The Moose Jaw Cycle Association will resume its annual Toy Run this year with the aim of supporting the Salvation Army in its ongoing mission to put smiles on the faces of children who otherwise may not receive much — if anything at all — this Christmas.
This year’s Toy Run will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, and will run from Manitoba Street West up Main Street to the Salvation Army Church at 2 Wintergreen Drive off Thatcher Drive.
“This year is the 36th annual (Toy Run),” explained Murray Roney, president of the Moose Jaw Cycle Association. “We’re doing the Toy Run parade up Main Street, and we need as many motorcycles as we can get.”
There’s no certain estimate for the number of participants in this year’s run as the association doesn’t take advanced registration. Roney said this is due to uncertainties from harvest duties to inclement weather concerns, but last year’s run saw around 300 participants for comparison.
Regardless, each participant is asked to bring an unwrapped toy, book, or a cash donation for a child in need this holiday season. Ideally these gifts are either new or unopened, and Roney said to leave them unwrapped so parents can shop for something their children will love.
“We just end up with a big pile of toys on top of a blue tarp up at the Salvation Army,” Roney said. “They sort through everything and go from there.”
The annual fundraiser wasn’t always met with open arms. When the Toy Run tradition frst began in the ‘70s it was met with public skepticism.
“It took probably 20 years of this before we kind of got to the point where people knew what we were doing,” Roney said. “They just weren’t sure. Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s there was the stereotyp-
League End Dates: Men’s & Ladies Business League – September 11
18 Hole Ladies League - September 17
Gopher League – September 17
Senior Men’s League – September 18
Moose Jaw Cycle Association’s Toy Run will return for its 36th year this September
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
ical motorcyclist (image in the public mind) so we had to fght through a lot of stuff (to get to where we are today).”
Today this stereotype has been overcome and Roney said it’s good to see this change of public sentiment. Even a few police offcers typically join the run on their motorcycles.
“Most of us have grown up in Moose Jaw, so everybody knows us. It’s not like we’re strangers coming into town or anything,” he added.
The association is partnered with the Downtown Moose Jaw Association and — although this year’s events didn’t line up — the goal is to have the run coincide with the annual Little Chicago Show & Shine.
After the run, the group will meet at The Crushed Can for a steak night fundraiser to raise additional funds for the purchase of toques, mitts, and scarves to donate to the Salvation Army’s Christmas hampers.
Tickets for the steak night will be sold for $25 apiece and, as they’re being sold at the door, there’s no need to purchase them in advance. The Crushed Can is located at 82 Manitoba Street West.
“It’s really something to behold when you’re on your motorcycle up at the top of Main Street and you look back and they’re still turning on from Manitoba,” Roney said in reminiscence of the yearly run.
This sense of support is only
surpassed by the smiles brought to children’s faces each Christmas.
“Just thinking about the reaction that the kids and their families have at Christmas time… is… (the reason why we do this).”
There are no specifc requirements to join the Moose Jaw Cycle Association and Roney said anyone who knows a member of the association can simply reach out.
To participate in the Toy Run, all you need is a motorcycle and a gift. The group will meet along Manitoba Street between the Fourth Avenue Bridge (Thunderbird Viaduct) and Main Street North and all attendees are asked to arrive at least half hour early. The parade will start at 2 p.m. sharp on Saturday, Sept. 21.
A member of the Motorcycle Association of Assiniboia — which is also planning to join the run in Moose Jaw this September — showcases some of the toys raised for children at the Salvation Army this year. Photo by: The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw/Facebook
September Specials:
MON: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures
TUES: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures
WED: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures
THURS: 25%
Honour the memor y of a loved one with a memorial gift to suppor t the Moose Jaw Dr F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital
Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.
Speaker encourages Catholic staf to be infuences of love, hope, joy in students’ lives
Catholic teachers should be “reservoirs of grace” in their students’ lives, which may not feel like a worthwhile endeavour some days but can make a profound difference in the future.
Steve Angrisano, a Dallas, Texas-based singer, songwriter and storyteller, was the keynote speaker during Holy Trinity Catholic School Division’s opening faith day, held at the Events Centre on Aug. 28.
Part of his message focused on a quote from St. Bernard, who suggested that people be “reservoirs of grace” or goodness in the lives of others — including students — instead of being channels with those qualities.
“Focus on being so flled with God, so flled with mercy, so flled with love, that you’re literally overfowing into the people around you,” Angrisano said.
The motivational speaker added that the people in our lives to whom we tell good or bad news and from whom we receive comfort are able to maintain their strength through simple daily practices of being grounded in God’s strength.
A second point Angrisano made was that sometimes people who work for Catholic schools and churches forget to take time to recharge themselves spiritually. They should remember to have faith and then determine how to live a “contagious life” and how to let others see God
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
in them.
Many people think that when someone is attempting to be holy, there is the attitude of “holier than thou,” which is inaccurate since the Bible says that God is love and all who dwell in love will live in God and God will live in them, he continued. Therefore, teachers have an “enormous opportunity” to be an infuence of love, hope and joy in students’ lives.
“And they may not see that as holy, but I think it’s absolutely holy,” he added.
It can be diffcult for faith-based people to take time to recharge their spiritual lives, especially since “the noise of the world” can be so loud, said Angrisano. The “greatest tool(s) of evil” in the world aren’t bombs and war but distraction and noise.
“No one takes a single moment to really think about who they are, to spend a quiet moment in refection, with God or just with yourself,” he continued. “And when we do, I think we do hear the
promptings of the Holy Spirit; we hear the promptings in our heart of how to be who we’re created to be.”
Angrisano said Benedictine monks from the St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana have had a great infuence on him when it comes to the ordinariness of life. Their actions have shown him that it’s important that he works hard to honour his employer and commits himself to his wife and children to be the best husband and father he can be.
Meanwhile, Christians can spend a few minutes of their day inviting God to be part of it, such as by whispering a prayer in the car or reading a Bible passage on their phones, he continued. They should take these small actions several times a day to communicate with the Lord instead of once before bed.
“It’s very powerful to let God speak into your day,” Angrisano added.
The singer/songwriter pointed out that in a world that diminishes faith, he believes it’s important for faith-based people to allow simple moments of faithfulness to be part of their everyday lives. This includes being intentional with prayers since God was intentional in creating humans in His image.
“… with what God has given us comes great responsibility. And I think we should be mindful of that,” Angrisano added.
20th Moose Jawg Charity Road Race sets new records in support of the health foundation
The 20th annual Moose Jawg Charity Road Race has concluded after taking place on June 15, and now proceeds from the yearly fundraiser have been handed over to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) in support of its ongoing Vision of Tomorrow campaign.
This year’s Moose Jawg Charity Race helped raise $9,250 in support of the health foundation.
Andrea
Amiot, owner of The Attic
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Spin Studio and the race director for her second straight year, stated earlier this summer that her goal was to set a new record for both attendance and funds raised by the annual racing event.
For comparison, the last fundraiser event — accounting for a three-year delay between 2020 and 2022 during the pandemic — raised $5,000 back on July 1, 2019. In 2023, the event raised $3,500.
Amiot’s goal was to have 300 partic-
TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST
Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before November 4, 2024, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.
charity race will go toward pediatric rehabilitation services at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
“This will be an added bonus to (our health care providers), and we’re thrilled to support pediatric rehabilitation,” he said. “They can use those funds to purchase equipment that they see the greatest need for.”
McElree said the MJHF runs all its campaigns as ground-up campaigns, meaning they are intended to adapt to changing circumstances in the feld of healthcare.
“Health care professionals in this hospital come to us and say, ‘Hey, we need some help,’” he explained.
“That’s what we’re here to do,” McElree continued. “We’re never fundraising for the same thing twice because needs change and health care changes. We have to respond as fast as medical professionals have to respond to their patients.
* Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.
ipants registered for this year’s race, and all said, a total of 293 participants were confrmed — not far from her target. In 2019 this number was 260 participants and in 2023 the number was 167.
Now that the results are in, it’s confrmed that both of Amiot’s goals have been achieved.
Since its inception, the Moose Jawg Charity Road Race has raised well over $139,000 in support of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and has also helped enrich the lives of everyone who participated through the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
This year’s donation was received by Kelly McElree, director of the MJHF. McElree said proceeds from the 2024
“We greatly appreciate the presenting sponsor Golden West Trailers for being a part of this (as well as all other sponsors), and Andria Amiot and all of her volunteers did just an incredible job,” he concluded.
To learn more about the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and its work in the community, visit MJHF.org.
For more information about the yearly Moose Jawg Charity Road Race, visit MooseJawg.com or contact Andrea Amiot at The Attic Spin Studio by calling 306690-4814 or visiting TheAtticSpinYogaFitness.com/Contact.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s run which is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, starting at 8 a.m.
Kelly McElree (left) receives this year’s donation on behalf of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation from Andra Amiot (right), owner of The Attic Spin Studio and the organizer of the 2024 Moose Jawg Charity Road Race earlier this summer. Photo by: Moose Jawg Charity Road Race/Facebook
Steve Angrisano, a Dallas, Texas-based singer, songwriter and storyteller, speaks to staff from Holy Trinity Catholic School Division during the division’s opening faith day. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
JAW
Canadian rockers 54-40 to bring humour and personal stories to Homestand ’24 concert
After 43 years and 16 albums, Canadian rock band 54-40 has learned that having a sense of humour makes a big difference in life, with that frivolity on display in their latest album.
The Tsawwassen, Delta, British Columbia-based group launched “West Coast Band” in October 2023 and has been touring and promoting the album since then.
The same-named title track is an autobiographical origin story, while the entire album pays homage to the Vancouver music scene that inspired members Neil Osborne and Brad Merritt to form 54-40 in 1980.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame band — which played its frst gig on Dec. 8, 1980, the night John Lennon was shot — brings its hits to Moose Jaw on Saturday, Sept. 7 for the fourth annual Homestand concert.
Merritt spoke to MooseJawToday.com about the group’s appearance in The Friendly City, and his humour was apparent throughout the interview.
When asked what he thought of the band playing for more than 40 years, Merritt dryly replied, “I try not to think about it.”
The group focuses more on the future and what’s next, with this best shown by the two albums they released last year, he continued. Members recorded “West Coast Band” during the pandemic and released it in late 2023, while they released a live album called “Live At El Mocambo” comprised of older material.
Furthermore, members are working on new songs for their next record; they started putting together that new material this summer in Osborne’s studio.
“And we’ve got a busy summer playing live, so it’s just go, go go,” Merritt added.
The group doesn’t take for granted the fact that they have created music for over four decades, while they know that someday it will end, Merritt said. They also consider it a celebration to play live or write new music.
“And it’s all we wanted to do, and we’re still doing it. So … it is its own reward,” he added.
With a laugh, Merritt attributes the band’s longevity to being successful “but not too successful,” although too much of it can break up groups. Meanwhile, everyone has a great sense of humour, isn’t afraid to rib each other, and uses self-deprecation regularly.
Merritt recalled Osborne bringing in a new philosophy about 20 years ago that he had acquired from The Andy Warhols, which focused on the idea that everything they do should be fun or funny. For example, making music should be fun, while a serious incident should be seen
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
as funny after it has happened.
