, they expanded their product line to include fresh cut flowers that arrived by train from Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, Alberta.

In order to accommodate the increased business, the Evans Family opened a greenhouse in 1922 located at 42 Hochelaga Street East. The greenhouse grew flowering house plants and bedding plants as well as fresh flowers and operated until the mid fifties. After several moves the flower shop located at its present location 17 High Street West, in 1930. The original store comprised the present sales area of 30X30 feet which faces High Street. In 1939, they purchased the building at 136 High Street North which allowed the store to expand to the south of the original building. This area now includes the office, design and wedding sales sections. The High Street Store was completely renovated in 1967, a sharp contrast to the original brick storefront from the 1890s.

The company survived the depression of the 1930s and some days had no sales whatsoever. By the early forties business picked up significantly and there became an apparent need to serve customers worldwide. As Canadians went to war in Europe, and with British Pilots coming to Moose Jaw for their Air Force training, flower orders began to be exchanged between the two countries. As a result, Evans Florist Ltd. joined FTD (Florist Transworld Delivery Association). All orders were originally transmitted by telegram, then by telex and now by the FTD Computerized Mercury System. For the past 12 years, the store has consistently placed in the top 1000 senders across North America. Since its beginning, the florist business has changed over the years. The store now sells chocolates, balloons, and a crystal gift line, but the mainstay has always been fresh flowers and plants. With the advent of air travel, flowers now come from Europe, Hawaii, and South America. Although styles and types of flowers change the Evans Family has always prided itself in the floral designs they create.

The founding members of Evans Florist were two brothers, Fred and Art Evans, who immigrated to Canada from Wales where Art had apprenticed as a seedman. In 1922, Art moved to Vancouver to open his own flower shop. Fred continued to operate the business in Moose Jaw and was joined by his oldest son, Henry in 1924. Shortly after Henry's brother, Les, came into the business, which they operated jointly until 1954, at which time Les opened a flower shop in Regina. Beginning in the early 1960s and 1970s, Henry was joined in business by his three sons: Keith, Ian and Rick. Henry retired in the late 1980s and was a long-time, honoured member of the floral industry. As a third generation florists, Keith, Ian and Rick were extremely appreciative of their staff and their many excellent customers.

Evans Florist has called Moose Jaw home since 1908 and has been in the flower business since 1918.

Tina Couzens bought the store in 2008 and continues to run it today. She had worked at Evans since 1989 and will have owned the store for 18 years in 2026.

Mon - Fri 8:30 AM To 5:30 PM Sat 9:00 AM To 4:00 PM

Mulberry Estates Welcomes You

Mulberry Estate has been a part of the community for 24 years and employs 39 staff members, providing services 24/7.

Every day at Mulberry Estates seniors living community in Moose Jaw brings new opportunities. Take part in our full schedule of social and recreational events. Stop by the salon to get your hair cut. Enjoy three chef prepared meals in the dining room and housekeeping services. Our beautiful welcoming community is where you can relax and spend time doing what you enjoy. We also have a game room, space for fun activities, and laundry facilities on every floor, offering more living space in apartments. Also pets are embraced as part of the family. Residents also have access to a common kitchen. Enjoy the relaxing resident lounge with a fireplace or library. Covered parking and complimentary scheduled transportation are provided. Apartments are available in studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom layouts designed for your comfort. We love being a part of the Moose Jaw community and are proud of the personal and professional relationships we have grown over the last year.

The biggest challenge we have faced this year has been balancing strong demand with availability for future residences, which has become an ongoing focus. We are proud of the partnerships that inspire us to continue growing, giving back, and making a positive impact. We welcome you to book a tour call 306-694-5020 or check out our website at mulberryestates.ca

MULBERRY ESTATES

Servicing Moose Jaw & Area for 25 years

580 Lillooet St W, Moose Jaw | Hours:

Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

Cruisers CARSTAR Moose Jaw

Collision repair, and more, operating in Moose Jaw for over 21 years.

Experience autobody repairs with top customer satisfaction and fast service.

They have been awarded SGI's High Performance Partner Program; they are 1 of only 40 shops in Saskatchewan to have achieved this status.

Hoping for an upcoming expansion. Their biggest challenge is keeping up with the high demand. They have a payroll of 12 employees but are always looking for more Journeymen Techs.

Cruisers is located at 8 McKenzie Lane, Moose Jaw and can be contacted by calling 306-692-4707 or on the website carstar.ca. • Auto Body Repair • Paintless Dent Repair

• Paint Protection Film (PPF) • Ceramic Coating

• Complete Polishing & Detailing

• Windshield Replacement & Repair

• Direct Repair

• Hail (Storm Damage Repair)

• Fleet Services Our Services

Our certified technicians are trained to work on all makes and models and participate in ongoing education programs on the latest vehicle technologies and materials OPEN: MON-FRI 8am - 5pm | CLOSED: SAT and SUN 8 Mckenzie Lane Moose Jaw l 306-692-4707

THE MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM & SASKPROMO.COM

The Moose Jaw Express was founded with a simple but important goal: to provide positive, community-focused local news and information that residents could trust. We saw a need for a publication that celebrated the people, businesses, organizations, and events that make Moose Jaw such a great place to live. Rather than focusing on sensationalism, we wanted to tell the stories that bring a community together and help local organizations connect with residents.

The Moose Jaw Express was founded approximately two decades ago and has grown from a small local newspaper into a diversified communications, printing, publishing, and promotional products company. What started as a newspaper has evolved through hard work, community support, and a willingness to adapt to changing times. Throughout that journey, our commitment to local journalism and supporting local businesses has remained constant.

Like any startup, there were challenges. Building readership, attracting advertisers, managing cash flow, and competing for attention in a crowded marketplace were all significant hurdles. We overcame those challenges by focusing on relationships. We listened to our readers, worked closely with local businesses, and consistently delivered value to the community. Over time, trust became our greatest asset. When people know you care about the community and show up week after week, year after year, that trust becomes the foundation for long-term success.

The biggest evolution has been expanding beyond traditional publishing. Today, we not only produce a newspaper but also offer commercial printing, wide-format printing, signs, banners, apparel decoration, promotional products, direct mail services, and marketing solutions. While technology and customer needs have changed dramatically, our role remains the same: helping organizations communicate effectively and helping our community stay informed and connected.

Many local newspapers have disappeared over the years, yet we continue to serve Moose Jaw and the surrounding region.

We’ve helped promote countless charities, community events, sports teams, businesses, and fundraising efforts. We’ve published thousands of stories highlighting local achievements that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Being able to help local organizations raise awareness and support causes that strengthen our community has been incredibly rewarding.

SaskPromo developed because our clients were asking for more than advertising. They needed branded apparel, promotional products, signs, banners, and marketing materials. Rather than sending them elsewhere, we decided to provide those services ourselves. Today, SaskPromo complements the Moose Jaw Express perfectly. Both businesses share the same mission: helping local organizations grow, build their brand, and connect with customers. Whether through a newspaper ad, a vehicle wrap, custom apparel, or a promotional campaign, the goal is the same—help local businesses succeed.

When people support local businesses, they are supporting local jobs, local families, local charities, and local economic growth. The same is true for independent media. Local newspapers tell stories that larger organizations often overlook. They cover local council decisions, community events, volunteer organizations, sports teams, and the everyday successes that shape a community’s identity. Once local businesses and local media disappear, it is extremely difficult to replace the role they play in keeping a community vibrant and connected.

Our vision is to continue evolving while staying true to our roots. We want to remain a trusted source of local information while expanding the services we provide to businesses and organizations. Whether through print, digital communications, promotional products, signage, apparel, or new technologies, our goal is to continue helping our clients grow and helping our community thrive. The tools may change, but the mission remains the same: serving Moose Jaw, supporting local business, and strengthening the community for future generations.

Personal Counselling in the areas of:

• Marriage

• Parenting

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Eating Disorders

• Sexual Disorders

• Abuse Issues

• And more.

Contact Leona or Dana Jayne for questions or to schedule an appointment.

Moose Jaw Christian Counselling Centre

DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT? WE DO.

• 24 Hour Emergency Services

• Water & Flood Damage

• Fire & Smoke Damage

• Mold Remediation

• Asbestos Abatement

The Moose Jaw Christian Counselling Centre (MJCCC) opened as a non-profit counselling organization on May 1, 1987. They provide a broad range of counseling in response to individual needs and are dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of those seeking help. Although, MJCCC is a faith-based organization, people of all backgrounds and perspectives are welcome regardless of their beliefs. Currently there are four counselors, each with a Masters Degree, who offer in-person, virtual or telephone sessions. Depending on the client’s income, the cost of these sessions is often discounted with the remainder of the expense being dependant on the generous donations of individuals, churches, and businesses. The intent of the centre is to help people find deep and real solutions to the problems they are experiencing.

AND FLOOD DAMAGE

ServiceMASTER Restore

ServiceMaster Restore of Moose Jaw is proud to celebrate 10 years of serving Moose Jaw and the surrounding community. They provide emergency restoration services for homes and businesses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Whether you are facing property damage from water, fire, smoke, mold or asbestos, you can trust our IICRC-certified specialists. They understand how traumatic these situations can be and are committed to delivering rapid, superior restoration services to give you peace of mind.

Owner Jerry Breti and our team of 25 plus employees, in Moose Jaw and Regina are here for you in your time of need. They would like to sincerely thank the community for your continued trust and support over the past decade.

#6 75 Highland Road, Moose Jaw | 306-692-5588 | www.svmrestore-moosejaw.ca.

Live music lineup announced for Sidewalk Days main stage

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Music fans will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment during this year’s Purposed Financial Corp. Sidewalk Days festival, with organizers unveiling a three-day lineup featuring performers from Moose Jaw and across Saskatchewan.

The schedule for the John’s Music Ltd. Main Stage was released June 13 and includes a mix of local acts, cover bands, and emerging performers set to take the stage throughout the festival weekend. All

performances will take place on the festival’s main stage in downtown Moose Jaw.

The lineup includes:

Thursday, July 2

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Elizabeth Clyde

3 to 4 p.m. — Cyanide

5:30 to 7 p.m. — Steel Toed Booty

Friday, July 3

Noon to 1 p.m. — School of Rock

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Oversia

3 to 4 p.m. — Jerkstore

5:30 to 7 p.m. — The BrassRoots

Collective Saturday, July 4

Noon to 1 p.m. — Southbound

Eleven

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Psycho Love

3 to 4 p.m. — Class Action

The BrassRoots Collective will serve as the festival’s Friday evening headliner. The Regina-based nine-piece cover band has become a familiar act in Moose Jaw in recent months, performing during Greek Night at the Temple Gardens Centre on May 2 and returning later

that month as part of the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival, which ran from May 11 to 14.

Following its most recent appearance in the city, the group expressed enthusiasm about returning to Moose Jaw, telling followers on social media: “Excited to be back in Moose Jaw! A great event and now you can come dance with us! Now it’s a party!”

Sidewalk Days is scheduled to take place in downtown Moose Jaw from July 2 to 4.

WDM Moose Jaw prepares to celebrate 50 years with free anniversary event

The Western Development Museum (WDM) Moose Jaw is preparing to celebrate a major milestone later this week, with organizers inviting residents to take part in a day of free activities marking the museum’s 50th anniversary.

