City of Martensville

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www.martensville.ca

WESTERN CANADA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY StarPhoenix Special Feature

Martensville: City of Progress will have more opportunity to work closer to home,”

by Blair Braitenbach Shewchuk says. for SP Creative Features LIFESTYLE ADVANTAGE As the fastest growing city in western Canada, it’s safe Martenville’s history is relatively short. Founded in to say the secret’s out that big things are happening in 1939, the community wasn’t incorporated as a town until Martensville.

1969 and then became designated a city four decades Originally established as a bedroom community to later in 2009. But with Saskatchewan’s rapid growth over Saskatoon, Martensville in recent years has begun to the past decade, people began looking to Martensville generate a thriving economy and recreational lifestyle for its affordability and peaceful surroundings – with the likes the region has never seen before. According the added benefit of being situated only minutes from to Martensville Mayor Kent Muench, the steady growth Saskatoon. of the local economy has been bolstered by its everUnfortunately, the good old days of bargain basement increasing residential base. With a current population of housing prices are over in Martensville. According to about 9,000 (nearly double from 2006) and a regional Royal LePage, the current average cost to purchase a population hovering around 20,000, Muench said it was home in Martensville is approximately $325,000. As of only a matter of time before business development February, Saskatoon’s average home price was $351,000, progressed as newcomers and long-time residents alike according to The StarPhoenix. However, despite began seeking local amenities within the city’s limits. the closing gap on housing prices between the two “For the size of the community, it was very undermunicipalities, Shewchuk says younger families are still served,” Muench says. “People started noticing inclined to purchase in Martensville as they can upgrade Martensville as a great place to invest, and then it the size of their house at a lower cost. Additionally, started to explode. Smaller franchises began opening Shewchuk says by working with developers, the City in town, and now national chains like Canadian Tire was able early and McDonald’s on to provide are going to be “neo-traditional” opening soon.” (bungalow-style) Recognized housing as an for some of affordable option the lowest to those looking to commercial enter the market. and industry While the strategy tax rates in the led to the initial province – as influx of new well as its strong residents, many of regional ties the homes were with Saskatoon, designed with Warman and secondary suites other nearby allowing for rental centres – Muench units, providing says the city’s cost-saving business growth Martensville’s new City Hall opened earlier this year.The new civic benefits to anyone is building on building is five times larger than the community’s old City Hall, in the market momentum. As more commercial allowing for all of the City’s departments to operate under one roof. today.

(Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix) Cost advantages operations move aside, Shewchuk into Martensville says the most and area, important reason people choose to make Martensville investors see the city and region’s economic potential, home is due to its “laid back lifestyle,” its family-friendly Muench explains.

“It gives confidence to others and that’s when you see community and safe environment. Boasting extensive urban parkland, trail systems and other leisure amenities more development take place,” says Muench.

– in addition to the soon-to-be opened Martensville North Prairie Developments’ Black Iron Crossing Athletic Pavilion (MAP) – Shewchuk says the city is also and Sunset Ridge commercial sites are key drivers in ideal for recreation-minded individuals. the city’s business industry expansion. Already situated “For quality of life reasons, Martensville is a very quiet within these sites – visible along Martensville’s busy place – people know their neighbours, it’s peaceful,” Highway 12 corridor – are Tim Horton’s, Pharmasave, Shewchuk says. “You don’t have the density of housing, a Co-op gas bar/convenience store, Dairy Queen, a the pollution or the noise you get in a bigger centre. dental office and Taco Time. An 84-room Canalta Hotel “Until you experience both (living in Saskatoon and at Sunset Ridge as well as an RV automall by TRX RV at Martensville), it’s hard to quantify those differences.You Black Iron Crossing are currently under construction. know it just feels different. It’s really gratifying to see Dillon Shewchuk, Martensville community/economic people interact with one another and it’s very inclusive development manager, is amazed at how far the to new residents.” economy has come in such a short while. For example, LOOKING AHEAD in 2010 when Martensville council rezoned the 41 acres Shewchuk estimates Martensville’s footprint will where Black Iron Crossing is now located, it was unused space with cattle grazing the area. Now the development double in size over the next 20 years, in part due to new contributes to the over 400 businesses registered within subdivisions like Lake Vista that will see new homes built this year. To accommodate the continued population the municipality. growth, Shewchuk says two new elementary schools “In developing these commercial areas there was are slated for the city, with additions to double the size some scepticism, but the City remained confident in of the high school. In addition, Shewchuk says the City their vision and we are pleased with the process to date and hope to see the sites filled up in the future,” he says. is working with the Saskatoon Health Region to bring more health services to the community to add to its Shewchuk adds that having local services available lone medical clinic. He says increased medical services isn’t just about convenience, it means more people will will not only assist local residents, but will alleviate be able to actually work in the place they call home.

