dining, and living area, large, covered deck and unobstructed lake views, PVC fencing, 2000 gallon septic and cistern, along with propane forced air heating and central A/C!
35 Dawn Road (SK018688)
$829,900 Valley Ridge Estates, private 2.77 acre , 5 bedroom , 3 bath, open concept kitchen/dining and living room, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, main floor laundry room, double car attached garage plus detached garage, south facing deck and a lower patio, hot tub(included), updates include shingles , furnace , hot water
Kippen Quarter section (SK017225)
$650,000
For Sale by Tender — Offers reviewed Sept. 30 at noon. Near Shamrock, SK, this expansive property offers 160 acres of versatile land: approximately 40 acres of fenced pasture,
a single garage, lovely yard with fruit trees, and plenty of space. an open concept kitchen and living area are so inviting! Down the hall you find 3 bedrooms (the primary is lovely), and a full bath with laundry! $59,900 121 Dogwood Street Caronport
services adjacent! Lot size is 1.57 acres.
MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER
South Sask HC Showcase set to skate into Moose Jaw this November
Hockey fans can gear up for a fastpaced weekend of action this November when the South Sask HC Showcase lands in Moose Jaw, spotlighting the next generation of elite Western Canadian talent.
From Nov. 6 to 9, the showcase will see several top-tier teams from Alberta and British Columbia travel to the Friendly City to compete in a multi-day series of games. Events will be held under the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL) banner, an academy-based league that emphasizes skill development, competition, and exposure opportunities
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The host program, South Sask HC, is based in Moose Jaw and currently ices both 14U and 15U squads within the JPHL. Founded to give players in Saskatchewan an alternative path to high-level hockey, the academy focuses on building skills while also stressing teamwork, commitment, and respect.
According to the program, its mission is “to provide a positive experience by having fun, gaining skills in sport and learning positive characteristics.” The academy adds that it strives to help young players “reach their highest potential” both on and
The JPHL was created with the goal of offering families a choice in player development. Organizers describe it as “more than just a league,” positioning it as a professional-style environment where athletes can sharpen their game while also learning
discipline and character. The league provides a borderless model with teams spread across Western Canada, along with showcase events like the one scheduled for Moose Jaw. Showcases condense multiple games into one weekend, giving athletes the chance to play at a high tempo and providing scouts and families a concentrated look at talent from across the league. The model is intended to help players develop quickly, while fostering camaraderie among teams and athletes.
For Moose Jaw, the event is another opportunity to highlight its reputation as a hockey hub. The city has a long history of hosting tournaments and competitions, and the South Sask HC Showcase is expected to draw visitors into the community over its four-day run.
With strong representation from Saskatchewan and beyond, the event promises to shine a spotlight on young athletes chasing their hockey dreams. As Tourism Moose Jaw noted in its announcement for the upcoming event, the showcase is expected to “highlight some outstanding young talent” and mark another milestone for Moose Jaw’s growing list of sporting events.
Exact times and venue details will follow in a later edition of the Moose Jaw Express.
For more information, find “South Sask HC” on Facebook, email Info@SouthSaskAcademy.ca, or visit JuniorProspectsHockeyLeague.com.
Journey to Hope marks end of 17-year mission with farewell gathering
Members of the community gathered at the Temple Gardens Centre on Sept. 25 for what would be the final public event hosted by Journey to Hope Moose Jaw, marking the end of 17 years of grassroots work in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
The MENtal Health and Wellness Champions Event brought together 90 attendees for an evening of reflection and gratitude as the non-profit prepares to dissolve this November.
“We are so grateful for the support that the community has given us in the past 17 years, and we’re so grateful to a community that is open to stopping the stigma, breaking the silence, and helping people feel seen and validated and heard in a time when they are struggling,” said organizer Della Ferguson.
The event featured a presentation by keynote speaker and Moose Jaw Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary, who Ferguson described as “so inspiring and passionate.”
O’Leary’s presentation centred on accountability, resilience, and leadership, urging people to own their thoughts and actions, maintain standards, surround themselves with positive influences, and honour commitments. He also emphasized the value of turning away from negativity, building confi-
final event on Sept. 25. Photo by: Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc.
dence through action, and leaving every space — and every person — better than you found them.
Adding energy and humour to the evening was MC Nick Myers of Leroy and Leroy, a longtime supporter of Journey to Hope.
Eleven individuals and groups were recognized as Mental Health and Wellness Champions, with each sharing their personal “why” for supporting mental health. Ferguson said hearing those messages was one of the most powerful moments of the night.
“We asked each of the nominees if they would share their ‘why’ (explaining why) mental health is important to them, and we read those while first sharing our
SNAPSHOT: Peach perfect donation
SNAPSHOT: It was all smiles and peaches as B&B Fruit Stand owner
Todd Bell rolled up with a cheque for $1,700 on the week of Sept. 23, the result of his late-summer peach sale in support of Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc. With help from a generous community and “Peach Lady” Lianne Nekrasoff, who co-ordinated 72 cases delivered as far as Imperial and Regina, the fruitful fundraiser will now help grow the Journey to Hope Legacy Fund for mental health training in Moose Jaw. Photo by: Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc/Facebook
Ferguson, at podium, delivers closing remarks as Journey to Hope Moose Jaw concludes 17 years of mental health advocacy in the community.
connection to them,” she said.
The evening included a draw for the dragonfly-themed Gord Aitken Memorial Quilt, created and donated by Joyce Aitken. The quilt was won by Naomi Price of White City. Proceeds support the Journey to Hope Legacy Fund, administered by the Canadian Mental Health Association in Moose Jaw.
A slideshow that followed then revisited the organization’s history since its founding in 2008, honouring past board members, sponsors, and community partners. One of those founding members, Melissa Weatherill, was present for the evening.
“It has been a true journey over these 17 years and we’ve accomplished a lot,” Ferguson said. “There’s still much to do, but I really believe that the mental health and wellness conversation is freer and people are more aware. The resources are more visible, and I feel very positive that, as a team, we’ve reached our fullness of time.”
Earlier in September, Journey to Hope marked its transition with a symbolic “passing the torch” ceremony to sister agencies in the community, entrusting others to continue the work of promoting mental health and wellness.
“We have faith that every person who was in that room last night will be a hope ambassador in their own ways, and continue to champion mental health and wellness (in the community),” Ferguson said.
With its final event now behind them, organizers expressed their hope that others will continue to champion mental health in Moose Jaw, carrying
forward the symbolic torch ignited by the group nearly two decades ago. To donate to the Journey to Hope Legacy Fund, contact CMHA Moose Jaw at 306-692-4240 or by email at MJBranch@CMHAsk.com.
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Nick Myers, known to many as Leroy from “Leroy and Leroy,” delivers remarks at the podium during Journey to Hope Moose Jaw’s
Keynote speaker and Moose Jaw Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary, left, receives a Champion for Mental Wellness Award from MC Nick Myers. Photo by: Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc.
Joyce Aitken, left, accepts a Champion for Mental Wellness Award from Nick Myers in recognition of her donation of the Gord Aitken Memorial Quilt. Photo by: Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc.
On behalf of B&B Fruit Stand owner Todd Bell who recently donated $1,700 to Journey to Hope through his summer peach fundraiser, his wife, left, accepts a Champion for Mental Wellness Award from Nick Myers. Photo by: Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc.
Della
Photo by: Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc.
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Engines cool as Next Gen Car Club caps off another successful season
The Next Gen Car Club wrapped up its 2025 season with a final showcase at Tatawaw Park on Sept. 21, drawing hundreds of vehicles and a crowd of local enthusiasts for one last celebration before winter.
Organized by Austin Murray and Jai Singh, the season closer followed the club’s record-setting opener in May, which featured Fast and Furious actor Noel Gugliemi. While the closer was smaller in scale, Murray said the day was a success in every sense.
“We really couldn’t have asked for a better day — it was beautiful out, sunny, and we had a pretty decent turnout as well,” he said. “Overall, we’re really happy with how everything went. Now, we’re getting excited for what we can bring to our next season opener.”
Murray, who worked the front gate during the closer, estimated that around 400 vehicles participated this September.
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“It was certainly smaller than the opener, but there was still lots of great local support and cars from in and out of the city,” he said. “We had a few people drive in from out of province, as always.”
He added the season closer was comparable in size to last year, suggesting this is consistent with late-season shows.
“It was pretty similar in size (to last year). I mean, the season opener is usually where all the excitement is, and that’s where we seem to continuously see new records broken as far as attendance goes,” Murray said. “But no, it was still a fair size and I can’t complain at all. We’re really happy with all the people who made the time to come down and enjoy … one of our last shows of the year.”
The season closer also featured the return of crowd-favourite contests, including the limbo and exhaust competitions, with a newly added motorcycle element.
“We had new champions for the limbo and exhaust competitions, and we had a Miata win our limbo competition,” he recalled.
“We also had our first-ever motorcycle win the exhaust competition this year.”
Murray noted that three bikes took home awards, making this the largest turnout for that category.
The exhaust showdown was one highlight from the weekend.
“I arguably say it was one of our best exhaust competitions that we’ve had, as far as competitors go. There were some re-
ally loud cars and a lot of cars shooting flames,” Murray said. “I think the crowd really picked up on that, especially seeing the motorcycle popping its exhaust and shooting flames out.”
Like past events, the show carried a charitable focus, with proceeds supporting the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank. Murray said the club has already made a $1,000 donation earlier this year
and expects to make a similar contribution following the closer.
“You know, we come from Moose Jaw, and it’s where we spent our years when we started up the club. It’s definitely a place that we’ll always give our support back to,” he said. Murray also noted that the food bank recently put out the call for additional support in the face of ongoing food shortages.
With this year’s events in the books, Murray said planning is already underway for the 2026 season.
“We’ve been brainstorming a lot and trying to figure out the next big thing we can do to bring some excitement to Moose Jaw,” he said. “I mean, Hector was a big hit from the Fast and Furious crew, so we’d love to incorporate another special guest … to keep on building the show and keep on building excitement.”
Murray also credited Roadway Auto and Sport Inc. for once again serving as a major sponsor this season.
“They really helped us out with getting Hector down and supporting us throughout the season,” he said.
For more information and updates on upcoming events, message or follow “nextgencarclub” on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, or visit NextGenCarClub.ca.
Raymond James Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc., regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
This year’s limbo champion shows off his award during the Next Gen Car Club’s season closer on Sept. 21 at Tatawaw Park. Photo by: Next Gen Car Club
Spectators gather around a motorcycle entry following the Next Gen Car Club’s season closer on Sept. 21 at Tatawaw Park, marking the first time a bike has taken home an award at the show. Photo by: Next Gen Car Club
JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR
Editor’s Note
Here is some October trivia that you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask…gleaned from the guru on the internet that knows something about everything located at: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/ october
October Holidays and History
In the Northern Hemisphere, October ushers in fall like no other month. Its capital O shouts pumpkins and if the leaves haven’t turned, they soon will. Before the Julian and Gregorian calendars, October was the 8th month of the Roman
calendar. Octo means eight in Latin. At the time, there were only 10 months. In 700 BC, Numa Pompilius added January and February to the calendar. This change more accurately reflected the length of a year on Earth. As a result, October became the 10th month on the calendar. While other months on the calendar have had days added and subtracted, October has always had 31 days.
During the second month of autumn, asters bloom and so do chrysanthemums. Their colors often pair well with the pumpkins and gourds collected from gardens. And speaking of pumpkins and gourds, holidays like National Pumpkin Seed Day, National Farmer’s Day, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, and National Pumpkin Day all offer ways to set the mood.
The Hunter’s Moon is aptly named considering many seek game
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
in the fields and forests. Two meteor showers appear in October. They are the Draconids and the Orionids.
The month is full of sporting events, too. From the World Series to Rugby World Cup finals, sports fans fill the seats. In other activities, October brings a shift in hunting and fishing seasons.
In October, Libra (scales) and Scorpio (the scorpion) represent those born in September.
Marigolds and Cosmos both represent October babies. Marigolds bloom all summer and fall long, but in the fall is where they shine, accenting the harvest season. They symbolize positive emotion and energy. Cosmos delicate blooms represent order and harmony.
October Fast Facts
October is the month when the fiveday workweek was first sanctioned.
The U.S. Naval Academy opened its doors in Annapolis, Maryland in 1845 (and Navy Day is the holiday that celebrates it!) Several U.S. presidents were born in October, too. Hugh Jackman, Luciano Pavarotti, Sigourney Weaver, Julie Andrews, and John Keats all were born in October.
Six US presidents were born in October, more than any other month.
John Adams
Rutherford Hayes
· Chester Arthur
· Theodore Roosevelt
Dwight Eisenhower
Jimmy Carter Fall (including October) is a good time to be born if you want to live a long life. More centenarians are born in the fall months.
The World Series of baseball begins in October.
SCRAPS Moose Jaw prepares for a busy month of fundraising
The Stray Cat Rescue and Protection Society (SCRAPS) Moose Jaw is heading into October with a full slate of fundraising activities designed to boost support for its animal rescue efforts. Trade show
The first event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Town ’N’ Country Mall, where SCRAPS has been selected as the official host charity for the upcoming weekend trade show.
The show is expected to feature around 60 vendors, with goods ranging from housewares and candles to 3D printing products. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and admission is by donation only.
“(Gail Hoffos) holds markets in the mall and she chooses different charities to be the official host. SCRAPS is the official host for this one,” explained Tara Shurnaik, head fundraising co-ordinator for SCRAPS Moose Jaw.
All proceeds will go directly to the local non-profit in support of its ongoing rescue efforts.
“All of the vendor fees go towards SCRAPS as a fundraiser, and as well,
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
there’s an admission (by donation) that will be collected. Anyone who makes a donation of $5 or more will be entered into a basket draw that’s being put together by SCRAPS with donations from local businesses,” she added. “There will also be a penny parade and concession, where all proceeds go to SCRAPS as well.”
Steak supper
Following that, SCRAPS will host its annual steak supper fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Eagles Club, located at 561 Home Street West. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased in advance, with no sales at the door.
Shurnaik said the supper will feature two seating times, one starting at 5 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m., to keep things running smoothly.
“It’s a steak supper, but if you don’t want steak, you can have chicken fingers or ribs as well,” Shurnaik said. “Tickets have to be purchased in advance, however.”
Tickets can be purchased by contacting Shurnaik directly at 306-6301822, through volunteer Kathy at 306630-7015, or at the Nine Lives Boutique in the mall. The purchasing deadline is
Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Volunteers will also take on serving duties, giving the public a chance to meet some of the team. “We’re volunteering as servers … so you can meet some of the SCRAPS volunteers as well,” she said.
Roughriders ticket raffle
Rounding out the fall schedule is a Saskatchewan Roughrider raffle running until Sunday, Nov. 2.
“The Roughrider tickets are $10 apiece,” Shurnaik said. “We have 300 tickets available this year, so it’ll go until all of the tickets are sold.” Tickets are available at the Nine Lives Boutique during regular mall hours, and the lucky winner will receive a Roughrider gift basket assembled by volunteers.
Proceeds from all three events will support SCRAPS programs, including rescuing, feeding, and caring for stray cats through its trap, neuter, and release program.
Shurnaik said October is a critical time to raise funds ahead of the slower winter months.
“October is pretty heavy for us, with some things back to back … we’re trying to capitalize on and get as much fundraising done as possible before Christmas, because that’s when donations sometimes slow down,” she noted.
For more information, residents can contact SCRAPS at 306-684-9048 or stop by the Nine Lives Boutique at the Town ’N’ Country Mall, located at 1235 Main Street North. To learn more, visit “Scraps – MJ” on Facebook or ScrapsMooseJaw.com.
Run, Moose Jaw, run: Bilingual zombies set to invade Connor Park this October
Forget pumpkins and candy — Moose Javians are about to face a far scarier October challenge: surviving the zombie invasion that’s about to erupt in Connor Park.
The Association communautaire fransaskoise de Moose Jaw (ACFMJ) is once again hosting its annual Zombie Run, set for Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Connor Park pavilion. The event begins at 1 p.m., with registration and zombie makeup available earlier in the day.
Christian Poumeni, a community development officer with ACFMJ, described the upcoming event.
“The Zombie Run is a bilingual activity that takes place every year,” he explained. “The goal is to encourage the inclusion of the French community and English community as they (stand) together and have fun.”
The event combines physical activity, roleplay, and Halloween thrills. Participants choose to be either human runners or zombies, with professional makeup applied on site to bring the walking dead to life. Those who opt for
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
One runner lived to tell the tale as zombies closed in at the 2024 Zombie Run, hosted by the ACFMJ at Connor Park. Photo by: ACF Moose Jaw
Communauté francophone/Facebook
the human side will set off on a twokilometre course and will be tasked with surviving until the finish line.
“Some people will be a zombie and other people will be a runner,” Poumeni said. “The zombies are trying to arrest the humans. When they arrest a human, it means the human is dead. By the end of the course, (the remaining human will be) named the survivor.”
While the course is designed for fun, the survival theme lends itself to a lighthearted sense of drama. Most participants register as humans, Poumeni noted, with a smaller group opting for the zombie side. That balance gives the event the right mix of chase and challenge.
The ACFMJ first launched the Zombie Run eight years ago. Poumeni said the original idea came from a desire to build connections between francophone and anglophone residents in a setting that was entertaining, welcoming, and memorable.
“The idea came about (with the goal of fostering) inclusion, because the French community and English speakers have to stay together to grow the community by having (similar goals),” he said.
After the run, survivors and zombies alike will gather at the pavilion to share photos, swap stories, and refuel with poutine.
Poumeni wished to thank the community partners who helped make
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the Zombie Run possible, including Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, Domino’s Pizza, École Ducharme, Communauté Francophone Accueillante (CFA) de Moose Jaw-Gravelbourg, and the Francophone Immigration Network of Saskatchewan (RIF-SK).
Whether participants are dodging zombies or marauding with the undead, ACFMJ promises that Connor Park will once again be transformed into a playful battlefield of survival. The only question that remains is: will you make it to the end, or fall to the horde?
Registration for the Zombie Run is open now, with tickets available through the ACFMJ Facebook page, “ACF Moose Jaw - Communauté francophone” and Eventbrite.ca. The cost to participate begins at $10, with the registration deadline set for 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Connor Park is located just south of Moose Jaw and can be accessed along Ninth Avenue Southwest. For more information, visit ACFMJ.ca or call 306-692-8112.
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Michael Charles, Hall of Fame blues guitarist, bringing tour to Moose Jaw
Musician Michael Charles has produced 35 albums during his 41-year career, so during this year’s world tour, he is bringing along seven guitars to ensure his songs sound authentic.
“I like to try and use the guitar I actually recorded the song with. It’s a personal thing,” Charles said, noting he’ll probably use six of the instruments during a show.
Continuing, he said he doesn’t attempt to duplicate a recorded song when playing it live, but works to ensure the guitar licks sound similar so people who have listened to the songs at home can relate to them more closely.
Charles, originally from Melbourne, Australia, but now living in Chicago, Ill., and who is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee and 10-time Grammy-nominated guitarist, is bringing his “Guitars, Music and Miles 2025” tour to Moose Jaw on Saturday, Oct. 4, with a show at Bobby’s Place.
The musician will be performing in Canada, the United States and Australia, with his trip — which kicked off on Sept. 19 and is his 18th international tour — taking him into 2026.
During his 18 international tours, Charles has visited Saskatchewan 17 times and Moose Jaw 15 times.