Friday, June 26

The museum will host a public anniversary celebration on Friday, June 26, offering free admission throughout the day as it reflects on five decades of preserving Saskatchewan history and serving Moose Jaw.

Activities will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include family-friendly programming throughout the museum galleries. Visitors can take part in a special 1970s-themed seek-and-find activity, view retro photo displays and selfie stations, watch National Film Board shorts, explore a static vintage fashion show, and contribute their own memories to a community anniversary display.

A short anniversary program is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by complimentary refreshments.

The celebration marks 50 years since the museum opened its doors in Moose Jaw in 1976. The milestone event will provide an opportunity for residents to reflect on the museum’s role in the community over the past five decades and create new memories with family and friends.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

In a social media announcement promoting the event, the museum encouraged residents of all ages to attend.

“Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, and spend some time exploring the museum that has been part of our community since 1976,” the museum stated.

The post also highlighted the role the museum has played in connecting generations through shared experiences and local history.

“Whether you visited the museum as a child, brought your own children through our doors, or are discovering us for the first time, we’d love to celebrate this milestone with you,” the museum stated.

The anniversary celebration is being supported by activity sponsor The Mad Greek Restaurant, with additional sponsorship from Tunnels of Moose Jaw.

Admission to the June 26 anniversary celebration is free, although donations will be accepted.

Saturday, June 27 (event postponed)

The museum’s ticketed “Built in ’76: A Groovy Night at the Museum” celebration, originally scheduled for June 27, has been postponed until the fall.

The WDM said the decision was made because June is a busy time of year, with graduations, convocations, vacations, and other summer activities filling many people’s calendars, making it difficult for some to attend. Organizers said the celebration will still go ahead with its planned mix of live music, danc-

ing, and 1970s-inspired activities. Staff are now working with performers and event partners to select a new date, with further details to be announced later.

For more information, visit WDM.ca, call 306-693-5989, or visit the museum at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.

NewsBrief: Phyllis Dewar outdoor pool opens for summer season

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool officially opened for the season on June 15, offering residents another option to cool off during the summer months.

The City of Moose Jaw announced the outdoor facility began operating at 6 a.m. that day. In conjunction with the opening, the Kinsmen Sportsplex closed at 4 p.m. on June 14 for its annual maintenance shutdown and is scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. on July 6.

Residents can also take advantage of the city’s spray parks, which

are now open for the season.

Swim schedules for city pools are available through the Online Recreation Registration system on the City of Moose Jaw website or through the Recreation Registration section of the City of Moose Jaw app.

The city is also encouraging residents to get active during June, which is recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and to share their activities on social media using the hashtag #NotoriouslyActive.

Robots will be serving restaurant meals

While sitting in a fast food restaurant the other day a couple was noticed placing and paying for an order on one of those automated devices.

She was having difficulties with selection. Her partner, appearing to be in his 40s, was frustrated and grumbled he would rather order at the counter.

Eventually he left to order at the counter while she struggled with her order.

It has been about 10 years since Yours Truly entered a Regina outlet and for the first time saw one of those automated devices.

Now they are all over the place.

When they were introduced the companies claimed no jobs would be lost. That is hard to believe.

American data shows 290,000 food employees have had to look for work

OPINION EDITORIAL:

TRADING THOUGHTS

By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express

in another industry during the last few years. Not all were done in by automation.

The use of robots is growing. Eight companies specialize in building the technology. Users claim that workers will not be displaced but the burden of “rote tasks’’ will be removed from workers.

The first stages of this technology have been automated ordering systems.

A number of large chains have adopted robots that fry burgers, cook fries, make salads and perform similar tasks.

A small American salad bar chain Spyce plans to have its outlets fully automated within one year. Customers will watch their food being prepared.

In the pizza industry, Dominos has experimented with robots delivering food. Pizza Hut uses the technology.

McDonalds has a Fort Worth, Texas outlet that is completely robotic from cooking to delivering the food to the customer.

Sounds like a vending machine. Will some angry customers punch the robot if an order is wrong?

Some major chains that have adapted robotics include White Castle, Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, and Chili’s.

The chains say a shortage of labour has driven them to robotics.

A robot can cost $300,000 to buy but it works 24/7 with no coffee breaks, no lunch hours, no benefits, no holiday pay, no requests for higher pay, no work er turnover.

Savings on labour costs from robots in restaurants range from 30 per cent to 70 per cent.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

The bottom line just explodes.

The environment where customers can talk to a human in a food place will disappear before we know it.

One chain of bars has a robot making drinks. Will people still be able to visit a bar and unload their issues to an understanding bartender? Guess not.

The robots in food places will save money but they are de-humanizing the business.

Governments will lose the taxes paid by employees working in the food industry.

The governments could end up taxing the machines and driving another level of price increases.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

New protective netting at Ross Wells Ballpark addresses long-standing resident concerns

After years of complaints from nearby residents about deteriorating netting, foul balls leaving the park, and game-day access restrictions, new protective netting has been installed at Ross Wells Ballpark.

The City of Moose Jaw announced June 16 that work on the project was completed earlier this month, with installation taking place between June 3 and June 11.

“The netting at Ross Wells Ballpark had reached its end of life and had become torn and difficult to repair further,” the City of Moose Jaw said in a written response to the Moose Jaw Express.

The replacement project was completed by contractor Wind & Sun Protection Inc. at a cost of $94,173, funded through the Community Services capital budget.

While the annual Homestand concert has raised approximately $80,000 for Ross Wells Ballpark since 2021, supporting projects including LED lighting upgrades, bleacher improvements, and other infrastructure enhancements, the city is responsible for supplying and

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

New protective netting now surrounds Ross Wells Ballpark following a city-led replacement project completed earlier this month. The upgraded foul-line netting is 50 per cent taller than the previous installation.

maintaining the protective netting.

City officials said funding for the project was approved in December 2025, followed by public procurement in January, bid submissions in February, contract negotiations in March, and infrastructure investigations in April before construction began in June. The city said weather conditions, ground thaw, and contractor availability all influenced scheduling.

According to the city, the previous netting had been in place since approximately 2000 to 2005 and had reached the end of its service life.

“Resident feedback was taken into consideration for the timing and prioritization of this project,” the city noted.

The issue has been a source of frustration for nearby homeowners for years.

In September 2025, several residents told the Moose Jaw Express that baseballs regularly left the park, damaging vehicles and properties, while road closures during Miller Express games prevented some homeowners from accessing their garages and driveways. Some residents said the affected streets were their only route to their properties because they lack rear alley access.

At the time, residents pointed to large holes and damaged sections throughout the existing netting, arguing that repairs and upgrades were long overdue. Some also questioned whether the netting was tall enough to prevent foul balls from leaving the park.

The concerns resurfaced publicly this spring when a large sign criticizing City Hall and baseball appeared on a nearby corner lot just days before work on the new netting began.

The replacement project included additional foul-line

coverage intended to help address concerns about balls leaving the park.

“The foul line netting is 50 per cent taller than the previous netting. A 10-foot fence with 15-foot net above gives 25-foot coverage,” the city said.

While the taller netting is intended to help address concerns about balls leaving the park, residents have also welcomed changes related to game-day access.

The city has not yet determined whether the upgraded netting will affect future traffic-control measures or street closures during Miller Express games, but a recent traffic advisory included another change welcomed by nearby residents.

Ron Hardy, who has been

outspoken about the issue for several years, noted the advisory stated that traffic on portions of Caribou Street East and Third Avenue Northeast would be permitted to access properties during game-day road closures — something he said residents had sought for years.

“After eight years, we finally have access to our property again,” Hardy said.

Hardy welcomed both developments, although he remains uncertain whether the new netting will completely solve the problem of foul balls leaving the park.

“I’m happy to see that they’re doing something that’s going to help the situation,” he added.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS HAVE A VOICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Moose Jaw City Council is seeking residents-at-large who want to make a positive impact through service on one of our City boards. The following boards currently have vacancies:

• Moose Jaw Public Library Board / Palliser Regional Library Board (up to 2 citizens-at-large - must be willing to sit on both boards)

Who should apply?

Moose Jaw Residents who are:

• 16 years of age or older.

• A Canadian citizen.

• A full-time resident of Moose Jaw.

• Committed to providing informed recommendations that help guide the City’s future.

• Collaborative and community minded.

City Council welcomes broad community participation through an inclusive, transparent process and invites Indigenous community members to share their perspectives by applying.

To learn more and apply: moosejaw.ca/boards

Questions: Contact the O ce of the City Clerk at cclerk@moosejaw.ca or 306-694-4424.

Large holes and deteriorating sections of netting at Ross Wells Ballpark were among the concerns raised by nearby residents in 2025 and earlier, prompting calls for repairs and upgrades. The aging netting has since been replaced. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Aspiring Officials Happy For Camp Invite

Two guys in stripes took big steps this past weekend in their dreams of someday making it to the big leagues.

Ryder VanDeSype and Jacob Michelson were two of 96 who attended the Western Hockey League (WHL) High Performance Officiating Exposure Camp in Calgary. The invitational Camp was to help identify and improve officiating in minor hockey with a view of developing officials for the WHL.

“It felt very special. I had the opportunity to showcase my skills to WHL scouts and all of that,” VanDeSype said.

For VanDeSype, the invitation to the camp is a big step to someday officiate in the WHL but hopefully move on to the NHL.

The 16-year-old Central Collegiate grade 10 student loves hockey. He initially played hockey but was soon attracted to officiating.

It was an attraction he couldn’t resist.

“I started young playing hockey. I saw all of these refs and wanted to be like them one day. So I quit hockey.”

At 16 VanDeSype has been officiating senior men’s, U18 prep and U17 AAA.

But the dream and goal is to officiate at the WHL level and from there the much coveted NHL.

He is well aware of the demands of achieving his dreams go on to state if he makes the ranks of the WHL he’ll need another job to survive.

By Robert Thomas

The advice he received at the camp is invaluable.

“I was told to keep on working and that I’m still young. I was told to keep on working and I’ll get a spot,” he said.

While VanDeSype is a dedicated official, 20-year-old Jacob Michelson is an active player as well as official.

He is just finishing up playing with the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) where he had a career best 12 goals and 26 assists year in 2025 - 2026.

Before junior hockey he was part of the Prairie Hockey Academy.

This fall he is off Red Deer Polytechnic to play hockey.

Michelson said being invited was a step towards his dream.

He dreams not only playing in the NHL but also someday officiating jt.

“When I first saw I was accepted I was really excited. It’s the path towards the next level,” he said, adding “I want to ref in the NHL one day.”

Michelson got involved in officiating when he was 11 years old as a “side gig to earn extra cash.”

Today it’s a life goal and not just about cash.

Share your team’s news, pictures and results with us! email: editor@mjvexpress.com

He went in to the camp not knowing what to expect but he was impressed with the camp.

“They were very professional, positive and nurturing…they really took time to explain…they told us the work ethic to reach our goals.”

Michelson would even win the strongest skater award for all camp attendees.

“During notes and asking questions I felt it made me a better ref coming out of it.”