Though he admits it will be some time yet, if ever, before strains on existing facilities in Saskatoon.

By looking to other communities that have Martensville is completely self-sufficient, Shewchuk says experienced similar histories and growth spurts as many residents who originally moved to the municipality Martensville – such as the surrounding municipalities for its various lifestyle and home-buying advantages are of Okotoks and Airdrie outside Calgary – Shewchuk inclined to work locally. is confident Martensville will continue to enjoy a “People have more of an option to live and work prosperous and strong future. here now. As development continues, we’ll look to get Braitenbach is a Saskatoon freelance writer. more professional and white collar jobs here so people

Chaparral Ridge is North Prairie’s newest multi-family development in Martensville.The master planned community offers a unique mix of 106 multiplex units, starting at $204,900. (Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix)

North Prairie leading growth in Martensville

by Jeannie Armstrong SP Creative Features Editor It wasn’t too long ago that Martensville was dismissed as “Small Town, Saskatchewan,” known more for its close proximity to Saskatoon than its own attributes.

John Williams and the management team at North Prairie Developments saw the community’s potential for extraordinary growth and have led the development of new neighbourhoods and commercial sites for close to two decades.

North Prairie Developments first established a presence in Martensville in 1996 when they began building a small number of single family homes.

Not only was land in Martensville at a lower price point than Saskatoon, developers were able to readily acquire larger blocks of land, says Phil Ratzlaff, land manager with North Prairie Developments.

“We then transitioned into land development and created a subdivision called MacCormack Ranch, located at the east end of Main Street. It was a ranch-themed development, featuring 143 single family lots,” says Andrew Williams, vice-president of North Prairie Developments.

The subdivision was enhanced by the development of a man-made lake, surrounded by homes on walk-out lots.

With the completion of MacCormack Ranch, North Prairie Developments turned its attention to the new neighbourhood of Sunset Ridge, located on the south side of Martensville. “The development at Sunset Ridge was larger in scale, with 237 lots. While MacCormack Ranch was mainly single family housing, with two multi-family sites (Saddle Ridge and Rawhide Flats townhomes), at Sunset Ridge we increased our multi-family position and also added six acres of commercial development,” says Williams.

“It’s a mixed use community.”

With a higher ratio of multi-family units, Sunset Ridge became popular with first-time home buyers seeking affordable housing options. “We have a lot of young families coming in to Sunset Ridge. It’s not just because of affordability. It’s also because it’s a really nice place to raise a family,” says Ratzlaff.

North Prairie’s first multi-unit project in Sunset Ridge was Boulder Ridge, a 52-unit townhome development.

“Our current multi-family project in Sunset Ridge is Chaparral Ridge, featuring 106 units. Chaparral Ridge has a unique mix of back-to-back multiplex units, featuring bungalow, two-storey and loft floor plans. Units start at $204,900 plus GST. The price point has really been driving sales,” says Williams.

“We always try to create a unique architectural feature in each of our multi-family sites. At Chaparral Ridge, the signature point is the architectural-style gates with cedar logs that go across the entrance, with strong stone accents.

It’s an attractive entry,” says Williams.

Chaparral Ridge is in close proximity to the commercial site at Sunset Ridge, which fronts onto Highway 12. This prime commercial location has attracted the construction of a new CanAlta Hotel, a Dairy Queen, Taco Time, Second Cup, Little Caesar’s Pizza and a strip mall where a dental clinic has been established.

“Every time you add more commercial services and amenities, it makes a community that much more attractive, ensuring continued population growth,” says Ratzlaff.