“I always get a great reception (in Moose Jaw) and I love returning there,” he said, noting he has always played at Bobby’s Place. “What I like about Bobby’s is (there are) a lot of familiar faces that come back and see me play, but there’s always those new people. But we always have a good time.”
Charles, 69, said touring internationally is “an acquired taste,” as many people tell him they wouldn’t be able to
professionally since he was 14 years old — he first played guitar on stage at age seven with his father — and feels touring has become a part of him.
Charles — who took up the guitar at age five — recalled stepping onto that stage and telling his dad that he wanted to perform for the rest of his life, based on “the buzz” he felt being there. His father — and later, his mother — agreed, and he pursued being a musician fulltime.
The guitarist admitted that touring worldwide is tiring but pointed out that every job can fatigue a person.
“It can get quite gruelling with the amount of miles you do, but … you either love this job or you don’t cut the mustard,” he added.
Charles will be bringing with him a drummer and bass player during the “Guitars, Music and Miles 2025” tour, which he describes as a “power trio.”
With this crew, they will play a wide
recorded during his four-decade-long career. He will also play an acoustic guitar solo.
“I try to please everybody in that audience … ,” he remarked.
“I love (performing) exactly the same way as I did when I walked up on stage when I was seven years old. It’s never changed,” the guitarist continued. “I’ve always had that strong passion and … (it has) never deteriorated. Actually, it became stronger.
“I don’t think I would be doing it if that wasn’t happening. I really do love my occupation … (as) a musician,” he added. “And I love watching people’s faces enjoy what I do. That’s the key for me.”
Charles’ favourite part of performing is when he has a “key night” where everything lines up, nothing goes wrong, and the band is “locked in.”
Meanwhile, the guitarist’s favourite memory is when he first performed in Chicago, after receiving an invitation
from the management of blues master Buddy Guy to appear at the latter’s Legends club.
Charles hadn’t expected to perform that night since he had just arrived from Australia and was jet-lagged, but he was encouraged to hit the stage — they thrust a guitar into his hands — to “introduce yourself” to the audience.
“I kind of just went into automatic mode and played two to three songs with (Guy) … . It was so unexpected,” Charles said, noting that performing with Guy was his first interaction with the blues legend. “It was just an amazing night.”
Charles later shook Guy’s hand during an official meet-and-greet, while that unexpected performance encouraged him to work harder, which led to him eventually producing 35 albums over 41 years and receiving numerous accolades and awards.
For more information, visit www. michaelcharles.us.
Blues guitarist Michael Charles performs in Banff, Alta., during his 2025 world tour. Photo courtesy Facebook
Michael Charles, a Chicago Hall of Fame blues guitarist, performs in West Dundee, Illinois. Photo courtesy Facebook
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From The Kitchen
By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Love, imagination translate to special family meals
A 1981 cookbook, published by the congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Salt Lake City suggests using love and imagination as meals are planned and prepared for the family.
The authors recommend using pleasing colour combinations, contrasting food textures and shapes, interesting flavours and nutrition to build strong bodies and alert minds.
This week’s recipes feature garden-fresh vegetables to “bring joy, satisfaction and good eating.”
BAKED CHEESE-FROSTED CAULIFLOWER
1 medium head cauliflower
1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 tsps. prepared mustard
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Remove leaves and woody base from a whole cauliflower. Wash and then cook 12-15 minutes covered with water.
Drain and place whole cauliflower in a baking pan. Mix mayonnaise and mustard
and spread over cauliflower. Sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter and cut into slices. Makes 8 servings.
CAULIFLOWER AND BROCCOLI PLATTER
1 medium whole cauliflower
12 pieces broccoli
2 tbsps. butter
2-3 tbsps. sifted flour
1 cup warm milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Boil vegetables together until barely tender. Drain and place whole cauliflower in the middle of a platter and place broccoli around the cauliflower. Set aside, but keep warm.
Melt butter and add the flour, stirring constantly to blend. Very slowly pour in the warm milk and continue to blend. Cook over low heat until thick and smooth, stirring constantly.
Add salt and cheese and heat on low until cheese melts.
Pour hot mixture over cauliflower and broccoli. Serve immediately.
CARAMELIZED GLAZED CARROTS
1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 3 inch wedges
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsps. margarine or butter
Prepare the carrots then cook in a small amount of water in a covered pan until crispy tender, about 15 minutes. Drain carrots well and keep hot.
In a large skillet, over moderate heat, melt sugar until lightly caramelized. Add the butter and stir until blended. Add the hot carrots and stir over moderate heat, about 5 minutes, until they are nicely glazed. Serve hot or cold. Makes 6 servings.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net
Hot Pressure Washers!!
Career fair draws Prairie South students to new opportunities
More than 1,000 students from across the Prairie South School Division packed the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds on Sept. 23 to connect with employers, post-secondary schools, and industry leaders during the division’s annual career fair.
The event was hosted by career development consultants Brett Young, Jeff Feeley, and Kara Rigden and drew 82 exhibitors, the highest number to date.
“We have post-secondary schools, businesses, and different trades here. They’re all here for our students so they can start making educated decisions on their career path as they’re getting closer to graduation,” Young said.
The fair is aimed at Grade 11 and 12 students, while a separate “Try a Career” event in May gives Grade 10 and 11 students more hands-on opportunities to explore trades and skills.
For many students, the day was about exploring possibilities.
“I think this is pretty good, because it’s given me a few schools that I am interested in,” said Hope, a Grade 10 student at Cornerstone Christian School, who is looking to pursue the arts. “I didn’t even know these schools existed.”
Lucas, a Grade 12 student from
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Avonlea, said, “It’s pretty nice. There are lots of people here and plenty of opportunities. It helped me learn more about getting into a career.”
His classmate, Colin, added, “It’s just a great day overall. It teaches you about a lot of different career choices that you didn’t really know about.”
Exhibitors ranged from post-secondary schools to businesses, crown corporations, and non-profits. SaskWater, for example, used the day to promote careers in water treatment and engineering.
“SaskWater has a bunch of hands-
on roles in the water and wastewater sector, and we’re here with our Future Watershed Scholarship. It’s a great opportunity for students interested in civil engineering and it’s a full ride scholarship,” said Brooke Willock, a people and culture associate with SaskWater.
SaskWater special services supervisor Anthony Cherwenuk said careers range from field operations and maintenance to engineering, business, and technical services.
Larry Higgs, executive director of the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association, said the auto industry also came looking for talent.
“Our goal as an association is to promote the industry as a whole, whether that be from parts and sales to automotive technicians, bodymen, and accountants. There’s a wide range of opportunities within our industry … and every one of those trades is in high demand,” he said.
Conexus Credit Union took the chance to challenge perceptions about careers in banking.
“When most people think about careers in banking, they immediately assume you have to be a math genius
— but that’s not the case at all,” said financial advisor Itoro Jones. “We have marketing, human resources, and IT roles (available as well) … it’s not just playing with numbers.”
Jones said education isn’t the only factor to land the ideal career.
“What Conexus is really looking for is people with empathy — your ability to relate to other people’s situations, understand them … and want to help them,” he noted.
Young said the real value is in student conversations.
“Some of them have walked in with a preconceived notion that, ‘Hey, I want to do this already.’ They then go around and say, ‘Oh, wow, there’s something else I like,’” he said.
He added that the event benefits employers and students alike.
“It’s knowledge building, and we’re just affirming for the kids that as they’re going on their career paths, the students are being empowered,” he said. “By being able to come and just ask these questions instead of being in a classroom sitting at a desk, now they can come, walk around, and talk to many different people in different networks.”
Representatives from Sask Polytech’s School of Electrical Engineering include program head Babith Vardhese, left, lab technician Justin Daechsel, centre, and coop co-ordinator Jacqui Martynook, right.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
A student takes part in a virtual reality demonstration of fast-food duties, including burger flipping and plating, at the RDIEC booth on Sept. 23. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Kieran Hamilton, left, is a human resources business partner with CAE, and was jointed by human resources generalist Carson Field, right, on Sept. 23. Photo by: Aaron Walker
SaskWater representatives Brooke Willock, left, and Anthony Cherwenuk, right, meet with students during the Prairie South School Division career fair on Sept. 23. Photo by: Aaron Walker
A student works to meet torque specifications on a demonstration machine at the Young’s Equipment booth during the career fair on Sept. 23. Photo by: Aaron Walker
‘Emotional’
After a year of planning and renovations, Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion has officially opened its new building, leaving many members and volunteers emotional and overjoyed.
Nearly 100 people attended the grand opening ceremony on Sept. 19 of Branch No. 59’s new venue at 693 Fairford Street West, which saw the raising of the Canadian flag in the parking lot.
Veterans Alex Cameron and Jim MacNeil helped raise the pennant, which mirrored their actions of lowering the flag during a farewell ceremony at the previous venue at 268 High Street West in April.
day as Legion officially opens new building
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
make it work and make it all a reality,” she continued.
“We are truly looking forward to many functions and gatherings to make this establishment a place for all to feel welcome when you come through our doors.”
After the flag-raising, Padre Doug Shepherd said a blessing, followed by a ribbon-cutting and lunch inside.
that he was somewhat emotional watching the Canadian flag rise during the ceremony since he had goosebumps and a tear in his eye. Yet, he was more thrilled for the veterans, since the ceremony had real meaning for them.
Logan added that the support from city hall was valuable, especially from Derek Blais, the former director of community services, who was “instrumental” with the rezoning efforts.
“Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us to officially open — sometimes I get emotional — our new home,” said Christine Simpson, legion president, her voice cracking as she kicked off the ceremony.
“It has taken many months of time, preparation and an unknown quantity of personnel and organizations… to
Shepherd told MooseJawToday. com that the event had “emotionally drained” him because of how special it was, while he was honoured to give the building-focused prayer.
“They worked their buns off to get this (new building) going,” he added.
“This is a huge day for the Legion. So many are closing, but this one is surviving and making contributions to the City of Moose Jaw.”
Jamey Logan, owner of Strictly Fences and owner of the Legion’s building, said it was exciting for him and his wife, Sherri, to help make the veterans organization’s “dream come true.” He noted that his company was fortunate to have a great team of contractors to support the renovations, which occurred without any major hiccups.
Continuing, Logan said the interior looked great, and while some people may think it’s small and cramped, he thought it was the perfect size to accommodate the current membership and would allow the branch to stay there forever.
The businessman acknowledged
During a brief ceremony inside, Simpson thanked all the volunteers, members, companies and contractors that supported the project. She singled out the Logans, saying their guidance and mentorship made the new building possible.
“When they say it takes a village to complete a project, a home or a family, it certainly does,” she said. “These people, and their companies, are now part of Branch 59, the Royal Canadian Legion’s village. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Afterward, Simpson said she was “very emotional” about the grand opening, noting that it was a long year to transform the building into a new home. Yet, the entire process went smoothly, while the organization is now focused on tweaking things.
“We opened in May, but we said we’d wait until September when everybody was back from holidays in the summer (to have a grand opening celebration),” she said.
Simpson noted that the branch operated from its High Street West location for nearly 100 years but required a
smaller space that was less expensive. So, it sold the building in 2020 and signed a five-year lease, while it looked for a new building. Also, it continued to support veterans and their families, host the Remembrance Day ceremonies and distribute money from its Poppy Trust Fund.
“When everybody comes together like they are today, it makes your heart … really full,” she added.
Ester MacAuley, a long-time volunteer and 29-year member, cut the celebratory cake, which featured pictures of both Legion buildings. She said she was shocked to have been asked but was honoured to do so.
Meanwhile, she said the old building served its purpose, but it reached the point where the Legion had to sell it. She thought the new building was better, brighter and newer, while she hoped it would be a good home for Branch No. 59.
Legion president Christine Simpson (centre) cuts a ribbon to officially open the new Branch No. 59 building, while flanked by businessman Jamey Logan — who owns the building — and Mayor James Murdock. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Padre Doug Shepherd says a blessing over the new building, while Branch No. 59 president Christine Simpson (left) listens. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
The Canadian flag flies over the Legion’s new home. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Ester MacAuley cuts a celebratory cake. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Veterans Alex Cameron and Jim MacNeil prepare to hoist the Canadian flag to officially open the Legion building. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express
River Street musical memories with Kelly Bourdages Reflective Moments
There are hundreds of stories to tell about the musical glory days of River Street and many of those stories will be told on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Moose Jaw Centre For Arts and Culture (Mae Wilson Theatre.)
The story teller will be a Moose Jaw-raised musician who cut his teeth playing and singing his music on the stages of long-gone hotel bars/night clubs located on River Street.
Kelly Bourdages is coming home to lead the story telling and sing the country songs that made him so popular. One of the stories he might not tell is revealing his true age when he made his first appearance on stage. Hmmm!
It was welcome news when Kelly texted me with the poster for Oct. 3 and asked politely if I would “share this on Facebook and share the crap out of it
with everyone.”
I tried my best to share the poster information but by the time I figured out this sharing business, half the tickets had already been sold for the concert.
Obviously Kelly’s hometown fans were doing their own sharing. There was never a doubt in my mind that the concert would attract everyone who had ever enjoyed music and a beverage at the Royal and Brunswick Hotels. And some who know nothing about the hotels will also be there to learn why tears were shed when the hotels were demolished.
But the music of those days will be revived when Kelly Bourdages and Trick Ryder take over the stage. Darrell, Angie and Brandon Andrei and Tracy Tressel will open the show and then will be joined by Kelly to relive the music and history as only he knows it.
Yours Truly and Housemate were familiar with the Royal Hotel and the music in the late 1960s to the dying days for the hotel. If the owners had depended on our liquor consumption to help pay their bills, they would have been disappointed. We enjoyed a beverage or two but it was the music that drew us in.
We made several musical friends by sitting ourselves at the front table near the stage. We instinctively sat with our backs to the wall — just in case — and besides it gave us the view of who was coming and going and how the bouncers did their jobs. We even danced a bit and watched other dancers even more.
And I sang along to Muk-Tuk Annie, Irena Cheyenne and Hershel’s Hemi Half Ton, some of the many songs sung by the late Jimmy Arthur Ordge, one of the more popular acts booked at the
Royal. Interestingly enough, Jim and Kelly became good friends. Just imagine if they had appeared together at the Royal!
The food at the restaurant was usually another reason to visit, particularly when Sandy Wong and his family served plates overflowing with Sandy’s Chinese food. After midnight, we and friends (often including Kelly’s mother, Vivian) would walk across the street to visit the Nanking Chop Suey restaurant for David and Jen Chow’s egg rolls and chicken balls. Those were the days.
We have our tickets and will be looking forward to having a chat with Kelly — about the days of years ago on River Street.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
Pumpkin Harvest Festival raises $2,400 for Hunger in Moose Jaw
Golden sunshine and a crisp autumn breeze set the stage for Hunger in Moose Jaw’s annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival, held in support of local programming and maintenance at the Grey Avenue Yara Community Gardens on Sept. 22.
Executive director Sharla Sept said the day exceeded expectations, thanks in part to favourable weather and a strong community turnout.
“Oh, it was wonderful,” she said. “We had the best weather that we could have asked for, great attendance, and I think it was a great event for everybody.”
While Hunger in Moose Jaw initially reported proceeds of $2,200, the final tally came in even higher at $2,400, according to Sept.
Proceeds will go directly toward the non-profit organization’s existing programs, including maintenance for the Yara Community Gardens. Sept noted that the amount raised is consistent with previous years.
“It’s always dependent on the weather,” she explained. “It was a beautiful day, and we had a lot of people attend (this year).”
This year’s festival introduced new features, including a scarecrow contest and a competition for the largest pumpkin, which was grown right on location.
“Our largest pumpkin ended up coming in at 60 pounds, and that was
No matter their title, the time is upon us for gathering in halls and church basements to share a meal.
Traditionally these suppers have been called “fowl” suppers with turkey and all the fixings as the main attraction. Now some are called “fall” suppers in tribute to the harvest season. Others call their suppers “community suppers” with everything from beef, cabbage rolls and perogies on the menu.
Numerous such suppers are scheduled for Moose Jaw and district. Some feature advance tickets only, while others will have tickets available at the door. Calls to the organizers will provide more details about attendance requirements, ticket prices for teens and younger din-
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The winning entry in Hunger in Moose Jaw’s largest pumpkin contest tipped the scales at 60 pounds, grown in the Yara Community Gardens for this year’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival. Photo by: Hunger in Moose Jaw
grown right here in the Yara Community Gardens specifically for this reason,” Sept added.
The scarecrow contest drew seven or eight entries, with participants crafting a few rustic creations draped in tattered garments and weather-worn smiles.
“Gardeners were all invited to compete, and they were able to build a scarecrow that they could (enter for the contest),” Sept explained, noting that the
winner was chosen by earning the most votes. “It was just a way to build up the community gardens and get people involved.”
Food was another highlight of the festival. Attendees enjoyed chili and hot dogs by cash donation, made possible through a sponsorship from the Moose Jaw Co-op.
Sept also extended thanks to Yara Belle Plaine. Plant Manager Curtis Banda announced a renewed three-year funding commitment to support the Yara Community Gardens during the festival. The gardens feature more than 140
The top three entries in the festival’s inaugural scarecrow contest showcased the creativity of community gardeners, with winners chosen by popular vote. Photo by: Hunger in Moose Jaw
Fall/fowl/autumn suppers still popular
For Moose Jaw Express
ers and whether take-out meals will be available. Some are also offering family rates.
The following is a list of suppers planned for the district. There may be others still in the planning stages:
• Oct. 5: Eyebrow community hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., supper from 5-7 p.m. Tickets at the door for $25 for adults.
• Oct. 5: Morse community hall, 5-7 p.m. Tickets $25.
• Oct. 5: Cosmo Centre in Moose Jaw, doors open at 4:30 p.m., supper from 5-7 p.m. Ticket information at 306-692-6072.
• OCT. 19: Rowletta Civic Centre, from 4-7 p.m. Tickets $30 for
plots across three sites, including raised beds for seniors and those with mobility challenges, and the location continues to serve as a hub for education, fresh food access, and community connection.
Yara Belle Plaine also announced the establishment of its own employee garden at the Belle Plaine plant site, “giving team members a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of gardening firsthand.”
This extended support continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the gardens in Moose Jaw.
“We want to thank Yara Belle Plaine for the renewed commitment,” Sept added. “We couldn’t have the gardens without Yara.”
The gardens will wrap up their growing season in early October, but the work of Hunger in Moose Jaw will continue. The organization is preparing for its annual “I Bought a Lunch” campaign in partnership with the Moose Jaw Coop, set to kick off on or around Oct. 10 with more details to follow.
“Thanks to the community for attending and supporting our community gardens,” she concluded.
For more information, visit HungerInMooseJaw.org or call 306-692-1916.
adults. Ticket information at 306631-6534.
• Oct. 19: Church of Our Lady in Moose Jaw, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets $25. Information available at the church office.
• Oct. 19: Bethune Curling Club supper in the community hall with supper at 5 p.m. Advance tickets only by calling 306-551-8344.
• Oct. 19: Trinity United Church in Moose Jaw. Advance tickets by calling 306-694-0051.
• Oct. 26: Briercrest community hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults.
• Nov. 1: Tugaske community hall.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets $25 at the door.
• Nov. 2: Moose Jaw and District Seniors Association with supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25. Ticket information at 306694-4223.
• Nov. 2: Mortlach at the community hall. Watch for posters with times and ticket information.