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2026/6/16/e0r9954st7h2wskfvs32jw2dx1iutg

SNAPSHOT: On par for progress

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: Work is underway on the first phase of a major course expansion at Hillcrest Golf Club, where crews have begun clearing and shaping land that will become two new holes as part of the club’s master plan. The project involves developing an area that has been unused for decades and is not affecting current play on the course. Once completed, the new holes — planned as holes 13 and 14 — will offer golfers scenic views overlooking much of the course. Club officials say construction is progressing with a goal of having the new holes ready by the end of August. Photo by: Hillcrest Golf Club

Moose Jaw Participants - (l - r) Ryder VanDeSype and Jacob Michelson

Warriors championship mural unveiled at Temple Gardens Centre

A new mural celebrating the Moose Jaw Warriors’ historic 2024 Western Hockey League championship season is now on display at Temple Gardens Centre, giving fans a permanent tribute to one of the most memorable moments in the city’s sports history.

The mural was completed June 16 and installed on the north concourse wall near the Warriors & Legends Hall of Fame, where it is expected to be viewed by thousands of visitors attending hockey games, concerts, and other events throughout the year.

The project was spearheaded and fully funded by the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA), which first proposed the mural during city budget discussions in November 2025. The initiative received final approval from city council on May 26 as part of a broader package of public art projects across Moose Jaw.

DMJA vice-chair John Iatridis said community response has been overwhelmingly positive since the mural was installed.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback. People are excited to see it, excited to get into the building, and happy that we’re celebrating this moment,” he said.

Created by mural artist Andrew Robertson, the artwork spans four panels, each measuring four feet by eight feet, creating a finished piece approximately eight feet (2.4 metres) high and 16 feet (4.9 metres) wide. The mural depicts former Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk lifting the Ed Chynoweth Cup after the Warriors captured the franchise’s first WHL championship in 2024, ending a 40-year wait for a league title.

“It’s the moment our captain finally got to hoist the trophy after (the franchise waited) 40 years to do so,” he said. “We had some different ideas, but that’s what it came down to. The team felt the trophy should be the main centerpiece. It’s our captain hoisting the trophy, and he was the first one to lift it, so that was

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the idea.”

Iatridis said the location was chosen after discussions with arena staff and city officials about where the mural would receive the greatest visibility.

“They recommended the location because it’s accessible even during concerts and is a high-traffic area during games, allowing as many people as possible to see it,” he said.

The project also marks the first collaboration between the DMJA and Shaunavon-based artist Andrew Robertson. Iatridis said he had known Robertson for years and was aware of his extensive mural experience. Having previously expressed interest in completing a mural in Moose Jaw, Robertson was a natural choice to bring the championship tribute to life.

Installation of the mural panels was completed by Aaron Lalonde of Bulldog Home Renos, with the project ultimately finished nearly two months ahead of the July-August timeline initially anticipated when it was presented to council in May.

A longtime Warriors fan, Iatridis has previously urged residents to

support the community-owned team through both winning and losing seasons. He said the mural represents more than a championship victory and serves as a lasting reminder of a milestone that united the community after four decades of waiting.

“We’ve always wanted something in the city (to commemorate) that championship season after 40 years in the league,” he said.

While the current mural is located inside Temple Gardens Centre, the DMJA is already considering ways to expand its visibility.

“One thing we’ve discussed is having something similar, like a replica, put up somewhere in the downtown area,” Iatridis said. “That’s something we’d like people walking around downtown to be able to see.”

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Former Moose Jaw Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk lifts the Ed Chynoweth Cup in a new mural installed at Temple Gardens Centre. The artwork commemorates the Warriors’ first WHL championship and serves as a permanent tribute to the team’s historic 2024 season. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Golden Ticket Volleyball Club wraps up largest and most successful season to date

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Express

Golden Ticket Volleyball Club (GTVC) is celebrating its strongest season yet after completing a fourth year marked by record participation, provincial-level success, and continued growth in both its boys’ and girls’ programs.

The Moose Jaw-based club fielded 13 teams during the 2025-26 season, the largest offering in its history, while attracting athletes from 11 communities outside Moose Jaw. The season concluded June 1 with the club’s year-end banquet and awards celebration at Temple Gardens Centre.

Director and Golden Ticket Sports co-owner Tanner Brightman said the club continues to build momentum.

“I would say our fourth year was our longest and most diverse offering yet, with 13 teams this season, which is the largest offering that we’ve put forward in the four years,” Brightman said.

Among the club’s biggest success stories this season was the continued growth of its boys’ program, which produced strong results at both the provincial and national levels.

“The boys’ side is one area that we’re especially proud of, considering there hadn’t been a male club volleyball program in Moose Jaw for the better part of the last 25 years,” he said.

The club’s 16U and 18U boys teams recorded multiple top-three finishes in Division 1 competition, while the 16U Gold squad captured a provincial silver medal and finished 21st at nationals. Five members of that team — Xander Nelson, Lex Mohle, Nixon Mohle, Damian Mullan, and Rylan Yost — were also selected to represent Saskatchewan this summer, marking the first time GTVC athletes have earned spots on a provincial team.

Nelson was also named Saskatchewan Volleyball’s 16U Indoor Player of the Year, becoming the first GTVC athlete to earn the honour.

“The criteria for that award are in-

teresting because it actually requires another club to nominate him,” Brightman said. “He’s very deserving. He’s been with the club since the beginning, and he’s what we call a CNP — a certified nice person. Not only can he really play, but he’s a good human as well.”

Additional provincial recognition came through Team Saskatchewan Futures camp invitations for athletes including Troy Maltese and Kuokuo Tian, giving them an opportunity to enter the province’s high-performance development pathway.

On the girls’ side, GTVC fielded teams from 14U through 18U, including multiple teams in both the 14U and 16U divisions. Brightman said strong athlete retention has fuelled continued growth. The 16U Girls Gold team highlighted the season by travelling to Billings, Mont., before advancing to nationals and competing against teams from across North America.

Ella Grapentine was named one of GTVC’s 16U Athletes of the Year, while Ryanne Hernandez earned Most Valuable Player honours for the 16U Girls

Gold team.

Brightman credits much of the club’s success to athlete development, coaching stability, and community support. He said one of the club’s original goals was to create local opportunities.

“When we started … one of the big pushes was, instead of people leaving Moose Jaw for Regina or elsewhere, we would try to have that be the inverse, where people were coming to Moose Jaw,” he said. That goal appears to be paying off, with athletes from 11 communities outside Moose Jaw competing for the club this season.

Looking ahead to year five, Brightman said the focus will be on refining competition schedules, coach development, and improving the athlete experience.

“The best player development is coach development,” he said. “If the people leading these athletes continue to improve, and we continue to invest in them, then the club will continue to improve as a byproduct of that.”

Those interested in learning more about the upcoming season can begin submitting expressions of interest starting July 1, with additional information expected in early August.

For more information, contact Brightman at 306-541-9112 or Tanner@ GoldenTicketSports.com.

Share your team’s news, pictures and results with us! email: editor@mjvexpress.com

Golden Ticket Volleyball Club athletes are recognized during the club’s year-end banquet and awards ceremony at Temple Gardens Centre on June 1. Photos by: goldenticketvc/Facebook

Hockey history celebrated as Sask Hall of Fame induction dinner comes to Moose Jaw

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw’s place in hockey history was on full display June 19 as players, coaches, officials, and fans gathered at Temple Gardens Centre for the 13th annual Ted Knight Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Dinner.

Held in Moose Jaw for the first time, the sold-out event honoured six individuals and one team whose contributions helped shape hockey in Saskatchewan and beyond. The Class of 2026 included players Ed Staniowski, Doug Smail, Brenden Morrow, and Kelly Bechard, grassroots builder Jim Large, official William (Kent) Stuart, and the 1984-85 Moose Jaw Generals senior AA team.

Among the evening’s highlights was the induction of Moose Jaw-born Doug Smail, whose hockey journey began on local rinks before taking him to the National Hockey League.

“Growing up in Moose Jaw, I kind of idolized what was at the time that AAA all-star team in midget at 16, called the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Midget Flyers, and then the Canucks after that,” Smail said in a video presentation. “Those guys who played on those teams were my young teenage idols, and I wanted to become a player with the Moose Jaw Canucks.”

Smail went on to star with the Canucks, winning the SJHL scoring title and MVP honours before capturing an NCAA championship with the University of North Dakota. He later played more than 800 NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota North Stars, Quebec Nordiques, and Ottawa Senators, and remains tied for the league record for the fastest goal from the start of a game at five seconds.

“The only thing my teammates always teased me about was if somebody else was shooting it, it would have been three seconds instead of five,” Smail joked.

Another Moose Jaw product honoured during the ceremony was goaltender Ed Staniowski, whose stellar junior

career with the Regina Pats included a 1974 Memorial Cup championship and recognition as the Canadian Hockey League’s first-ever Player of the Year in 1975.

“It’s quite a humbling privilege,” Staniowski said of joining the hall. “The (Canadian Hockey League) was always great to me. It was good to me while I was playing; it was good to me after I fin-

ished, and to have had that notoriety was really special — it means a lot.”

After a 10-year NHL career, Staniowski spent nearly three decades in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a lieutenant-colonel.

The city’s hockey heritage was further recognized through the induction of the 1984-85 Moose Jaw Generals, who compiled a 45-2 record and remain

the only Saskatchewan team to win the Hardy Cup national senior AA championship.

Members of the championship team said a mix of factors helped drive the Generals’ success.

“We just had the right balance. We had the veterans who had been through some battles too, so we just knew what it took and there was no panic. We had a very light-hearted, fun group too, so I think that helped.”

Winning the national title on home ice remains one of the team’s defining memories.

“A lot of us on the team were born and raised in Moose Jaw, so our parents were there, our families were there, (and) our friends. It was very special. It’s something you carry with you forever.”

Women’s hockey pioneer Kelly Bechard was recognized for a career that included Olympic gold at the 2002 Winter Games and four world championship titles with Team Canada.

“When I think about growing up in Sedley, it was such a special time. When I was five, my sister was eight; there weren’t enough kids to make up the team, so our uncles, who were good coaches, asked if we’d be interested in playing, and that’s where it all started,” Bechard said. “It was being a part of that small town that really started my career as a hockey player.”

The evening also celebrated the contributions of longtime builder Jim Large, whose work helped establish female minor hockey in Moose Jaw, and the late Kent Stuart, whose leadership helped shape officiating development throughout Saskatchewan.

Hosted by Hockey Saskatchewan and the Moose Jaw Warriors, the induction dinner celebrated the province’s hockey heritage and the communities that helped build it. For more information, visit HockeySask.ca.

Photos by: Aaron Walker

Members of the 1984-85 Moose Jaw Generals are recognized during the Ted Knight Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at Temple Gardens Centre on June 19.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

On paper it doesnt look very good but on the field of play the Moose Jaw 18U AA Canucks showed signs near brilliance at times in the Friday evening matchup against the Regina Blue Jays.

Despite their strong defensive response, the Canucks fell 10 - 0 in a five inning mercy rule loss to the Blue Jays.

“It’s just a matter of running into a very good pitcher. He’s a third-year

Everyday Tees

Big Strike Zone Surprises Canucks

By Robert Thomas

pitcher throwing pretty good gaffe and we just have to adapt to a bigger strike zone that was there,” Curtis Novak head coach of the Canucks said in a post game interview.

The offence was hard to get going partially due to the larger strike zone called.

Defensively the third and fourth innings were played strongly by the Ca-

nucks.

The third inning was a three up and three down situation. The fourth inning was similar.