North Prairie Developments is also enjoying great success with its Black Iron Crossing commercial development. The 82-acre site is ideally located, between Continued on page E2

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Thursday, May 29, 2014

STA R PH OE N I X S PE C I A L F E AT U R E

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

WESTERN CANADA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY www.martensville.ca

Martensville Athletic Pavilion will be community hub

by Blair Braitenbach for SP Creative Features The nearly constructed Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP), along with forthcoming high school upgrades, confirms an investment in the community’s health and well being for generations to come.

As Martensville’s population continues its swift upward trajectory, project partners the City and Prairie Spirit School Division unveiled in late 2012 a premiere recreation complex to be built adjacent to the Martensville High School. With

expansions already in the works for the school, it made sense to community leaders to not only accommodate the student body’s needs with the new facilities, but to allow everyone living in the city and region to benefit from them, explains Martensville Mayor Kent Muench.

“It really centralizes all of our activities on the sporting side of things,” says Muench, referring to the MAP’s strategic location amid Martensville’s Kinsmen Park and its myriad of recreational amenities. “It’s definitely something the city was missing.”

Officials involved in the

development of the MAP proudly declare the facility will closely resemble the University of Saskatchewan’s Physical Activity Complex with its wide variety of recreational and training opportunities. Included in the MAP’s design are three full-sized hardwood courts, a 200-metre curved running track, a fitness area, multipurpose space, a concession stand and more.

Designed by AODBT Architecture and Interior Design, the MAP is being constructed

by Calgary’s Sprung Buildings, which utilizes green technology to maximize energy efficiency.

North Prairie leading growth cont.

Continued from page E1 Centennial Drive and Highway 12. The traffic count on this highway is among the highest in Saskatchewan, second only to the Trans Canada Highway, east of Regina.

Response from regional and national retailers to Black Iron Crossing has been very strong, says Williams. “We’ve had major players move in, including Tim Horton’s, Pharmasave and an adjacent medical clinic.”

Ratzlaff adds, “The Co-op Convenience Store and Gas Bar is due to open later this month.

McDonald’s plans to be open before the end of the year.”

“The latest and biggest announcement is Canadian Tire.

They are going to be a major anchor tenant at Black Iron Crossing,” says Williams.

TRX-RV has purchased 35 acres at the north end of Black Iron Crossing, with plans to develop an indoor RV mall. “They’re looking at developing a campground there as well,” says Ratzlaff.

North Prairie Developments has worked closely with Eugene Hrytzak and Phil Elenko of ICR Commercial Real Estate in attracting new businesses to Black Iron Crossing. “They know a lot of the contacts for the national retailers,” says Ratzlaff.

“The City of Martensville has also been very pro-active in attracting businesses to the community. When businesses go to talk to the City, they get a very good reception. They are very helpful and provide them with the information they need to make their decisions.”

Williams says North Prairie has enjoyed a great working relationship with Martensville’s civic administrators and council members. “They have been very accommodating to North Prairie and the other developers who are out there,” says Williams. “It’s an exciting time for us. We’re grateful for the opportunity.”

To North Prairie, building community is more than just land development and constructing

Tim Horton’s was the first national retailer to acquire space in Black Iron Crossing, the 82-acre retail site developed by North Prairie Developments Ltd. (Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix) houses. The company enjoys giving back to the community, donating its MacCormack Ranch clubhouse to the City of Martensville for use as a pre-school, as well as donating

to the community’s aquatic centre. “It’s important to us to build strong relationships with the communities we’re active in,” says Williams.

When the Martensville Athletic Pavillion opens this fall, the community will be able to enjoy a myriad of recreational amenities.

(Rendering courtesy of AODBT Architecture & Interior Design)

Construction on the MAP is expected to be completed by the end of this summer, with doors opening in September.

“It’s hard to describe. It’s a pretty amazing facility, and will surely be a draw for many people,” Muench says.

The 50,000 square feet in added space between the MAP and high school expansion will nearly double the existing space for students. Martensville High School Principal Brad Nichol says “it’s really a new beginning in many ways for Martensville and the community.”