Furthermore, 54-40’s members have developed mutual respect and love for each other and see each other as family, which isn’t surprising since they’ve been performing together for 43 years, added Merritt. They also have a common sense of purpose.
The group called their latest album “West Coast Band” because they are a West Coast-based group, so there is nothing metaphorical about the name, and instead, it’s “linear and literal” storytelling, said Merritt.
Members held weekly online meetings during the pandemic to refect and tell stories from the past, which is how the album’s songs took shape.
“So we started to work on this thing, and it was mostly for our own amusement. We never had any idea that it was going to be released as a record,” chuckled Merritt. “We were just kind of killing time and having fun.”
The band realized they had produced good songs, so they decided to release the album. Osborne dubbed it their “comedy record” because of the humour in it. Because of the era in which they grew up, some songs have levity in the vein of George Carlin, Richard Pryor and the Smothers Brothers.
“So that’s what it is, that’s what we’re touring on (and) those are the songs we’re playing, as well as the
RCMP seeks public’s help after rare Harley Davidson stolen near Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw Express staf
The Moose Jaw RCMP is asking for public assistance following the theft of a rare motorcycle: a 2006 Harley Davidson VRSCR V-Rod Street Rod, which was taken from a property near Moose Jaw.
The theft occurred shortly after midnight on Aug. 24, and the distinctive orange and silver motorcycle was spotted the next day in Belle Plaine. Authorities are concerned that attempts are being made to sell the motorcycle in areas surrounding Regina and Moose Jaw.
The stolen V-Rod Street Rod is a unique model, known for its striking orange and silver colour scheme, making it easily recognizable. This has led police to be-
lieve that someone may have seen the motorcycle in transit or noticed suspicious activity related to its sale.
RCMP Const. Steve Sharpen, who is leading the investigation, is encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Those with information can contact him directly at 306-691-4670 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The investigation remains active, and the RCMP is hopeful that public co-operation will lead to the recovery of the motorcycle and the apprehension of the suspects involved.
regular old hits we know and love,” Merritt stated.
The new album rocks and sounds great, while people who listen to the lyrics will either laugh out loud or fash a wry smile, he laughed. The songs also give people insight into how the band thinks and the members’ personalities.
People should attend Homestand ’24 because 54-40 sounds better than ever, Merritt said, adding with some dry humour that fans shouldn’t expect 54-40 to jump around as much as they did 43 years ago.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Passing of an Interim Development Control Bylaw for the Village of Marquis Bylaw No. 1-2024
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Village of Marquis passed an Interim Development Control (IDC) Bylaw No. 1-2024 on February 15, 2024, under the authority of Section 80 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
Bylaw No. 1-2024 received final approval from the Minister of Government Relations on March 7, 2024 and is to be in effect for two years from the date of approval. Any person who violates this bylaw is subject to the penalties as provided for in The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of Interim Control Bylaw No. 1-2024 is to control the use of land, buildings or structures for existing users and provide the Village with the opportunity to complete an Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.
THE LANDS EFFECTED BY Bylaw No. 1-2024 are all those areas within the corporate boundaries of the Village of Marquis.
A copy of Bylaw No. 1-2024 is available on the Village’s website at https://www.rmofmarquis.com/bylaws-village/
For more information, please contact: Village of Marquis: Box 40, Marquis, SK, S0H 2X0 admin@rmofmarquis.com 306-788-2022
Dated this 14th day of August, 2024.
54-40’s newest album, “West Coast Band.” Photo submitted
JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR
Editor’s Note
All of a sudden, the city of Moose Jaw is in full fall mode as summer fades away quickly.
Kids backpacks have been packed and unpacked numerous times before they are ready to hit the classroom for another year of education.
I wonder how many parents start a week or two before to get their kids conditioned into going to bed earlier? I can see that it isn’t an easy exercise for both kids and parents to become reacquainted with. I guess the morning-of the frst day of school, kids will get a crash course in sleep deprivation and parent’s will get frazzled with all the hustle and bustle of trying to get them out the door. On the other hand, I do remember the frst day of school each year as an exciting time. So, if anyone is like I was, I was up at the crack of dawn ready and willing to hop on the bus for the seven mile drive. Not to mention that we were always the frst family on the bus and the last to get off, making each day longer than the town kids who got home within 10 minutes after the bell.
And lunches? That was always an extra consideration when school was in session. I think nowadays parents are much more creative in what they pack in their kid’s lunches. There’s no lack of extra and tantalizing options to include that can be purchased at the grocery stores. Not like when I was a kid and we got the infamous sandwich of some kind, a piece of homemade dessert (cake or cookie) and a fruit of some kind, usually an apple or orange. That was about how fancy it got. It was usually packed in a brown paper bag, not a special lunch kit or one that has compartments to include all kinds of wonderful snacks like crackers, a piece or two of cheese, a handful of nuts or a special mixture of dried berries and nuts, or whatever else a creative mother would think to include.
I wonder how many kids swap lunches these days. Although this wasn’t one of my practices when I was young, I am privy to the fact that kids do. My eight-year-old grandson flled me in - he gets a ‘snacky’ kind of lunch with an assortment of items each day and he tells me that his friends drool over his lunch wanting to trade, while he thinks their options might be a good choice too. Funny how it goes, ‘grass is always greener’ on the other side of the classroom.
I wonder how many students think as I did, that sports made school worthwhile. Here is Moose Jaw, you can try out for whatever teams you desire with a great possibility of making the team because we don’t live in a very large community. Tournaments are always fun, too, making road trips an ideal time to bond with fellow competitors.
With all of this chatter about school, I also want to remind all of those parents and kids who drive to school in Moose Jaw to remember that the speed zones around the schools have dropped to 30km/h. As I have been trying to exercise this restraint to drop the 10k in school zones, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
A word of advice: Keep your eyes open for speed signs and your ears open to hear police sirens following you if you don’t take heed.
Happy school days ahead!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily refect the position of this publication.
Senior’s Association
On Aug. 19, the Timothy Eaton Gardens, home of the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizen’s Association (MJDSCA) announced a temporary closure with the venue focused on adults over the age of 55 and was set to reopen its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
The reason for this closure is to allow some time for a few renovations that include the foor of the XYZ Auditorium, some painting, and a few bathroom upgrades as well.
“We are replacing the foor (in the XYZ Auditorium),” explained Tanya Legare, administrator of the MJDSCA. “That foor is 30-some years old. From my understanding, (we’ve) been wanting to get that foor done for a few years now.”
The XYZ Auditorium serves a pivotal role for the MJDSCA as it strives to provide a venue to serve its mission of keeping Moose Jaw’s adults over the age of 55 healthy and active. The space has been used for programs that range from quilting shows to concerts to the ever popular pickleball matches held eight times a week at the location.
These renovations are made possible thanks to a $25,000 New Horizons grant that the senior’s centre applied to and received approval for this year. The New Horizons for Seniors Program is a federally funded initiative intended to fund projects that help improve the lives of seniors by offering up to $25,000 to promote volunteerism, senior inclusion and engagement, and to assist with new and existing senior-focused programs.
As the foor didn’t require the full $25,000 to complete, Legare said the difference was spent on further improvements to the popular 55-plus venue.
“We had a few bucks left over, so we got paint,” Legare explained. “So, we painted the walls… (added) new baseboards, (and)… We’ve painted the front of the stage to match the walls.”
Although there’s no budget to add upgraded sound, light, or other equipment to the space, Legare did point out that the pickleball court will now be expanded to a regulation size enabling more sporting options at the centre. Previously, she said, it was around one foot shy of regulation size.
These renovations are complemented by the Moose
There may be no better way to welcome the changing of the seasons than with a delicious home cooked meal shared in good company. To mark this transition and to help raise funds to support its mission of keeping adults over 55 social and active, the Moose Jaw & District Senior’s Association (MJDSCA) is once again hosting its annual fall supper and everyone’s welcome to attend.
This year’s fall supper event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15 with the frst sitting scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. and the second sitting scheduled for 6 p.m.
“Anybody and everybody is welcome to come to (our fall supper),” announced Tanya Legare, administrator of the MJDSCA.
of
are ongoing
the
most
Jaw Non-Proft Housing Corporation, who themselves received a grant this year and are now improving two upstairs bathrooms and upgrading one in the basement at the Timothy Eaton Gardens. The basement bathroom, which was previously accessed by steps, will now be at ground level and more accessible for everyone.
Once the auditorium and bathrooms have been completed, the association will focus on upgrading the onsite kitchen next. No timeframe has been given for this next phase as the focus remains on the current project for now.
“We’re going to look into grants and see what kind of (funding) we can get for the kitchen, and any money that we get (through) fundraising will most likely all go to the kitchen,” Legare said.
The association’s cook, Tina, has requested a new foor as the frst consideration for the kitchen project, but for now it’s one project at a time and everyone is eager to resume operations as per normal.
“We’re just excited to see everybody (return on) Sept. 3,” Legare announced. “It’s just not the same around here without seeing everybody and we can’t wait to see them again.”
The MJDSCA operates out of the Timothy Eaton Gardens building located at 510 Main Street North. For any questions during its ongoing renovations, the front desk can be reached at 306-694-4223 or you can visit MooseJawSeniors.ca.
The annual fall supper is meant to help raise funds in support of the association’s ongoing range of programs, and this year’s meal will feature turkey with stuffng, mashed potatoes, gravy, turnips, cranberries, coleslaw, a jelly salad, and pumpkin pie.
The meal will also be prepared in house at the Timothy Eaton Gardens’ café.
Phone: 306.694.1322
Publisher: Robert Ritchie - rob@mjvexpress.com
Editor: Joan Ritchie -joan@moosejawexpress.com
Sales: Wanda Hallborg - mjexpress7@sasktel.net David Klatt - david@moosejawexpress.com Kevin Ogle - kevin@saskpromo.com
Editor:
Thank you to all the contributing writers, without your time and support, the paper would not look the same. Send your stories, events and pictures to: joan@moosejawexpress.com Regular Contributors: Jason
“It’s going to be Tina (Miller) doing the meal (along with our in-house kitchen staff), and we have (volunteers from) the RBC coming and volunteering their time to help us by serving the meal and setting up tables,” Legare said.
Tina’s son Kolby Miller helped spread the message on social media and had good things to say about the upcoming meal and what to expect.
“If you know my mom, you know she’s the best cook in town,” he proudly stated.
The fall supper tradition reaches back to a time before Legare was hired on at the association, and the event had been steadily attended until the trend was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, three years later, Legare said attendance is slowly returning to its pre-pandemic levels.
The association’s fall supper is made possible thanks to the support of Saskatchewan Lotteries, the Saskatchewan Senior’s Mechanism, and the City of Moose Jaw.
Tickets for the fall supper are going for $25 apiece, and the purchase of each ticket includes an entry in the association’s door prize raffe. The door prize features a basket assembled by the “lovely arts and crafts ladies” at the MJDSCA and includes an assortment of artisanal gifts.
There are 150 tickets available for each of the two sittings with 300 total tickets available.
Although the centre is currently closed for renovations until Tuesday, Sept. 3, you can purchase your tickets anytime by stopping by the Timothy Eaton Gardens, calling 306-694-4223, or by sending an email request to MJSenior@Shaw.ca.