• Nov. 8: Spring Valley hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Adults $30. Ticket information and evening details at 306-313-8780
Note: list up to date at press time.
Massive harvest from Wakamow Valley’s food farm to benefit community groups
Wakamow Valley Authority has had another great year growing fruits and vegetables in its gardens, with several community groups likely to benefit from the cornucopia.
Most of the Mosaic Community Food Farm was harvested previously; the carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, onions and other vegetables were taken off by Sept. 25, with a handful of watermelons and cantaloupes still waiting to be picked.
With rake in hand, gardener Ibrahim Hussein was the only person around, as he cleaned up the 0.4 hectares (one acre) and prepared them for next year; the garden’s final day was Sept. 26.
He said that the food farm had a successful year and grew roughly 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds) of food, which is similar to the past two harvests. He noted that the gardens could have produced more if there had been more 30-degree Celsius days — he counted only 10 this summer — instead of temperatures in the mid-20s.
“Potatoes were the best growing this year. They are very big,” said Hussein, in his first year as the gardener. “I work very hard for potatoes because we have very many.”
The Syrian immigrant, who has lived in Moose Jaw for more than four years, said he and the garden manager laid down plenty of manure, fertilizer and compost around the plants. This mixture seeped into the ground and hit the potatoes’ roots, which gave them “more power to be big.”
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
This growing mixture also benefited the fruit trees in the two adjacent fields and ensured that Wakamow Valley collected plenty of apples, plums and other juicy foods.
“I’m happy for the trees (and) I’m happy to pick fruits. I also like fresh vegetables,” Hussein said. “They taste different when they’re picked. You feel very, very good.”
He added that the food farm received enough rain throughout the season, which benefited the vegetables that thrive on extra precipitation, although the pumpkins could have used extra hot days to be great.
All this food will be — and has already been — given to charities and non-profits in Moose Jaw, such as the food bank, Hunger in Moose Jaw, the Multicultural Council and Hope Ministries.
“I’m very happy (with this year overall). But I’m a little bit sad that it’s over,” Hussein added with a smile.
Hussein said he enjoys working outdoors and working up a sweat, instead of toiling away in an office. Moreover, he is happy working at the food farm because he understands what needs to be done — he helped his father pick cotton from 30-acre fields in Syria during 15-hour days — and likes contributing to the site’s success.
“I enjoy everything, (especially) when
we started planting and got everything ready,” the gardener remarked.
Hussein added that a small tractor or tiller should be brought in next year to work the ground several times to create softer soil to benefit the plants.
Meanwhile, starting in late August and early September, various groups began coming to the food garden to help harvest the produce, including immigrant students with the Multicultural Council and Grade 9 youths from Riverview Collegiate.
Hussein — once a Multicultural Council student himself — said he appreciated the newcomers’ efforts to clean and harvest the food. These efforts, he added, may lead some students to volunteer regularly at the site, which is what he did last year.
For more information about Wakamow Valley Authority, call 306-692-2717 or visit www.wakamow.ca.
Gardener Ibrahim Hussein displays the thousands of potatoes that the Mosaic Community Food Farm produced this year in Wakamow Valley. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Tiny apples from the fruit trees. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
A few watermelons and cantaloupes wait to be picked. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
A creative way to feed birds. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Plain English communication, please BIZWORLD
City council was divided by 4-3 on the issue of zoning for supportive housing.
The issue hit the fan when the former Chez Nous seniors home on Hall Street became a Ranch Ehrlo project.
The existing zoning bylaw allowed supportive housing as a permitted use.
According to the Saskatchewan government website supportive housing offers flat rate rents and support for those who qualify. Qualifying applicants range from those with mental heath needs, the elderly, the addicted to the disabled.
Council voted to change city wide allowed zoning for supportive housing to a discretionary use.
Under discretionary use any application to use property for supportive housing must go through a more intense review with city council having the choice to approve or deny.
One argument suggests that change to a discretionary use for supportive housing is discrimination and not legal.
The former Chez Nos property, having been permitted for Ranch Ehrlo, is grandfathered from the new bylaw.
Council members opposing the discretionary use change said finding sites to house the homeless would be more difficult with discretionary use as people can object and sway council decisions.
That argument seems to ignore the home owner’s right to know what new uses are planned in the neighbourhood.
Everybody living in the Chez Nous neighbourhood thought the place would remain a seniors’ home.
Since the Chez Nous site is in the middle of a residential area one can expect controversy when a different use is approved.
Under the new bylaw more extensive review and consultation is required with discretionary use applications — something that doesn’t happen at all with permitted uses.
We live just over one block from
the Chez Nous site and were disappointed at the way communication of the Ranch Ehrlo acquisition was handled.
Yes, the city sent around a complicated wordy circular outlining the deal. Unfortunately it wasn’t written in plain English.
The circular was written in the legalese used by lawyers to protect their trade from comprehension by non legals.
Understandably few people responded to the city from the circular or bylaw advertising. To many residents it was a bunch of gobbledygook, hard to decipher.
The map was so small one needed a magnifying glass to see where change was happening.
In consultation for future changes of zoning an accompanying information sheet written in plain English for comprehension by all residents would be so beneficial.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
And plain English information might raise more interest and less skepticism about city hall and city council.
The Sept. 9 Bizworld column dealing with Canada’s prospects for diverting trade from the United States was misread by some readers.
Nowhere did the column say Canada cannot divert trade. The column mentioned barriers to trade diversion from language, culture, local regulations and requirements.
One unmentioned concern: Will Canadians have the fortitude and patience over time to struggle with trade diversion?
Just a few years ago almost twothirds of Canadians wanted government to fight climate change. Once they had to pay and sacrifice, that number slid to one-third of the population.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
Moose Jaw nets nearly 3,000 kgs of household waste during collection event
The City of Moose Jaw collected 2,760 kilograms of hazardous materials during its household hazardous waste (HHW) collection day on Sept. 6, with 183 residents dropping off various items at the city complex.
Some of the materials people deposited included:
• 36 kg of lithium batteries
• 18 kg of lithium batteries in equip-
By MooseJawToday.com staff
ment (including one pail of vapes)
• 42 kg of aerosol paint
• 110 kg of aerosol material (flammable, toxic and/or corrosive)
• 569 kg of paint
• 53 kg of flammable liquids
• 42 kg of corrosives
This was the second HHW collection day this year, as the city held the first one on May 3, the city said in a news
release. GFL Environmental, which the city contracts to safely dispose of all acceptable material, sorted and collected all hazardous waste during the event.
The city is reminding residents that items such as used oil or oil filters and antifreeze can be disposed of at the City of Moose Jaw’s landfill, while paint and electronics can be recycled at SARCAN year-round, the release said.
The City of Moose Jaw thanked residents for safely disposing of their hazardous materials. If residents have any questions about hazardous materials, they can call the city complex at 306-694-4448 or visit the city web page dedicated to waste and recycling, www. moosejaw.ca/letstalktrash.
Seniors Centre Without Walls invites community to ‘Celebrate Seniors Day’
Seniors Centre Without Walls (SCWW) is inviting the community to learn more about the programs and services it provides during the larger Celebrate Seniors Day on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Town ’N’ Country Mall.
The mall-wide event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of a larger seniors’ trade show, which will feature about 60 vendors offering products and services geared toward older adults.
SCWW founder and manager Ronda Wedhorn said the event is designed to give seniors, families, and caregivers a chance to connect with resources that can help them stay independent and active.
“We want to let seniors and their families … (know) what services we offer,” Wedhorn said. “We’re going to invite them to come up to our event, and they can learn all about what services we have to help … (seniors) remain longer in their own homes.”
Services offered by SCWW include house cleaning, companionship, yard care, transportation to medical appointments and social outings, and a resource centre to assist with paperwork and referrals to other community supports. Wedhorn said the organization is also introducing new ways for the public to get involved.
Along with its ongoing supports, SCWW is expanding its programming this fall. Seniors will be able to sign up for seated yoga classes for those aged 60 and older, and new computer training workshops designed both for those seeking employment and those looking to gain skills for personal use. Pottery classes will also begin later in October.
“There are lots of seniors in the community who are really struggling at this time with getting enough money for groceries and just paying their medications and bills. Sometimes they’re coming up and asking … how to get back into the workforce,” she said. “So we’re
starting up some training where we can teach them computer skills that are really helpful when they go out to look for work.”
Wedhorn added the Oct. 4 event is not just for seniors themselves, but also for family members, caregivers, or neighbours who want to learn more on behalf of someone they know.
The SCWW office is located in the north hallway of the Town ’N’ Country Mall at 1235 Main Street North. The office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, call 306-6922242 or email SCWWMJ@gmail.com.
Join us as we honour the seniors of our community with coffee, snacks, and special discounts.
“We want to invite the public to sponsor a senior. Anything that the public would like to donate, or if they want to (participate in a sponsorship), would help the lower-income seniors get house cleaning and get a ride to their appointments. That’s really important,” she explained.
SNAPSHOT: St. Agnes steps up
SNAPSHOT: Staff at St. Agnes School showed their support for cancer research on Sept. 26 by donning matching Terry Fox “Finish It” T-shirts. The school community raised $491.85 through this year’s fundraiser, with student Everett taking home a Terry Fox shirt in recognition of his family’s strong efforts. Photo by: St. Agnes School
Seniors Citizens O ce Unit 201 (North End)
• Free coffee & donuts for seniors
• Door prize draw and we will deliver to the winner
• Meet our team and discover how our services can help you stay independent at home
• Seniors Week Specialssign up for services and receive a discount
This year we’re also launching Sponsor a Senior. Many older adults in Moose Jaw need help with:
• Rides to doctor’s appointments or groceries
• Companionship visits
• House cleaning and home supports
You can help! Volunteer your time to lend a hand OR You can donate if you can't volunteer your time but still want to help.
Every contribution makes a difference in helping local seniors remain safe and independent at home.
Come Celebrate Seniors Week, meet new friends and find out how you can be part of the solution.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
A senior-focused computer literacy class is just one of several programs offered by Seniors Centre Without Walls. Photo by: Seniors Centre Without Walls
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
By Patricia Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express
Two-Stroke Engines and the Environment
The other day, my attention was riveted by what was on the radio. A repeat of a What on Earth show was airing and what caught my attention was that they stated that one hour of use of a gaspowered leaf blower released the same amount of emissions as driving a “big truck” from Saskatoon to Vancouver following the longest route (1750 km). I have traveled that road many times. Usually, I now take three days to make that journey and the thought of using a gas-powered leaf blower for an hour having the same emissions was rather horrifying.
The show was a bit alarming, so I thought I should dive deep into what was being shared. It is true that many
lawnmowers, gas-powered leaf blowers, dirt bikes and small outboard motors are generally two-stroke engines. This means they are a type of internal combustion engine that completes its power cycle with two movements of the piston (up and down), resulting in a power stroke for every crankshaft revolution. This is the engine of choice because it is simpler, lighter and has a high power-to-weight ratio. This power is extremely important if you make your living doing landscape maintenance as you can ultimately achieve more in less time. However, these two-stroke engine tools are less fuel-efficient, noisy and produce more pollution than four-stroke engines.
The reasons that two-stroke engines significantly pollute the environment is because of their design and the lubricant-fuel mixture. The intake and the exhaust ports on a two-stroke engine open simultaneously, so some of the fresh fuel-air mixture can escape through the exhaust. Because they use a lubricating oil along with fuel in a twostroke engine, some of it is burned and emitted with the exhaust gases which contributes to the smoke, oily residues and that familiar smell. The fresh fuelair mixture that is exhausted results in
Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital
Auxiliary Auxiliary Gift Brings Comfort and Care to ICU Patients
Submitted
The Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary is once again answering the call for compassionate care— this time with a $50,000 donation to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation for the purchase of a specialized critical care bed.
This advanced bed will be used in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where patients require constant monitoring, complex care, and support for lifethreatening conditions. Critical care beds are essential in the ICU—they provide enhanced positioning for breathing support, pressure relief to prevent bedsores, and advanced safety features for both patients and staff. Most importantly, they help improve outcomes during some of the most vulnerable moments in a patient’s life.
The Auxiliary’s compassion touches every corner of the hospital. The Moose Jaw Health Foundation is thankful for their tireless fundraising and generosity. The Auxiliary are true champions of healthcare.
higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), like benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s). The combination of unburned fuel and burning lubricating oil results in higher emissions of hydrocarbons, other pollutants and substantial amounts of fine particles, which are harmful to respiratory health.
As we can now understand a bit more about two-stroke engines, there is a significant increase in environmental impact affecting air quality. The oily residue can make it into our waterways which affects the aquatic ecosystem and there is some evidence that water polluted by two-stroke engines remains more toxic for a longer period of time. Some cities and regions that have strict air and water quality standards have banned the use of two-stroke engines due to the severe environmental impact. It is important to note that modern twostroke engines with direct fuel injection are significantly cleaner than the older models.
Over the years I have had a lovehate relationship with two-stroke engines and in particular gas-powered leaf blowers, small outboard motors and other equipment commonly used in the landscape maintenance industry.
They are noisy, they smell and I often find them difficult to start. However, in many cases due to their high power-toweight characteristics, they really do reduce the workload if the operator is experienced.
I admit, I have a Stihl gas-powered leaf blower. It has served me well for many years, but I do rake up and take away the debris I blow around to minimize the use of the blower. I am thankful that there now are many more choices that consumers can exercise in choosing equipment that traditionally only existed in the older models of two-stroke engines. My new purchases of landscape equipment are electric if possible. This means an easy start every time I use the machine, quieter operation and most importantly an emission-free operation.
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?
Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary Helps Patients Rest Easier with $30,000 Gift for Patient Stretchers
Submitted
The Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary continues to roll forward better healthcare— this time with a $30,000 donation to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation for the purchase of six new patient stretchers to be used throughout the hospital.
As the longest-serving supporter of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, the Auxiliary has helped save countless lives through decades of generosity. Their fundraising efforts—including beloved book and puzzle sales, raffles, and the hospital gift shop—continue to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families across our community.
The Moose Jaw Health Foundation is deeply grateful for the Auxiliary’s unwavering dedication to healthcare. Together, we’re equipping the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital for a healthier tomorrow—one patient at a time.
Pictured from left to right: Darcie Doepker, RN., Past President Leona Shepherd, and President Barb Morrison.
Pictured: Members of the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary with Darcie Doepker, RN, and a patient stretcher..
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS TUESDAY, OCT. 14
The fall community clean-up day in Moose Jaw, held on Sept. 20, resulted in the collection of over 500 kilograms of litter from ditches, roadsides, lots and parks across the city.
There were 30 volunteers at the event, including members of the city’s community clean-up committee, city staff and councillors, neighbourhood groups and residents, city news release said.
Over the course of the morning, volunteers collected a total of 505 kgs of litter. The community cleanup committee provided gloves, garbage bags, and maps to help volunteers target and clean areas in need.
Residents are encouraged to continue cleaning up their neighbourhoods and to share their efforts on so-
Community clean-up day collected over 500 kgs of litter around Moose Jaw
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
cial media using the hashtag #CleanUpMJ.
This was the second community clean-up day this year, as the committee also hosted a spring clean-up day in May.
During the Sept. 22 regular council meeting, Coun. Heather Eby said that the community clean-up day event “had a pretty decent turnout,” the weather was great, and several members of council also attended and performed some work.
Continuing, she thanked several businesses, including Moose Jaw Co-op for sponsoring the barbecue and providing supplies, Purposed Financial for the use of its parking lot and utilities, and Moose Jaw Bobcat for picking up garbage bags. She also commended vol-
unteers from the Downtown Moose Jaw Association’s Helping Hands program.
“We really noticed a difference in what we did that day downtown, and actually around the city,” Eby said.
Eby acknowledged that there was still “a lot of litter” left around the city, but pointed out that clean-up crews had removed material from places that historically accumulated it. She added that having two cleanup days annually could reduce the amount of litter around the city.
For more information on the city’s community clean-up committee, visit https://moosejaw.ca/boardscommittees-commissions/community-clean-up-committee.
Divided council changes how supportive housing projects are classified
City council is moving ahead with a zoning bylaw change that will see future “supportive housing” projects receive more scrutiny before being approved, although the update won’t affect Ranch Ehrlo’s forthcoming initiative.
During its Sept. 22 regular meeting, council voted 4-3 to amend the zoning bylaw, which will change supportive housing from a permitted use to a discretionary use in the R3 high-density residential district, R4 core residential mixed district and C2 high-density commercial district.
In favour were Mayor James Murdock and councillors Jamey Logan, Carla Delaurier and Patrick Boyle. Opposed were councillors Heather Eby, Chris Warren and Dawn Luhning.
Since council did not pass the bylaw unanimously, it will return to the Oct. 14 regular meeting for final approval.
This was a contentious issue during the meeting, as nearly a dozen residents spoke to the amendment during a public hearing.
More input
“The amendment aligns with council’s direction to ensure (that) supportive housing developments in the specified districts are subject to discretionary use review, allowing greater oversight and public input,” a council report said.
“The change is intended to balance the need for supportive housing with community interests and planning objectives.”
The report noted that the city clerk’s office publicly advertised the zoning bylaw change in several ways, and, by Sept. 10, the planning and development branch
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
had received 12 inquiries. Those comments were split almost evenly between support, opposition and neutrality.
The zoning bylaw change is in response to a public outcry about Ranch Ehrlo opening a family addiction centre in the former Chez Nous Care Home. Residents’ main concern — expressed during the July 14 council meeting — was the lack of public consultations or ability to provide input.
Administration feedback
In response to council’s questions, administration said this bylaw change would affect all supportive housing developments, regardless of size, scale or complexity.
Furthermore, administration said the zoning bylaw regulates all aspects of permitted use projects with zero public engagement, while discretionary use applications require “a wider field” of review, including more public consultations.
Administration noted that projects such as accessory buildings are permitted uses since it’s easier to determine where they fit in the regulations.
“Discretionary use is often used for more complex applications,” administration said, adding that planning and development works closely with engineering to ensure a building fits a site.
City manager Maryse Carmichael said the current zoning bylaw is over 10 years old, while administration is reviewing it and the OCP and plans to bring forward new docu-
ments by early 2026. Those changes may address any “discrepancies” in the documents.
Continuing, she said city hall will ensure there is a “full, comprehensive engagement plan” that is citywide — with online and in-person meetings — and that ensures residents can offer input.
Carmichael added that administration has worked for the past two years to update the documents — including definitions and terminology — and has reviewed best practices across Canada and in Saskatchewan to ensure Moose Jaw’s changes align with other municipalities.
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS TUESDAY, OCT. 14
Proposed changes to how city hall classifies supportive housing projects under the zoning bylaw attracted a crowd to city council’s Sept. 22 regular meeting, with nearly a dozen people speaking to the matter.
On the agenda was a proposed zoning bylaw amendment that would change supportive housing from a permitted use to a discretionary use in the R3 high-density residential district, R4 core residential mixed district and C2 high-density commercial district.
Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Brenda Walper-Bossence, with the Moose Jaw Non-profit Housing Corporation (MJNPHC), said her organization has provided safe and affordable housing for more than 50 years; it owns the old fire hall, the Timothy Eaton’s Building and three other venues.
Continuing, she said the corporation manages 75 units across the city and serves seniors, families and individuals “with diverse needs.”