The high school expansion will include new gym space, theatre renovations and upgrades and increased classroom quarters. The MAP and high school additions consist of a joint-use agreement between the City and school division. During the day students will have full access to the gym, theatre and MAP, and in the evenings and weekends the same space will be open to the public.

“We’re going to have facilities that we’ve never had before, and really the sky is the limit and it’s going to be tremendous,” exclaims Nichol. “It’s going to be a real hub in the community.”

The high school expansion is anticipated to alleviate much of

the overcrowding in the city’s two elementary schools. With a completion date estimated for fall 2016, the current Grades 9-12 high school will allow room for Grades 7 and 8 students. Nichol says the expanded building will house an additional 200 students.

With the combined MAP and school expansion, Nichol is confident that Martensville High School will be able to excel further in its drama performances and physical education programs.

In addition, because the MAP is a state-of-the-art facility, he looks forward to the potential of hosting regional, provincial and maybe even national athletic competitions.

“This is a big space for western Canada, not just for Saskatoon and area,” Nichol says. “From a school perspective, imagining the tournaments, the sporting facilities and possibilities for hosting things is really incredible.”

Muench says the combined MAP and high school renovation/ expansion project is the most significant undertaking in the city’s history. Between the construction of the MAP and the high school expansion, the total cost is nearly $39 million. Funding of the project is being shared by the City, the school division, the provincial government and community sponsorships.

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014

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WESTERN CANADA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY www.martensville.ca

Martensville invites active living

by Hilary Klassen of SP Creative Features Pursuing an active lifestyle in the mushrooming metropolis of Martensville is an easy fix.

Residents can enjoy a wide range of opportunities to be active no matter what the season. “Whether it’s a leisurely walk on over seven kilometres of paved and lit pathways running through the residential areas of the city, or a competitive game of softball at one of the city’s many ball diamonds, the opportunities for fun and recreation in Martensville are endless,” says Dave Bosch, director of recreation and community services.

One of Martensville’s most unique outdoor features is its hub of recreational facilities located in very close proximity to one another, and connected by a system of pathways.

“It’s like Martensville has its very own Central Park, with over 80 acres of green space that houses a sports centre, arena with curling ice surfaces, baseball, softball and slo-pitch diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, the Martensville Aquatic Centre, and the North Ridge Community Centre,” says Bosch.

Soon this area will also be home to the new Martensville Athletic Pavilion which will house three full sized gym courts, a 200-metre indoor running track, fitness area and space for various recreational programs. This will be a world class facility which has drawn comparisons to the Physical Activity Complex at the University of Saskatchewan and will be opening sometime this summer.

In Martensville you’ll find neighborhood parks, playgrounds with play structures, a splash park and outdoor sports court. In summer, try fishing for perch in the Kinsmen park ponds, or skating, playing hockey or shinny on Kelly’s Pond in the

winter. Bosch says there’s plenty of open green space to enjoy, there’s jogging and biking paths, the Kinsmen Park tennis courts, disc golf, baseball and football fields.

The city also hosts a variety of events that bring residents together.

“This is the essence of what makes Martensville a ‘community.’ From larger events like Buster Days, the Winter Fun Festival, Canada Day Celebrations, and A&W 100 auto race to smaller Variety Nights, Monster Garage Sale, Martensville Business Expo, Shopping Extravaganza, Santa Skate, Slo-pitch and baseball tournaments, and the Run For Your Life Race, these are just of the few of the events hosted in Martensville each year,” says Bosch.

New this year, residents and visitors can visit a farmers’ market

by Country Farms Marketplace at the Sports Centre or the newly developed Community Garden at Kinsmen Park.

The Martensville Speedway has been home to the Saskatoon Kart Racers since 2002.

“Spectators can expect great racing over 11 Sundays through the summer.

There’s a concession on the premises and good family entertainment,” says Carlo Triolo, club president. The season has begun and you can find information about the club and race days at www. saskatoonkartracers.com. There’s no admission fee.

Over 40 recreational programs are offered throughout the year for residents of all ages.

Several community and sporting

organizations offer programs that begin at the grass roots level right through to competitive levels.

Commercial and residential growth continues unabated in Martensville.