The association is accepting payments via cash, debit, or credit, and e-transfer options are also available on request.
If the option for takeout is preferred, the association is also willing to accommodate this request.
“If (customers) call, they just have to let us know it’s for takeout so that we can put it on their ticket just to make sure we have enough takeout containers,” Legare confrmed.
The MJDSCA operates out of the Timothy Eaton Gardens centre, located at 510 Main Street North.
Renovations
at
Timothy Eaton Gardens’ XYZ Auditorium with
of the fooring installed as
late Aug. 27. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Election 2024: Voters can how vote from home thanks to new bylaw amendment
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The upcoming civic election is part of a requirement set by the provincial government for all municipalities to vote for civil administration positions every four years. Moose Jaw’s next election will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
In an effort to reach more voters, members of the eligible voting public are now able to apply for a mail-in ballot and can vote from the comforts of home.
“A safe election is our priority,” a statement from the City of Moose Jaw reads. “It’s important to remember that there are multiple opportunities to vote, which will help mitigate congestion or long line ups at polling stations on election day…”
Mail-in ballots
As of Aug. 1, residents can now apply for a mail-in ballot. These ballot applications are required to receive a voter’s kit ahead of the upcoming civic election planned for Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Due to an amendment of The Election Bylaw (Bylaw No. 5715), it is now easier for municipal voters to cast a vote in the upcoming election without having to attend a polling station in person.
Voters who cast their vote from home are still held to the same standards as those who vote in person at one of the four municipal polling stations. All applications must include a scanned or photocopied image of valid voter identifcation papers.
As well, the amended bylaw requires an authorized witness as described in the updated bylaw in Section 14.5. Authorized witnesses include:
A family member who is an eligible voter in this year’s election and has known the voter for at least two years
Anyone living at the same residence
as the voter who is eligible to vote in this year’s election and has known the voter for at least two years
Occupation-based witnesses such as a medical doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or similar Sask. Health Authority employees who are employed in a hospital, senior’s facility, or other facility governed by or affliated with Sask. Health
Any person who is authorized to sign oaths
For applications made in person exclusively, the returning offcer or a deputy returning offcer who is present at the time may also sign as a witness.
The deadline for mail-in ballot applications is Tuesday, Oct. 29.
All ballots must be received by the returning offcer at city hall by Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.
How to submit your mail-in ballot application
Completed applications can be submitted through any of the following channels:
• By email to Elections@MooseJaw.ca
• By mail to the City Clerk’s Offce at 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, Sask., S6H 3J8
• In person to the returning offcer, who is located on the second foor of city hall and is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The returning offcer can be reached by phone at 306-694-4426.
For more information visit MooseJaw. ca/Election.
If you still have a question that hasn’t been addressed, the election offce can be reached by phone at 306-694-4426 or by email at Elections@MooseJaw.ca.
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Call now to sign up for Fall Leagues
Mixed Adult leagues, Youth bowling, Club 55+. All leagues and ROCKn’GLO will be back in full swing commencing Sept. 3rd!
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From The Kitchen
By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Clean out freezer or root cellar for aged carrots
To make room for this year’s crop of carrots, it is time to clean out the freezer or vegetable root cellar.
Frozen carrots may be steamed until very soft and then mashed and pureed in a blender for use in cakes and cookies. If carrots in the root cellar are still crisp, grate them for salads or use in recipes for cakes and cookies.
This week’s recipes make use of the aged carrots but if they are not available, this year’s carrots may be used.
• • • SPICY CARROT BARS
1 1/4 cups sifted four
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup grated raw carrots
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup hot water or orange juice
Sift the four with the cinnamon and baking powder.
Cream the butter with the sugar, eggs and salt until smooth and light. Stir in carrots and coconut. Add the four mixture alternately with the hot water or orange juice. Blend well.
Turn out into a buttered 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 25 minutes. Cool on a rack and while still warm, cut into squares or bars. Dust with sifted powdered sugar if desired.
•
CARROT PINEAPPLE CAKE
3 cups sifted pastry or cake four
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups salad oil (not olive oil)
3 large eggs
2 tsps. vanilla extract
1 small can crushed pineapple, not drained
2 cups grated fresh carrots
1 cup chopped nuts, optional
Combine four, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Sift into a bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil and eggs and beat to blend. Add vanilla and blend in.
Add the dry ingredients and blend in but do not over mix. Fold in the carrots and pineapple, and nuts, if using.
Turn batter into a buttered 10 inch tube or bundt pan.
Bake in a 325 degrees F oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool.
•
CARROT GINGERBREAD
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar, brown or granulated
2 large eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1/2 cup mashed, cooked carrots
1/2 cup light molasses
2 1/2 cups sifted four
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
Cream butter or margarine with sugar until light and fuffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat in until well blended.
Whirl the mashed carrots in a blender until smooth. Add the buttermilk or sour milk and molasses and stir to blend.
Sift the four with the soda, salt and spices. Add the liquid mixture and four mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternately. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir to make sure everything is well-blended.
Turn into a buttered and foured 9 inch pan and bake at 325 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until cake shrinks away from the sides of the pan. Serve warm with ice cream.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net
Vege World announces soft opening as mall’s food court continues to expand
As part of an effort to revitalize Moose Jaw’s mall and transform it into a community destination, the mall’s new owner, the Pioneer Thinking Capital Corporation (PTCC) announced earlier this year that one of the frst steps will be to restore the mall’s food court which has been abandoned for around 15 years.
Vege World, which was one of the two new restaurants announced for the revised food court back on July 9 has now launched its early soft opening on Aug. 26. The mall’s latest dining option is owned by Jayesh Ashar, who runs the restaurant, and his wife Maitri Ashar brings her cooking experience to assist with the family enterprise.
“Me and my wife (both have) the passion and a dream that we really need to serve Indian vegetarian food to the people, which is really healthy and tasty also,” Ashar said. “That’s why we came here to Moose Jaw.”
Although open, Vege World is currently operating on a limited menu until a few additional features including a new kitchen hood can be installed.
Once installed — which could be up to one month, Ashar advised — the restaurant’s full menu will become available and a grand opening event will be announced at that time.
Until then, Ashar is serving everything he can including sandwiches, juices, and mixed berry ice cream.
The Ashars are originally from Ahmedabad, a city of around 5.6 million inhabitants (2011 census) located in the state of Gujarat in western India.
Ashar said that most people in the region follow a strict vegetarian diet (the fgure is 54 per cent according to IndiaToday.in), and for this reason he’s bringing this culinary tradition to his new home in Moose Jaw.
“(The menu) is exclusively vegetarian,” he said. “There is no egg, no meat, no beef — nothing. It’s all pure vegetarian and we are going to prepare fresh food for you.”
In addition to being completely vegetarian, many meals are free of sugar and preservatives. For those who don’t mind a brief wait everything’s prepared right in house before being served. Except for the ice cream, nothing is frozen and the refrigerator is flled with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Although the menu is limited, Ashar
said his mixed berry ice cream and the grape cooler are quite popular so far. Another frequently purchased item is energy balls made exclusively from dates and assorted dried fruits with no added sugar.
The couple began their frst business enterprise at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall after searching for an ideal venue and learned that the PTCC was searching for new businesses at the mall’s food court.
“We have just given them an option… with a totally different kind of menu which is not related to other (nearby) restaurants,” Ashar said.
A few menu options include items not usually found locally, including the Indian berry (Phyllanthus emblica), which is currently in season back in India and available for a limited time in the Indian berry shots. The taste is somewhat bitter and its properties are believed to contain many health-enhancing benefts.
Ashar said he’s always receptive to customer feedback and will use these insights to help him develop the menu over time.
“We are (receiving) very good feedback from the people, and we are very thankful to… the community to give us a chance to serve them,” Ashar said. “We are hopeful that the people will really love our taste.”
Vege World now joins David’s Diner to complete two of the three planned restaurants. The third option — The Coral Kitchen —is expected to open by early fall.
Vege World is in the food court of the Town ‘N’ Country Mall, located at 1235 Main Street North and is open during the mall’s regular business hours.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Jayesh Ashar (left) and his wife Maitri (right) are now welcoming customers as Vege World opens for business on Aug. 26. Photo by: Aaron Walker
By
Caladium bicolor is a tuber and should be stored at about 50 degrees F (10 C). Cure with remaining foliage and store in peat or vermiculite.
St ing Tender Summer Bulbs
August in the garden is truly spectacular. If you are a lover of tender or summer fowering bulbs, then you can join me in the bittersweet joy of August. Along with all the other showy annuals we may have growing it is the exotic plants that are show stopping at this time of year. Unfortunately, we are already starting to see the temperatures drop overnight to single digits, and it is with a heavy heart that I accept that autumn is just around the corner.
These tender summer fowering bulbs are native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions and thus need some special care as autumn approaches. Tender bulbs are those plants that have feshy storage structures (bulbs, corms, tubers and roots) which will meet their demise over winter if they are not brought indoors out of the extremely cold winter temperatures. It is important to dig up these structures and bring them into a warmer area for storage throughout the winter.
For most of the plants that we may grow it is best that they be lifted after the foliage is killed by frost or have dried up. However, if we get really cold temperatures with our frst frost then it is important to dig them before the mercury dips in order to preserve the integrity of the bulb. Dig the bulb structures carefully to ensure that they are not damaged. Loosen the soil on all sides of the plant before lifting the clump of roots and soil without damage. Cuts or other damage will allow disease organisms to enter which is not advisable for good storage.
Most bulbs are best dried with the soil still adhered but if you are storing dahlia or canna bulbs it is advisable to gently wash the soil away from the root tissue. Gladiolas are a special condition in that they should not be washed but allowed to dry thoroughly before gently removing any soil that is adhering.
Most bulbs will need a curing period before storage. Begonias, dahlias, cannas, callas and caladium need a short period of drying for one to three days in a room that is away from direct sunlight and winds that are drying. Gladiolas and oxalis will need about three weeks of drying at just under room temperature in a dry but well ventilated area. Ensure you examine all tissues and those that are infested or soft should likely be discarded.
It is important to label all stored plant material to ensure there is no confusion in spring. I personally like using paper bags for storage as labels are easily written on the outside. Throughout the storage period, check regularly for any rotting or other damage.
Acidanthera spp. is a corm and should be stored at around 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 to 4.4 C)
Begonia x tuberhybrida is a tuberous root and should be stored at about 50 degrees F (10 C). Store in sphagnum peat moss or vermiculite.
Zantedeschia spp. or Calla Lily is a rhizome and should be stored at about 50 degrees F (10 C). If possible let foliage dry off a few days before digging. Store in sphagnum, peat or vermiculite
Canna x generalis is a rhizome and should be stored between 40 and 50 degrees F (4.4 to 10 C). Dig after frost has damaged the foliage and the plant has dried a few days after digging.
Dahlia hybrids are a tuberous root and should be stored between 40 and 50 degrees F (4.4 to 10 C). Cure in high humidity and pack roots in sphagnum to avoid desiccation.
Gladiolus hybrids are a corm and should be stored between 35 and 40 degrees F (1.6 to 4.4 C). Cure 2 to 3 weeks prior to storage.