“Every day, we see first-hand the urgent demand for more supportive housing options,” Walper-Bossence said. “We also see the positive impact that stable housing has on people’s health, dignity and ability to contribute to the community.”
The MJNPHC is “deeply concerned” with changing supportive housing to discretionary use, since it will create unnecessary red tape, lead to project delays, require more public hearings and increase project costs, she continued. This would discourage developers and other non-profits from investing here.
Furthermore, project delays negatively affect people who require support, while changing the bylaw would create “inequity” since supportive housing should be treated the same as residential housing, said Walper-Bossence.
“Reclassifying sends a message — intended or not — that supportive housing is somewhat less welcome in our neighbourhoods. That is not the spirit of inclusion for which Moose Jaw is known,” she remarked, before telling a story about a tenant who thrived because of supportive housing. “When barriers go up, we risk shutting the door on transformation.”
Walper-Bossence added that supportive housing is about people and ensuring
Proposed zoning bylaw change attracts crowd to council meeting
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
that the most vulnerable residents have a place to call home.
‘Discretionary means dialogue’
Shelley Hill, a 43-year resident, said the zoning bylaw is about shaping the city’s future, where and how it grows, how it balances economic opportunity with safety, and maintaining neighbourhoods’ characteristics while making space for new initiatives.
Continuing, she said the amendment ensures that projects of “significant scale or complexity” are not fast-tracked or rubberstamped, but receive appropriate oversight and consideration from council and input from residents.
“Discretionary means dialogue … ,” Hill said. “Dialogue allows for thoughtful decision-making, creates transparency, accountability and trust with residents, council and developers.”
Hill pointed out that permitted use means the process to review a project is closed and leaves residents feeling blindsided. Conversely, discretionary use means the process is open to public input and scrutiny.
Continuing, she said Ranch Ehrlo’s family addiction centre project in the former Chez Nous Care Home caught area residents by surprise, since there was no dialogue or time for input and city hall granted the building permit within 15 days. She noted that that timeframe is faster than any other project the city usually approves.
Hill also said that the detox centre may create problems for King George School since 50 additional “high-risk students” may arrive without warning once the venue opens. This sudden influx won’t allow the school to prepare its classrooms.
Meanwhile, council must balance various interests rather than leaving “life-altering decisions” to be made behind closed doors, she said. She pointed out that proper planning contributed to the revitalization of the downtown, which led to the growth of businesses and a thriving tourism industry.
Hill added that the zoning bylaw change is not a barrier to growth, but ensures that “growth is done right.”
Square One Community Inc.
Dave Stevenson, a board member with Square One Community Inc., said the organization has provided supportive housing to 36 people at William Milne Place and is
helping eliminate their chronic homelessness. It is also providing them with intensive supports and helping them become responsible citizens.
Furthermore, it is running a tenant stabilization program with Moose Jaw Housing Authority, which helps reverse the factors that could lead to the imminent eviction of at-risk tenants, he continued.
Also, clients meet with case workers three to five times a day, have access to primary care and have access to work programs, Stevenson remarked. Many are also “showing enthusiastic interest” in addiction recovery programs and are entering treatment for the first time.
Stevenson noted that six months before those 36 people became program participants, they had 342 contacts with first responders. After six months in the program, though, they had 24 interactions with first respondents — a 93-per-cent decrease.
He pointed out that this decrease meant fewer ambulance rides, fewer incidents outside businesses, fewer calls to police and increased community safety. It also meant less money spent on housing people, as it’s roughly $31 per day for supportive housing, $69 per day for shelter beds, $143 per day for jail or $656 per day for inpatient treatment.
“Supporting housing is not only the right thing to do, but it’s the economic thing to do,” Stevenson added. “Our Square One program is built on therapeutic relationships, which are the most powerful tool to inspire change in participants.”
A recent point-in-time count showed there were 125 homeless people in Moose Jaw, while the primary causes were insufficient income, domestic abuse, unsafe housing, substance abuse, mental illness and jail, he said. What’s more, over 90 per cent of homeless people have ties to the community, which means someone’s family member is sleeping outside.
Stevenson noted that Square One is attempting to acquire sustainable funding from the provincial government, while it continues to lobby the government to address the “homelessness crisis” in Moose Jaw, especially with winter coming.
He added that Square One’s goal is to end homelessness in 10 years.
Downtown Moose Jaw Association Shannon Simpson, with the Down-
town Moose Jaw Association, said the organization’s Helping Hands program has been successful since it has given people jobs and helped them contribute to society. This showed that anything is possible “when housing is paired with accountability and care.”
Meanwhile, she urged council to protect the community’s tourism industry — it generated $130 million this year — and have “deep compassion and care” for business owners who built their companies from the ground up.
Simpson noted that if the city is not selective with where it allows supportive housing to be built, that would undermine those business owners’ hard work and “lose the beauty, vibrancy and uniqueness that makes Moose Jaw ‘the Notorious City’ that tourists want to visit.”
‘Greater transparency’ needed
Patty Yuzek, who has lived downtown for over 30 years, said she has witnessed many changes in that area and knows the challenges that residents and businesses face daily.
Continuing, she said a zoning bylaw amendment in 2019 is to blame for issues with Ranch Ehrlo’s project and past ones like Willow Lodge and Riverside Mission. This is because the change — done without public consultation — made such venues permitted instead of discretionary.
Yuzek noted that she only learned about Willow Lodge’s opening in January 2024 on the day it opened, which surprised her and her neighbours since there was zero community engagement.
Meanwhile, she said that notices about proposed bylaw changes are usually unclear and, when on council’s agenda, only contain numbers.
“Taxpayers deserve a clear, accessible process to understand how changes affect their neighbourhoods,” Yuzek said, noting the issues with supportive housingtype projects could have been avoided with “greater transparency.”
“This (amendment) isn’t about undoing the past, but about rebuilding trust through proactive public engagement,” she continued, adding that there’s no reason to push through a positive project “unless there’s something to hide.”
Comments from the other speakers will be featured in a second article.
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS TUESDAY, OCT. 14
Nearly a dozen residents expressed their thoughts during city council’s Sept. 22 meeting about proposed changes to the zoning bylaw that would make supportive housing projects discretionary use instead of permitted use.
This article features more comments from residents who spoke.
Genuine engagement
Kirsten Downey, who spoke to council in July about Ranch Ehrlo’s project at the former Chez Nous Care Home, said “genuine engagement” is required for supportive housing projects to be successful.
For example, she pointed out that officials with Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Centre took a year to engage with residents on South Hill before opening the venue. This engagement built trust and ensured the project moved forward successfully.
Continuing, Downey said there is supposedly not enough low-income housing in Moose Jaw, but information shows there are 63 vacant units here and 2,000 across Saskatchewan.
She wondered whether more supportive housing was really required or whether a better, overarching housing strategy — that balanced compassion, planning and oversight — was required to bring agencies together, co-ordinate existing resources and align projects with community goals.
Meanwhile, she said the zoning bylaw considers medical offices, daycares, houses of worship and care homes to be discretionary use issues, so applying the same tag to supportive housing would make everything consistent and avoid unequal treatment.
“… When supportive housing succeeds, residents succeed, and the community does (as well),” Downey added.
‘Genuine engagement’ needed for supportive housing projects, residents say
Protecting livelihoods
Alex Carleton, owner of the Crushed Can Rec Room and Bar and chairman of the Downtown Moose Jaw Association, said the association cares about the less fortunate and their success. However, it believes the bylaw needs to be changed to protect business owners and prevent further shelters like Willow Lodge from opening downtown.
Continuing, he noted that council members said during the 2024 municipal election campaign that they cared about the downtown, but without applying discretionary use to supportive housing, council would be “powerless to care and protect” the downtown.
“With that, you’re going to take away livelihoods and you’re going to take away our tourism dollars. And last time I checked, that was supposed to be important to this council,” Carleton added.
‘Like a bombshell’
Wally Meili lives near the former Chez Nous Care Home, and while he supports supportive housing projects, Ranch Ehrlo’s initiative was dropped on the community “like a bombshell.” This made it impossible to support since no one understood what it was about. Therefore, a discretionary use tag is “un questionably needed.”
“We in the community have been belittled and criticized for being elitist because we had no idea what was going on in this thing — and nobody did,” he said. “There’s no reason that should ever happen again.”
Meili said he spent 50 years work ing in real estate, focusing mostly on commercial properties. He noted that city hall’s approval of the Ranch Ehrlo project “was not done with proper input” from residents.
If you’re able to help some people and make them smile and make them realize that life is good, then that’s worth so much more than buying a pair of shoes.
-- Maria Sharapova
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Local engineers have pointed out that the initiative “is flawed” since there is no contractual onus on the developer to ensure the building is in proper condition or complies with building and fire codes, he added. Moreover, potential detox patients could be living in a building that contains asbestos.
Safety fears
Clayton, a resident who has lived here for five years, said he’s noticed a decline in safety in Moose Jaw since he moved here and no longer feels safe going to the library or parking downtown. Continuing, he said that while he favours supportive housing, he believes there must be community engagement about where such venues are placed. His biggest concern was that an outside organization would buy property here, install a supportive housing building, and profit from it without directly investing in the community.
Clayton noted that he wouldn’t feel good buying property here when there’s no guarantee of what might be constructed near it.
“I can imagine if you’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a property, you would like some security to go along with it to recognize that you don’t want necessarily an addictions treatment centre to go up across the street,” he said.
The resident said Ranch Ehrlo’s proposed project “blindsided” him and his neighbours, while his trust in the community “has been depleted.” Moreover, he is considering moving elsewhere, a sentiment that others — especially young professionals like himself — have also expressed.
Clayton added that he loves where he lives and enjoys his neighbours but didn’t want to see the city sold to the highest bidder.
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS TUESDAY, OCT. 14
With nearly 400 properties that still haven’t upgraded to the new smart water meters, city hall is preparing to issue one final notice before pulling the plug on those sites’ water services.
The $6.5 million project, which began in 2022 and focused on replacing roughly 12,500 water meters, is nearly complete, as contractor Neptune Technology Group Co. has changed 97 per cent of the old meters with newer ones.
As of Sept. 22, 393 accounts still hadn’t upgraded to the new technology, including 252 “soft refusals” and 70 accounts that were pending, city administration said during city council’s Sept. 22 executive committee meeting.
The 252 properties are locations that did not engage with Neptune or the city between 2022 to 2024, although those communications efforts were focused on meter account holders, which meant rental homes and businesses were left out, a council report noted.
So, this year, the city focused its communications efforts on other account owners and building owners, intending to complete accounts unrelated to the hard refusals.
Nearly 400 properties still haven’t switched to smart water meters
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The document noted that eight locations fall into the “hard refusal” category due to multiple missed appointments, although the city will continue to pursue them through the final step in the process, the document continued.
Meanwhile, the city has flagged 31 properties as “homeowner tasks,” so it will issue letters again urging those residents to contact Neptune. It has also flagged 40 locations as “city tasks,” where crews must make repairs to curb stops, while 43 sites are condos or apartments with multiple accounts, seasonal meters or sold properties.
With those 43 sites, the city will target its communications at property managers and owners, while it will collaborate with private owners of multiple meters to centralize control and metering at property lines and facilitate the transfer of service ownership, the report noted.
“Moving forward, the city predicts there will still be a small number of properties that do not comply with the requirements under Bylaw No. 5152,” the document stated. “Having anticipated this possibly, Bylaw No. 5152 also supports the authority (of the city treasurer and city engineer) to enforce disconnection of non-compliant properties.”
The steps the city plans to take with final notices include issuing a letter, marking curb stops, hanging notices on front doors urging people to make an appointment with Nep-
tune within 72 hours, verifying appointments, sending warnings about disconnections, and then disconnecting services altogether.
Municipal officials say the first round of issuing final notices should be completed by late September, while Neptune will be available in October to change the remaining water meters, the report said.
The contractor can also return to complete further changes and restore water service, which “allows homeowners to resolve the issue promptly, helping to minimize inconvenience,” the document continued.
Having Neptune change the meters also ensures that the city doesn’t need to use its operational resources on capital replacement and can rely on the existing contract.
The report also reiterated Health Canada’s position that exposure to smart water meters poses “no health risks” to humans.
The document added that disconnecting some residents’ water services may cause “negative optics,” since some residents may feel they have valid reasons for not wanting to connect to the smart water meters.
Opt-out option
Asked if city hall had considered an “opt-out option” for homeowners but forcing them to pay higher fees, Stephanie Meyer, deputy city treasurer, said it had investigated that and had made it an alternative option.
Moose Jaw City Council, pursuant to Zoning Bylaw No. 5346 is considering an application for a proposed “One-Unit Dwelling” on Lot 27, Block 74, Plan OLD96, Ext 0, civically known as 426 Fairford Street West, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is a discretionary use within the C2 –High Density Commercial District. Additional information regarding the application may be found on the “City News” page at www.moosejaw.ca. The report, application, and any representations will be considered by City Council on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 228 Main Street North.
Written submissions must be received by Planning & Development, 3rd Floor, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca.
Dated at the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, this 18th day of September 2025
Tracy Wittke, City Clerk
Continuing, she said other municipalities use a fee structure to encourage compliance, such as an extra $50 per month or an extra $150 every quarter. However, those municipalities have found that those fees deter people from complying with the program.
While city hall issues utility bills quarterly, it’s considering moving to a monthly structure to provide people with more information, said Meyer. If it did that, however, it would have to determine the frequency of how often it charged those non-compliant homeowners.
Bevan Harlton, director of operations, said an opt-out policy isn’t feasible since the old water meters are obsolete, parts can’t be found, the city doesn’t stock extras, it isn’t maintaining the older ones, and it doesn’t have the employees or infrastructure to maintain them.
The next executive committee meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14.
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE
NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS TUESDAY, OCT. 14
A piece of land adjacent to a vehicle dealership on Main Street North has officially been closed so the business can expand its existing operations.
During its Sept. 22 regular meeting, city council gave three unanimous readings to Bylaw No. 5742, the municipal buffer closure bylaw. Since there was no opposition, the bylaw went into effect immediately.
The bylaw formally closes a portion of Block/Parcel B1, Plan 76MJ01165, Extension 0 to facilitate the subdivision, rezoning, sale and consolidation of a portion of the municipal buffer with the adjacent property at 1788 Main Street North, a council report said.
“The land is not required for vehicular traffic circulation and has no strategic value for future roadway expansion,” the document noted. “The
Auto business can officially buy land for expansion, council says
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
closure will also serve to prevent encroachment on lands further north.”
The business at 1788 Main Street North is the Western Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership, and during a previous meeting, council agreed to sell the 0.46 hectares (1.15 acres) to owner Kyle Knight for $135,040.65 per acre plus GST.
Continuing, the report said the sale will enable Knight to use the consolidated land solely as a parking lot to support his existing operations. However, the city will not allow the business to pursue any other type of development on the closed buffer parcel or the land being sold.
“This restriction will be clearly outlined in the land use designation, zoning amendment and land sale agreement to ensure transparency for both
the public and council,” the report said.
The report noted that, based on The Cities Act, the city clerk’s office publicly advertised a notice of intention to close the portion of the municipal buffer. However, the office received zero comments about the change by the deadline.
During the meeting, Coun. Chris Warren said he received feedback from residents about this change, with some pointing out that this buffer provides Crown corporations with “critical” access to utilities. He wondered if selling off this land would hinder those operations.
City manager Maryse Carmichael replied that city administration reviewed the sale and had no concerns.
Continuing, Warren said some residents expressed concern to him that the
land sale would eliminate a green space where people could walk and enjoy nature. However, he learned there could still be a six-metre buffer along the property that residents could access.
Warren asked administration for clarification on that issue, while he also asked whether the city planned to plant more trees adjacent to the property.
In response, Kamran (Kam) Vosough, manager of planning and development, said there would still be a small parcel of property adjacent to the sold land that residents can still enjoy. Also, the city plans to create another six-metre buffer on the western side of the property and will plant trees there, while it will preserve existing flora in the area.
Ten youths appointed to city’s advisory committee
City council has appointed 10 students to sit on this year’s youth advisory committee, with the group expected to begin its activities in October.
Council unanimously approved the individuals to the advisory board during its Sept. 22 regular meeting. The youths’ terms begin on Sunday, Oct. 1 and conclude on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.
The youths include:
• A.E. Peacock Collegiate: Abby Hogeboom
• Vanier Collegiate: Elliott Izaaks and Oladipo Ayomide
• Central Collegiate: Dani Brazeal and Zakary Philipation
• Cornerstone Christian School: Brooklyn Kusch and Phoebe Schultz
• Riverview Collegiate: Emma Russell and Lexus Schoffer
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Siddharth Reshamwala
• École Ducharme: None
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• Homeschoolers: None
• Distance learning: None
The city clerk’s office contacted each school during the previous school year and encouraged them to forward recommendations of two youths who were interested in joining the advisory committee and who could represent the school, a council report said.
The city clerk’s office received the applications and consent forms from the schools between April and June.
Since city hall received zero applications from distance-learning or homeschooled students, the city clerk’s office issued another call for nominations in mid-September, the report said. If it receives any nominations, it will present them to council for consideration.
The youth advisory committee can consist of 19 voting members, including one council member, two members from each school, two youths at large between 18 and 25 years of age, one
youth from an accredited distancelearning school, and one home-school student.
A previous council report said the advisory committee has several responsibilities, such as:
• Endeavouring to increase positive public awareness and understanding by youths of local government and assist in developing new outreach and/or communication policies, strategies and programs
• Networking with peers and community leaders and participating in a forum that is open, welcoming and fun
• Providing communication between youths of Moose Jaw and city council that will enhance the quality of life, health and well-being of those youths
• Making recommendations on youth recreational opportunities and community activism
• Identifying things in the City of
Moose Jaw that are valued by youths, including the things that are considered assets, strengths and opportunities in our community
• Acting as a positive advocate and providing leadership experience for youths
• Networking with student councils and other youth organizations. Meanwhile, the group’s expectations include:
• Recognize that the chief role of the City of Moose Jaw is to provide exceptional customer service to customers, citizens, visitors of Moose Jaw and each other
• To create a city of communities, a city that cares about its people, the environment and the opportunities to live, work and prosper
• Recognize the importance of teamwork to provide the best possible service to internal and external customers
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS TUESDAY, OCT. 14
Many homeowners decorate their yards annually with shrubs, flowers and other colourful flora, but there are only a few properties that city hall deems worthy of a prize.
The City of Moose Jaw handed out four awards during the Sept. 22 regular city council meeting as part of the 2025 Beautification Awards program. Sarah Regent, forestry and horticulture supervisor, spoke briefly about each winner, while Mayor James Murdock presented a plaque to each recipient.
There were 14 entries in total.
Since 1981, city hall has handed out Beautification Awards, which recognize outstanding properties in the community and promote civic spirit among residents, a council report said.
Homeowners, residents or third parties can enter a property into the competition, although properties may only compete in one category per year and may only win a Beautification Award once every five years.
“It is a wonderful legacy of honouring residents for the wonderful work they do in beautifying our city,” said Regent. “And every year, we make sure to thank our sponsors. Without our sponsors, these awards just would not happen.”
Regent thanked the nominees for submitting their “wonderful properties,” noting that it was “always such a pleasure” to review the work people do to beautify the city.
Winners
The award for best residential property on South
Moose Jaw honours four outstanding properties with Beautification Awards
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
Hill went to Kandy and Vern Gurnsey at 323 Coteau Street West; Cornell Landscaping and Design sponsored this award.