Mayor Kent Muench says they’re keeping the future of their growing city in mind with every decision they make. People considering relocating to Martensville can rest assured that their goals for an active lifestyle can be achieved.

“Active living is easy in Martensville. The opportunities to stay active, enjoy healthy living, meet old friends and make new ones are endless in Martensville – come out and see for yourself!” says Bosch.

The Martensville Aquatic Centre opened in 2010, featuring three water slides, a 25-metre lane pool and kids’ pool. (Supplied photo)

Martensville offers numerous family friendly activities, such as fishing for perch at the Kinsmen park ponds.

(Supplied photo) Staying active is easy with over seven kilometres of paved and lit walking trails that wind through Kinsmen Park. (Supplied photo)

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

WESTERN CANADA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY www.martensville.ca

TRX RV plans expansion of RV mall

by Paul Sinkewicz for SP Creative Services Scott Engele can almost hear the loons and smell the pine trees from work.

The dealer principal of Scotty’s RV SOURCE is ecstatic about the new location now open in the north end of Martensville sandwiched between Centennial Drive and Hwy 12.

One of the other tenants is TRX RV, whose owner Tom Oakes was looking for more room to market trailers and motorhomes when he sold his six-acre Saskatoon location on North Idylwyld. His vision was for an RV mall, with room for his dealership and other recreational outdoors-related businesses. A two-year stint at a temporary location on Marquis Drive afforded Oakes the time he needed to find the perfect site.

The solution was the purchase of 34 acres of industrial/ commercial land in the growing city of Martensville, just 10 minutes north of Saskatoon, a perfect spot for an RV Mecca.

“This highway is the second highest traffic count in the province and the gateway to lake country,” says Engele. “Tom has such great ideas. We occupy a 20,000-square-foot building with a second floor that has more RVs sitting on display. We can have about 40 units in our indoor campground at any given time.”

Having the campground inside is great for potential customers who want to come by in the winter to shop.

“We do a lot of business through the winter months, as that’s when a lot of people have the time to shop for an RV, and it’s also the time that new models are introduced,” says Engele.

There are three other businesses already at the complex – TCC Truck Camper Canada, a true superstore of truck camper shopping, with a full 12 lines to choose from, rather than the typical single-line a store would offer, Scotty’s RV SOURCE with a focus on rentals, park models, cargo and utility trailers, as well as RVceteras, a boutique parts, accessories and service provider.

“Moving forward, we see the 34 acres with Oak Centre RV Mall front and centre as eventually being home to more businesses that are recreation-related,” says Engele. “So it will really be a great destination. We envision a point where anyone shopping for a trailer can also scout out quads, boats and so on, and then get

Tom Oakes, owner of TRX RV, surveys the interior of his new dealership located at Black Iron Crossing in Martensville.

(Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix)

the oil changed on their truck or use the car wash. It will be onestop shopping for the outdoor recreation crowd.”

Oak Centre RV Mall will also have complimentary electrified RV campsites for its customers, so if they come into the Saskatoon area for a concert or a family event, or just for some service work on their RV, they will have a place to set up camp at no charge.

Engele says the mall has close to 70 lines of trailers. It is one of only six Airstream dealers in Canada, and also sells the popular Winnebago motorhomes and Trillium ultra-light trailers.

At this past winter’s RV show at Prairieland Park, Engele said he was assisted by 11 representatives from major manufacturers who travel all over the continent.

“One said: ‘If you guys don’t have it, they don’t make it yet,’ ” says Engele. “He also couldn’t believe the facility we were building, and it wasn’t even finished yet. Reps are blown away at the magnitude of the mall and these are people who travel North America. It really is very impressive.”

Engele says someone who hasn’t been involved in RVs for a few years would be surprised by the new technology. Towability has been greatly improved, for one thing. Many trailers used to be very heavy, sitting too low to the ground.

“Most have dual axles now and sit up higher to match your tow vehicle better,” says Engele.

“They’re engineered much better that way, and are certainly much more luxurious. Everything’s at the touch of a button, so when you get to your campsite, let your

jacks down, push a button and your slide room goes out. Push another button and you’ve got lights, hot water and a power awning. Everything is so user friendly.”