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.
Find us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?
Patricia Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express
Reflective Moments
By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Darkness in morning, early darkness in the evening
When the inner clock sends an alarm to the sleeping brain that it is time to rise and shine, sometimes that inner clock needs to have the snooze button pushed.
I don’t mind waking up at 4:30 a.m. to the sound of birds chirping and the sun already up and shining brightly in the window. It is a perfect time to rise from bed, have some juice, check e-mails and do other tasks before the rest of the world is alerted to the dawning of a new day.
But when my inner clock tells me to get moving at 4:30 in the morning when the birds haven’t thought of the song they will sing, and the sun is still letting the moon rule the sky — that suggests to me that spring and summer are over and autumn and winter are quickly starting to rule the roost.
For an early-riser, it is discouraging to be forced to turn on the lights to fnd one’s way to the bathroom and then the kitchen. It is pointless to look out the window to ensure nothing is out of place on the avenue. Even the SaskPower street lights are not sharp enough to get rid of the shadows created by the wind in the trees.
A quick look at the calendar will remind us that this land of growing darkness is not new: it happens every year around this time so why are we surprised?
And with the quickly moving days comes the return
CITY HALL
COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MON, SEPT 9. City hall issued more than $14 million worth of building permits during this year’s second quarter, which was nearly $3 million more than in 2023 and nearly $54 million less than in 2022, data show.
The City of Moose Jaw issued $14,527,167 in construction permits from April 1 to June 30, compared to $11,958,905 in Q2 2023, a difference of $2,568,262, according to a second-quarter report presented during the Aug. 26 regular city council meeting.
While the value of this year’s Q2 building permits was more than last year’s, they paled in comparison to the building permits city hall issued in Q2 2022. That quarter, the municipality issued $68,512,150 in permits — a difference of $53,984,983 — with SaskPower’s Great Plains Power Station being the largest item.
Year-to-date (YTD), from Jan. 1 to June 30, the city issued 34 building permits, compared to 72 during the same period last year.
Year-to-date this year, building permit values have totalled $17,916,170, with residential projects at
to the classrooms for energetic students and teachers who will be rejuvenated after some summer relaxation at the beach or in the back yard.
Stores have been promoting back-to-school sales since June, just in case parents, teachers or students might have a moment of amnesia. And despite lists of supplies having gone home with students or posted on social media sites, there are cries for assistance from the homes where the list has been misplaced or ignored until the last minute.
Back in the olden days, we went to school with a new pencil, some crayons, one or two notebooks or scribblers as we called them, and whatever slightly used supplies that could be salvaged from the previous term. Then we scurried to Moose Jaw in the afternoon of the frst day of school to purchase the required textbooks we didn’t know we needed until that very frst morning. No wonder it was a half day of learning followed by a half day of spending.
In our one-room, many-classes-together school in our village, it was seldom that teachers changed over the summer. Teacher knew us and we all knew the teacher so there was no time wasted in getting to know each other. And if a new student and family had moved into the village, that was the highlight of the frst day, hoping to
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily refect the position of this publication.
have a new friend and someone to play with at recess. We were over the moon when four new students showed up one year.
In keeping with tradition, I will now share the highlights of what I/we did on our summer holiday: attended some car shows; visited two community fairs; listened to a concert featuring our friend Kelly Bourdages; went to the Sukanen grain elevator for a concert with Jeffery Straker; watched a horse show; went to Swift Current for a weekend; watched the garden grow; chased squirrels and cats out of the fower boxes and fower beds; visited Mossbank for Apple Pie Day; listened with interest to Housemate’s tales of his travels with his friends; corresponded with some long-time friends who told of holidays in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; enjoyed the week-long visit of our Great Great Niece from Calgary; supported the Legion meat draws on Saturday afternoons; and spent time sitting in the backyard whistling to the robins, but with broom near by to chase away the rodents and feline intruders.
That’s all the excitement our aging hearts could tolerate!
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
More than $14M in building permits issued in this year’s Q2, report says Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
$11,299,273, commercial/industrial at $4,911,487 and institutional at $1,705,410.
YTD in 2023, those values were, respectively, $13,046,450, $2,412,405, $8,859,045 and $1,775,000. YTD in 2022, those values were, respectively, $72,390,315, $6,888,035, $12,324,280 and $53,178,000.
Planning and development activities
The council report summarized the types of permits the planning and development department issued in Q2 this year, last year and 2022, including:
• Accessory buildings: 11 / 9 / 12
• Apartments/condos: 1 / 2 / 7
• Demolition: 1 / 7 / 3
• Government/institutional: 4 / 3 / 5
• Industrial/commercial: 13 / 10 / 15
• Residential: 32 / 21 / 39
• Sign permits: 3 / 6 / 7
Meanwhile, the number of inspections the department conducted in Q2 during the past three years include:
• Building permits: 55 / 49 / 53
• Building bylaws: 0 / 3 / 3
• Property maintenance: 152 / 0 / 3
• Business licence: 0 / 0 / 6
The total number of inspections the department conducted during the past three years YTD totalled 249, 148, and 193.
Business licences
During Q2 of this year, last year and 2022, the number of business licences the planning and development handled were:
• New: 68 / 67 / 45
• Renewed: 118 / 122 / 151
• Closed: 48 / 32 / 39
Year-to-date, the total number of business licences the department has handled this year, last year and 2022 were:
• New: 161 / 123 / 93
• Renewed: 1,693 / 1,665 / 1,675
• Closed: 161 / 114 / 129
Crews have laid more asphalt on potholes this year than last, city says Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
City hall’s public works department repaired more than 1,200 potholes during the second quarter of this year, which is almost 47-per-cent fewer compared to the same period in 2023, data show.
Crews flled in 1,240 potholes between April 1 and June 30, compared to 2,339 potholes during Q2 of 2023, according to a Q2 report presented during the Aug. 26 regular city council meeting.
Furthermore, other repair-related data for Q2 in 2023 and 2024 show:
• Pavement failures/excavations fxed: 40 / 30
• Dips repaired: 1 / 2
• Manholes repaired: 3 / 3
• Catch basins repaired: 2 / 9
Meanwhile, crews painted 98 metres of crosswalks and 8,430 metres of street lane lines, compared to 120 metres and 8,800 metres, respectively, during Q2 last year.
Furthermore, crews graded 39,764 metres of gravel roads and 23,981 metres of back lanes between April 1 and June 30, compared to 18,086 metres and 29,579 metres, respectively, during 2023’s Q2.
Parking meters
Department staff repaired 192 parking meters and replaced six metered heads, the report said. Also, the department collected $130,952.45 in coin revenue and $20,775.09 in HotSpot app revenue, totalling $151,727.54.
Solid waste
The department collected 9,723.79 tonnes of waste between April 1 and June 30, including 5,312.55 tonnes of commercial waste, 2,504.73 tonnes of residential waste and 1,906.51 tonnes of private waste, the report showed.
In comparison, in Q2 2023, the city collected 19,587.37 tonnes of waste, with 15,324.17 tonnes coming from commercial (mostly Buffalo Pound), 2,403.44 tonnes from private and 1,859.76 from residential.
Private waste is from residents who deliver the materials themselves to the landfll.
Also, during Q2, the city collected 369,465 kilograms of recycling, and after excluding contaminated materials, that number dropped to 359,069 kgs. In comparison, in Q2 2023, those numbers were 349,740 kgs and 335,996 kgs, respectively.
Transit
With regular transit, 51,026 people rode the bus between April 1 and June 30, compared to 42,938 riders during the same period last year. This is an 18.8-per-cent increase year-over-year.
Meanwhile, 10,015 people took paratransit during Q2, compared to 8,565 riders during Q2 2023, a yearover-year increase of 16.9 per cent.
Council comments
Council asked city administration why crews had repaired fewer potholes compared to last year, considering many pavement issues still existed.
Bevan Harlton, director of operations, acknowledged that there were still many potholes left to repair. He noted that before creating the report, he spoke with his staff and learned that contractors had laid down 497 tonnes of hot mix asphalt in Q2 2023 compared to 485 tonnes this year.
Year-to-date, though, the city has laid down 80 tonnes more of hot mix asphalt than last year, he continued. Yet, administration’s reports about this data will change in the future.
“Anecdotally, we are doing larger flls, so whether there’s more milling or cleaner cuts, we are putting down more mix per fll,” Harlton said, adding crews sometimes apply hot mix asphalt to adjacent areas when responding to specifc service calls.
Coun. Doug Blanc wanted to see the parking meter revenues broken down, specifcally, how much money was coming from First Avenue Northwest. While there were no physical meters there, motorists had to pay with the parking app.
City administration can review that data because paying by app was part of a pilot project, while it is true that not many people are parking there, said city manager Maryse Carmichael. She promised to provide a report in the future.
Coun. Jamey Logan said it was good news that transit ridership was up 18 per cent. He thought future councils should keep that in mind when budget discussions occur since transit is usually “a hot topic.”
CITY HALL
COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MON, SEPT 9.
The City of Moose Jaw’s smart water meter installation program is nearly 90 per cent complete, although there are two dozen homeowners opposed to the installation of the devices.
The four-year capital project to replace the roughly 12,500 water meters began in March 2022, after city hall selected Neptune Technology Group Canada Co. to lead the project.
The project is pegged at $3,392,750.
As of July 30, 2024, Neptune had replaced 11,184 water meters out of 12,560 devices, a completion rate of 89.04 per cent. The company expects to fnish this year, although there will be some carryover into 2025 because of supply chain issues, a council report said.
Meanwhile, there have been 938 properties on a “soft refusal” list. These homeowners have not engaged or communicated with Neptune or city hall about what they want to do. This could be because they have not seen or received the eight notices that both parties have sent.
Among these soft refusals are 24 homeowners who have given a “hard refusal” in allowing the devices’ installation, according to the report. The engineering department is consulting with the in-house legal team about what options are available to address some homeowners’ health-related concerns with smart meters on their properties.
“All hard refusals will be reviewed and discussed with the property owner on a case-by-case basis,” the document noted.
The city — through Neptune — will send these 938 homeowners several reminders about upgrading their meters. A fnal notice letter reminds residents that the upgrades are “mandatory in accordance with Bylaw 5152. Property owners who do not book an appointment may be subject to penalties, which may include the termination of water service.”
Meanwhile, 29 properties have “homeowner tasks” that residents must complete — like moving a water heater — before Neptune can access the water line to install the
devices.
City’s smart water meter installation program nearly 90% complete
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
Moreover, city hall’s engineering services must complete 148 “utility tasks,” which includes co-ordinating with the city’s meter shop to fnish those tasks quickly.
“These instances largely revolve around curb stops that are inoperable, inaccessible or have not been located,” the document noted.
Also, Neptune must return in 2025 to install 261 remote shut-off meters at high-turnover properties or places with existing payment issues. City crews will complete any remaining installations after Neptune fnishes what it can.
Council discussion
While Neptune has changed most meters, some residents think this process is a scam because the letter notifcations do not indicate that Neptune is working with the city, said Coun. Dawn Luhning. She wondered if the logos of both parties had been added to letterhead to assuage people’s concerns.