The award for best residential property in northwest Moose Jaw went to Twyla Tondevold at 1108 Bogus Avenue; Emerald Custom Creations sponsored this award.
The award for best residential property in the east end of Moose Jaw was given to Bert Redstone of 1008 Third Avenue Northeast; Windmill Green-
houses sponsored this award.
The best residential property in Sunningdale/ VLA/West Park/Iron Bridge went to Sara Stirton at 1089 Maplewood Drive; Keon Garden Centre sponsored this award. Stirton was not present to receive her award.
Previous winners can be found on the City of
Moose Jaw’s website.
Mayor James Murdock (left) hands out the award for best residential property on South Hill to Kandy and Vern Gurnsey (middle), along with a representative from Cornell Landscaping and Design (right). Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Mayor James Murdock presents the award for best residential property in northwest Moose Jaw to Twyla Tondevold. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Mayor James Murdock presents the award for best residential property in the east end of Moose Jaw to the family of Bert Redstone. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
15 Wing honours ‘daring aviators’ who fought in UK 85 years ago
A trumpet’s mournful wail filled the air at 15 Wing Airbase as military personnel and civilians honoured 23 Canadian pilots killed during a critical battle 85 years ago.
During a ceremony on Sept. 21, the airbase commemorated the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which began on July 10, 1940, and was the Second World War’s first major air battle.
Twenty-three Canadians — including four Saskatchewanians and 1,542 other Allied pilots — died during the campaign, which culminated with a massive aerial battle on Sept. 15, 1940. After 114 days, the Battle of Britain concluded on Oct. 31, 1940, after the Germans — who lost roughly 2,500 aircrews — began bombing English cities.
Capt. Iain Muir, a pilot with the Snowbirds, recited the poem “High Flight,” while he read the names of the Canadians killed.
Muir told reporters afterward that it was meaningful — especially as a junior pilot — to help commemorate the Battle of Britain, because it’s part of the RCAF’s heritage and is the reason it exists. Moreover, that history is on display throughout the base.
“It’s easy to get lost in the day-today (aspects of the) job, (so) … it’s good to commemorate these events. It’s our history,” he said.
Continuing, Muir said these events
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motivate him to do his best — “it’s almost a duty” — because the pilots who served decades ago did everything they could for the cause, including giving their lives.
Muir said that, contrary to some opinions, younger people — especially pilots — embrace the RCAF’s traditions and heritage. Furthermore, they enjoy celebrating that history through commemorative events, which enhances their connection to the past.
Meanwhile, the captain said he was honoured to read the names of the Canadian pilots killed. He noted that he researched every man to ensure he pronounced their names correctly and knew their ranks, while he even read about them when he should have been working.
Lt.-Col. Matthew Fullerton, acting wing commander, discussed the battle’s history during the ceremony.
Afterward, he told reporters that remembering and listening to those past stories are “exceptionally important” since the current generation must understand the sacrifices it took to defend the
“great inheritance of peace, freedom and democracy” that veterans earned.
This is critical, he noted, since nondemocratic forces are challenging the “liberal international order” every day.
The acting wing commander said the Battle of Britain is remembered on the third Sunday in September because that was when the Germans “threw everything” they had at the United Kingdom since they thought the country had few aircraft left.
However, the U.K. had secret manufacturing plants in the countryside that provided the necessary machines. This shook the German leadership and changed the battle’s outcome.
Fullerton pointed out that today’s pilots receive years of training before they acquire their wings, but airmen in the Second World War were given only 10 to 20 hours before being sent into battle. Yet, they proved themselves admirably.
Fullerton highlighted Rosthernborn pilot Ernest Archibald (PeeWee) McNab, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during the battle. Compared to the other pilots, McNab had over 2,000 hours in the air because he had been flying since before the war.
“… if we ever do have to go to war in the future, these are the types of legacies we want to draw from to be able to defend what we have,” Fullerton added.
During the ceremony, Padre Lt. (Navy) Graeme Carruth gave a lively spiritual reflection, saying some people today think that humanity’s future might lie with “the law of autocratic rule,” where only the strong make decisions
and “those with the gold” make the rules.
Continuing, he said that while democracy and a compassionate, justicebased world order appear to be “in apparent retreat,” people shouldn’t succumb to a “dystopic picture of humanity’s future.” Instead, they should look at how democratic countries handled major challenges 85 years ago during the rise of communist and fascist governments.
“The sweep of populist dictatorship, with its total control of news and elimination of all freedom of speech, seemed unstoppable,” Carruth remarked, noting that some British citizens and politicians thought of capitulating.
Yet, during the summer of 1940, Allied airmen “dared to roll the dice once more against the overwhelming forces of autocratic domination” by taking to the skies in a life-and-death struggle, he said. By the end of October, “the underdogs” had forced the then-unstoppable Axis powers to withdraw.
This proved that one-man autocratic rule could be defeated and that democracy was more resilient.
“How rightly did Prime Minister (Winston) Churchill say of those pilots, ground crews and support teams, ‘Never in the field of armed conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few,’” Carruth said while imitating the politician’s gravelly voice.
Carruth added that the future is an “undiscovered country” shaped by society’s choices, including the choice to receive and hold high the torch that “those daring aviators” have tossed in defence of democratic values for future generations.
A large crowd gathers for a ceremony to honour pilots from the Battle of Britain, with a Harvard training plane on the left. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Lt.-Col. Matthew Fullerton, acting wing commander, discusses the history of the Battle of Britain during the ceremony.
Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Trumpeter Capt. Rick Elmer delivers The Last Post and Rouse, while bagpiper Michelle Gallagher played a tune afterward.
Photo by Jason G. Antonio
With flags snapping in the wind, Ann-Marie Rouault-Chedid (at podium) sings O Canada. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Mitike Bridland’s skating dream takes flight with ‘Disney on Ice’
A local figure skater is preparing to take the international stage this fall as she joins the cast of Disney on Ice, bringing pride to her hometown and excitement to her family and coaches.
Mitike Bridland, 18, will depart in early October to begin rehearsals in Florida before launching a sevenmonth tour across the United States and Canada. Her first performance is scheduled for Nov. 1 in Macon, Georgia, with shows running through April 2026.
“I’m so excited. I leave in two weeks and I can’t even believe it,” Bridland said. “Today I got my videos of the whole show and what I have to learn, and I’m just super excited for this new challenge. I’m a little scared, but I think it will be very good for me to go out in the world and get to do something I’m passionate about.”
Bridland has been skating since the age of three, and for her, the rink has always felt like home. After years of competitive skating at the provincial and western Canadian level, she described her next step into the world of professional show skating as both daunting and thrilling.
“I’ve been skating for 15 years,” she said. “It’s definitely my passion and always has been.”
Her role on tour will see her perform in multiple numbers as part of the ensemble cast.
“I’m going to be a backup figure skater to a lot of different numbers,” she explained, listing Disney’s Frozen, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, and Toy Story.
Training has already shifted from focusing on jumps and spins to learning choreography.
“I get to the rink around 1:45 p.m., and then I train until about 3:30 p.m. every day,” Bridland said. “Now that I’ve received the videos, for the next two weeks my training will be watching the videos and learning the show on ice so when I go I can be as prepared as
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Mitike Bridland trains in Moose Jaw, where she’s been skating since the age of three. This fall, she’ll take her passion to the international stage with Disney on Ice. Photo by: Mitike Bridland/Submitted
possible.”
Though still nervous, she said practicing with the routines is helping her gain confidence.
“I’m definitely nervous, because learning it in a video and then going with a bunch of people who already know the show is going to be a lot different.”
Tessa Hill-Borgeaud, who skated with Disney on Ice herself before her coaching role, said she’s thrilled
to see Bridland take this step.
“She is a natural born performer, and she has a true love of skating,” her former coach said.
Hill-Borgeaud was ecstatic when she learned Bridland had signed her professional contract.
“I cheered out loud … I was just ecstatic and so incredibly proud that it really happened. Honestly, I never had a doubt that she would be doing that,” she said. “I’m just glad that it came to fruition and that it’s happening for her.”
She added that Bridland’s accomplishment is a testament to her dedication.
“It takes so much commitment to stay with your sport through high school, through the challenges of your jumps, changing your body, and changing your centre … she had this goal in mind, stuck with it, and made it happen.”
For Bridland, the adventure ahead offers not only the chance to perform but also the opportunity to travel and learn from seasoned professionals.
“I’m really excited to be able to work with a bunch of experienced show skaters, because I have no actual professional experience,” she said. “I’m also very excited to travel … and share my love for skating with a bunch of people who are coming to watch it.”
Representing her hometown will make the experience even more meaningful.
“That’s the first thing that comes to mind — it’s just crazy that this gets to be my life. Tessa was a professional skater … and a lot of my coaches in Regina are professionals and a lot of my friends have gone professional. I just always looked up to them, so it’s crazy that now it’s my turn,” Bridland said. “I just feel so blessed and honoured that I get to do my dream job.”
To follow her tour and learn more about the show, visit DisneyOnIce.com.
Moose Jaw teen appointed to province’s youth advisory council
Moose Jaw teenager Grace King is one of 12 high school students from across Saskatchewan who has been named to the provincial government’s 2025-26 youth council.
King, from Prairie South School Division, was announced as a youth council member on Sept. 23.
The group — representing “vibrant and diverse voices” — met recently in Saskatoon for an orientation designed to equip them for the year ahead, the province said in a news release. The session introduced their roles and responsibilities and included a discussion on the provincial education plan.
These young leaders will help shape Saskatchewan classrooms with their ideas, insights and leadership.
“I am excited to welcome these outstanding students to the Youth Council,” said the Hon. Everett
By MooseJawToday.com staff
Hindley, the minister of education. “Each of them has embraced the opportunity to be a leader within their schools and communities. Their perspectives are essential in helping shape a more responsive and positive education system for all Saskatchewan students.”
This year’s youth council consists of 12 high school students from across the province in grades 10 to 12. Throughout the year, council members will engage in several meaningful discussions with the Ministry of Education to offer their insights on various education-related priorities, including policies, curriculum and programs.
Their contributions will help ensure that Saskatchewan’s education system continues to reflect the voices and experiences of students, the release said.
“I am honoured to represent student voices
through the youth council,” member Faizal Oganla said. “Knowing that our perspectives are valued by the Ministry of Education and can influence real change makes this experience incredibly meaningful.”
The province established the youth council in 2019, with the group providing a platform for student leaders aged 16 and older to contribute their unique insights and personal experiences within the education system, the release said.
For this year’s selection process, school divisions were encouraged to nominate up to two students, the province added. Additionally, eligible independent schools, historical high schools and the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre were invited to nominate one student.
Moose Jaw Warriors score six unanswered on way to win over Swift Current Broncos
The Moose Jaw Warriors won their first three games in a regulation start during this Western Hockey League season with their 6-1 victory over the Swift Current Broncos on Saturday night at Temple Gardens Centre, leaving Moose Jaw a single win away from matching the best start in modern franchise history set by the 2005-06 edition of the team.
That crew would go on to win their first four contests and would end up in the WHL Final by season’s end. The Warriors also won their first three games -- two in a shootout and one in overtime -- to open the 2020-21 Regina bubble season.
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bit of stick work for his third goal of the campaign. The rookie defenceman dipsy doodled around a Broncos defender before tucking the puck around goaltender Aiden Eskit 2:08 into the period. The goal was Carter’s sixth point of the season, tying him for the scoring lead among defenceman and moving into third in rookie scoring.
Just over two minutes later, Lakovic struck again, this time on the power play. He’d take a feed into the corner from Aiden Ziprick before walking into the face-off circle and wiring a shot home for the 5-1 lead.
Noah Degenstein then closed out
Lynden Lakovic celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game on Saturday against Swift Current. Moose Jaw Warriors
Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors sweep pair against Estevan to remain unbeaten
Warriors win 9-2 on Saturday, hold on for 6-5 win Sunday to improve to 3-0 on campaign
The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors continued their impressive start to the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League campaign with a pair of wins over the Estevan Innovex Bears this past weekend.
The Warriors rolled to a 9-2 win over on Saturday at Temple Gardens Centre and then held on for a 6-5 win over Estevan in the rematch on Sunday afternoon.
As a result, Moose Jaw improves to 3-0 on the season and hold down first place in the 12-team league.
Moose Jaw 9, Estevan 2
The Warriors scored a pair of goals in each of the first two periods before pouring in five more in the third to secure the lopsided victory.
Carson Park led Moose Jaw with a goal and three assists, while Max Fuessel picked up a hat trick. Braden Nowoselski and Jamie Kirwan each had a goal and three points, Carson Deichert, Maclain Ethier and Layne McKechnie scored their other goals.
Hudson Sayers added three assists
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while Marek McIvor and Tobin Schaefer had two helpers apiece.
Dylan Brass and Gunner Moore scored for Estevan, who trailed 2-0 after the first and 4-2 through two.
Steven Wawryk stopped 36 shots to pick up the win in goal, Jaxon Juchinka stopped 27 for Estevan.
Other results Saturday saw the Warman Wildcats take a 9-1 win over the Notre Dame Hounds, while the Battlefords Stars scored twice in the final six minutes for a 4-2 win over the Tisdale Trojans and the Yorkton Kinsmen Maulers defeated the Prince Albert Mintos 4-1.
Moose Jaw 6, Estevan 5 Moose Jaw took a 4-2 lead out of the first period and led 5-3 through two before hanging on for the one-goal victory in Sunday’s rematch.
Deichert picked up two goals and four points while Kirwan, McIvor, Fuessel and Wade Franks had their other markers. Park had three assists, Schaefer and Deklin Larmer two each.
Moore had a pair of goals for the Bears, Boston Schmidt, Ethan Boehm and Kayson Anderson also scored. Rhett Amberson had two assists.
Kaleb Page stopped 25 shots for Moose Jaw and picked up the win, Evan Hutcheon had 34 saves in the losing effort.
Other results Sunday saw the Regina Pat Canadians improve to 2-0 on the season with a 4-2 win over the Swift Current Legionnaires, while Prince Albert downed Yorkton 4-3, Tisdale took a 3-2 overtime win over Battlefords and Warman downed Notre Dame 6-3.
Be sure to check out www.smaaahl. com for up-to-date scores and schedules.
SNAPSHOT:
‘Reading the play’
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SNAPSHOT: The Moose Jaw Warriors are back in classrooms this fall as the club’s “Read to Succeed” program resumes, with defenceman Benson Hirst (#26) and forward Ethan Semeniuk (#14) stopping by St. Agnes School on Sept. 24 to share the children’s book Brady Brady. The visit kicks off another season of promoting literacy and community spirit. Educators interested in inviting the Warriors to their classroom can contact James Gallo at Communications@MJWarriors.com. Photo by: Moose Jaw Warriors Hockey Club/ Facebook
The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors celebrate after their win over Estevan on Sunday afternoon. WINMAR Warriors
Weyburn Eagles close in on South Rural Football League playoff spot with win over Moose Jaw Peacock
Eagles battle to 17-14 win in Moose Jaw to improve to 3-2 , move into second place in league standings
The Weyburn Eagles have all but guaranteed themselves a spot in the South Rural Football League thanks to a win over the Peacock Tornadoes in Moose Jaw on Saturday.
Weyburn took a 17-7 lead out of the first half and held on for a 17-14 victory at Gutheridge Field, moving into second place in the seven-team league with a 3-2 record and closing in on a top-four finish in the regular season.
The Eagles opened scoring in the first quarter when Tace Odima missed a 16-yard field goal but had enough on the ball to record the rouge. Odima then made it an 8-0 Weyburn lead with a 25yard touchdown catch as the first quarter came to an end.
Weyburn’s defence came up big with a safety for a 10-0 edge with 9:45 to play in the first half, but it was Peacock’s special teams that would strike next to keep the Tornadoes in the contest.
Nate Measner would recover a blocked field goal and go the distance
The 2025 season has been a tough one for the Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League’se U12 Bulldogs.
Last season’s champion the Bulldogs find themselves with a team that is 85 percent rookie players often with no football experience.
It’s lead to losses as the young team learns.
On Saturday evening the lessons the coaches wanted the team to learn may have well shone through with a Bulldogs 24 - 12 victory over the visiting Assiniboia Rockets.
The new players responded well to the game Josh Sigurdson Bulldogs head coach said.
“The rookies we have this year
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for the major to make it a 10-7 contest with 1:41 to play in the second quarter.
The Eagles got that one back before the half was out, though, as quarterback Cooper Knox scored on a 10-yard run with 14 seconds remaining to give Weyburn their 10-point lead at half.
The contest turned into a defensive battle in the second half, and the Torna-
does would create some late-game drama when Payson Acorn hauled in a 15yard touchdown pass with 53 seconds left. That would be as close as they’d get, though, and Weyburn had their narrow victory.
Peacock falls to 1-3 and sit in fifth place with two games remaining in the regular season.
Bulldogs Blast Off Against Assiniboia
by Robert Thomas
played great games. “It was a great game. I was very impressed with the effort we put out there. Leo Pilloud I felt was running everywhere. Marshall Flegel has some massive runs. Jace Glasser putting him on the D Line was unreal.”
Sigurdson said he was happy and proud the Bulldogs new found success came on the heels of a full week of practice by the team.
Despite the victory he said Assiniboia is no pushover.
“They’re a tough team and they are going to come back next Friday and they are going to be ready,” he said.
“They are going to be pissed off and they are going to be flying. I’m expecting another great game. Tonight I’m just
Knox finished 11-for-20 passing for 159 yards and the single touchdown, with Odima catching eight passes for 132 yards. Max Venard had nine carries for 95 yards. Weyburn finished with 330 yards of offence.
Tornadoes quarterback Rayan Gebhart was 9-for-24 passing for 95 yards, a touchdown and one interception. Kam Loptson had three catches for 36 yards, Measner three catches for 34 yards. Gebhart was Peacock’s top rusher with 20 carries for 59 yards. The Tornadoes ended up with 181 yards total offence.
Other SRFL action on Friday saw the Estevan Elecs at the Swift Current Colts and the Yorkton Raiders hosting the Balgonie Greenall Griffins, with scores unavailable as of this writing. League action continues Thursday, with Estevan at Balgonie (7 p.m., Leibel Field) followed by Yorkton at Swift Current on Friday (4 p.m.) and Moose Jaw Central taking on Peacock on Saturday (1 p.m., Gutheridge Field).
very proud of the team for sure.”
Not allowing the Rockets a way back was key to the big victory.
“We never let our foot off of the gas was good. I’m happy we could carry the momentum all of the way through the game. Some kids are feeling a lot better than the previous three (games).”
Sigurdson pointed to the fact the season was still in its early phases and there was still time until the playoffs.
“It’s still anyone’s game. Going in a little bit of a tear here heading into the playoffs would certainly be nice.”
Raiders Use Huge Lead To Give All Players A Chance To Play
After close losses the Raiders were happy with their point scoring on Saturday evening.
“They played hard this game. We had a lot of bodies go down but they played hard. They came out to play. They put up a lot of points,” Zach Klyne head coach of the Raiders said.
The Raiders would go on to win the game 72 - 12.
Asked if the large point scoring allowed the Raiders opportunities to run plays that they usually wouldn’t be able to.
By Robert Thomas
Klyne said the days do not allow for it to happen because other teams would watch the film and be able to see what sort of plays the Raiders have made up.
The Raiders do not like to perform many of their new place in front of the cameras because opponents can then call up the tape and have an idea what the team is up io.