“That was our pitcher Brady Novak going in and knowing where that umpire is calling strikes and hitting those spots over, over and over again to hit those spots,” he said.

The fourth inning at the pitcher’s mound was the same.

“He dialed in and just had to hit those spots,” he said.

The recent inclement weather has had an effect on the team’s practice schedule but it’s something all teams in the league have had to put up with.

The team is still developing.

“We’ve made strides in the right direction In every aspect of the game.”

He mentioned the series against the

Battleford and how they had pulled off a mercy rule victory there giving them a lot of confidence because North Battleford is a very strong team.

Water-safety mural brings colour and education to Kinsmen Sportsplex

A new mural promoting water safety has been completed at the Kinsmen Sportsplex, adding a colourful educational feature to the hallway leading to the facility’s aquatic change rooms.

The project was proposed by the North West Community Association and designed and painted by local artist Carly Jaye Smith. The mural was completed on June 16 following nearly a year of planning, consultation, and approvals.

The project comes as Moose Jaw’s outdoor swimming season gets underway. The Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool opened June 15, while the Kinsmen Sportsplex is currently closed for its annual maintenance shutdown and is scheduled to reopen July 6. When swimmers return to the facility, they will be greeted by the new artwork and its water-safety messaging.

Sandra Stewart, chair of the North West Community Association, said the idea originated through discussions with Kinsmen Sportsplex staff about ways to enhance the facility while reinforcing important safety information for pool users.

“We chatted with people at the Kinsmen, including Shelly Howe, and she thought it would be a great idea to have swim-safety tips along the wall leading to the pool,” Stewart said. “We worked together with her, brought Carly

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gal Heights Spray Park, new gathering spaces and gazebos at Spring Creek, and a community-built monarch butterfly sculpture near the Spring Creek trail entrance at Thatcher Drive West and Simcoe Street, created in partnership with artist Grant McLaughlin and the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery.

Despite having only five active members, the association has continued to undertake projects aimed at improving public spaces and strengthening community connections across northwest Moose Jaw, including the construction of gazebos at Spring Creek and other community enhancements.

“We’ve really been focused on building infrastructure with the city,” Stewart said. “Our goal is to create gathering places for people and give the community more areas where they can get involved.”

on board and got the project moving.”

The mural combines water-safety themes with a bright, comic book-inspired design intended to catch the attention of visitors as they make their way to the pool area. Featured throughout the mural are reminders to swim with a buddy, wear a personal flotation device, stay within arm’s reach of children near water, check ice conditions in winter, and develop the swimming skills needed

to safely enter deep water.

The association commissioned the mural in 2025 and had hoped to begin painting earlier this year. However, changes to the city’s committee structure delayed the approval process.

“We were ready to paint, but the (former public art) committees were dis-

The association is also exploring future enhancements near the pickleball courts at the Kinsmen Sportsplex, pending additional funding.

Stewart credited both the City of Moose Jaw and Smith for helping bring the mural project to life.

“Thank you to the City of Moose Jaw for supporting the project and to Carly for her talent,” Stewart said. “We appreciate partnering with people to make projects like this happen.”

For more information about the North West Community Association and its ongoing community projects, visit “Moose Jaw North West Community Association” on Facebook or email MJNorthWest2020@gmail.com.

Arshveer Kaur & Gurueer Singh Moose Jaw, SK June 9, 2026 20:37

Kaylee Brown & David Bushko

Moose Jaw, SK June 19, 2026 8:44 am

Photo by: Aaron Walker

New water-safety murals flank the aquatic change room entrance at the Kinsmen Sportsplex. Designed and painted by local artist Carly Jaye Smith, the project was commissioned by the North West Community Association and promotes safe practices around water. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Woman says mobility scooter restored freedom, but drew police attention

Resident Angel Legare has had a physical disability for nearly two decades and relied on others for transportation, but acquiring an enclosed mobility scooter has given her newfound independence and freedom.

However, the machine has also created challenges, as Legare says the Moose Jaw Police Service targeted her over where she drives the machine. This is because, until recently, there was no city bylaw governing where these devices could be used.

This is part 1 of a series looking at the use of enclosed mobility scooters in Moose Jaw. Comments from the city, the police service, SGI and others will be featured in other articles.

From dependence to independence

Legare, in her 40s, used a walker for eight years and relied on her friends, family, taxis and buses to travel places such as grocery stores, social outings or the doctor’s offices. However, a friend gifted her an enclosed mobility scooter last August, giving her a newfound ability to travel.

“I love the freedom (and peace of mind). I love being able to jump in my scooter knowing I can get anywhere in Moose Jaw and not have any issues about it,” she said.

Jason G. Antonio - For the Moose Jaw Express

“They could easily have went around me, but they all refused and I got a ticket for impeding traffic,” she said.

Meanwhile, Legare believes the police focused on her since she is the only local enclosed-scooter owner under age 50, while everyone else is over age 60. So, she says she filed a complaint for harassment.

Continuing, Legare said one great thing about the machine is it can travel 60 kilometres on one charge — she can drive round-trip from South Hill to Walmart — which, she chuckled, is comforting for “a bigger person” like her.

“I love my scooter,” she added.

Scooter highlights

The enclosed mobility scooters, which can travel up to 30 kilometres per hour and come with air conditioning, heat, power windows, back-up cameras, headlights, signal lights, a horn, a rear bench for storage or passengers and windshield wipers.

Furthermore, they come in two sizes: 46 inches wide by 89 inches long by 60 inches high, or 50 inches wide by 93 inches long by 60 inches high.

A balanced machine

Before acquiring the machine, Legare owned a two-wheeled moped open to the elements. Furthermore, she was forced to wear a helmet, which was heavy and hurt her head.

“… you don’t have to worry about that (with the enclosed machines). It’s easy to get in and out of,” she said. “It’s

(also) easy to throw your groceries in the back.”

Another feature Legare appreciates is that the enclosed scooter is well-balanced and doesn’t tip over, which, she chuckled, is great since she is “a very big lady.” Moreover, she can drive on and off sidewalks safely — even with passengers — and has complete 360-degree visibility.

Negative police attention

However, police seem to “have a real bad issue” with Legare’s machine, as they ticketed her twice since last September. She pleaded guilty to her first $580 ticket — driving an unregistered vehicle in the right-hand lane — because she had a court date in the fall but was in the hospital having a baby.

At the time, she said police told her to stay off the road unless she was driving in the left-hand lane facing traffic.

Police ticketed Legare a second time several months ago, with the woman saying snow had covered the sidewalks, preventing her from using them. So, she drove up Main Street facing traffic, which caused motorists to “freak out” and stop.

Legare noted that the police stopped her again recently and gave her a breathalyzer test because she was driving on the sidewalk. This, she laughed, was “ridiculous.”

Tickets are expensive

Legare says she drives on the sidewalk often, but pointed out that not every street has a sidewalk, nor does every sidewalk have ramps.

Meanwhile, the $580 tickets are expensive for Legare since she is permanently disabled and on the provincial SAID program. This program prevents her from acquiring a job, making money or owning assets like a car, while $100 remains at the end of each month for groceries.

While Legare plans to fight her second ticket in court, she said a judge was kind and reduced her first ticket to $100. However, that’s still steep and is a struggle to pay.

“I just wish that people would accept these (enclosed mobility scooters) more because these would give more people the ability to enjoy their life again,” Legare added. “… I did not enjoy being isolated in my house, only being able to leave two times a month because that’s all (I) could afford.”

Angel Legare poses with her enclosed mobility scooter, which she says has restored her independence and freedom after relying on others for 14 years for transportation due to a physical disability. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The inside of Legare’s scooter, which contains handlebars to steer the machine.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The back of Angel Legare’s enclosed mobility scooter, which contains the messages “It’s electric” and “Mobility scooter: No license needed!” Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Enclosed mobility scooters help preserve seniors’ independence and freedom

Several seniors who have purchased enclosed mobility scooters say the machines have enhanced their ability to travel almost wherever they want within the city, although some recognize there are restrictions on the devices.

This is part 2 in a series about the machines, whether they are legal in municipalities and how the province classifies them.

An ‘independent cuss’

Maurice (Mo) Belisle, 88, purchased an enclosed mobility scooter several months ago to maintain his ability to leave the house to buy groceries or visit greenhouses.

He noted that he and his wife owned typical open-air scooters, but couldn’t use them when it was raining, snowing or blistering hot. However, the enclosed machine comes with a heater and air conditioning, which were big draws.

“I’m kind of an independent cuss,” Belisle chuckled, adding he also “MacGyvered” the machine by adding a better radio, a bigger rearview mirror, a more controllable throttle and a handicap flag.

Belisle said that because his reflexes have slowed and he didn’t want to hurt anyone, he quit riding his motorcycle at age 79 and sold his car years ago. He still maintains a valid driver’s licence, even though one isn’t required to operate these machines.

Jason G. Antonio - For the Moose Jaw Express

Protecting his independence is important to Belisle, who expressed concern that he could be negatively affected — especially financially — if other owners are “messing around” with their machines.

Specifically, the senior worried that the City of Moose Jaw might implement a bylaw eliminating the devices’ uses.

While he acknowledged that other owners can make their own decisions, he thought they should remember that these aren’t cars, should be driven like bicycles and are a “tool” for transportation.

Belisle added that he thought the seller, should provide a little more education on the product.

Meanwhile, Belisle acknowledged that there has been some “irritation” between scooter owners and the police because of the machines’ newness. The police have never stopped him, while he has never had issues with them.

Belisle added that he drives his enclosed scooter mostly on the street, since he feels there are not enough ramp cutouts or adequate sidewalk infrastructure.

A frustrating experience

Larry Kemp, 78, bought his enclosed mobility scooter this spring after the police took away his driver’s licence

their licences.

No worries about gas prices

Bill McKague moved to Assiniboia in March and purchased the enclosed mobility scooter in April, a decision he doesn’t regret since the machine protects him from the weather. Also, he doesn’t have to buy gas for his truck or find a parking spot for it.

“This (scooter) is really nice to park and I can park it anywhere,” he said.

Since acquiring the machine, McKague, 83, has put on 120 kilometres travelling around Assiniboia to places like the grocery store, post office and the doctor’s office.

McKague said he injured his back in 1986, which makes walking difficult, so driving the enclosed mobility scooter has helped him maintain his freedom and independence. He also noted that he temporarily lost his licence in 2001 because of health issues.

due to health concerns. He has appreciated the machine, but also expressed concern about the lack of adequate sidewalks.

About a month ago, Kemp said he was using a crosswalk downtown when the police stopped him. He says officers accused him of not knowing how to drive the scooter, alleged he was slurring his words and gave him a breathalyzer since they thought he was on drugs.

“No, I’ve never done drugs (or) marijuana,” he said.

The police took his machine and impounded it, forcing Kemp to spend $5,000 to hire a lawyer to reacquire the mobility scooter; he temporarily used an open-air scooter but quit because he didn’t like it.

Kemp argued that the police had no reason to take the machine, while dealing with the policing agency has been frustrating. He also questioned how seniors are supposed to travel to the grocery store or doctor’s office if the police take

“It’s no fun when you can’t drive and you’re used to having something to get around with,” he remarked.

Before he purchased the scooter, McKague said he approached the RCMP detachment and town office to ensure he could use the machine. He says he was told he didn’t need a licence for it, should travel on the road adjacent to the curb and should install a handicapped flag so motorists could see him.