“I wonder if some of these last (hard) refusals, if they’re not connected. Maybe that’s the reason … ,” Luhning added.
Bevan Harlton, director of operations, said he would have to confrm whether such letterhead changes have occurred.
Coun. Doug Blanc thought some soft refusals might be because the properties are rentals and the renters don’t respond. He wondered if city hall planned to contact the actual owners, while he wondered how city administration planned to address the 24 “hard refusal” people.
Harlton replied that city hall communicates directly with the owners, while there is plenty of overlap in communications with phone calls, door hangars and letters.
Meanwhile, with those 24 outstanding properties, the city must replace those water meters because they are obsolete and city hall doesn’t plan to fx two types of water meters, he continued. Also, Neptune is contracted to collect data from the new devices and not the old ones.
Harlton reiterated that his department is working with
the legal team to address this issue. Moreover, he noted that the city requires reluctant homeowners to provide evidence from their health-care practitioners about why smart water meters shouldn’t be installed near them.
“Neptune … (has) reported no incidents of health problems with the infrastructure they install. It’s not something I’ve seen or they’ve seen in the past,” he added. “Health Canada confrms from their analysis that this technology does not (pose) a health risk and is common among Canadian municipalities.”
Coun. Jamey Logan said he’s heard complaints from commercial properties about not receiving notices. This could be because the notices have been “somehow lost in transition” and the only mail owners receive is a fnal notice.
Furthermore, he thought city hall should create a hard end date — by October 2025 — to complete the project so they see fnancial savings. Otherwise, they’ll still be sending out paper notices for no gain.
Meanwhile, with hard refusal homeowners, he thought the city should install the new water meters because — aside from the health concerns — some people could be refusing since they use more water than their meter reports.
Coun. Kim Robinson said he had received some complaints from homeowners about being charged double for water. He hoped that was just a hiccup during the transition period.
The city estimates how much water people use daily when smart water meters are not installed, with nine cubic metres per day being the guess even though that fgure is often higher, said Brian Acker, director of fnance. For people who delayed installing the new devices, the city estimated their water usage four times in the past year, so yes, those homeowners were overcharged.
“Once the meter is in, you will be credited,” he added.
Businessman JC Chhokar can construct a 24-unit residential apartment and commercial space at 1345 Algoma Avenue even though the project contravenes the zoning bylaw, the Development Appeals Board (DAB) says.
The board met in mid-July to hear Chhokar’s appeal after city hall denied his request because the initiative did not follow requirements in the zoning bylaw, an Aug. 26 city council report explained.
City hall rejected his development permit because the bylaw says the minimum rear yard corner site setback required in the R4 district is 4.5 metres (14.76 feet). Conversely, the project — which council approved in June by rezoning the property — proposes a rear yard setback of 1.513 metres (4.96 feet).
Chhokar told the board that he wanted a variance to the zoning bylaw to avoid having to shift the structure to the north into a foodway zone, the report said.
Meanwhile, the city’s representative said the concern is the project is on a corner lot, with the northern half of the development in a foodway zone and the southern
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
portion in a food hazard overlay district.
After reviewing the situation, the appeals board granted Chhokar’s variance request for three reasons:
• It would not be a special privilege since the board would grant a similar appeal in the same district
• It would not be a relaxation of the zoning bylaw since it would not hinder the health, safety or general welfare of the community, while it could help enhance the variety and effcient use of area land
• It would not injuriously affect the neighbourhood since the contraventions would have no negative effects on the adjacent properties or interfere with their use, no one in the area was opposed to the project, and the apartment complex and ground-foor commercial development could enhance area services
According to previous information, the property consists of fve lots comprising roughly 1,391.50 square metres (14,978 square feet) and is a corner site at the intersection of Algoma Avenue and Laurier Street West.
The lots were classifed as R3 high-density residen-
tial district, R3f1 high-density residential district and f1 food fringe overlay, but council rezoned them to R4 core mixed residential district, R4f1 core mixed residential district and f1 food fringe overlay district.
Besides these 24 units, Chhokar’s company is considering building 80 more units in the future, while its goal is to develop more than 150 multi-unit housing suites — based on need, demand and bylaws — during the next three years.
The new building will have a grocery/convenience store on the bottom foor and apartments above. Chhokar told council that the store should beneft students attending Saskatchewan Polytechnic since it would have reasonable hours and offer low-cost food items.
“It is a development that is much needed in the area of Saskatchewan Polytechnic,” Mayor Clive Tolley said during the Aug. 26 meeting. “So I’m very happy that it made its way through the system and will be constructed. It’s good news for the City of Moose Jaw.”
City hall received over 60 property assessment appeals during Q2, report says
The city clerk’s offce received more than 60 assessment appeals from property owners during this year’s second quarter, with two-thirds of those appeals coming from the commercial sector.
The fnance department opened the 2024 assessment roll on March 28, with property owners given until April 26 to appeal to the board of revision, said a second-quarter report presented during the Aug. 26 regular city council meeting.
The city clerk’s offce received 61 assessment appeals, with 49 coming from commercial entities and 12 coming from residential entities. The offce then forwarded the appeals to Western Municipal Consulting, a private company based in Meota, Sask., which council hired to manage this task.
Meanwhile, between April 1 and June 30, the city clerk’s offce authorized eight bylaws, signed 60 agreements, received and completed seven freedom of information requests and digitally archived 35 records.
Also, men comprised 58.9 per cent of the workforce while women made up 41.1 per cent. Furthermore, 2.3 per cent of all employees identifed as indigenous, 4.1 per cent were a visible minority and 1.8 per cent had disabilities. Businessman’s
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
Bylaw enforcement
The number of inspections that bylaw enforcement offcers conducted during Q2 included:
• Animals: 4
• Boulevards: 35
• Miscellaneous: 7
• Property maintenance and nuisance: 189
• Clean sidewalks: 1
• Zoning: 1
• General inquiries: 73
• Total: 310
Meanwhile, year-to-date, from Jan. 1 to June 30, bylaw offcers made 505 inspections compared to 1,049 during the same period in 2023.
City hall demographics
The City of Moose Jaw employed 378 people as of June 30, which was the same number as June 30, 2023, the report showed.
Work experience data showed that:
• Less than fve years: 51.5 per cent
• Five to 10 years: 17.6 per cent
• 10 to 15 years: 11.5 per cent
• 15 to 20 years: 8.2 per cent
• 20 to 25 years: 5.6 per cent
• More than 25 years: 5.6 per cent
Data for employees’ ages showed that:
• Under age 20: 12.2 per cent
• 20 to 30: 20.7 per cent
• 30 to 40: 22.7 per cent
• 40 to 50: 20.9 per cent
• 50 to 60: 13.8 per cent
• Over age 60: 9.7 per cent
CITY HALL
COUNCIL NOTES
THE
NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING
IS MON, SEPT 9.
The Moose Jaw Events Centre has spotty wireless internet connectivity in some areas of the concourse, so it plans to install several devices to speed up entry and enhance food and beverage sales.
During its Aug. 26 regular meeting, city council unanimously approved the Multiplex’s request to purchase and install additional Wi-Fi access points for the arena concourse, with funding to come from the venue’s major equipment control account.
The six extra wireless network access points will cost $9,200. The Events Centre expects to complete installation before the Moose Jaw Warriors’ home opener on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The Events Centre conducted a review of all Wi-Fi access points in 2022 after it brought the services of ticketing and food and beverage in-house and added more concessions, a council report said. That review resulted in the venue installing extra wireless internet points based
Events Centre upgrading Wi-Fi network on concourse to enhance customer service
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
on the need at that time.
During the Warriors’ 2024 playoff run, Ryan Nelson, the City of Moose Jaw’s information services manager, attended several games to gather analytics and data about the existing Wi-Fi’s strength and connectivity, the report continued.
Using this information, Nelson determined that there were several new locations where internet access points could be installed to support connectivity requirements.
“Over the course of the past two years, the concession footprint in the arena has changed, and with it, the needs and locations for Wi-Fi connectivity,” said the report.
“During the ingress to the building and making purchases at certain concessions in the arena concourse, devices for scanning tickets and processing concession transactions can lose connectivity, which can cause delays in patrons effciently entering the building and pur-
chasing within (the) arena.”
The report added that the six new Wi-Fi access points would help devices maintain connectivity, which would elevate customers’ experience as they entered the building and purchased items from concession stands.
Shaunna Fritzler, the Events Centre’s general manager, told council that there would be no additional annual costs for this equipment once it was installed. Meanwhile, the point-of-sale debit/credit machines will remain at concession stands, but the new Wi-Fi devices will be added to beverage-serving areas since the internet in those places is slow and drops off, forcing staff to wait to complete sales.
“I think that anything that ensures good service at our arena in terms of entry and concessions is something we need to do,” said Mayor Clive Tolley.
Property damage that city employees caused and motor vehicle collisions in which they were involved continue to be the two biggest safety issues city hall faces, according to a new report.
The human resources department investigated 30 safety incidents during the second quarter of 2024, the same number during the same period in 2023, according to a second-quarter report presented during the Aug. 26 regular city council meeting.
Incidents data for 2023 and 2024 from April 1 to June 30 showed:
• First Aid: 3 / 3
• Dangerous occurrence: 2 / 0
• Loss-time injury: 0 / 3
• No-loss time: 2 / 1
• Near miss: 4 / 6
• Motor vehicle collision (MVC): 5 / 7
• Property damage: 11 / 7
• Non-occupational (involving a non-employee): 3 / 3
“Safety hazards remain the trending hazard. The city is currently mitigating to prevent future occurrences. Incidents have been trending down since January,” the report said.
To correct these hazards, city hall plans to encourage the members of its occupational health and safety committee (OHC) to understand their skills and abilities better and look at new ways to connect the OHC throughout the city, the document continued.
Communication between buildings and groups could then become more seamless, while issues solved in one
The City of Moose Jaw’s investment portfolios gained more than $650,000 during this year’s second quarter, while they have generated nearly $30 million since they were invested fve years ago.
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location do not need to arise in another before they are solved.
Incidents by department
The departments with the most safety incidents during Q2 were parks and recreation, environmental services, roadways and transit, with parks and rec committing the most property damage, transit requiring the most First Aid, and roadways, the water treatment plant, and environmental services causing — or being involved in — the most MVCs, the data showed.
“The highest incident rate is split between property damage and motor vehicle incidents. This is not surprising (because) many pieces of equipment travel around the city daily,” the report said. “This also makes it a focus on training and education to help prevent incidents in the future.”
City administration believes employee education is important in combatting the high incident rates in these two areas, the document continued. Therefore, safety services will continue to develop the safety management system and educate or train staff on how that system operates.
This training and education will focus on identifying the hazards around the work that staff perform and where more incidents occur.
Labour relations
CUPE fled four new grievances during the second quarter, while an arbitrator resolved fve CUPE grievances and one Unifor grievance, the Q2 report said. As of June 30, there were seven active CUPE grievances, which was a decrease of two from Q1.
During city council’s Aug. 26 regular meeting, the investment committee presented a report dealing with the second-quarter results. Council then voted unanimously to receive and fle the document.