The Raiders call up tape from other games so they can learn about their own players and where their mistakes me be
SNAPSHOT: ‘Giddy-up’
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SNAPSHOT: The Saskatchewan Riding Club Association filled the Golden Mile Arena with horsepower on Sept. 27 as competitors from across the province took to the ring for the annual provincial show. With more than 160 horseand-rider pairings representing clubs from ages three to their eighties, the weekend was a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and plenty of prairie spirit. Among them was one of the association’s youth riders, pictured here, guiding his horse through the afternoon competition as family and friends looked on. From gymkhana to Western performance classes, the event offered free admission for spectators and a chance to cheer on riders striving for points and provincial glory. For more information, visit MooseJawEx.ca. Photo by: Aaron Walker
from.
“We don’t want to put anything fancy on film for other teams to see,” Klyne said.
During Saturday evening’s game, the offence was split into at halftime. This was to allow all of the players, the opportunity to touch the ball and actually play.
The move is done in anticipation of the upcoming playoffs, and then having all players have some experience for when the playoffs kickoff.
If players have experienced some sort, it helps in case there’s an injury and they have to replace a person on the fly.
“Everybody gets to touch the ball with the goal of the game.”
“We sent Group A and Group B out the same amount of time just to make sure each group got the same amount of time,” Klyne said.
“We knew we had the game in hand, but we just wanted to make sure everybody got a chance to get on the field.”
Klyne said the team did it this way
due to playoffs and getting players ready to play.
“It’s the next man down mentality. Got some reps in the game is better than practice,” he said.
Also at halftime, the Raiders had to make some changes and drill the players because they had given up a touchdown in the first half because they didn’t have enough players on the field.
The aim was to eliminate the mental mistakes that had been occurring in the game.
There were some mistakes on special teams where players were unaware where they should be.
“Overall, I’m happy with the team. We scored a lot of points and the defence worked really well.”
Vanier Vikings call alumni to second annual Grade 12 dedication game
The Vanier Vikings football team is calling on former players and school alumni to show their school pride at the second annual Grade 12 dedication football game, set to kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Elks Field in Moose Jaw.
Head coach Luke Tkatchuk said the idea started last year as a way to honour graduating players while also inviting the wider school community to get involved.
“We had what you could call a dedication game last year, and then this year we had the idea to get any alumni who are in the community out for a ‘Welcome to the alumni’ kind of thing,” he said.
The Oct. 3 game will pit the Vikings against the Indian Head Broncs in what Tkatchuk said could prove pivotal for the team’s season.
“This will be our second last regular season game,” he explained. “The game will have huge playoff implications.”
Tkatchuk added that the alumni celebration will remain simple, focused on community and connection rather than formal programming.
“There’s no after party or anything like that. We just want to get a picture with all the alumni in the crowd with the Grade 12 students who will be graduating this year,” he said.
Fans and alumni are encouraged
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Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club highlights fun activities of 2025 season
The Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club had a great 2025 season, but Aug. 22 to 24 was the pinnacle event of the year, as the club hosted the Saskbowl’s Seniors Championships.
Nine teams from North Battleford, Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw competed for medals. Men’s gold was captured by the team of Dan Morin, Brian Kitts and Al Hastings and women’s gold by the team of Liz Jones, Jo
Submitted
Urquhart and Joanne Demenciuk.
Silver medals were awarded to Shortie Lammering, Hal Griffith and Joe Chermishnok for the men’s side and to Arlene Walker, Bev Coutts and Donna Tesch for ladies’ side.
Another major highlight of the season was the board and ditch restoration that facilitated the reclamation of the greens. The club hosted three fun tournaments, two additional provin-
cial tournaments, and school and other groups, which contributed to the club’s six-month season.
Warm fall weather is facilitating continued play until perhaps past Thanksgiving. Many club members will return to Yara Centre in November to participate in this “all abilities activity” that the sport of lawn bowling provides.
to come dressed in their Vanier gear to show their school spirit.
“If people have an old Vanier jersey, an old letterman jacket, or even a bunny hug, Vanier gear is highly encouraged,” said Tkatchuk.
At the university level, many teams hold what’s known as a “fifth-year game” to recognize players in their final year of eligibility, marking the end of their time with the program. Tkatchuk said the Vikings’ Grade 12 dedication game was inspired by that tradition.
“Universities always do (something similar) for their fifth-year game, and we thought last year that we should definitely do something for our Grade 12s,” he noted. “They’ve given four years of their time, (and now they’re) moving on to that next step in life.”
The highlight of the night will be a group photo bringing together alumni in the stands with the current Grade 12 players, a gesture Tkatchuk said is meant to strengthen the bond between those who once wore Viking colours and those about to graduate.
“Come on down, spend some time, and just cheer on the team,” he said. “We look forward to seeing the alumni out in the stands and welcoming the Grade 12 students to our alumni.”
Elks Athletic Field is located at 1600 Caribou Street West.
From left, lawn bowlers Brian Kitts, Brian Warby, Liz Jones and Jeannine Demencuik participate in the Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club’s provincial seniors’ championship in late August. Photo submitted
Alumni and fans are invited to Elks Athletic Field on Oct. 3 for Vanier’s Grade 12 dedication game. Pictured: Zayden A., Viking of the Game in early October 2024 who scored five touchdowns against Gull Lake. Photo by: Vanier Collegiate/Facebook
Mysterious Batman graffiti sparks conversation in Moose Jaw
A series of Batman-themed graffiti paintings have been appearing in unexpected corners of Moose Jaw, and while nobody knows for sure who is behind the artwork, the mystery has been drawing plenty of attention.
The detailed images, featuring Gotham’s caped crusader and iconic characters ranging from The Penguin to The Joker have surfaced on utility boxes and alleyways in several areas of the city. Some of the pieces have already been painted over, including the former rendition of The Joker dressed as Ronald McDonald at the Main Street McDonald’s drive-thru, while others remain for passersby to discover.
For more than a year, residents claim to have spotted the stenciled and painted Batman figures tucked behind businesses, across alleys and in other unassuming places. The work has led to speculation about whether a single artist is responsible, and how long the pieces will last before being removed.
The appearance of the artwork has sparked debate about graffiti and street art in Moose Jaw. While some see the paintings as vandalism, others view them as a creative addition to the city’s streetscape. Some residents have even compared the mystery paintings to the work of Banksy, the anonymous British street artist known worldwide for his similar style of stencil graffiti.
“The art is amazing don’t get me wrong, but it’s still illegal if not approved. Every graffiti artist knows they’re gambling (with their work being) removed within days. That’s kind of the whole thrill of it,” resident and street
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artist Carly Jaye shared in a public Facebook post, adding that official downtown murals are funded and sanctioned through community partnerships such as her works via the Downtown Moose Jaw Association.
Others see the Batman graffiti as a welcome surprise. “It’s a cute little addition to the city,” one admirer said. Another suggested the anonymous artist “should make themselves available to the public” to explore opportunities for legal commissions.
Regardless of personal opinion, graffiti is classified as mischief under
ered vandalism when placed on property without the owner’s consent and can result in fines or criminal charges. For this reason, the artist is unlikely to come forward publicly.
The City of Moose Jaw regularly removes unauthorized graffiti as part of its property maintenance policies, though some residents have questioned whether efforts should be made to preserve artwork of this quality.
“(It’s) interesting how the city hires someone to paint the garbage (cans downtown) to beautify the city, but free art that is also clean is forbidden and destroyed,” one resident observed.
The conversation has also sparked larger questions about the difference between vandalism and public art. Advocates for street art point out that even unauthorized works can spark dialogue and inspire, while critics argue that property rights and city bylaws cannot be ignored.
Regardless of perspective, the anonymous artist has captured Moose Jaw’s attention. Children, families, and longtime Batman fans have all paused to admire the unexpected figures, with one resident even joking that the next step
should be a bat signal perched atop the downtown CP Rail Station or another suggesting the P&H building. For now, the identity of the painter — or painters — remains unknown. Whether the work continues to appear across Moose Jaw or disappears as quickly as it surfaced, the Batman graffiti is likely to spark further conversation about art, ownership, and how residents view Gotham, er, Moose Jaw’s identity.
One of the Batman-themed paintings was spotted behind the Circle K on South Hill, drawing curious onlookers. Photo by: Nadine Blanc/Facebook
A depiction of The Joker dressed as Ronald McDonald once appeared on an electrical service box at the Main Street McDonald’s drive-thru. The artwork has since been removed. Photo by: Nadine Blanc/Facebook
A rendition of The Penguin, alongside another figure resembling Bane from the Batman universe, appeared at the north end of the Ninth Avenue Bridge. Photo by: Nadine Blanc/Facebook
Photo by: Chase James Darroch/Facebook
The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) welcomed the community on Sept. 26 for the opening reception of Flow and Winds of Change — also titled kâ-kâh-kwêskiyowêk in Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin) and Vents de changement in French — two exhibitions that brought together clay, dance, and the natural world in new and imaginative ways.
The evening began with an artist talk featuring Saskatchewan ceramicist Jody Greenman-Barber, who introduced Flow, an exhibition that united two bodies of work: Dancing the Boondangle and The Making of Meaning. Guests then had the opportunity to mingle at a reception that followed.
For Greenman-Barber, the event was an opportunity to connect with audiences on both personal and artistic levels, sharing insights into a practice that continues to expand the possibilities of clay.
Jennifer McRorie, director and curator at the MJMAG, said the artist’s work has always been about pushing the boundaries of her medium.
“Jody’s work has always been driven by experimentation in terms of
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the limitations of clay,” McRorie said.
“She’s always wanted to push the clay medium to extremes, and also to push what the conventions of ceramics are. She’s always asking, ‘What is a vessel, and when does a clay form stop being a vessel?’”
Greenman-Barber described her practice as “process-based and experimental with an interest in pursuing advancements in technique and expression.”
That spirit of inquiry guided Dancing the Boondangle, a series inspired by contemporary dance and the movement of the human body.
“Inspired by contemporary dance, intuitive gestures, and improvisation, I create sculptures that record and convey the essential feeling of embodied sensations,” Greenman-Barber said.
McRorie noted that the language used to describe ceramics often borrows from anatomy — lip, neck, body, and foot — and Greenman-Barber leaned into those parallels.
“Dancing the Boondangle is inspired by … how the body moves … and she really plays on that with those connections to the body,” McRorie said.
“With the newer work she’s making, she’s pulling a lot of inspiration from the natural world and looking at a variety of textures that she can create in clay. She ends up making these extremely fragile clay sculptures.”
Her most recent work, The Making
40th anniversary.
“Because Jody feels connections to dance in her work, we (partnered) with New Dance Horizons … to feature some dance films in the gallery as well,” McRorie noted.
Together, the paired exhibitions highlighted the dialogue between sculpture and performance, grounding the experience in a multidisciplinary conversation about creativity and interpretation.
of Meaning, turns outward to the natural world. In these pieces, GreenmanBarber experiments with surface and texture, creating sculptures that appear whimsical and fragile while challenging expectations of what clay can do.
“They’re not literal representations of animated figures, but rather sculptural abstractions,” the artist said.
“I think people will find it whimsical, beautiful, elegant, and playful, and that they really enjoy the show,” McRorie added.
The theme of movement extended beyond the clay works on display.
MJMAG partnered with New Dance Horizons, a Regina-based dance organization, to co-present Winds of Change, a digital dance exhibition cocurated by McRorie and Robin Poitras that featured a series of dance films celebrating the dance organization’s
McRorie said the reception was also an important reminder of the gallery’s role as a gathering space for artists and the community. With GreenmanBarber’s newest works on display — so new that The Making of Meaning was completed mere days before the opening — the evening underscored the vitality of contemporary ceramics in Saskatchewan.
Alongside the exhibitions, MJMAG’s artist studio program continues to grow, with four resident artists currently working in the gallery’s studio spaces. Visitors are encouraged to drop in when stanchions are open, providing another way for the public to engage directly with artists at work.
Both exhibits will remain on display this fall, with Flow running until Jan. 4, 2026, and Winds of Change on view until Nov. 23, with a closing reception scheduled for Nov. 15.
The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306692-4471. For more information, visit MJMAG.ca.
Artist Jody Greenman-Barber spoke at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery on Sept. 26, sharing insights into her exhibition “Flow.” Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery
Greenman-Barber’s sculpture “Sunny Side of Life” highlights her experimental approach to clay, pushing the medium beyond traditional vessel forms. Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery
Hope Ministries launches $500K campaign to buy former church building
Hope Ministries, a charity dedicated to feeding Moose Jaw’s less fortunate, has found a new location in which to operate and has launched a major fundraiser to purchase the building.
Rachel Mullens, the non-profit’s executive director, announced during the inaugural “A Place at the Table” supper at Church of Our Lady on Sept. 25 that Hope Ministries had made an offer — that was accepted — on the former Central Lutheran Church building at 27 Hochelaga Street West.
Central Lutheran Church closed on June 30, after operating in the community since 1928. The church was also known for its weekly radio program,
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which ended on May 5 after 69 years on the airwaves.
With the offer to purchase accepted, Mullens also announced that Hope Ministries was launching its “2+5 = Enough For All” capital campaign to raise half a million dollars to buy the building and implement programs.
The “2 + 5” comes from the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible, where Jesus took two fish and five loaves of bread and miraculously multiplied them to feed 5,000 people.
“… this banquet isn’t just about raising funds. It’s about continuing the story of hope, faith and community that started years ago, and is still unfolding
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Mullens, executive director of Hope Ministries (left), announces the launch of the “2+5 = Enough For All” capital campaign to raise $500,000 to buy the former Central Lutheran Church building on Hochelaga Street West. Holding the fundraising sign is Kari Ruiter. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
today,” Mullen said.
“And … you get to be a part of that story by helping us further the vision of Hope Ministries, securing a location, and providing programming that offers daytime shelter, food and necessary supports for our food- and housinginsecure neighbours, right here in Moose Jaw,” she continued.
“We are trusting God as we look to raise $500,000 to (support) this venture,” the executive director said. “Just like that day, on the hillside, when a boy’s small lunch of 2 fish and 5 loaves was placed in the hands of Jesus, it became enough for everyone.
“Tonight, we bring what we have: our gifts, our faith and our willingness to serve, trusting that God will take it, bless it, and multiply it, so that there is enough for all,” Mullens added.
make any major upgrades.
In particular, the venue has “a significantly decent kitchen and a big space for setting up tables to feed people.” It can also be used as a permanent warming and cooling space to help people escape the weather.
“We also want to be able to offer different kinds of supports to people, whether it be partnering with other organizations to come in and help do that or whether we do that ourselves,” said Mullens. “That hasn’t quite been hammered out yet, but we certainly want to do more than just offer us space and food.
“We want to see if we can further help people to better their lives … (and) do better than just a bed and a sandwich,” she added.
To support the capital campaign, send an e-transfer to donate@hopemj. ca or pay by credit card at www.zeffy. com/en-CA/donation-form/a-place-atthe-table.
Questions and comments about Hope Ministries can be directed to Rachel Mullens at hopeministriesmj@ gmail.com.
For further info call Trent at (306)
After the supper, Mullens said the charity has 60 days to raise the money, based on a stipulation that the owners of Central Lutheran Church imposed as part of the purchase offer. So, the food insecurity organization is trusting that Moose Jaw will rally to support the capital campaign.
Continuing, she said the non-profit pursued the former church building because it can walk in and start feeding people immediately without having to
Rachel
A closer look at the fundraising campaign’s poster. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Hope Ministries’ banquet reflects on efforts to care for the poor, hungry
It was a night of thanksgiving and laughter during Hope Ministries’ inaugural banquet, as the charity reflected on God’s goodness toward it and its efforts to feed the hungry and care for others.
Rachel Mullens, executive director, said during the Sept. 25 “A Place At The Table” supper at Church of Our Lady that she was grateful for everyone’s support since the non-profit’s creation in August 2024 and launch that October.
She singled out the board of directors, who had kept “the table sturdy” by offering wisdom, accountability and encouragement so everything the organization did was backed by strong leadership.
“… while the board helps keep the mission strong, it’s our volunteers who put hands and feet to that vision every single day,” Mullens told the roughly 200 attendees. “From preparing and serving meals, to cleaning up, to welcoming our guests with dignity and compassion, you make hope tangible … (and are) the heartbeat of this ministry.
“Your faithfulness keeps our program equitable, sustainable, and our table open for all.”
Mullens reflected on her own journey, saying 13 years ago, she was at Hillcrest Apostolic Church listening to musician Steve Bell, as part of a fundraiser for Riverside Mission. Yet, at that point, she never knew Riverside existed or what it did.
A Mission board member later spoke, saying the charity was looking to hire a cook and kitchen manager. Mullens recalled her husband, Dan,
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whispering to her, “Here’s your next venture.”
Plenty has happened since then, with moments of “great joy” mixed with “valleys of deep sorrow,” but the one constant for Mullens has been God’s calling on her life and “His incredible faithfulness every step of the way.”
After Riverside Mission closed in August 2024, a group of people gathered at First Baptist Church to discuss a shared vision, and as more people joined, Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc. was formed, said Mullens.
“Since then, God has multiplied our efforts beyond anything we could imagine. From those first conversations to now serving hundreds of meals each week, His hand has been evident in (everything) … ,” she continued. “We believe that what we have given to Him is enough for all.”
Student support
Dana Skoropad, a former area MLA and currently a teacher, MCed the event and discussed how his Catholic Studies students at Vanier Collegiate supported Hope Ministries last spring.
The Grade 11s were looking for an idea for their Christian Action Project to demonstrate their Christian beliefs. Skoropad noted that he wanted the project not only to make a difference in the students’ lives, but also for them to
make a difference themselves.
The Vanier teacher added that the students’ caring efforts connected to the “Our Father” prayer, while they — along with the banquet — helped create disciples for Hope Ministries.
Pastor’s reflection
Pastor Alex Allan, a retired minister and the former president of the International Bible College in Moose Jaw, offered a reflection on caring since “that’s what God has called us to do.” He noted that the banquet’s theme was appropriate since there was always one more space at Jesus’ table.
make a difference in others’ lives.
At the time, Skoropad was teaching Jesus’ miracles, including the multiplication of five loaves of bread and two fish to food to feed 5,000 people, when he invited Mullens to speak.
“… and I believe the Holy Spirit maybe knocked me upside the head, and maybe some other people in the class, and it came to us,” he said, noting they decided to fast for 25 hours — an inversion of the number of fish and bread.
The 27 students initially raised $100 but eventually pulled in over $4,100 in 25 days.
Students later told Skoropad that they were shocked by how many people wanted to donate to their cause and
“We’re blessed when we take time to meet the needs of others. It’s a biblical principle,” he said, pointing to several passages in the Gospel of Matthew as examples. “When we care for others, we become an extended arm of the Lord. … when we reached out to others, we’re fulfilling God’s call on our lives.”
People show their love for God by ministering to the less fortunate, while they donate their time, skills and resources to provide daily meals and help shelter people, Allan continued. Instead of ignoring the hungry, people should “exercise faith and compassion” and “do it willingly and joyfully as unto the Lord.”
“What could we do if we were to share our five loaves and our two fish?” he added.
Questions and comments about Hope Ministries can be directed to hopeministriesmj@gmail.com.