He said even a very simple 17foot trailer, with just a couple of bunks, will be light-years ahead of the old trailers. They are very comfortable, and can come with a furnace, air conditioning and a large fridge.

People might also be surprised by how thermally efficient threeseason trailers can be. And there are even four-season trailers with special features like heated water tanks.

“I think another big thing is the affordability. Lenders love RVs because they don’t depreciate like vehicles.You can amortize them over 20 years like a mortgage on any recreation property,” says Engele. “People would be surprised by how little the monthly payments would be on a very nice trailer that allows their family to spend some very precious time relaxing together.”

The other businesses at the Oak Centre RV Mall add to these options. For those who want to test the camping waters, Scotty’s RV SOURCE can rent a pop-up or

travel trailer.

“We’ll even tow it out to their site,” says Engele, “should the customer choose to pay a mileage charge, or they can tow it themselves if they have the proper vehicle.”

It’s a popular option when people need extra sleeping accommodations for a family function, he says. They can rent a travel trailer with a bathroom, fridge and air conditioning that sleeps eight.

“Renting can be the perfect solution. Maybe they want to find out if they like the camping lifestyle before they buy. Maybe they just want to camp with no ownership costs, storage fees or insurance premiums.”

TCC Truck Camper Canada sells truck campers from almost every manufacturer, and has 35 different models in stock.

“Nobody else in Canada does that. We have customers calling us from every corner of the country.”

Sinkewicz is a Saskatoon freelance writer.

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

sta r ph oe n i x s pe c i a l f e at u r e

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WESTERN CANADA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY www.martensville.ca

Family-friendly programs enhance community

An artist’s rendering depicts the 10-acre manmade lake which will be at the centre of North Ridge Development’s newest neighbourhood in Martensville: Lake Vista.

(Supplied image)

North Ridge invests in Martensville’s future

by Jeannie Armstrong SP Creative Features Editor Wally Mah, CEO and president of North Ridge Development Corporation, estimates that over 2,000 of the 9,0000-plus people who live in Martensville, reside in properties brought to market by his company.

North Ridge began purchasing land for development in Martensville 19 years ago. “The housing market in Saskatoon was quite stagnant at the time. We were trying to find some different alternatives for affordability. That’s why we first went out to Martensville,” says Mah. North Ridge is now active in 14 different municipalities across the province.

“I remember the City of Saskatoon manager telling me at the time, ‘Not everyone will want to move to Martensville.’ I responded, “I don’t need everybody. I just need somebody.”

Since that time, North Ridge has created housing opportunities to the south and north of Venture Heights School in Martensville. “We also purchased an additional 100 acres from the City of Martensville and developed The Meadows. We’re down to just a handful of lots there,” says Mah. One of the company’s largest endeavours is now underway in Martensville: Lake Vista. The 160-acre subdivision is bordered on the west by 10th Avenue North and on the south by Main Street, and will be built in six phases. “We’ve already invested $40 million in the first two phases,” says Mah. The new neighbourhood will feature a mix of housing types, including single family residences, walk-outs and multi-family projects. The heart of the neighbourhood will be Lake Vista, a scenic 10-acre manmade lake surrounded by prime residential lots. With a strong focus on green space design, Lake Vista will incorporate an open space system with attractive linear parks, ponds and pathways.

“Just across the way is a major sports complex, including the aquatic centre and ball diamonds,” says Mah. An estimated 1,300 households will be established in Lake Vista when the subdivision is fully built out. The neighbourhood will also feature 14 acres of commercial property fronting Main Street that will be developed in 2015-2016.

Mah says that the lower cost of land makes home ownership an affordable option in Martensville. The community’s close proximity to Saskatoon means big city conveniences are just minutes away.

In recent years however, Martensville residents are finding they don’t need to leave their community to shop, dine or have fun. “Martensville has become its own community,” says Mah, citing the establishment of numerous businesses in the new commercial zone extending along the highway. “Martensville has reached a critical point in its evolution, and will continue to grow,” he adds.

“Other developers like North Prairie have become involved and they’ve done a great job.You need the synergies of people that have the capacity and the desire to want to do it. I would say that John Williams from North Prairie Developments has been one of those individuals.”