The report showed that there was $79,001,332.15 in the long-term portfolio and $25,387,952.54 in the moderate-term portfolio as of June 30, for a total of $104,389,284.69.
Long-term portfolio
From April 1 to June 30, the long-term portfolio grew by 0.56 per cent and generated $436,064.55. This increased the portfolio to $79,001,332.15 from $78,565,267.60.
Moderate-term portfolio
From April 1 to June 30, the moderate-term portfolio grew by 0.85 per cent and generated $219,634.10. This increased the portfolio to $26,775,103.54, but because the city withdrew $1,387,151 for capital funding, that reduced the portfolio to $25,387,952.54.
Combined, both portfolios gained $655,698.65, but because of the capital investment withdrawal, the overall loss was $731,452.35.
Since the inception of the portfolios in 2019, they have provided total returns of $29,566,564.96, which is equal to about 84 percentage points of municipal taxation, considering one percentage point this year is $352,448.77.
Bylaw amendment
During the Aug. 26 regular meeting, council also gave three unanimous readings to an amendment to Bylaw 5723, City Administration Bylaw Amendment, which updates the investment policy. Those changes — which the investment committee approved in May — include:
Council comments
City administration said a year ago that it would work to reduce safety incidents, specifcally MVCs, but year-to-date, those incidents have doubled to six from three, which is concerning, said Coun. Doug Blanc. He wondered what steps administration was taking to address these problems.
TJ Karwandy, director of human resources, said city employees are not at fault for every incident because residents are sometimes to blame, such as when a vehicle clips the mirror off a bus.
“It does remain one of our trending categories and is certainly something we’re actively looking on, but not every incident means it’s … the fault of a city worker,” he added.
Coun. Jamey Logan said for future quarterly reports, he wanted city administration to separate the statistics of who causes MVCs — staff or residents — since that would clarify the data.
Coun. Kim Robinson expressed frustration with the safety report, pointing out that council agreed to hire a second safety offcer several years ago so that person could help reduce incidents. However, that hasn’t happened, while city administration is now admitting that that data — and other Q2 data — may have been inaccurately recorded.
“I think we need to do a better job of quantifying this data so we can see … (whether) that extra safety person was worth the money to hire (them),” Robinson added.
Adding defnitions about guaranteed investment certifcates (GICs) and the Canadian Insurance Deposit Corporation (CDIC)
With the fxed income pool, the committee considered listing restrictions as “redundant,” so it removed them since they were already on a chart in the policy. Meanwhile, the committee added a national bank, a $100,000 limit per CDIC user and increased the weighting of the overall portfolio to 100 per cent
With the moderate- and long-term portfolios, the committee set issuer maximums at 10 per cent of the entire portfolio or 15 per cent of the asset class while it removed “the redundant information” under cash, fxed income and equities
The committee added “non-investment grade bonds” as a sub-category under “other considerations” since members thought it was important to list such considerations even though RBC doesn’t list them in its internal policy
During the August meeting, fnance director Brian Acker explained that these changes refect “best practices” in the industry and occurred because of a review that portfolio manager RBC Dominion Securities conducted.
“We started in 2019, so fve years have gone by. It’s time to review. We did that,” he said. “Also, many of these changes are an attempt to streamline our policy with our portfolio provider. They have their own policy. So this is an alignment with them.”
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MON, SEPT 9.
It’s been six months since city hall said its virtual city hall program would be ready to unveil to the public, but continued technical glitches keep pushing back the program’s go-live date.
As part of its $2-million Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software program — purchased in 2019 — city administration rolled out the virtual city hall module last year for employees and city council, and, after receiving feedback, made modifcations to address issues, said a second-quarter report presented during the Aug. 26 regular council meeting.
One issue was that there were roughly 4,000 duplicate customers in the ERP software, which occurred after the implementation of the new tax system, the report continued. The fnance department worked on cleaning up those duplicate accounts before launching the virtual city hall this year.
“This work moved into quarter three as there are some complications related to running the customer ID consolidation process without it interfering with the integration fle used to update Business Central,” the document stated. “Further testing is scheduled.”
Finance continued to work with the IT department on a solution during the second quarter to identify the “volume of non-standardized address abbreviations” that required cleaning up. This maintenance is required to ac-
Glitchy virtual city hall program could still launch this
year, city says
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tivate the tax search and certifcate modules within the virtual city hall.
Business Central
With the implementation of the Business Central module, the IT department has set up the reporting environment and developed and rolled out its frst few fnancial reports, the council report said. IT is also working with other departments to “tweak the reports to provide maximum value.”
Through the module, IT created feet reports frst since the operations department identifed those as a signifcant need, while the module also created a report listing all saleable city lands and properties. Meanwhile, in the third quarter, IT continued to develop, modify and roll out reports for Business Central and other software systems.
Cash management
IT worked on implementing the rollout of the cash management module in ERP during Q2, with this module consisting of electronic funds transfers (EFTs) for paying suppliers, the report said. The department spent time working with a technology-focused contractor on the module to test it.
The department is still fnalizing information based on the work it performed with the contractor. It will then test the module once it completes the fnalization,
acquire confrmation from the bank that the Business Central-generated fle satisfes the fnancial institution’s processes, and conclude the remittance advice that the system produced.
“The city is nearing completion of the implementation of its new ERP systems. There are still a few areas to implement and then a period of fne-tuning and refnement will occur throughout 2024,” the report added. “The implementation continues to involve reviewing of all fnancial system processes to gain effciencies and leverage the ERP system to the city’s beneft.”
City hall’s response
City manager Maryse Carmichael told MooseJawToday.com that she is pushing staff to clear up the issues so the virtual city hall can launch. However, she did not know specifcally when the program would go live.
“It’s not a waste of time. I know that before my arrival at the city, there was one solution that was looked at and started. And that didn’t work out, so it had to be another one,” she said, noting having the right system — this one — makes a “tremendous difference” in how the city manages its affairs and remains accountable.
Many residents are asking when virtual city hall will launch because they conduct their business online, so the program will make a difference upon activation, Carmichael added.
Only one city councillor expresses regret over Riverside Mission’s closure
Coun. Dawn Luhning was the only member of city council to say anything during the Aug. 26 regular meeting about Riverside Mission’s closure, as she briefy expressed her dismay.
“Thank you to Riverside Mission for their service to this community over the last number of years. Many of us are now aware of the decision that they’ve made to leave our community,” Luhning said at the start of the meeting during public acknowledgements.
“I just wanted to take an opportunity to say thank you to that organization and to (executive director) Mr. (Joe) Miller and make that statement that that service and those services will be sorely missed in this community,” she continued.
“I just feel a very strong urge to make that comment and thank Mr. Miller and Riverside Mission (for) the services they provided.”
Meanwhile, after the charity permanently closed its doors on Aug. 23, city hall issued a brief statement.
“The City of Moose Jaw is saddened to hear the sudden news of Riverside Mission deciding to close its doors permanently after today’s supper offering. The city would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the individuals who made up the staff and board over the years,” the city
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said.
“They provided support to vulnerable residents in our community and offered valuable services, services we hope will continue through other community organizations,” the statement continued. “Though their current location was no longer viable due to health and safety concerns, we understand how diffcult of a decision this must have been to make.
“We believe in supporting all our residents and their needs and will continue to work with community-based organizations to fll this gap.”
Miller, with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM), told MooseJawToday.com in an exclusive interview that one reason he and the SHRM board decided to shutter the Moose Jaw location is because they became frustrated attempting to acquire a building permit. He had submitted the paperwork three months ago but felt that city hall moved too slowly in approving it.
He also accused city hall of failing to respond to emails or phone calls and not taking the project seriously.
City manager Maryse Carmichael told MooseJawToday.com that city hall was “in constant communication” with Souls Harbour and its project manager about the project, encouraging the charity to fulfll all the necessary
Cost of proposed landfll site still a secret despite its rejection, council says
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The Rural Municipality of Moose Jaw may have denied city hall’s landfll application, but that doesn’t mean the city will now reveal how much it paid for the land, city council says.
City administration presented a report during the Aug. 26 regular city council meeting about departments’ activities during the second quarter — April 1 to June 30 — of this year. Included in the document was information about engineering services’ work on the solid waste management venue project.
The report indicated that engineering services had drafted a conceptual design in Q2 and planned to fnalize it in the third quarter. Furthermore, city hall completed stakeholder and public consultations about the project and had planned to produce a report for Q3.
Meanwhile, the City of Moose Jaw had planned to buy 156.09 hectares (390.23 acres) of land north of the community — surface parcel No. 104136511 NE ¼-2017-26-W2m — for roughly $5.9 million, based on budget estimates. However, that fell through after the RM council denied the city’s discretionary use development application permit.
Also, city manager Maryse Carmichael approved an $85,000 scope change for the future solid waste management venue concept plan.
City hall continued to address the current landfll by signing an agreement with Pinter & Associates Ltd., to conduct a biannual airspace assessment of the existing venue, the report said. Furthermore, the municipality planned to complete a comprehensive assessment of landfll operations, with Pinter also conducting this review.
The city paid Pinter $30,715.68 to conduct the landfll airspace assessment, while it paid the contractor $44,578.32 to conduct the comprehensive review of the dump. The available budget for both was $6,065,710.
During the Aug. 26 meeting, Coun. Heather Eby reminded residents that the city’s discretionary use application failed and the land purchase did not go through because of that rejection.
“I had a call asking me about how much we paid for that land. And I said I believed it was still a confdential number, and as we know, it is still a confdential number. However, somehow, the person had the number,” she said.
“I just think it’s important to remember that even though … it’s reported in (the report) … some of that information is still confdential,” Eby continued.
“And as councillors and administration, we all know that it is incumbent upon us to keep that number confdential because we are not doing anybody any favours by sharing that.”
permit requirements. However, the city did not reach a point where it could issue the development permit. Issuing a building permit takes time — usually three to four weeks for residential projects and six to eight weeks for small- to medium-sized commercial initiatives — although it may take longer for bigger projects if there are issues, she said. For example, it took city hall several months to approve the building permit for the Canadian Tire project.
Besides the municipality, city hall must consult with other agencies on some permits — such as the fre department and public health — before approving them. When asked, Carmichael declined to give reasons about what the sticking points were for the Riverside Mission application, saying that information was private.
Oh Clark’s
Record home market prices, supply shortage largely result of pandemic era federal policy
With an upcoming announcement from the Bank of Canada expected on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 4, several homeowners are closely watching interest rates with many expressing concerns about the end of temporarily reduced rates introduced by the federal government during the pandemic.
To shed some light on the current housing market, Janelle Bookout, a mobile mortgage specialist with the Conexus Credit Union shared a few insights on what homeowners and future home buyers might expect in the upcoming months.
Competitive housing market
Homeowners or those in the market for a home will quickly see that the housing market in Moose Jaw — in alignment with the rest of Canada — is now in a very competitive position.
“We are seeing bidding wars on some properties,” Bookout said. “There is a very large amount of homebuyers, some new homebuyers, and some out-of-province homebuyers sitting on the sidelines. As soon as the perfect property comes up, they jump on it.”
Even though interest rates have skyrocketed, Bookout said this doesn’t seem to deter anybody from making a home purchase.
