News

29May 2020

Keeping in Touch with Residents- Message from the Mayor

 

It is hard to believe we are now well over two months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the province continues to re-open for business and leisure activities, we know that we all need to stay vigilant in continuing to follow the safe distancing guidelines being provided to us by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

We know what we are doing is making a difference as the number of active cases continues to decrease and less new cases are occurring. However, this week the number of deaths in Saskatchewan from COVID-19 rose to 10. On behalf of everyone at the City of Martensville, I offer my condolences to all of the families who have been so negatively impacted by this virus. There was also a community transmitted outbreak reported that was attributed to exceeding the public health order of 10 people per gathering. 

As of yesterday afternoon, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is reporting 61 active cases; there have been 639 cases in the province to date, and 568 people have recovered.

This week the province began encouraging residents who are working outside of the home to get tested for COVID-19 even if they are not experiencing any symptoms of the virus. Testing has been proven to help mitigate and delay the spread of COVID-19 in other areas, and Saskatchewan is among the provinces with the widest access to testing. You do not need to have traveled internationally to get a referral for testing. You can obtain a referral to a community testing centre by phoning the HealthLine at 811 or your family physician.

On June 8, more sectors of the province will be allowed to re-open. Phase 3 of Re-Open Saskatchewan will permit restaurants and licensed establishments, gyms, fitness facilities, places of worship and other personal service businesses to open subject to public health guidelines. In addition, the size of indoor public and private gatherings will increase to 15 people and outdoor gatherings will increase to 30. For more information, view the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.  We also encourage you to check-in with businesses directly to see what plans they have as we move toward Phase 3. 

Our City and Emergency Services continues to work with other municipalities and to share information from the Province to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.

A reminder on City programs and services:

  • All priority programs and services continue to be provided.
  • The water meter read/estimate schedule is being extended into the summer months because of pandemic.  With water usage typically higher in warmer months we encourage residents to keep accounts accurate and current by submitting during your ‘estimate’ month.
  • Sports fields will remain closed until at least the end of June.
  • Until further notice, garage sales are not permitted as per the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.
  • Registration for swimming lessons has been postponed until dates are established for re-opening recreation facilities as per the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.
  • There is still time to get in on our Organics Program which will run until October. To sign up for this subscription program contact City Hall.
  • Plans are being made for the re-opening of City Hall. This will require us to make some physical changes to public spaces. You can expect that additional precautions will be put in place to ensure the safety of the public and our staff.

The City is helping to support businesses and residents in the short-term through the following:

  • Interest charges on utility bills will be suspended until November 1, 2020.
  • Water service will not be discontinued due to non-payment or overdue account status.
  • The deadline for property tax payments will be extended from July 31 to October 30, 2020.
  • All interest charges on property tax owing will be suspended until November 1, 2020.
  • Business license renewal notices will be delayed until normal operations resume – all expired business licenses will remain valid until further notice.

Please take care and continue to stay safe!

Sincerely,

Mayor Kent Muench 

Links to Important Resources

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Re-Open Saskatchewan
Featured articles on mental health services available in Saskatchewan
COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool and the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus
 

A reminder to sign up for online services available at the City of Martensville:
Our City’s webpage dedicated to information on the pandemic
City of Martensville social media links:
Facebook
Twitter: @Martensville
Business Task Force (City of Martensville, City of Warman, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce)

 

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