“I’ve talked to the cops a few times and they just laugh (and say), ‘Oh, you’re the guy with the little red scooter,’” McKague added with a laugh.

Maurice (Mo) Belisle poses with his enclosed mobility scooter, which includes a handicapped flag so motorists can see him better. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Larry Kemp sits in the front seat of his enclosed mobility scooter, a machine he uses to travel places from his South Hill home. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The inside of Belisle’s scooter, which he has enhanced to include a larger rearview mirror and an upgraded handlebar so he can better control the machine. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Updated bylaw provides clarity for owners of enclosed mobility scooters

Residents who use mobility scooters, including fully enclosed models, now have clearer rules about where they can operate under an amended city bylaw.

During its recent regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to amend the traffic bylaw to define what a “mobility aid” and sidewalk are, to prohibit vehicles from driving on sidewalks unless authorized and to

Jason G. Antonio - For the Moose Jaw Express

increase penalties to $580 from $500.

The amendment also removes references to “motorized wheelchairs, medical scooters and segways,” replacing them with the term “mobility aid,” as defined in the provincial Traffic Safety Act (TSA), upon which the city based these changes.

This is part 3 in a series about the use of enclosed mobility scooters in

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Moose Jaw.

Mobility aid clarity

The Traffic Safety Act defines a mobility aid as a device manufactured for a person with a physical disability, the report said. The legislation includes wheelchairs and motorized devices operated in a seated position that have a maximum speed of 15 kilometres per hour, a width of 81.2 centimetres (31.66 inches) and a mass of 226 kilograms (497 pounds).

No sidewalk use

“Those motor vehicles (that) meet the (TSA) definition of mobility aid will be permitted on city sidewalks and boulevards, or the curb lane of residential streets without a sidewalk, as part of the amendments,” the council report said.

The police service told city hall that provincial legislation allows officers to ticket drivers operating unregistered motor vehicles on highways, but does not clearly address such vehicles on sidewalks, the report noted.

Police said they were uncertain whether they could enforce those situations unless the city’s traffic bylaw specifically identified them as offences, the document added.

Accessibility issues

In an email, a city spokeswoman said that if the enclosed mobility scooters that local businesses sells meet the above standards, they would be a “mobility aid” under the bylaw.

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However, other motor vehicles — not just unregistered machines — are prohibited from using sidewalks or boulevards except to access adjacent property, the document continued.

The report noted that the updated bylaw now considers people who use mobility aids as pedestrians who may use sidewalks or, where none exist, the curb lane of residential streets. They must also exercise reasonable care around other pedestrians.

Also, a sidewalk now means the portion of the street designed and intended for or used by pedestrians, the document continued.

Police feedback

City hall consulted the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) about these changes, the report said.

Based on the agency’s search of the municipal traffic bylaw, legal feedback and deliberations over existing provincial statutes about operating unregistered motor vehicles on streets and sidewalks, the MJPS determined that anything considered a motor vehicle as per the Act is not permitted on sidewalks if it’s unregistered, the document continued.

Meanwhile, the email said in 2025, council approved the municipality’s first accessibility plan, based on consultations, surveys and discussions with residents and accessibility organizations.

The plan outlines initiatives to make the built environment more accessible, including pedestrian ramp upgrades and sidewalk improvements, the spokeswoman said. The engineering services department has also adjusted the depth of the grooves in pedestrian ramps that are installed during capital projects.

The email noted that the city installed ramps in areas adjacent to schools, parks and playgrounds during sign installation projects in 2024 and 2025, and enhanced downtown ramps in previous years.

Data show that the city installed roughly 60 ramps in 2024, roughly 34 ramps in 2025 and about 20 ramps so far this year, the email continued.

The spokeswoman added that the city remained committed to upgrading pedestrian ramps and enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors while meeting its strategic plan objectives of being “a vibrant, safe and welcoming city.”

“While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.”

-- Leonardo da Vinci

Mobility advocate gives mixed reviews to updated traffic bylaw

A mobility advocate is giving mixed reviews to a bylaw amendment that more clearly defines mobility aids and where they can operate in the city.

City council recently changed the traffic bylaw to define mobility aids as devices for people with physical disabilities, prohibit unauthorized vehicles from driving on sidewalks and increase penalties to $580 from $500.

Mobility aids used in a seated position must have a maximum speed of 15 kilometres per hour, a width of 81.2 centimetres (31.66 inches) and a mass of 226 kilograms (497 pounds) to qualify for sidewalk use.

City administration presented these changes using criteria in the provincial Traffic Safety Act (TSA).

This is part 4 in a series looking at enclosed mobility scooters.

SGI comments

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) also endorses the TSA for governing mobility aids, whether they are enclosed or open-top machines.

“The sidewalk should always be the first choice while using a wheelchair or mobility aid. When there is no wheelchair accessible curb, users should get onto the sidewalk using the first available driveway,” SGI said in an email.

“Like pedestrians, those using mobility aids along a road without a sidewalk should travel on the left shoulder, facing oncoming traffic.”

SGI added that enclosed mobility scooters do not need to be licensed or have a licence plate.

Disability advocate’s comments

Greg Moore, 65, is a businessman who has sold home and health-care products — including mobility aids — for 35 years.

He criticized the speed, width and weight restrictions for motorized mobility aids, calling the numbers “magical” and inconsistent with his research.

“We should be trying to get along here to assist those disabled but unfortunately it seems like the city doesn’t want to get along,” he said.

Jason G. Antonio - For the Moose Jaw Express

Greg Moore is a businessman who has sold home and health-care products — including mobility aids — for 35 years and is concerned about bylaw changes that affected enclosed mobility scooters. Photo

by Jason G. Antonio

Moore had no problem with the weight limit, but thought the width limit was too restrictive (as the enclosed skooters he sells are deemed a mobility scooter by SGI and allowed under their governance.)

He argued enclosed scooters seem to be a bit wider to accommodate groceries and possibly a passenger. He also questioned why mobility aids are limited to 15 km/h while e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards can travel faster.

“That’s wrong; there’s something wrong here. (I think the city is) crossing too many boundaries right now,” Moore remarked. “Make it more consistent because I am safer in my (enclosed) scooter (than an open-air one).”

Moore purchased an enclosed scooter two years ago because he has trouble walking long distances, while other health challenges require the use of such devices.

Continuing, he said the scooter has given him greater independence because he no longer has to rely on others for rides, while it also protects him from the weather.

Moore added that the machines have also given the nine other owners more independence and freedom to socialize with friends, attend medical appointments or transport kids to school.

Meanwhile, the businessman argued that possibly council does not fully understand how important enclosed scooters are to users and residents who

depend on them. He also suggested that although someone is healthy today, they may require such mobility aids in the future.

Moore also expressed frustration with how long it took council to address enclosed mobility scooters. He said a few of them and a lawyer met with the police board 18 months ago to discuss bylaw amendments that would allow mobility aids to use sidewalks.

The businessman felt that the

police board (really didn’t take this under consideration), although during another meeting, the city’s accessibility committee was more receptive to the enclosed scooters and suggested bylaw changes.

“I (think) that SGI should allow these (enclosed scooters) to be licensed, because for $500 a year … I (could) drive wherever I want to go,” Moore added.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: Moose Jaw’s mysterious Batman graffiti artist appears to have struck again. A new Batman-themed stencil recently appeared along Fairford Street West, adding to the growing collection of comic bookinspired artwork that has surfaced in unexpected locations across the city over the past year. Featuring the Dark Knight and other familiar Gotham characters, the anonymous pieces have sparked ongoing debate about the line between vandalism and public art, while also turning into a local scavenger hunt for residents eager to spot the latest addition. As with previous works, the identity of the artist remains unknown. Photo by: Aaron Walker

The Worms are Back –Tent Caterpillars

By Richard Dowson

I’m sure you’ve noticed – the worms are back. They are actually caterpillars, but everyone I know who hates them calls them ‘worms.’

It’s the cyclical infestation of Western Tent caterpillars. We get a big infestation here in Moose Jaw every eight to ten years and they last one or two years.

Now, in this heavy infestation, they crawl over everything looking for food. A bunch gathered on the blue recycle container assuming it would taste good. So, we are not talking about intelligent insects. Just nuisance insects.

They love to run silk trails from feeding grounds. These threats hang down and we run into them. Rather gross indeed.

There are safe insecticides. You spray them on vegetation and when the ‘worms’ eat the vegetation they die. I worry insecticides will kill birds or other critters, like my large, friendly Fox Squire Erl. So, I avoid insecticides, sweep them off the deck; curse a little and hope for the best, knowing it is just a cycle of nature.

The Government of Canada has a website on Tent Caterpillars that you can check out. They explain how to get rid of them – which is usually done in the fall when you find a ‘nest.’ Cut the branch, put it in a plastic bag and put it in the garbage. You can also burn them.

OPINION/COMMENTARY

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

“This is your brain. This is drugs. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?”

If you grew up in the late 80s or 90s, those iconic lines, paired with the imagery of an egg being cracked into a glistening, oiled frying pan, are permanently etched in your memory. This television public service announcement (PSA), which first aired in 1987 during the peak of the American ‘War on Drugs,’ is still considered a hallmark of public service broadcasting and one of the most indelible ads ever created.

Critics said the analogy was overly simplistic, prompting teenagers to dismiss the message entirely. Despite the criticism, this PSA became a pervasive cultural phenomenon. I believe there’s a dire need today for a similar PSA, in which the glistening frying pan doesn’t represent illicit drugs but rather the glowing handheld screen we all cling to.

Today, thanks to the Internet, especially its byproduct, social media, our brains are processing far too much inconsequential noise. Yet we’re still expected to function as if it were a psychologically stable environment.

The updates never stop. The interpretations never stop. There’s always another distant crisis, another warning, another technological breakthrough, another predicted collapse, another emotionally unwell malcontent explaining what’s “really happening” with a chart nobody has the energy to fact-check. Amid this deluge, people are trying to earn an income, pay rent, raise kids, maintain relationships, and act as if this digital ecosystem serves their best interests.

Your Brain on the Internet

by Nick Kossovan

Long ago, the Internet stopped being a communication tool. It has become a pervasive cognitive architecture that the human nervous system is trying to adapt to in real time, which is why chronic fatigue, burnout, and anxiety are prevalent today. For almost all of human existence, our cognitive faculties developed to navigate a limited, local context within immediate surroundings; smaller communities, slower cultural shifts, and a finite number of worries, such as surviving the upcoming winter.

To grasp the damage we’re inflicting on ourselves, look at our focus: it mirrors a caffeinated pinball machine. Notifications and swipes act as bumpers, violently deflecting our attention before it can gain momentum. We no longer control our concentration; instead, we watch it bounce between micro-crises, accumulating massive cognitive debt.

The average person now absorbs more emotionally charged online interpretations—the precise content algorithms prioritize to maximize “stickiness”—before breakfast than earlier societies encountered in a week. Economic instability sits alongside celebrity drama. Geopolitical conflict shares screen space with AI-slop, financial panic, algorithmic outrage, and a YouTube huckster confidently explaining how Ancient Rome predicted cryptocurrency.