Pastor Alex Allan, a retired minister and the former president of the International Bible College in Moose Jaw, offers a reflection. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
A table full of desserts, which were later auctioned off during the banquet. The entire auction generated $9,500 in donations. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
The dessert auction was led by auctioneers “Garry and Garry” — Garry Andrejcin (left) and Garry Giofu, who have worked together for 20 years. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Rachel Mullens, executive director of Hope Ministries, holds a tasty dessert and is amused by the ongoing bidding battle for the cake. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Living Sky Art Collective opens doors for first community meet-and-greet
The Living Sky Art Collective (LSAC) invited the community to explore original works and connect with local creators as brushstrokes, clay, and camera lenses came together under one roof for the group’s first-ever artists’ meet-andgreet on Sept. 25.
Hosted at the collective’s permanent studio in the Town ‘N’ Country Mall, the evening welcomed 43 visitors and sparked steady sales for participating artists, setting a positive tone for future events.
“It was our first artists’ meet and greet, and all the artists who were available did show up. A lot of artists sold their paintings, pottery, or prints, so it was a successful night overall,” said managing director Cheryl Holden.
Keith Young Photographer Keith Young greeted visitors with stories as striking as his images. After a career on the farm and a later role managing the Moose Creek Golf Course, a serious farm accident pushed him to pick up a camera as a way to heal. Now, two years after moving to Moose Jaw with his wife, Young channels resilience into art, capturing prairie landscapes, weathered barns, and wildlife through a lens that helped restore both focus and purpose.
intricately small details of life through macro photography. What began as a distraction has grown into a passion.
“I actually got deeper into photography as a healing process,” he reminisced. “I had a very serious farm accident … to keep my sanity, I got a camera. I just went out and snapped pictures for something to do. It just grew from there.”
Young has since travelled across Canada and beyond in search of subjects — from polar bears and Northern Lights in Churchill, Man., to vistas of the Grand Canyon and Hawaii. His work now hangs alongside other members’ pieces at the LSAC gallery.
For Young, photography captures
more than striking imagery — it’s also about lessons learned along the journey. He has a knack for lightening the mood with humour just as a lens captures light.
“I always tell people, if they have children, teach them to be photographers. They’ll be too broke to buy drugs,” he said with a chuckle.
Roxanne Chesney
Roxanne Chesney took an unconventional path into the art world. After moving to Moose Jaw 21 years ago, she picked up a paint-by-number kit — only to ignore the lines and follow her own instincts. That moment sparked a passion for abstract painting that has since grown into a defining part of her creative life.
she explained.
Chesney described the event as an opportunity to connect with the public and strengthen bonds.
“We have 31 artists in our group now, which is phenomenal. We’re just
Artist Roxanne Chesney with a selection of her creations, including “Lockdown,” inspired by the pandemic years, “Summer’s End,” “Flow,” and “Secrets I” and “Secrets II.” Photo by:
excited to learn from each other. We have so many different mediums … I’m sure you could find something that you’d like here, so come see us,” she said.
Of the 31 artists affiliated with the group — including one who signed up that night — 27 took part on Sept. 25. Holden said the collective now plans to host another event in the lead-up to Christmas, with further details to follow.
For more information, visit “Living Sky Art Collective” on Facebook or stop by the mall gallery at 1235 Main Street North.
“We just love Moose Jaw. It’s a great city, it’s friendly, and you can get whatever you want here. If you can’t, it’s not that far to Regina,” he said.
For the past six months, Young has been displaying his work with the collective, with a preference for capturing landscapes, wildlife, and the
“I never started painting or doing any art until I moved here,” she recalled. “I bought a paint-by-number picture. I did not want to paint in the lines so I just did my own thing with the paint, and ever since then, I really enjoy doing abstract art. So yeah, my stuff doesn’t really have any rules — it’s just whatever comes out of my head.”
Chesney’s preferred medium is acrylics on canvas, and her style incorporates texture.
“I really like to do textural paintings. I have a mixture of drywall compound and paint, which I use to make the texture and then paint over it,”
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Photographer Keith Young displays two of his images, one printed on a thin sheet of metal and another captured after pulling over in the countryside during a sudden moment of inspiration. Photo by: Aaron Walker
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Artist Brittny Biddell stands with a selection of her works, including “Prairie Gold” and “Pink Sands Beach.” Photo by: Aaron Walker
Photographer Francis Stewart showcases his work, including “The Golden Hour,” top, and “The Rainbow Bridge,” bottom, both printed on metal. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Guests browse artwork during the Living Sky Art Collective’s inaugural meet-and-greet on Sept. 25. The group now includes 31 members working in a wide range of media.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
Local artist Lisa Dautremont presents ‘Nature’s Beauty’ at Centre for Arts and Culture
The Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture (MJCAC) welcomed guests into its gallery on Sept. 27 for a special artist reception showcasing Nature’s Beauty, a solo exhibition by Moose Jaw painter Lisa Dautremont.
Running from Sept. 4 to Oct. 15, the exhibition features a collection of oil paintings that highlight what Dautremont calls “the untamed beauty and endless vistas of the Canadian West.” Visitors had the chance to meet the artist, explore her work, and enjoy live music performed by cellist Duncan Blackman, who has been playing for 65 years and is often seen entertaining at the Town ’N’ Country Mall on Mondays.
Prairie roots
Dautremont grew up on a family farm southeast of Regina before moving to Moose Jaw in 1989 with her husband Kevin, a family physician and writer. She worked as a nurse for many years before retiring in 2021, but said her love of art has been lifelong.
“I’ve always enjoyed art and crafts. I’ve always had a great art appreciation, visiting galleries whenever I could … I loved sketching, even from a young age,” she said.
It was in 2019 that she decided to pursue painting more seriously. She began taking lessons from Regina artist Juan Martinez, learning the basics of oil painting before continuing through workshops and self-directed practice.
“After that I just continued taking workshops, self-learning, and painting almost every day. I’ve been just painting lots ever since,” she said.
En plein air
Much of Dautremont’s work is created en plein air — painted directly outdoors on site — though she also works
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from photographs when time is limited. She described the challenges and rewards of painting at a Saskatchewan plein air event that drew dozens of artists.
“I had a very short time, but the sky and the fields — they just captured me,” she recalled, looking to her painting “Basking in the Golden.” “It’s a very loose painting, but I did what I wanted to do there and I haven’t touched it since.”
By contrast, several of her works were completed in the studio and have a further sense of refinement, given the additional time allotted to works such as “Hang on Tight!,” “On the Edge,” and “To Greener Pastures.”
She added that her aim is not simply
to copy a scene, as in a photograph, but to convey the mood and presence of a place.
“There’s just something about being in person and looking at those colours with your own eyes. It gives you a feel for the atmosphere and the depth,” she explained. “For me, I want to convey a sense of presence and atmosphere and depth that will draw you into that painting, and I want you to linger there … when you look at that painting, you want to keep looking ….”
Local opportunity
While Dautremont has previously shown her work in coffee shops, art fairs, and events such as ParkArt in Crescent Park, she said the Centre’s exhibition offered a different experience.
“To have this opportunity in such a nice gallery — it just means a lot. I’ve lived in Moose Jaw since 1989 and to be
local like this, it’s just wonderful,” she said. “I’m very thankful to Janice (Bowley) and the whole crew (at the MJCAC). They’ve been nothing but great to work with.”
Inspiration and philosophy
Dautremont said she takes inspiration from a variety of subjects including prairie skies, rural settings, florals, or commissioned works — depending on what moves her in the moment.
“In terms of subject matter, I’ve always been one who wouldn’t want every painting to be floral, or every painting to be an old car … I’m a variety lover, and it’s whatever grabs and catches me,” she said. “When I feel something at that moment, that’s what I want to paint.”
Underlying her work is a guiding philosophy shaped by her faith and her appreciation for Saskatchewan’s natural landscapes.
“I do feel called to paint. I think that’s a gift that maybe God has given me, but I see that he’s so much greater. If I can capture a little bit of his beauty … I just hope I can do it a little bit of justice,” she shared.
For Dautremont, that means encouraging people to pause and take in the beauty around them.
“I hope that my paintings will encourage people to stop and look around them wherever they are … to see beauty wherever they are,” she concluded. “Our world can be so rush, rush, here and there, but when you stop and soak in your surroundings, it’s just really beautiful. It’s a soothing bond to the soul.”
For those who missed the artist’s reception, Nature’s Beauty will remain on display until Oct. 15 at the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture, located at 217 Main Street North.
Artist Lisa Dautremont stands beside the exhibition sign, which features her painting “Anchored,” during the opening reception for Nature’s Beauty at the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture on Sept. 27. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Painted quickly during a Saskatchewan plein air event, “Basking in the Golden” reflects Dautremont’s emphasis on capturing the value and depth of her subjects.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
“The Three Amigos.” Photo by: Aaron Walker “Prairie Kings.” Photo by: Aaron Walker
“Waking Up for the Night.” Photo by: Aaron Walker
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.
Canada’s forests: the roots of a resilient nation
During September 21-27th, National Forest Week was marked as people are once again reminded of how closely our lives are tied to forests. After another summer of wildfires and smoky skies in many parts of the country, the need to care for forests has never felt more urgent.
It is more important than ever to have collaboration between all levels of government, the private sector and conservation groups to protect our nature-based infrastructure. Forests are one of Canada’s greatest resources and one of our natural assets. Their conservation and stewardship are essential in Canada’s efforts to fulfil its international commitments to nature.
Forests breathe life Forests cover about 40 per cent of Canada’s landmass. They deliver economic, environmental and societal benefits and make our communities more resilient to the impacts of severe weather and climate change. They filter the air we breathe, cool our communities during heat waves, prevent damage from flooding and support pollination. They also store vast amounts of carbon while sustaining wildlife — from 140 native tree species to more than a third of Canada’s birds — with thousands of different species relying on these critical spaces to survive.
We also rely on forests for our own health and well-being. For generations, forests have served as a refuge for camping, walking, hiking, fishing,
hunting while also supporting Indigenous cultural and spiritual traditions.
Community well-being
The forest sector employs nearly 200,000 people across Canada and is the economic backbone of more than 300 communities. Think of all the products we use in our everyday lives, from lumber, paper, flooring and furniture to heating our homes just to name a few.
While Canada’s forests may be abundant, they are under increasing pressure. Southern forests are shrinking from land use change and fragmentation. Invasive pests and disease are spreading. 2025 has been the second worst year on record for wildfires. Canada has lost more than 57 million hectares of tree cover over the past two decades: an area larger than New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island combined.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is working with partners across the country to conserve, restore and care for forests at the scale this moment demands. Our goal: to protect an additional
one million hectares of natural habitats by 2030. Since 1962, we’ve helped safeguard nearly 1.6 million hectares of forest, from the boreal to BC’s coastal rainforests, to Ontario’s Carolinian woodlands and the Wabanaki (Acadian) forests of the Maritimes. This work is done hand in hand with landowners, Indigenous Nations, governments, industry, foundations and generous donors.
NCC and partners collaborate to sustainably manage forests through selective harvesting and prescribed burns. Controlling fuel loads helps mitigate the risks of wildfires. Intact forests prevent soil erosion, flooding and desertification and support the health of people, water, air, soil and wildlife.
Conservation is a shared responsibility. Individuals can support by reducing their footprint, planting trees, volunteering and donate to local conservation initiatives. Businesses can invest in sustainable practices, sponsor forest restoration and partner with organizations like NCC to leave a lasting impact. Every action adds up and contributes to meaningful change.
In the face of climate change and nature loss, conserving nature is Canada’s best investment in a resilient future. Our forests are not just resources: they are our life-support system. National Forest Week is a reminder that caring for them is nation-building work of the highest order. Join us and let’s all play our part.
Marie-Michèle Rousseau-Clair is chief conservation officer with the Nature Conservancy of Canada
Nature Conservancy of Canada conservation site
Asquith property, Nature Conservancy of Canada SK - Photo by Branimir Gjetvaj
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.
Scapegoat
It is recorded in the Book of Leviticus (3rd manuscript in the Bible), “Then the high priest is to take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat.” (Leviticus 16:7-10 NIV)
At sunset on October 1, 2025 Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) begins. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish religion. People of the Jewish faith abstain from food and drink for 24 hours. On this day, the high priest of the ancient Hebrews would enter the Holy Place of the temple in Jerusalem, the only time of the year anyone was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. To prepare for this special encounter with God, the high priest would sacrifice one goat for his sins before God. Then, a second goat was used for
SNAPSHOT: Brushstrokes of renewal
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SNAPSHOT: With paintbrush in hand on Sept. 27, mural artist Tonia Vermette continued her restoration of “Stormin’ Main Street — 1883,” the 34-year-old Dale Cline artwork on the former TimesHerald building. Vermette’s careful touch has brought new life to the fading mural, and as the project nears completion, passersby can already see the historic street scene regaining its colour and detail.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
the sins of the people. Once the high priest confessed all the sin of Israel over the goat, it was led into the wilderness to bear the sins of the people away. Various translations of the Bible have rendered the Hebrew word azazel as the name of a demon living in the desert or the goat that escapes, a scapegoat Today we use scapegoat in the sense of one that bears the blame for others, derived from the ritual in the Bible.
Leviticus lays out the ritual for Yom Kippur. “When the high priest has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall present the live goat. And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins. And he shall put them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness. The goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a remote area, and he shall let the goat go free in the wilderness.” (Leviticus 16:20-22 ESV) “And this shall be a statute forever for you, that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.” (Leviticus 16:34)
In Christianity, the scapegoat prefigures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross through which God has been propitiated and sins can be expiated. Scapegoating, playing the blame game, is the practice of singling out a person or group for unmerited blame or negative treatment. Scapegoating may be done by individuals against individuals (I didn’t do it, she did), individuals against groups (the spectators made noises during my putt, so I missed), groups against individuals (he was the reason our team didn’t win), and groups against groups (it is their fault that crime is so high in the area).
A scapegoat may be an adult, child, sibling, employee, or peer, or it may be an ethnic, political or religious group, or a country.
Synonyms of scapegoat can be whipping boy, fall guy, or identified patient.
A whipping boy was originally a boy educated with a prince and punished in his stead for the prince’s transgressions. Whipping boy came to mean anyone or thing taking the blame for others. To deflect blame for his actions the CEO used the government’s economic policies as the whipping boy for every bad decision that he made.
Fall guy is a phrase that refers to a person to whom fault is deliberately and falsely attributed, in order to deflect culpability from another party. The kids wanted the littlest one to be the fall guy for the broken window, believing that he would have the best chance of escaping punishment for the errant ball.
Identified patient is a clinical term often used in family therapy. It describes one family member in a dysfunctional family who is used as the cause of all the family’s conflicts.
According to the Bible, shortly after the people of Israel left their slavery in Egypt, they sinned by worshipping a golden calf. Moses reascended Mount Sinai and prayed to God to forgive them. God relented. Jewish legends record that the day Moses came down the mountain, the 10th day of Tishrei, was to be known forevermore as the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.
God gave Moses directions for the rituals of Yom Kippur, including the use of the scapegoat for symbolically carrying the sins of the people away from them and God forgiving them.
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.
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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.
If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.
If you're able to help some people and make them smile and make them realize that life is good, then that's worth so much more than buying a pair of shoes. -Maria
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.
10. Ship post
14. African sheep
15. Hawaiian greeting
16. Anagram of “Nose”
17. Air-intake device
19. Musty
20. Greek letter
21. Colorful parrot
22. Pennies
23. He sings alone
25. Measuring instrument
27. Past tense of To be
28. Space between two points
31. Torso
34. Eagle’s home
35. Be mistaken
36. Not yours
37. Fancy home
38. Russian emperor
39. A castrated tomcat
40. Grocery carriers
41. Anagram of “Slips”
42. Large snake
44. Prohibit
45. Not at any time
46. Choral composition
50. Attendance counter
52. Drama set to classical music
54. Tab on a key ring
55. Seep
56. Friendliness
58. Lascivious look
59. Thick
60. Ages
61. Countercurrent
62. Daisylike bloom
63. Colloids DOWN
1. Freshwater fishes
2. Muse of poetry
3. Ear-related
4. Women’s ___
5. Pester
6. Select by voting
7. Infinitesimal amount
8. Chorus girls
9. Driveway surface
10. Spanish grocery
11. Silliness
12. Canvas dwelling
13. Sounds of disapproval
18. Inuit boat
22. Adorable
24. Posseses
26. Largest continent
28. Triangular formation
29. Obscene term for feces
30. Makes a mistake
31. Roman robe
32. Devastation
33. Made more city-like
34. Airports
37. Windmill blade
38. Hue 40. Bay
41. Hawaiian veranda
43. Crunchy vegetable
44. Hair cutter
46. Stop 47. Ardent
48. Complete 49. Chasm
50. One and only 51. Pigeon-___
53. Pub serving
56. American Dental Association
57. Lower limb
Sharapova
CLASSIFIED ADS
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.
I pay cash for unwanted firearms, ammunition, and other firearm related items. Also, free pick up of unwanted yard, garden, and acreage equipment, chainsaws, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc. Call or text 306-641-4447.
210 SERVICES
Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268
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. Cleaner with 20 years experience available for move out cleans.
Please call Rebecca at 306-9900387.
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, $20 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $60. 45-gallon metal barrels, $15 each. 306681-8749
Experienced housekeeper will clean your home, do walls, windows, and yard care for reasonable rate. Call Lora at 639-5382509. References available upon request.
188 HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLIES
Meritis Scooter for sale - $2400 or best offer. Please call 306691-0140
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 306-6941322 for more information.
Mobility Scooter for Sale: The Express Deluxe – Range 50km, fully enclosed, roof window, back
up camera, heater and fan, with headlights, signal lights, and horn. BRAND NEW $7900. Call 306-694-1322 for more information.
145 REAL ESTATE
Condo for Sale - 149 Hochelaga
St W, 1500 sq ft, lower level developed, main floor living room, kitchen, powder room, patio doors to large deck with glass railing, 2 bedroom up stairs, 4 piece bath, master is large with hardwood flooring and large ensuite with whirlpool tub, single car garage, asking $350,000 call Shawna 306-630-7757 or Ray 306-631-0525.
140 FOR RENT FOR RENT - Quiet South Hill location. Freshly renovated. Small south facing deck, parking at front door. Fridge, stove, washer, dryer, microwave. Includes water, heat, and central air. Power not included.
Must provide references. $900/ mnth. Call Cindy at 306-692-8009 (leave a message if not home).
200 LOST & FOUND LOST CAT - $500 REWARD for information proving her location,
confidentiality guaranteed. Missing from West Park. Answers to June. Please call 306-313-7771.
105 AUTOS FOR SALE - 2012 Chev Orlando, leather seats, 8 passenger. Please call 306-630-9036
225 GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE - 286 Wellington Dr. Thursday Oct. 2nd to Oct. 4th, 9am to 2pm. Clothing, household items, sporting goods, tools, toys and so much more! All in a wellorganized garage.
185 SPORTS
For Sale - Adult tricycle, 2 baskets, running light. Asking $250.00 OBO call 306-684-0742 to view.
Obituaries / Memorials
MELVIN STANLEY LYNDS
OCTOBER 6, 1939 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
With heavy hearts, the family of Melvin Stanley Lynds announces his peaceful passing at the age of 85. Melvin was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on October 6, 1939, to Henry Archie Lynds and Bessie Jean Hartley. He grew up on a farm just outside of Moose Jaw alongside his four brothers and five sisters, where his childhood was filled with the love of family, a deep connection to nature, and a strong work ethic that would define his life.