“What I will say is that the increase to the interest rate hasn’t come up high enough to have a huge impact on the housing market in Saskatchewan,” she observed.
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Owing to supply and demand considerations, buyers are accepting higher interest rates because of a shortage of housing options across the province and Moose Jaw is no exception.
Pandemic spending
The unusual situation faced by homebuyers is the result of federal government policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The jump to our interest rates was specifcally a result of infation during COVID,” Bookout explained. “The federal government was scared that… when COVID hit and everything was shut down, that nobody was going to spend money. So, they made borrowing money very cheap and enticing at a one or two per cent mortgage rate…”
The result was, perhaps, predictable: the housing market became deluged across the country and people who were not even
looking to purchase housing at the time began putting in offers.
“I believe 2021 was a record setting year (for home purchasing),” Bookout added.
“My opinion is that the situation we fnd ourselves in right now is not something that anybody has lived through in our adult lifetimes with interest rates having increased as quickly as they did,” she said.
Perspective
“A lot of the concern with the rise in interest rates, I would say, comes from homebuyers who purchased in 2020 or 2021 when rates were at an all-time low and their mortgages are coming up for renewal in the near future — this year, next year, and the year after,” Bookout explained.
She said homebuyers with variable rate mortgages are feeling concerned because of a potential jump from a one or two per cent borrowing rate into a fgure that could be as high as four, fve, or six per cent when their fve-year term comes up for renewal.
Before the pandemic on Jan. 1, 2020, the fve-year fxed lending rate was at 3.04 per cent and prime was at 3.95 per cent. The pandemic was announced on Mar. 20, 2020, and by December 2021 the fve-year rate was 1.84 per cent and prime was sitting at 2.45 per cent.
This year, prime was at 7.2 per cent in January and in July it was at 6.7 per cent.
The interest rate is currently 4.64 per cent as of July 2024 for a fve-year fxed rate. This is the contrasting situation that now concerns homeowners.
To justify these concerns, the average price of homes in Moose Jaw was $247,600 in July 2024. This marks an increase of 6.9 per cent compared to July 2023. At the same time, inventory has decreased 26.6 per cent in the same one-year period.
For comparison, it took the past 10 years for inventory to decrease by 51.2 per cent.
The prime rate is the annual interest rate set by the Bank of Canada. All major banks, credit unions, and other fnancial institutions in Canada use this fgure to set interest rates for variable loans including variable-rate mortgages and lines of credit. This rate affects the amount of interest you pay on loans.
Regardless of the economic forecast, Bookout said it’s always a good idea to speak with your fnancial advisor to explore your options and ensure peace of mind.
To speak with an expert, simply contact your bank or credit union and request an appointment. To speak with Janelle Bookout at the Conexus Credit Union, visit Conexus.ca/Janelle-Bookout.
The Conexus Credit Union is located at 80 High Street West and can be reached at 306-690-1449.
Homeowners anticipate further prime rate reduction in early September
Canada’s central bank, the Bank of Canada, is set to announce the next policy interest rate announcement on Wednesday, Sept. 4, and many homeowners are eager to see what could become the third decrease to the prime rate in 2024.
To explore some insights surrounding the upcoming announcement, Janelle Bookout, a mobile mortgage specialist with the Conexus Credit Union has offered to share some advice.
Leading up to 2024, the central bank’s policy interest rate underwent a rare spike triggered by the federal government’s concerns that spending might be drastically reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in
2020 and 2021 primarily.
In an attempt to offset the spending decline predicted during the pandemic years, the government lowered the interest rate from 3.04 per cent on Jan. 1, 2020, to 1.84 per cent by December 2021. Similarly, the central bank lowered the prime rate from 3.95 per cent to 2.45 per cent by December 2021.
Following the pandemic, the prime rate had climbed to 7.2 per cent in January 2024 and the interest rate is currently at 4.64 per cent as of July 2024. These rates now appear to be trending down in slow increments.
In June 2024, the prime rate dropped
ENFORCEMENT LIST
VILLAGE OF EYEBROW
PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN
Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before November 4, 2024, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.
0.25 per cent from 7.2 to 6.95 per cent, and in July 2024 prime dropped again by the same 0.25 per cent from 6.95 to 6.7 per cent.
“So, prime this year has gone from 7.2 per cent in January, and in July we’re seeing prime at 6.7 per cent,” Bookout confrmed.
If the trend continues — which appears to be likely — it’s reasonable to predict that the next announcement will declare an additional quarter-point drop from 6.7 to 6.45 per cent.
“My anticipation based on July’s infation (rate) is that we will see another drop, I hope. Fingers crossed,” Bookout opined.
If this is indeed the case, it will be the third rate decrease to prime in 2024 alone.
“There are so many factors that impact Canadian interest rates as a whole,” she said. “I’m going to say in the next year to two years, we may see some volatility.”
This possible volatility, she explained, is largely due to the upcoming federal election currently set for October 2025.
“With the federal election… may come some changes that may change the current interest rate landscape,” she said. Homeowners who are looking forward can review party policies and new political developments to gain a few insights into what may lie ahead.
There are many variables to explore when it comes to making a sound economic prediction.
“Life is busy,” she said. “Trying to pay attention to all of these factors that impact their interest rates can be challenging for people, and so I suggest just reaching out (to a fnancial specialist).”
To speak with a fnancial advisor, simply contact your bank or credit union and request an appointment. To speak with Janelle Bookout at the Conexus Credit Union, visit Conexus.ca/Janelle-Bookout.
The Conexus Credit Union is located at 80 High Street West and can be reached at 306-690-1449.
* Penalty is calculated to the date of the
and will continue to accrue as
Although the upcoming announcement cannot be predicted with a high level of certainty due to the complex variables involved in the decision, the trend does appear to be lowering.
To read the latest Bank of Canada announcement on Sept. 4, visit BankofCanada.ca, ‘Bank of Canada’ on X (formerly Twitter), or ‘thebankofcanada’ on Instagram.
All Bank of Canada interest rate announcements are published at 9:45 a.m. ET (8:45 a.m. CT for Saskatchewan residents).
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The Conexus Credit Union is located at 80 High Street West. Photo by: Aaron Walker
The Bank of Canada in Ottawa serves as Canada’s central bank. Photo by: Bank of Canada/Facebook
RED HOT DEALS
Homeowners and frst time homebuyers may beneft from a few lesser-known programs
To address the concerns of homeowners and frst-time homebuyers in Moose Jaw’s current housing market, Janelle Bookout, a mobile mortgage specialist with the Conexus Credit Union has offered some advice on a few lesser-known programs that could help residents navigate the economic situation.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
One of the leading concerns among frst-time homebuyers is the challenge of saving for a down payment.
“The federal government has a new program introduced… late in 2023 and it’s called the First Home Savings Account (FHSA),” Bookout explained. “The FHSA provides a real advantage to anybody who’s looking to buy this year or even in the next few years.”
Any contributions made to the FHSA will be set aside with the same benefts as an RRSP. Contributions can come from personal savings or gifts, and a portion can be automatically contributed from each paycheck. As a bonus, the contribution may also offer a tax break for the contributed amount.
The program has a limit of $8,000 per person per year for a lifetime maximum of $40,000 — enough to make a suitable down payment on a house.
“The beautiful thing is you don’t have to put money into the savings account and wait to use it,” Bookout explained. “If an immediate family member gifts you the down payment on a Monday, you can put it into your FHSA and then withdraw it on Tuesday to buy your house. There’s no waiting period on it.”
For more information, visit Canada. ca and search for “First Home Savings Account (FHSA).”
Canadian Mortgage Charter
In the 2024 federal budget, the Government of Canada announced it would
Furrows and Faith
Retirement Villa
amend mortgage rules to now permit up to 30-year mortgage terms for frst-time homebuyers who are purchasing new builds.
Prior to Aug. 1, homebuyers with a down payment of 20 per cent or less were required to take a 25-year amortization on their home. That 25-year term was the maximum allowable term for this purpose, Bookout explained.
Starting Aug. 1, the Canadian Mortgage Charter has been strengthened to help more Canadians purchase their frst home and receive lower monthly payments. “This is about restoring generational fairness to the housing market for younger Canadians,” the government’s website stated.
Bookout added that the federal program also seeks to address the current housing shortage.
“We have a housing shortage in Saskatchewan and Canada, so the federal
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government is looking to promote new housing developments because we are so in need of it,” Bookout explained.
With a 30-year amortization term, the result for new home buyers is a decreased monthly mortgage payment which is intended to help manage cashfow.
A frst-time homebuyer is defned as a borrower who has never purchased a home before, has not occupied a principal place of residence in the past four years that they or their current spouse or common-law partner owned, or a borrower who is recently divorced (as defned in the Home Buyers’ Plan).
A newly constructed home is a property that is recently constructed and was not previously occupied for residential purposes.
For more information, visit Canada. ca and search for “Canadian Mortgage Charter.”
Saskatchewan Secondary Suite Incen-
tive Program
“I’m also encouraging many of my homebuyers… to look into the Saskatchewan Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSI),” Bookout added.
The SSI grant program is intended to increase the number of available rental units in the province and to improve housing affordability by allowing homeowners to generate supplementary income.
“This doesn’t just have to be on brand new builds,” she said. “This program can be on an existing house or a brand new house, but the house must be owner occupied.”
The program could offer as much as $35,000 through a federal grant to develop a rental suite on the property of qualifed homeowners, so it’s worth investigating.
“This is something that not enough people know about…. And it could open some doors,” Bookout said.
For more information about the SSI grant program and to confrm eligibility, visit Saskatchewan.ca.
“The tagline that I’ve used for some of my clients is ‘Date the rate; marry the house,’” Bookout said. “The important thing is just budgeting and focusing on what’s in your control.”
Finding out what’s in your power to control will help turn around what can be a confusing or frustrating situation. It’s always best to speak with a mortgage expert to leverage their expertise. To speak with a fnancial advisor, simply contact your bank or credit union and request an appointment.
To speak with Janelle Bookout at the Conexus Credit Union, visit Conexus.ca/ Janelle-Bookout.
The Conexus Credit Union is located at 80 High Street West and can be reached at 306-690-1449.
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The Conexus Credit Union is located at 80 High Street West. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Congrats New Parents!
Senior’s symposium to help older adults learn about programs, services, and other options
On Oct. 1, the United Nations (UN) will universally observe what it calls the International Day of Older Persons with the goal of recognizing the many contributions made by older adults worldwide. The occasion also aims to highlight and explore the issues that affect this demographic.
To honour the occasion, a senior symposium is being planned for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the Timothy Eaton Gardens’ XYZ Auditorium with a starting time yet to be determined.
Attendance is free of charge and the event will be organized on a come-and-go basis.
The symposium will also take place during Senior’s Week in Saskatchewan, which is a week dedicated to the recognition of roles played by older adults every day and in every community. This year’s week of recognition will run from Tuesday, Oct. 1 to Monday, Oct. 7.
“Everybody can get a table and then it’s kind of like one of our craft shows… where tables are set up and anybody is welcome to come in, sit down, and talk to see if they can get any information from any of these tables,” explained Tanya Legare, administrator of the Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizen’s Association (MJDSCA). The MJDSCA is involved in the planning for the senior’s symposium and is based out of the Timothy Eaton Gardens.