North Ridge Development manages another 200 acres of land surrounding Martensville, designated for future development as the community continues to North Ridge makes it a priority to give back to each grow. “We’ve always had the community it is active in. In Martensville, the company vision of continued growth has sponsored the go-track building and the North in Martensville and that’s Ridge Centennial Community Centre. what we’ve done,” says Mah. (Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix)

by Blair Braitenbach for SP Creative Features It doesn’t matter if you’re a tiny toddler, a senior citizen or of any age in between, the Martensville Community Access Centre strives to ensure that each person who comes through its door leaves the better for it.

As an organization built on bridging gaps within the city and surrounding area, the Community Access Centre is a cornerstone agency providing just about any kind of assistance for those who need it. With programs tailored to moms and babies, children, teenagers, adults and seniors – as well as housing an impressive selection of resource materials – the centre’s board and staff are eager to provide something for everyone.

“It’s definitely your one-stop-shop for what you are looking for. And if we can’t help, we’ll know where you can find it,” says Kristee Lynn Adrian, coordinator for the Martensville Community Access Centre.

Since opening its doors in 2008, the centre has served as a venue for just about anyone to link up with various community services, whether in-house or otherwise. Some of the Access Centre’s in-house programs include: • “Baby Babble & Toddler Talk” is a program for parents and guardians with children up to the age of three. Each two-hour session includes a “scheduled topic” discussion, followed by socializing time. The program aims to give families an opportunity to connect with other members of the community.

• The “Ah-Ha! Homework Club” is geared towards elementary students right up to university scholars. From 6 p.m.8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year, the program houses homework and studying space with volunteers on hand to assist and answer any questions a student might

have.Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and expertise, including retired teachers, education assistants, university students and individuals with diverse literacy programing experience.

• “1 on 1 Computers” aims to familiarize primarily senior citizens with various computer programs as well as emerging technologies.

• In addition to the in-house and partnered projects, the Access Centre boasts a valuable resource library, including community information, newspapers, legal and general health resources, job postings, business resources, babysitter and volunteer networks, rental notices and more.

• The Centre also organizes the city’s annual Canada Day celebrations and Seniors’ Week in Saskatchewan activities.

While Adrian remains humble about the impact the Access Centre has on the overall health of the community, she is confident her team provides the right help to the right people.

“We’re very much a connection in the community,” explains Adrian. “We are always accommodating in the best sense that we can. If you’re looking for that information, we’ll try and find it in a reasonable time frame.”

Adrian says the Access Centre not only supports those living in the municipality and surrounding area, they are also dependent on the very same people utilizing its services. While the Access Centre has received some funding through provincial grants and its building space is donated by the City of Martensville, daily operating costs are by and large provided via local fundraisers and sponsorships.

“It can be a bit of a struggle to find funds and not to have to reinvent the Centre each year,” Adrian says.

For more information visit www.communityaccesscentre.ca

in Martensville

OW H S

E M HO

101 BEAUDRY CRESCENT (opening mid-summer 2014) Visit our current show home at 804 Reimer Road Mon-Thurs: 7-9 pm | Sat, Sun, Holidays: 1-5 pm

North Ridge Developments is excited to introduce their newest community in Martensville– Lake Vista!

Lake Vista, located in the Northeast end of Martensville, consists of bi-level and two-storey single family homes that include: • 2 – 3 bedrooms • 2 – 2.5 bathrooms • Triple-pane windows • North Ridge’s award winning customer care warranty program

Starting at only $349,900 Fall 2014 Possessions

“Lowest Commercial Municipal Property Tax Bill – 3rd Year in a Row”

Premium lots are also available: northridgeland.com

CFIB October 2013

“Western Canada’s Fastest Growing City”

northridge.sk.ca 306 242 2434 sales@northridge.sk.ca

Statistics Canada Census 2011

www.martensville.ca

“Number of Business Licences Increased by Over 60% Since 2007” City of Martensville

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MAKING HAPPINESS HAPPEN

SASKATCHEWAN

NEW HOME WARRANTY

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Thursday, May 29, 2014

sta r ph oe n i x s pe c i a l f e at u r e

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com