The human nervous system evolved for local survival, manageable focus, and communities where the psychological atmosphere occasionally stopped vibrating long enough for a mental reset. Now,

the machine never stops. It follows everyone, everywhere. Into bed. Into relationships. Into meals. Into silence. It accompanies us like an emotionally unstable flight attendant permanently narrating turbulence over the cabin speaker.

Consequently, many of us have developed a condition resembling a state of permanent cognitive vigilance. We refresh feeds because the world might have shifted. Markets might collapse. Artificial intelligence might be wiping out more whitecollar jobs. Some manufactured cultural controversy suddenly becomes morally mandatory to react to, or risk temporary exile from the digital village square.

Many of us now live in a lowgrade state of anticipation, waiting for an alert that never arrives, yet it never fully disappears either. Even our moments of rest are tainted by background processing.

Maintaining deep focus in this ecosystem is like reading a classic novel in a Category 5 hurricane of confetti. Every scrap flying past your face demands attention, carrying a snippet of urgent news, gossip, or fresh outrage. You can’t read the page because the environment itself has weaponized chaos to undermine your focus.

In his groundbreaking 2024 book The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt exposed the terrifying reality of our fractured cognitive state: “We have overprotected children in the real world and underprotected them in the virtual world. We’ve rewired childhood and created a culture of hyper-distraction.”

This structural rewiring has

fractured the adult mind, too. Historically, humans lived with clear informational boundaries, with news cycles pausing and conversations ending. That distance mattered more than we realized.

The modern digital environment has obliterated the gap between an event and the collective emotional reaction. Tragedies, conflicts, and outrages land directly in our consciousness before reflection can form. The digital grid we’ve freely chosen to live in has flattened our focus, resolve, and recovery into a permanent state of emergency. Information never concludes. Narratives never settle long enough to be metabolized. Crises constantly drop into your feed, accompanied by the subconscious directive: “pay attention immediately,” which explains why we feel exhausted in ways sleep can’t repair. Your body might be motionless, but your mind is running a marathon through a digital wasteland, processing strangers’ anxieties at 2:00 AM.

We’ve traded our mental territoriality for permanent, lowgrade psychic spasms. Then we wonder why we can no longer sit quietly with our own thoughts. If we don’t actively build walls around our attention, the Internet will continue strip-mining our focus until nothing is left but static.

Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan.

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

7 6 2 1 1 6 9 2 7 6 2 4 5 6 1 2 6 4 3 6 9 8 4 1 8 5

ACROSS

1. Formal dance

5. Taxi driver

45. Gloomy, in poetry

46. Palatable

18. Historical period

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

50. Arrives

10. Lady’s escort

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

AMONG, BOLUS, BRUTE, CHANGE, CHECK, CONFOUND, CRASH, DISTANT, DREDGE, EERIE, EFFORT, EVENT, GRASSROOTS, HARMFUL, HORSE, HOSTAGES, IDIOT, IMAGE, JOKE, MANOR, MERCY, OATH, OBSERVATION, OVARY, PATCH, PLATE, POWER, RAMIE, RASED, SEEK, SEROW, SHELF, SULKS, TIMBER, TURN, URINE, USAGE, VOICE, YELLOW

22. Pickle flavoring

24. Tastes

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

14. Murres

15. Revere

16. Colored part of an eye

17. Wonderful

52. Highly favored

54. Carpet

55. District

56. Nutritious

26. Component of urine

28. Primp

29. Anagram of “Tine”

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

19. Sludge

20. Children’s game

21. Inner surface of hands

22. Numbskulls

23. Blight

25. Patchwork

27. Frozen

28. Steals

31. Chart

34. Angler’s basket

35. Petroleum

36. Adult male sheep

37. Pincer

38. Stake

39. Ripen

40. Soft and sticky

41. Travelled by bus

42. A stringed instrument

44. Hearing organ

58. Delay or postpone

59. Lofty nest

60. Border

61. Drunkards

62. Glacial ridge

63. A fitting reward (archaic) DOWN

1. Hill

2. Orderly grouping 3. Feudal lord 4. Flee

5. A moderate yellow 6. Befuddle

7. Thunder

8. Bluntly 9. Aye

10. A male escort

11. Volcanic explosions

12. 3 times 3

13. Sounds of disapproval

30. Toboggan

31. A metric unit of weight

32. Indian music

33. Proviso

34. Young male choristers

37. Soft drink

38. Emanation

40. “Comes and ____”

41. Pieces of insulation

43. Fears

44. Less difficult

46. Creepy

47. _____ and groom

48. Move forward suddenly

49. Incited

50. Hats

51. Chocolate cookie

53. Lie in wait

56. Born as

57. Skirt’s edge

205 WANTED

Looking To Rent - Garage/warehouse/ or unused semi-trailer unit. Prefer downtown area. Will consider other options. Can be reached at 306-313-3439.

CLASSIFIED ADS

210 SERVICES

Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-6302268

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268 . Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, tvs, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $25 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $50. 45-gallon metal barrels, $15 each. 306-681-8749

Offering pet cleaning services. I can clean your litter boxes, back yard, and more. Call 306-990-0214

Watch battery replacement. You bring to me $5; battery change no charge. Also buying older men’s watches. Please call 306-6915359.

PERSONAL SHOPPER

306-526-0016. Lawnmower for sale. John Deere - gas, self propelled, key start. Excellent condition. $600, open to offers. Please call 306-631-6691.

188 HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLIES

Mobility Scooter for Sale: The Express Element – Range 50 km, tubeless tires, LED lights, horn, speed up to 25/ km, rear basket, under seat storage, and bag hook. BRAND NEW $3995.00. Call 306-694-1322 for more information.

185 SPORTS

FOR SALE - One full set of ladies right-handed golf clubs. The bag is included. All clubs have had new grips, some only used 1 or 2 years. I also have extra clubs - chipper, driving iron, extra large driver. Covers for everything. Please call 306692-0610 Have to see to believe!

200

LOST & FOUND

- I’m your personal shopper in the Moose Jaw area. Here to save you time, money, and stress. Let me handle the grocery store line-ups or daily errands. My services includeweekly grocery shopping/delivery from your favourite local stores, meal planning, gift buying/shopping, tailored to your needs. Reliable and flexible. For more info call Alana, 306-631-8133.

It’s a busy season! If you need help with yard care, washing windows or walls, or general house cleaning. Call 639-538-2509. Reasonable rates. References available.

180 LAWN & GARDEN

For Sale - Tomato plants. 10 varieties, all home grown in Moose Jaw. $4 for single plants. Please call

Broda Elite Transport Chair (785) - Broda comfort, adjustable seat tilt and back recline with breathable full padding. Purchased in December 2025, condition like new. Asking $3600 Please call 306-693-7030.

FOR SALE - Motorized wheelchair. In good used condition. $1000 cash only. Please call 306-6427635.

105 AUTOS

2017 Hyundai Accent - 5 door hatchback, air, tilt, automatic, 248,000 km, keyless entry, 2 sets of tires. $4500 OBO, trades considered. Call or text 306-631-6688. For Sale - 2016 Jayco camping trailer, 18 ft., mini fridge, stove, microwave, sleeps 2. $12,000 OBO Please call or text 306-631-4907.

TRUCK FOR SALE - 2011 Honda Ridgeline Sport, 200,000 KM. Asking $10,000. Fishing boat also for sale, $8000. 306-694-4196 or 306690-1774.

LOST CAT - $1000 REWARD for information proving her location, confidentiality guaranteed. Missing from West Park area. Believed to be stolen and living in West Park. Answers to June. Please call 306313-7771.

110 AUTO PARTS

FOR SALE: 4 - 235 55 R 18 Continental Ice tires - no rims. 7/32 tread still on them. $200.00 Phone only 306-693-1640.

120 RV’S & MARINE

FOR SALE - Custom made truck tailgate for 5th wheel, 62” wide. Asking $200. Please call 306-6313169 or 306-692-1020 (leave a message)

For sale - Canoe, never touched water, oars and lifejackets included.

$600. Please call 306-6925573.

VERNON JOHN WILLIAM BLASH SEPTEMBER 9TH, 1949 – JUNE 6TH, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Vernon John William Blash on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at the Regina General Hospital.

Vern was predeceased by his parents John and Kate Blash; sister, Monika Bierer; and his beloved wife, Debbie. He leaves behind his daughter, Lori and grandson, Boston; son, Chad, daughter-in-law, Nadine, granddaughter Jordyn and grandsons Kennedy and Avery. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Siegfried; nephew, Sandro, Sandro’s wife, Kathi and their son, Phillip.

Vern was born on September 9th, 1949, in Camberwell, England, and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1958. He grew up in Regina and later moved to Moose Jaw after marrying the love of his life, Debbie, on August 10th, 1974.

Vern dedicated his career to Sport and Recreation with the Government of Saskatchewan, where he helped support community sport, the Saskatchewan Games, the Canada Games and Special Olympics.

He loved his family deeply and was especially proud of his grandchildren. Known to them as Pappa, Vern found great joy in making holidays special and celebrating every accomplishment with pride.

His greatest devotion was to Debbie. After her stroke in 2017, Vern became her full-time caregiver for six years, showing extraordinary love, strength and commitment until her passing in 2023.

Celebration of Life arrangements will be announced and posted once finalized and is expected to take place later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Kidney Foundation of Canada in memory of Vern. Arrangements entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Alberta Wins the Canadian Crappy-Highway Award

By Richard Dowson

For years Saskatchewan took pride in having the crappiest Highways in Canada.

Not any-more!

The latest Canadian Crappy-Highway Award goes to Alberta. In particular, Alberta Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway. The highway runs from Lloydminster, Alberta to Jasper, Alberta. I just drove the Lloydminster to Edmonton section. Yes – both ways!!!

That section of the Yellowhead Highway is pock-marked with more potholes than all streets and avenues in Moose Jaw, combined.

This is a CBC photo of pot holes near Edson, Alberta. The Lloydminster to Edmonton is much the same.

Yellowhead County calls on province to fix ‘dangerous’ potholes on Highway 16 | CBC News

The Alberta Government should

Life everlasting in a state of happiness is the greatest desire of all men.

-- Joseph Franklin Rutherford

spend less time complaining about Canada and more time repairing their highways.

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

Rev. Walter Engel

277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Lethargic

The latest weather predictions indicate a warmer than usual summer for southern Saskatchewan. If this is so, then I am not looking forward to the +30C temperatures because I get lethargic in the afternoons, and not much gets done, when the temperature gets that hot.

Lethargic means of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy. Lethargic implies feeling drained, even with minimal exertion. Mentally, lethargic people have slow reflexes, poor concentration, and seem to be in a brain fog.

Lethargic has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Lethargic comes from the Latin lethargicus, which originated in the Greek lethargia, meaning forgetfulness and drowsiness, which comes from the Greek word lethe (forgetting).

In Greek mythology, the River of Unmindfulness,

Letters to the EDITOR for MJ Express OPINION/EDITORIAL

Re: In five years I suspect there won’t be a Canadian dollar?

The Parti Quebecois, currently leading in the Polls and expected to be elected as the Quebec Government this fall, has published their Plan for Independence in the “Livre Bleu” or the Blue Book. In their plan, the PQ would have Quebec transition away from the Canadian Dollar to a new “Quebec Currency”. Later this year, when a PQ Government is elected, expect the Canadian Dollar to crash, as Canadians knowing the Cana-

located in the underworld, was named Lethe Lethe was the daughter of Eris (strife) and the personification of oblivion. It was believed that the newly dead who drank from the River Lethe would lose all memory of their past existence. Those who were taught this while still living were encouraged to seek the River Mnemosyne (memory), to help their survival in the underworld.