In his early years, Melvin’s adventures included riding his horse to school, a memory he cherished, and playing baseball with his brothers in Southern Saskatchewan, a pastime that remained a cherished part of his life. His lifelong commitment to hard work and service began when he joined the Bank of Commerce in the early 1960s. Melvin’s journey took him from his humble beginnings in Saskatchewan to the small town of Donalda, Alberta, where he embarked on the next chapter of his banking career. He went on to hold various positions, including time spent in Edmonton and Camrose, before landing in Calgary as an assistant manager in the early 1970s.
It was in Camrose, where he met the love of his life, Eleanor Kupka, at a Halloween dance at the Alice Hotel. Their connection was immediate, and they soon married, beginning a beautiful life together. They raised three children, Dwayne, Lee-Ann, and Kelvin, and built a home full of love, laughter, and warmth.
In Calgary, Melvin faced the harrowing experience of surviving two bank robberies in the early 70s, with one incident involving bullets fired towards him. His bravery and resilience in the face of danger were a testament to his character. Despite such challenges, Melvin thrived in Calgary, making lifelong friends and enjoying his time with his family.
In 1971, Melvin was transferred to Stettler, Alberta, where he would leave a lasting impact on the community. He became deeply involved in local organizations such as the Kinsmen, Scouts, and sports leagues. Stettler became home, and it was not uncommon to find Melvin’s house filled with family and friends year-round. A dedicated father, he took great joy in teaching his children to fish, play sports, and enjoy the outdoors. Melvin was particularly proud of his involvement in slo-pitch, and his participation in the sport became a fond part of his time in Stettler.
In the 1980s, Melvin’s career took him to Vegreville, Alberta, where he continued his love for slo-pitch and played an instrumental role in establishing a slo-pitch league in the community. He continued working at the CIBC branch there until his retirement in 1999 after an impressive 43 years of service.
Upon retiring, Melvin and Eleanor moved to Edmonton to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In this new chapter, Melvin remained active in the lives of his family, enjoying their sports, activities, and achievements.
Melvin was predeceased by his parents, Henry Archie and Bessie Jean, and by his brothers Ron and Ken, as well as his sisters Alice Sedman, Mary Ellen Powell, and Mabel Howes. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 61 years, Eleanor, his children Dwayne (Laura), Lee-Ann, and Kelvin (Kim ;daughter Emily), his grandchildren Chloe, Wyatt, and Myranda ( Riley), and his great-grandchildren Brycen and Macklyn. He is also survived by his brothers Vern and Elwood and sisters Bette-Jean and Ruby Elaine, along with numerous extended family members and friends who were deeply touched by his kindness and generosity.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at HolSome Place, the healthcare professionals on unit 5D2 at the University of Alberta Hospital, the palliative care team, EMS workers, and Dr. Peter Hum for their compassionate care during Melvin’s final days.
Melvin loved life, and life loved him back. He will be remembered for his unwavering strength, his deep devotion to his family, his kindness, and his zest for adventure. His legacy of love, laughter, and community service will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Celebration of Life - Friday, October 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, Trinity Funeral Home, 10530-116th Street, Edmonton, AB
Obituaries / Memorials
PHILLIPS
The Family of LYLE OSWALD (OSSIE) PHILLIPS are saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, surrounded by family.
Lyle is welcomed to the bright side of the road by his wife Joanne; his parents John and Mary Phillips; siblings: Muriel, Ken and Alta; Joanne’s family; and many dear friends.
Lyle is survived by his son, David (Gail) Phillips of Calgary; daughter, Debbie (Cal) Cowan of Moose Jaw; grandchildren: Matt Cowan of Nanaimo, Jason (Jen) Cowan of Calgary, Jocelyn (Scott) MacDonald of Whistler, and Brianna (Mick) Dulmage of Calgary; and great-grandchildren: Carter and Mason Dulmage, Cash and Frankie Cowan, Rio and Casey MacDonald. Also mourning: Gail’s daughter Witney (Lea) Austen and children Sam and Ryan Austen, Cody Rodriguez and children Cruz and Kaius Rodriguez; brother-in-law, Laurie Friesen and sister-in-law, Merla Gibson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Lyle’s Life will be held on Monday, October 6th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion United Church, 423 Main St N in Moose Jaw. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to https://youtube.com/live/tB6ieMUAY9I. Memorial donations in Lyle’s name may be made to Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 or Zion United Church, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
Why half of Canada turns away from leader
When federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre
lost his Ottawa riding after 20 years, he ran in a safe rural Alberta riding and won handily.
His Ottawa loss, it seemed, turned him into a humbler version of the sarcastic speaker noted for his sharp slogans.
Days after claiming he would work with the federal government Poilievre demanded the feds cut the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program.
In fine political vein he made one exception — the agricultural industry, where the Conservatives derive much of their support.
Under this decades-old program temporary foreign workers can be hired if the employer shows no Canadians are
Southwest region harvest leads province
Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Harvest in the southwest is ahead of progress in Saskatchewan with 80 per cent complete.
Province-wide the harvest was 68 per cent done in the week ended Sept. 22. That lags the five year average of 83 per cent.
Rains and high humidity delayed harvest. In much of the province heavy fog delayed start of the day that week.
Harvest in the southeast was 70 per cent over, 59 per cent done in the east central and west central regions.
The Assiniboia-GravelbourgMankota region was 77 per cent done harvest with 88 per cent in the Moose Jaw Central Butte region.
In the northeast harvest had done 61per cent with 69 per cent in the northwest.
Rains have reduced crop quality and in spring wheat some fields have sprouted.
Peas led harvest with 96 per cent done, followed by lentils, 96 per cent; durum, 78 per cent; barley, 86 per cent; spring wheat, 73 per cent; and oats at 70 per cent.
OPINION EDITORIAL:
TRADING THOUGHTS
By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express
available for the job.
More recently the feds will deny TFW use in those labour regions where unemployment is six per cent or higher. Twenty-four regions meet that standard and can’t hire TFW employees.
If the government were to do as Poilievre wants not much would change even though agriculture accounts for almost one-in-four of the 336,000 TFWs in Canada.
Temporary Foreign workers are vital to Canada. One in every 25 is a TFW with over 800,000 employed.
The agriculture sector employs 78,000 with 13,400 in the vegetable industry and 71,700 in the greenhouse nursery sector.
The food and beverage industry em-
ploys 42,000 TFW workers.
Apparently the federal Conservative leader thinks Canadians are willing to work in these manual labour intensive sectors or he thinks the employees can be pulled out of a hat.
Time and time again employers relate stories of hiring Canadian workers for these jobs, only to have them quit after a few days or a few hours.
Canadians don’t seem to have the work ethic of TFW employees.
Without TFW employees growth and harvest of vegetables, fruits and some farm commodities may be stalled or crops left in the field to rot.
A National Post article examining Poilievre’s argument listed some vacant jobs that TFWs could fill.
Forty-two per cent of canola was off with 18 per cent of flax and 23 per cent soybeans.
Harvest progress in the southwest is ahead in canola, 43 per cent done.
Topsoil moisture has depleted with drier weather.
In pastures, one per cent is surplus, 31 per cent good, 30 per cent fair, 20 per cent poor and nine per cent very poor.
Pastures in the southwest have the lowest moisture profile with no surplus moisture, 34 per cent fair, 43 per cent poor, 22 per cent very poor.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
They include $36.75 an hour for drywall installers, $40 an hour for a Dairy Queen worker, $18.45 an hour for a hotel executive house keeper, $36 an hour for a nail care tech, $89,000 a year for a food services manager, and $87,000 to $139,000 annually for an elementary school teacher.
Along with his determination to end the TFW program, Poilievre also blasted the prime minister’s announcement of five major projects
Said Poilievre: “He has built nothing. He hasn’t issued one permit.”
What does he expect when the prime minister has only been in office for six months?
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net
UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW
If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@moosejawexpress. com
FALL SUPPERS IN AND AROUND MOOSE
JAW:
Oct. 5: Eyebrow community hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., supper from 5-7 p.m. Tickets at the door for $25 for adults.
Oct. 5: Morse community hall, 5-7 p.m. Tickets $25.
Oct. 5: Cosmo Centre in Moose Jaw, doors open at 4:30 p.m., supper from 5-7 p.m. Ticket information at 306-692-6072.
OCT. 19: Rowletta Civic Centre, from 4-7 p.m. Tickets $30 for adults. Ticket information at 306631-6534.
Oct. 19: Church of Our Lady in Moose Jaw, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets $25. Information available at the church office.
Oct. 19: Bethune Curling Club supper in the community hall with supper at 5 p.m. Advance tickets only by calling 306-551-8344.
Oct. 19: Trinity United Church in Moose Jaw Advance tickets by calling 306-694-0051.
Oct. 26: Briercrest community hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults.
Nov. 1: Tugaske community hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets $25 at the door.
Nov. 2: Moose Jaw and District Seniors Association with supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25. Ticket information at 306-694-4223.
Nov. 2: Mortlach at the community hall. Watch for posters with times and ticket information.
Nov. 8: Spring Valley hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Adults $30. Ticket information and evening details at 306-313-8780.
October Town ‘N Country Events Tradeshow Fundraiser for SCRAPS Saturday, October 4 – 10am to 4pm/ Sunday, October 5 –11am to 4pm. Craft, bake, and trade show with proceeds supporting SCRAPS.
World Animal Day – Adoptable Pets Saturday, October 4. Meet adoptable animals in Centre Court from Running Wild Rescue, SCRAPS, and Moose Jaw Humane Society.
Senior Expo 2025 Saturday, October 4 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Moose Jaw Join for a day dedicated to seniors, families, and caregivers! Discover local resources and services to help you live well and stay safe: Home Support & Medical Aids/ Hearing & Vision Care/ Safety Tools for Home & Travel/ Scam Alert & Fraud Prevention/ Elder Abuse Awareness & Support. Free admission. Informative presentations & community connections. Vendor booths and local services all under one roof
Kids’ Thanksgiving Crafts Saturday, October 11. Free kids’ craft activity in Centre Court. Community Second Chance Sale Friday, October 17 – 11am to 5pm/ Saturday, October 18 – 10am to 2pm. A big indoor “garage sale” – lots of sellers all in one place!
Monday, Oct 20 | 10am – 5pm. Come get your picture taken with our Diwali Flag!
Pumpkin Carving Contest. Drop off your carved pumpkins at the Mall Office: Oct 27, 28 & 29 | 9am – 5pm. Visitors can vote for their favorite pumpkin all three days! Winner announced Oct 30 at 1pm. Pumpkins may be picked up after 1pm on Oct 30. Halloween Fun – Thursday, Oct 31. Halloween
Photos: 1pm – 5pm ($10)/Mall Trick-or-Treating: 3pm – 6pm/Kids’ Crafts: 3pm – 5pm/Costume Contest: Judges will be picking favorites throughout the day!
Moose Jaw Duplicate Bridge Club is holding Beginners’ Duplicate Bridge Lessons. The Lessons will be every Thursday night, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., until November 27, 2025 at the Com-
fort Inn. Lessons are $40. For more information or to register, contact Anita at (306) 630-1256. Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary Used Book & Jigsaw Puzzle Sale in the hospital lobby until October 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will also be a Penny Parade and Raffle. Proceeds will go toward new hospital equipment. Books and puzzles in good shape may be dropped off at the Gift Shop.
Women’s Choir…Women over 50 years of age who are interested in joining the Heritage Singers are invited to contact Brenda Johnson by text or phone 306-631-8095 for more details. Scottish Country Dancing has resumed at 7 pm on Thursdays @Timothy Eaton’s Centre, 510 Main St. N. No partner required. Ages 8 and up including grandparents. Contact: Val, 306-6305790
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>
Moose Jaw Camera Club next meeting will be held October 20, 7PM at the Cosmo Center. There will be a peer review of member’s images with the theme “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” as well as a workshop on cell phone photography techniques. Guests are welcome for a $10 fee that can be used towards a membership if they decide to join the club. Photographers of all levels are welcome. We hope to see you there!
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 will not be meeting this summer and will resume meetings in September.
Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: October, November, January, 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-a-month 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 306-684-1464 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 twelvestep 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) offers 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.
Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787. Visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca or visit ASK@MOOSEJAWLIBRARY.CA. Some library programs require registration by calling 306-6928210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca
Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 693 Fairford St W. Contact: 306-692-5453
Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONBranch 59 Moose Jaw Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59
LEGION DARTS – Thursday @ 7pm DROP IN SHUFFLEBOARD – Friday @ 7pm MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pm - Everyone welcome
LEGION CURLING – Sunday @ 10am @ Temple Gardens Curling Centre – Always looking for spares.
Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca The centre is now open Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm. For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca
The centre is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm.
Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 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. Kitchen is open Monday to Friday. Everyone is welcomed. Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm, Every Tuesday 9am -4pm starting September
Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.
Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm
Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @ ONHOLD for summer
Bingo – Monday afternoons 1:30pm -3:30pm and NEW Wednesday evenings 6:30pm-8:30pm
Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. N.E. Phone 306.692.6072 or email cosmo@sasktel.net. Check them out on Facebook.
Monday: Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am/ Pickleball 9am/Shuffleboard 1pm/Pickleball 3:45 Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pmPickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am
Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30amPickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/ Indoor Walking - 11:30am/Art Drop In - 1:00pm/Pickleball 3:45pm and Beginner Pickleball 7:00pm Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 12:00pm/ Hand/Foot Canasta - 1:30pm/Beginner Pickleball - 3:15pm and Advanced Pickleball - 6:30pm Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pmRegular Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am Saturday: Advanced Pickleball - 9:30am and Pickleball - 1:00pm
October 3 - Revenue/Service Canada Support Clinic, 9:30am - 12:00pm, no charge
October 5 - Fall Supper, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, $25 adults
October 18 - 7:30pm Dance/Cabaret with Townline Troubadours, $15 admission Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net
Monday & Tuesday 1-6:30 pm
Wednesday 12-6:30 pm/Smear starts at 12:30 Thursday 12-6:30 pm/Smear at 12:30 Friday 1-10pm/Shuffleboard starts at 1pm/Pool & Darts starts at 7pm Saturday 1-6:30 pm/Meat draw starts at 4:30-10 meat draws, 50/50 and gift card
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” EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace” MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL –1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play. FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting –11:30 am
FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm 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
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
FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE WINNERS
FROM JULY 1 - AUGUST 26, 2025
7 p.m. - Tuesday Nights, Cosmo Senior Centre Submitted
July 1, 2025
1st – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole
2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz
3rd – Frank Van Breugel & Lawrence Fatteicher
Hidden Score – Peter Fowler & Bob Cobbe
July 8, 2025
1st – Anita Duncan & Rae Trites
2nd – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel
3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole
Hidden Score – Anne Kraus & Lorne Jackson
July 15, 2025
1st – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz
2nd – Judith Deatrich & Judy Bender
3rd – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel
Hidden Score – Peter Fowler & Lawrence Fatteicher
July 22, 2025
1st – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz
2nd – Anne Kraus & Lorne Jackson
3rd – Anita Duncan & Rae Trites
Hidden Score – Pam Sproat & Gwen Venn
July 29, 2025
1st – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel
2nd – Ronald & Linda McGinnis
3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole
Hidden Score – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz
August 5, 2025
1st – Ronald & Linda McGinnis
2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz
3rd – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel
Hidden Score – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole
August 12, 2025
1st – Ronald & Linda McGinnis
2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz
3rd – Carol Andrejcin & Gwen Venn
Hidden Score – Anita Duncan & Lawrence Fatteicher
August 19, 2025
1st - Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel
2nd – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel
3rd – Ronald & Linda McGinnis
Hidden Score – Anne Kraus & Lorne
Jackson and Carol Andrejcin & Gwen Venn
August 26, 2025-09-05
1st - Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz
2nd - Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole
3rd - Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel
Hidden Score – Carol Gustofson & Ed Lambert
All bridge players are welcome to join our club. In addition, if you are interested in learning how to play, we would like to help.
We play at the Cosmo Senior Centre on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. For more information contact Anita Duncan at 306-6301256.
*Full Circulation means every home & paper should have this yer. If you are missing call us @306-694-1322. *Selected Areas means only selected areas were chosen by the business or agency (please call the business).
Inaugural Truth and Reconciliation event held at Town ’N’ Country Mall
The Town ’N’ Country Mall hosted its first Truth and Reconciliation event on Sept. 27, welcoming Indigenous Elders, drummers, dancers, vendors, and community members to an afternoon of culture, ceremony, and reflection.
The program featured intertribal dances, traditional drumming, and words from Elders who shared teachings about healing and community. The event, held in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, filled the mall’s centre court and walkways with song.
For Elder Archie of Regina, who often leads sweats and community ceremonies, the gathering was about seeing beauty even in life’s struggles.
Archie spoke about personal struggles and resilience, describing how he once felt lifeless before experiencing a spiritual awakening. He reflected on the importance of truth-telling, finding beauty even in difficult circumstances, and seeing value in people who may be
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
struggling with addictions or hardship. His message also conveyed a desire to keep moving forward, travelling, and seeking meaning beyond his immediate surroundings.
“It’s beautiful to be able to see the light,” he said, sharing a few words in Plains Cree. “That means I’m related to what you’ve created.
The crowd also heard from Melvin Abraham of Frog Lake First Nation, who travelled with his family to support the event. “Powwow is a life giving ceremony,” he said. “As you noticed earlier here in the last intertribal, we had people come in from the crowd. I don’t know if you noticed their faces, but their faces just changed as soon as they started
dancing. They were feeling that spirit of that drum. They were feeling that healing. We all need healing. Nobody’s perfect. I’m not perfect by no means. But I got my healing through ceremony. I got my healing into believing that there’s a
higher power.”
Abraham mixed teachings with humour, reminding the crowd to listen to nature — even the smallest creatures. “Don’t get mad at the mosquitoes, ladies and gentlemen, if the mosquitoes are fighting you, actually, they have an official government job with the federal government of Canada. They’re the ones that are licensed to do blood transfusions,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
The event was co-ordinated by mall event organizer Gail Hoffos, who said she wanted to create a community-wide opportunity to honour Indigenous culture and voices.
For Tyler Thomas, executive director of the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association, the day was a chance to bring Indigenous and nonIndigenous residents together.
“I think the event went pretty well. There’s a lot of people here, and it’s nice to see that people wanted to come out and be a part of it,” he said.
Thomas noted that representation is growing in the community, and that events like this help show that local Indigenous voices are active and present.
“I would just like to thank all … the vendors for showing up and (for everyone) showing that there are Indigenous people here, because, for a while, there really wasn’t (much) Indigenous representation,” he said. “It seems like there is more now, and it’s growing. We would like to grow as an association and have a lot more people so we can do more events, like round dances and powwows, and have that be more consistent.”
Thomas and Hoffos said they hope the mall event becomes an annual tradition, and plans are already underway for an expanded Truth and Reconciliation event in September 2026.
Community members join hands for a round dance in the mall’s centre court. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Cassidy Budd, Kayleigh Olson, and their grandma, Mavis Olson, stand with custom orange shirts featuring Mavis’s handmade moccasins, which were also displayed to the left. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Performers and speakers gather for a group photo following the afternoon of song, dance, and ceremony. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Elder Archie of Regina speaks to the crowd during the inaugural Truth and Reconciliation event at Town ’N’ Country Mall on Sept. 27. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Melvin Abraham of Frog Lake First Nation shares teachings and stories as part of the program. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Photo by: Aaron Walker
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