The Greek philosopher Plato (428-348 BC) wrote in Book X of The Republic, “then towards evening they encamped by the river of Unmindfulness, whose water no vessel can hold; of this they were all obliged to drink a certain quantity, and those who were not saved by wisdom drank more than was necessary; and each one as he drank forgot all things.”

Synonyms of lethargic can be sleepy, sluggish, unenergetic, groggy, stuporous, listless, and lackadaisical.

Sleepy can mean having little activity. The small town on the east coast of Nova Scotia was a sleepy little village, perfect for a vacation to get away from it all.

Sluggish suggests markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth. The sluggish pace of the venture was a constant worry for the manager of the project.

Unenergetic implies lack of energy or enterprise. After her surgery she was unenergetic for a couple of weeks during her recovery phase.

Groggy means weak and unsteady on the feet or in action. Whenever I lay down for a short rest during the day I try to make sure I do not fall asleep, because if I do I am groggy for the rest of the day.

Stuporous implies being slow and muddled. Some people are stuporous when they wake up in the morning; others are alert and lively.

Listless suggests slow spirited and limp. During the afternoon session at the conference he was listless

Guidelines for Submitting Letters to the Editor:

Due to space allotment in Moose Jaw Express for free letters to the editor, we find it necessary to establish some guidelines in submissions that will be in effect.

• All letters to the editor submitted to the Moose Jaw Express newspaper should not exceed 900 words. In this case, we reserve the right to edit them accordingly.

• Please do not write letters of personal attack or are condescending.

• A full name and contact information will need to be included with

dian Currency is in crisis, will dump their own Canadian Dollars to park their money in the safe haven of the American Dollar. Now the Independence Plan in Alberta, is to adopt the U.S. Dollar as their official currency, as these are the “same” U.S. Dollars that Alberta receives now for Alberta Oil. A “YES” Vote in the first preliminary Alberta Referendum on October 19th, to move directly to the final Independence Referendum, will also trigger a steep decline in the value of the Canadian Dollar. Mark Carney’s

and could hardly stay awake from the boredom.

Lackadaisical means deficient in liveliness. The boss was concerned about her lackadaisical attitude which showed no enthusiasm for the work and issued forth a half-hearted effort.

Lethargic can indicate a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or motivation to do regular tasks. He went through the motions of cleaning the bathrooms, not doing a very good job, as he felt very lethargic that day.

Lethargic can also imply indifference or apathy. The government was lethargic in considering the changes that polls indicated a majority of the population desired.

Physicians can be concerned that feeling lethargic for a length of time can be a response to underlying medical issues, such as viral infections, thyroid conditions, or mental health struggles.

Apathy and lack of motivation are emotional symptoms of a lethargic condition. Fans get concerned when their favourite sports team produces a lethargic performance.

I often find that after a big meal at Thanksgiving I become noticeably lethargic. Although a second offering of dessert sometimes rouses me to action.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

each submission for verification.

• Only the name will be included in publication with the letter as the contributor.

• We Reserve The Right to Edit.

Send your letters to the editor to: joan@moosejawexpress.com

All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express

Canadian Government realizing that they cannot stop either Quebec Independence or Alberta Independence and after seeing a Canadian Dollar Crash in the fall of 2026, will try to avoid and head-off a complete collapse of the Canadian Dollar, by announcing that Canada will immediately be adopting the Euro as the only, and sole Official Currency of Canada. I believe this declaration of the Euro as Canada’s Currency will even be made prior to Canada securing membership into the European

Union. At the time of the Announcement, all discussion of the imminent collapse of the Canadian Dollar will be avoided, and the discussion emphasis will be that this step is essential to make Canadian-European Trade seamless and now with the Euro accepted across Canada, this will make Canada the “Tourism Destination of Choice” for over 743 million Europeans! Canadian Dollars and Canadian Coins like Hudson Bay Stores, will be completely gone….. Chris Robertson

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@moosejawexpress.com

Town n country Mall Events

School’s Out Parking Lot Party on Saturday June 27. 11am to 3pm. Sensory Time 11:00 to 11:30 Kick off the summer with a day full of fun. FREE EVENTFace Painting, Crafts, Games, Bouncy Castle, Vendors, Cool Vehicles & Tractors.

Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club OPEN HOUSE on July 1st at the Lawn Bowling greens 360 3rd Ave NE in Crescent Park from 10 am to 3pm . Everyone Welcome to come learn about this inclusive game.

Leagues play Tues & Thur am@9:30 and Tues& Wed evening@7. Contact 306-630-8160 about other times. Archydal, Belbeck and Boharm Reunion will be held on Sunday, July 12, 4 pm, at the Moose Jaw Wildlife building, 1393 – 3rd Ave NE. A social gathering with a potluck supper, bring your favourite dish. Time to rest and reflect with former neighbours and friends.

Lynbrook Ladies Wednesday Business Golf League Wednesday Night Ladies Business League is open to any ladies interested in joining. President – Shauna Inglis 306690-6974/Secretary – Bev Arnold 306-690-4240/Treasurer – Sharon McKenzie 306-631-9606.

July 8 – Fun Night Tournament -5:30 pm - Shotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Aug-5– Fun Night Tournament- 5:30 pm - Shotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Sept 9 – Year End Tournament – 5:00pm - Shotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Sept 16 – Year End Banquet (cocktails 6:00 pm- supper 6:30 pm)

White Heather Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw looking for new players ages eight and older. New players will have the opportunity to try out drum sticks on pads and practice chanters with the instructors and will be introduced to some of the children already members of the band. Contact Michelle Carline at <mcarline@hotmail.com>

The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. At Zion church from Sept to May. The Moose Jaw Stamp Club has resumed meeting the second and fourth Wednesday nights of the month at 7:00pm at the Lindale School staff room. For information call 306693-5705.

Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: February, March, April and May. Meetings are held at Hillcrest Apostolic Church, Moose Jaw. Call or text 306 756 2819

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. 2025-2026 Program on Monday nights from 7-9 pm at St. Margaret’s School, 449 5Th Ave NE. Dance in square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles, or doubles welcome! Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-amonth status to take place on the third Friday of each month Church of Our Lady Bingo takes place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m. Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well: -Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss Support Group Meets at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 – 3rd Ave. N.E. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Weigh ins are 8-8:45 am. Meeting to follow. . scale weighs up to 350 pounds. Join for friendship and support on your weight loss journey. For more information go to www.tops. org TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meetings every Wednesday evening too in the Alliance Church located at the corner of 9th Ave NE and Thatcher Dr. Use the West side entrance and you’ll find us down the hall in room 107. Weigh

ins are 6:30-7 followed by a half hour meeting. Scale weighs up to 500lbs. Join us as we support each other on our weight loss journeys. Visit www.tops.org for more information.

The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at MooseJawLibrary.ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing Ask@MJLibrary. ca. Check the library’s Facebook page for updates, as programs may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Movie Club meets twice monthly at 6 p.m. in the theatre. Documentary Night the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the theatre. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed: Thursday, June 25

Movie matinees starting at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. D.E.B.S.: Saturday, June 27 (rated PG-13)

Children’s programming

LEGO Weekends: These are open for ages four and up during regular business hours on weekends.

Children’s Storytime programs starting at 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, June 24/Daycare

Storytime: Monday, June 29

Standalone events

Paper Moon Writing Collective: Paper Moon is a monthly gathering for writers, offering guided prompts, quiet writing time, and optional sharing in a supportive, judgment-free space on the first Tuesday of each month. To learn more, email PaperMoonWritingCollective@gmail.com

Come and Go Play: Enjoy a story, sensory activities, play, and meet new people in the Children’s Program Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. The event is free.

Teen Lounge: Teens in Grades 7 to 12 are invited to drop in for the library’s Teen Lounge every Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m., offering a relaxed space to hang out, play games, create art, or get a head start on homework. No registration is required.

Diverse City: Diverse City is a recurring program at the MJPL offering a welcoming, inclusive space for neurodiverse adults and individuals with disabilities to connect and participate in activities. For more information, call 306-692-2787 or email Youth@MJLibrary.ca.

Computer Basics with Shaun Nanan: Adults aged 55 and over are invited to build confidence with everyday technology through a free, six-week Introduction to Computer Literacy course at the library. Sessions run Tuesdays as part of the Sask Seniors Connect Hub. Device updates and antivirus protection: June 16/Identify misinformation and cultivate digital safety habits: June 23

Bernie’s Beading Circle: Bernie’s Beading Circle is a biweekly gathering for Indigenous creators to work on projects in a welcoming space. The event takes place in the Reading Room and light refreshments will be provided. on Wednesday, June 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Dad & Me: Through a partnership with Moose Jaw Family Services Inc., the library is inviting guests to make suncatchers on Sunday, June 28 in the Children’s Program Room. Guests are asked to register as a family and include each child who will be attending. The event is for ages five and up.

Ocean slime: Children ages two and up are invited to the library on June 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for an ocean themed literacy program featuring stories and handson fun. Participants will enjoy a themed story time with Miss A and create their own squishy ocean slime to take home. Registration is required.

Regional Park Passes: Patrons can borrow a free regional park pass valid for a seven-day loan for the season running to Sep. 8. Visit SaskRegionalParks.ca to learn more.

Youth programming

The Teen Anime+ Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 19 in the theatre, and yes — cosplay is welcome. Next Anime+ meeting: featuring Hana-Kimi on Wednesday, June 24

The Rook Room: The public library concluded its partnership with the Moose Jaw Chess Club, replacing it with a staff-led program called “The Rook Room.” The program is held in the Reading Room and is free for guests of all ages to attend on a drop-in basis. Next Rook Room meeting: Saturday, June 27

Magic: The Gathering (MTG): The public library has concluded its MTG program, citing an overall decline in attendance. Former participants can reach out to Sanctuary Games at 11 River Street West by calling 306-691-2025 for an alternative venue.

Tech Time: Tech Time offers one-on-one instruction with modern electronic devices. Call the library to book a session.

Library of Things

The MJPL offers more than books, including a telescope, radon testing kit, SaskBats bat detector, C-Pen Readers for patrons with print-reading barriers, and more through

its Library of Things collection. Ask a staff member at the front desk for more information.

Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 693

Fairford St W. Contact: 306-692-5453

Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw

OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday 9:30am-4:00pm

LOUNGE HOURS: Sunday Closed; Monday 12:00pm–9:00pm; Tuesday 12:00pm–5:00pm; Wednesday 12:00pm–5:00pm; Thursday 12:00pm–5:00pm; Friday 12:00pm–7:00pm; and Saturday 12:00pm – 6:00pm

BINGO – Monday @ 6pm – Paper goes on sale @ 5pm VETERANS’ DROP-IN – Friday 1:00-5:00

MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pmEveryone welcome BRANCH 59 BACKYARD BASH -- Saturday, July 18th – Celebrating 100 Years of Service – 9-11 Pancake Breakfast, 3pm Meat Draw, 7-11pm The Stray Dogs!!

**PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE @ 306-692-5453 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BOOKING OUR FACILITY FOR A PRIVATE FUNCTION

***The main (accessible) door to the lounge and parking lot is located at the rear of the building off 7th Avenue NW Moose Jaw & District Seniors Assoc. Inc. Website –moosejawseniors.ca. For more information Call: 306694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca

The centre is now open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm and Tuesday, Friday 8am – 4pm

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday & Friday’s 8am4pm

Wood working area – Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday Thursday mornings @ 9 a.m./Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1pm.- Monday & Thursday

evenings @ 7 pm

Skills & Drills – Tuesday @ 6pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30

am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners is Monday @1pm

Tai Chi – 9am every Tuesday

Line Dancing – Wednesday @ 11 a.m.

Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Tuesday & Friday 9am to 4pm, Lounge – Friday’s 2 p.m. to 4 p.m./Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

Tuesday Cards – 6:30pm

Floor Curling – Fridays @ 1pm

Bingo – Monday afternoons 1:30pm -3:30pm and Wednesday evenings 6:30pm-8:30pm

Darts – Wednesday’s @ 10am

Consignment Area – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-3pm, Wednesdays 10am-12pm

COSMO CENTRE - (306) 692-6072

Office hours: 8:00am - 3:00pm, Mon - Fri

Visit: cosmoseniorcentre.com for monthly calendar and ongoing activities

Coffee Shoppe open 10:00am - 3:00pm

Tuesday 11:30am, Lunch $10 (pre-order by Mon. noon)

Thursday - Pie $4.50

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net

• Every Monday and Tuesday 1 – 6:30 pm

• Wednesday 12 – 6:30 pm/Smear starts at 12:30 pm

• Thursday 12 – 6:30 pm/Crib starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a friend or sign up for spare

• Friday 1 – 10:00 pm/Shuffleboard starts at 1 pm. Bring a friend and join in!/Pool and darts start at 7 pm.

• Saturday 1 – 6:30 pm/Drop in pool in afternoon. Meat draws start at 4:30 pm - 10 draws, 4 free draws, drink tickets, gift card, 50/50. Everyone Welcome! FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” –ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”. Everyone welcome – non-

members just make sure that you have “signed in” as a guest in order to participate.

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace”. Everyone welcome – non-members just make sure that you have “signed in” as a guest in order to participate. MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles.

EVERY MONDAY EVENING – DROP IN CRIBBAGE –Registration 6:00 t 6:30 pm – play starts 7:00 pm – bring a partner - $2.00 each to play. September thru to April. EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING – DROP IN DARTS – Draw for Partners, Play starts at 7:00 pm - $2.00 per person. September thru to April.

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING – DROP IN SHUFFLEBOARD – Draw for Teams - Play starts at 7:00 pm - $2.00 per person.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 - EAGLES LOT PARTY!!!! Bands, Dancing, Bar, Food….watch for upcoming posts for more details.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 - EAGLES LOT FUN DAY …. Pancake Breakfast, Games…..watch for upcoming posts for more details.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

The WDM will mark its 50th anniversary with a twoday celebration on June 26 and 27, featuring a daytime community event on June 26 followed by an evening program on June 27. Activities will run throughout the day Friday with the ticketed “Built in ’76” event taking place Saturday evening, highlighting the museum’s milestone with a 1970s-inspired experience.

Adopt-a-Bench program: The museum’s Adopt-a-Bench program is open, with a limited number of benches available at all four WDM locations: Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Yorkton. For a $3,500 donation, supporters can dedicate a bench for 10 years with a personalized plaque featuring a name or special message, subject to approval. Each gift includes a charitable tax receipt and recognition on donor walls at all WDM locations. Proceeds support the museum’s ongoing work to preserve and share Saskatchewan’s stories. For more information, contact Ajibike Ogele, the WDM’s fundraising specialist, at 1-306934-1400 or by email at Fundraising@WDM.ca. Courses and workshops

The museum offers seasonal educational courses that teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam traction engine operations, with certificates typically awarded upon completion.

Steam Traction Engine Operation course: Registration for new intakes is now closed.

K+S Short Line 101

To demonstrate the raw power of steam energy, the WDM showcases its fully operational K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam train each summer, and guests can catch a ride on a working piece of Saskatchewan’s history. Operating since 1978, this is Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive the Vulcan, with 10- to 15-minute trips around the site. Admission is $7 for individuals or $20 for families, with rides subject to weather, volunteers, and mechanical conditions.

Reminiscence Kits

The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. These kits, containing everyday artifacts from the 1950s to the 1970s, can be rented by care homes and other organizations for two weeks at a cost of $75, with an additional $25 fee for a one-week extension. Visit WDM.ca/Reminiscence to book a kit.

Teacher resources

Teachers can access a variety of resources, including information packages and field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw/Learn/For-Teachers for more information.

Educational programs: The WDM features several educational opportunities open for booking this school year, including dozens of in-person programs ideal for field trips, as well as virtual learning options. For more information, visit WDM.ca

306-694-4747

324 Main Street N. Moose Jaw, SK

Derek McRitchie REALTOR® (306) 631-1161

E.G. (Bub) Hill REALTOR® (306) 631-9966

Tanya Minchin REALTOR® (306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol REALTOR® (306) 631-0691

Justin Hammer REALTOR® (306)684-4266

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1216 sq ft, open concept, vaulted ceilings,oak kitchen with island, newer appliances, large master with ensuite, central air, 2 decks, new shingles, beautifully landscaped.

bedroom,3 bathroom, 1950 sq ft, stunning home, classic character with modern updates, 2 verandas, main oor guest bath, mudroom/laundry, master with ensuite, outdoor oasis, double heated garage!

1

Catherine Hammer REALTOR® (306) 684-5663 1722

ft, large double lot, character- lled home, 9 foot ceilings, formal dining room, updated bathroom, new vinyl plank ooring, new electrical panel!

Valley View Centre redevelopment proposal shifts focus to AI data centre, greenhouses

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

A major change is being proposed for the future of the former Valley View Centre grounds, with plans now centred on artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, greenhouse operations, and health and wellness facilities instead of the residential-focused vision approved by city council in 2023.

Moose Jaw’s executive committee reviewed an application June 9 from Aztec AI Health Ltd. seeking approval of an amended concept plan for the 157acre Valley View property.

The proposal would replace the previously approved mixed-use “market square” concept with a new development strategy focused on repurposing existing buildings on the site for AI data centres, greenhouse operations, and health and wellness uses, according to a report by planner Thomas Andersen.

The administration report states the phasing map envisions data-centre capacity within Phase 1 expanding from 15 megawatts to 150 megawatts, although the scope of any expansion beyond that phase remains unspecified.

The original concept plan envisioned a residential neighbourhood anchored by commercial and mixed-use development. Under the revised proposal, approximately 73.6 acres that were previously designated for specific residential and commercial uses would

be redesignated as “to be determined” pending future concept plan applications.

According to application materials, Aztec concluded that “the low demand for new residential dwellings in Moose Jaw will not financially sustain or justify the enormous start-up costs associated with revitalizing Valley View.”

The company says the revised approach would allow it to focus first on employment-generating uses within existing buildings while deferring decisions on future residential development.

The proposed first phase would focus on reusing existing Valley View buildings for employment-oriented uses rather than constructing new residential development.

In documents submitted to the city, Aztec said the project would capitalize on growing demand for AI infrastructure while creating opportunities for food production and healthcare-related services.

Administration noted that the exact scope of the proposed health and wellness component remains unclear.

The company says waste heat generated by data centres could be used to support greenhouse operations, with mushrooms identified as the primary crop.

The application also highlights pro-

jected economic benefits, including the use of waste heat from data centres to support greenhouse operations and estimates of 800 to 1,000 jobs at full buildout.

Administration noted, however, that it has not independently verified claims or information submitted by the applicant and has not conducted independent research into the proposal.

City administration noted that data centres are not currently contemplated within the existing Valley View zoning framework.

The report states data centres do not appear in the original concept plan or in the Direct Control District zoning created to implement the 2023 redevelopment vision. Approval of the concept plan amendment would therefore require a subsequent zoning bylaw amendment to add data centres as a permitted use.

Administration also highlighted several outstanding questions related to infrastructure and servicing.

Referral comments from several city departments highlighted unresolved questions surrounding water and sewer capacity, fire protection, utility servicing, and the condition of ageing infrastructure at the site. Administration noted that limited details had been provided regarding how future phases of the development would be serviced, while

existing municipal infrastructure may require substantial upgrades.

The amended plan would also abandon the previously proposed public road network within the development. Instead, existing internal roads would remain privately owned and maintained by the developer. Under the original concept, roads were expected to eventually be dedicated to the city. The revised approach would leave responsibility for maintenance and future infrastructure upgrades with the property owner.

According to administration, any phases beyond the initial redevelopment area would require additional concept plan amendments because their number, sequence, timing, and physical scope have not yet been defined.

The application was circulated to city departments, provincial agencies, utilities, and the Rural Municipality of Moose Jaw for review. No written responses from the public had been received yet, according to the administration report. If approved, the concept plan amendment would be followed by a separate zoning amendment process, including public notice requirements and a public hearing before council can consider allowing data centres as a permitted use at the site.

In photos: Moose Jaw salutes its heroes as Hometown Parade launches fair weekend

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express, Photos by: Aaron Walker

Rain clouds and cooler temperatures failed to keep residents away as the annual Moose Jaw Hometown Parade rolled through downtown on June 18, officially launching the 2026 Hometown Fair weekend.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the parade followed its traditional route along Main Street North, drawing large crowds of spectators who lined the sidewalks to celebrate one of Moose Jaw’s most anticipated summer traditions.

This year’s theme, “Salute to Your Heroes,” was evident throughout the procession. Military organizations, including the Saskatchewan Dragoons, CAE, and local cadet groups, joined emergency responders from the Moose Jaw Police Service, Moose Jaw Fire

Department, Medavie Health Services West, and Moose Jaw Search and Rescue in celebrating community service.

Providence Place and retirement home residents carried signs highlighting their own contributions as farmers, road builders, cashiers and other everyday heroes, while several retirement home floats incorporated superhero imagery featuring residents themselves.

The White Heather Pipe Band added to the festivities with a marching bagpipe performance, helping honour the community heroes celebrated throughout the parade.

Despite intermittent rain throughout the evening, families gathered under umbrellas and rain jackets, while children eagerly collected treats and waved

to parade participants passing by. More than 50 entries took part in the procession, showcasing the community spirit that has made the Hometown Parade a fair-weekend tradition for generations.

The parade also served as a public welcome to the Hometown Fair, which ran June 19 to 21 at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds.

In an earlier interview with the Moose Jaw Express, Moose Jaw Exhibition Company general manager Tanya Legare said the fair remains an event designed to bring residents together.

“It’s something that the whole family can enjoy. We’re family friendly, so everybody of all ages can come in and enjoy and be with their loved ones,” she said.

SUITES

Care Lite, Level 1 and Level 2

CARE ROOMS

Level 3 and Level 4

Services We Provide

24/7 Nursing Care (RNs, RPNs, LPNs, CCA & PSW)

Three Home-Cooked Meals Daily (Red Seal Chef)

Linen and Laundry Services

Recreation/Social Activities

On-site Laboratory

Services We Provide

Doctor on Site Weekly - a Doctor will be provided to those residents without one. Dental

Hair and Nails

Transportation (Requires booking at additional cost)