The symposium is meant to help provide older adults with a wide range of practical and helpful information relevant to their current circumstances. Although
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vendors are still confrming their attendance as of Aug. 28, Legare said she’s looking to see several retirement homes, assisted living facilities, mobility services, health care providers, and similar service providers in attendance.
“(The symposium is offered) in case you need a future reference for a senior or if you’re looking towards the future (and exploring) all your options,” she explained.
This year’s celebration of Senior’s Week will open at the Timothy Eaton Gardens with a return of the association’s annual $5 pancake breakfast provided onsite at the venue.
“And then throughout the week we’re hoping to have other (subjects, speakers, program options) and stuff like that,” Legare added.
Some of these topics are set to include a presentation by the Moose Jaw Police Service covering fraud cases and scams that specifcally target seniors, and Legare hopes to have another speaker to follow the lead of last year’s senior gentleman who spoke about his journey through life with a disability.
To learn more about seniors’ services offered by the provincial government, visit Saskatchewan.ca and search for “Seniors Services.” To learn about the UN’s International Day of Older Persons, visit UN.org/En/ Observances/Older-Persons-Day.
For more information about the MJDSCA and its role in helping adults over the age of 55 remain social and active, visit MooseJawSeniors.ca or call the association at 306-694-4223.
The senior symposium will take place at the Timothy Eaton Gardens at 510 Main Street North.
The senior symposium hosted by the Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizen’s Association will take place at the Timothy Eaton Gardens at 510 Main Street North. Photo by: Aaron Walker
New season, same goals: Warriors’ Ripplinger looks at upcoming campaign and defence of WHL title
After the greatest season in Moose Jaw Warriors history, team looking forward to what’s ahead, beginning with training camp Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
40 years, the Moose Jaw Warriors went into every Western Hockey League campaign with the question ‘what if?’
What if this is fnally the year? What if this is the season where it all comes together and they take a run at the frst-ever WHL championship in team history? And what if they actually fnd a way to win it all?
During the 2023-24 season, the Warriors and their fans fnally got answers to all those questions, with the team sweeping the Portland Winterhawks in the championship series and touching off a couple of weeks of celebrations that carried all the way over into their return from the Memorial Cup.
As one might expect, it’s hard to turn the page on those memories, but the Aug. 30 marked that time.
A total of 91 players went through the rigours of ftness testing to open training camp, with camp proper beginning a day later with the frst rookie camp ice sessions and the frst time players from the 2023-24 team were back on the ice at the Moose Jaw Events Centre in a competitive capacity.
And as tough as it is to leave last season behind, it’s all systems go for general manager Jason Ripplinger and crew as eyes turn toward 2024-25.
“Obviously I’ll never completely turn back on that one,” Ripplinger said with grin during a chat in his offce shortly af-
ter ftness testing wrapped up. “To win a championship, especially in Moose Jaw as a small community with all the fans and everybody being behind us, was great. That means the summer was short, but we aren’t going to complain about it.
“The biggest thing for us is that it took 40 years for the franchise to get there and now we’re in a new season,” he continued.
“There are roughly 16 players coming back and it’s their time to be leaders, try and move this organization forward and win here again.”
Needless to say, the Warriors have lost some incredibly valuable pieces from last season. Gone are powerhouse graduates
Atley Calvert, Martin Rysavy and Lucas Brenton, with 20-year-old captain Denton Mateychuk and fellow overage forwards Jagger Firkus and Matthew Savoie already pencilled out of the line-up as they look toward their pro careers.
All their moving on does is open spots for players to step into their roles, Ripplinger says, with the quest in that direction beginning with camp.
“There’s only one Jagger Firkus, one Denton Mateychuk, and all these other players, if they can become better than those guys, who knows?” he said. “They have to put the work into it and moving forward with these players, I believe in them and I believe that we can be a real competitive team.’
The Warriors’ 20-year-old situation is already potentially settled, with forwards Brayden Schuurman and Rilen Kovacevic joined by defenceman Kalem Parker. Parker is a Minnesota Wild late-rounder and could end up playing pro this season, which would open an overage spot.
Another early question is what will happen with 19-year-old standout Brayden Yager, who spent Warriors training camp in Winnipeg after being traded to the Jets by Pittsburgh a week earlier. If he doesn’t crack the Jets line-up outright, he’ll be back in Moose Jaw, and almost certainly will become the team’s captain.
The Warriors’ import situation is up in the air. Defenceman Voytech Port is in camp and was off to Anaheim to try and crack the Ducks roster as a 19-yearold, but will very likely return to Moose Jaw. The team’s selection this past summer, Dominik Pavlik, is trying his hand at cracking a pro roster as a 17-year-old in
Finland but will join the Warriors if that venture falls short.
One thing that’s for certain is the Warriors will defnitely be a different-looking team compared to the offensive powerhouse they felded in 2023-24.
“Every year and every time you win your teams are going to be different, that’s how it is in junior hockey,” Ripplinger said. “For our team this year, I think it’s going to be from the backend out. I believe we might have the best goalie in the league (Jackson Unger), a guy who won a championship at 18. Then we lose some defence, but we gain some quality defencemen coming back.… we might be nothing like last year, but the coaching staff will work with the players, develop them, and we’ll go day by day.”
One concern that every team goes through following a title win is complacency -- will the organization, especially one as long-suffering as the Warriors were prior to last season, be happy to sit on their laurels?
“I do worry about it, but it’s up to myself and Mark O’Leary to make sure there isn’t any complacency in the dressing room, the front offce, anywhere in the organization,” Ripplinger said matter-of-factly. “Last year was a great year, it’s over, we move on and it’s time to start a new legacy.”
Warriors show of-season strides during ftness testing as 2024 training camp begins
Athletic therapist Richardson talks importance of testing and how players have progressed in a short time Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
As the Moose Jaw Warriors prepared for their 2024 Western Hockey League training camp, there was a bit of a question as to how the frst event of the pre-season would go.
Heading into a normal season, returning players would have had the better part of four months or so to work on their strength and conditioning, with the goal of putting up some good numbers during ftness testing to open camp.
That wasn’t the case this time around -- thanks to their WHL Championship and appearance in the Memorial Cup, the Warriors veterans had only had a couple of months away from the Moose Jaw Events Centre before it was time to do it all over again.
As it turns out, winning that title apparently lit a fre under both veterans and rookies alike, with the team seeing impressive improvement and solid scores from players despite the relatively short time away.
“Especially some of the guys who came back, even though it was a quick summer turnaround a lot of the guys have put on good healthy weight and are moving quicker, jumping higher and scoring better,” said Warriors athletic therapist
Layne Richardson. “So even though it was such a short off-season, only a couple of months, there’s defnitely a lot of improvement… It shows that they took their two weeks or so off and then got right back to work.”
The testing regimen is much the same as it has been for years -- pull-ups, straightline sprints, standing vertical jump, long jump, shuttle runs and the dreaded beep test all put the players through their paces.
The main goal is to see how they improve from year to year, beginning with a base set of numbers for frst-year rookies and going season by season from there. The testing also gives Richardson an idea of where their strength and conditioning is in case of an injury, which can be valuable when it comes to a player’s potential return.
“We can see where their strength was at the start of the season and make sure they’re at that stage when they come back,” Richardson explained. “And it shows us how guys compare to their peers and how much they’re improving season to season, which can be valuable.”
Players are also under the watchful eyes of the Warriors front offce and onice staff throughout the testing, and a sol-
id showing can have benefts beyond just numbers on a chart for future comparison.
“It’s not the end all, be all by any means, but it shows the work and the time they’ve put in and their dedication to becoming a better player,” Richardson said. “You won’t get cut because of ftness testing, but if it goes really well you might get a few more eyes when you’re on the ice.”
Fitness testing also marks the beginning of an incredibly busy weekend for both Richardson and equipment manager Tanner Arnold -- Richardson will be wrangling any injuries that come up during the weekend, and Arnold will have tons of gear to deal with seeing as there are 91 players on the ice beginning with the frst rookie sessions on Thursday morning.
“It’s just managing the time and making sure guys know that there’s 90 of them and one of me and if someone is hurt my attention will go to him,” Richardson said.
“Then I have to keep an eye on the ice all the time, so it’s busy and I just give and take my time.
“It’s a whirlwind, it’s the busiest time of the year, but it’s the most fun time of the year because everyone is excited to be playing everyone is looking forward to the new season.”
Lynden Lakovic and the Moose Jaw Warriors will be hoping for similar scenes as this in the late spring of 2025.
Action from the Moose Jaw Warriors ftness testing to open their 2024 training camp on Wednesday afternoon.
Warriors’
coach O’Leary happy with what he’s seen from team in early stages
of training camp
Main camp practices on Thursday ofer frst look at returning veterans as team begins defence of WHL title Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
While the Moose Jaw Warriors rookies were going through their paces to open the on-ice portion of training camp Wednesday, it also marked the frst time the team’s veterans were able to do the same since the end of their storybook 2023-24 campaign.
Returnees were broken into main camp scrimmage teams and took the ice in two practices at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, working through the earliest of early season kinks while also picking up on a few new wrinkles in the Warriors’ system.
And while it’s still the opening stages of literally everything, head coach Mark O’Leary is already pleased with what he’s seen from his troops -- and that’s as positive sign as could be given their goal of defending their WHL championship.
“I’m really happy with the pace, our effort and compete was there, that’s where it has to start and I expect nothing different,” O’Leary said after Team 2 wrapped up their ice session Wednesday afternoon.
“We want to be stacking good days, that’s what we did last year. You don’t
The Moose Jaw Warriors listen to instructions from head coach Mark O’Leary during the second main camp practice on Thursday afternoon.
need to be playing your best hockey in September, but you want to make progress. That’s the goal right now, you stack a bunch of good days and they add up to a really good fnish.”
The Warriors expect to have in the area of 16 returnees this season, meaning the frst practices were loaded with
veteran talent. With their winning pedigree, the goal is to regain and enhance the habits that became ingrained during their title-winning campaign and put them to good use immediately.’
“Habits are number one, we’ve made some tweaks to our systems that we’re working through right now and we use training camp for that,” O’Leary said.
last season come back hungry for even more when they’ve already accomplished so much?
The answer in the early going is ‘most defnitely’.
“That was the message Wednesday after ftness testing,” O’Leary said. “It would be really easy to come in here maybe not being in the best shape, but I’m really proud of the guys who came back after the short summer… they put in the work to improve themselves and I haven’t seen any complacency at all.”
The Warriors will have a handful of players heading off to NHL training camps in the near future, meaning that a handful of youngsters will have a chance to step up and have an impact when they otherwise might not have.
Seizing that opportunity will be one of the things O’Leary will be looking for from the team’s up-and-coming talent, and ideally that carries over right into the regular season.
this year
The Lynbrook Golf Club sees another hole in one
Congratulations
“But for the most part it’s habits, because habits beat systems all day long. Our effort and compete has to be there, and that’s all part of the boring things that add up to good days.”
One major factor coming into the season and a natural concern was complacency. Would the players who won the title
“We want to have a fast start to the season, we might not have our entire team with guys at NHL camps, but that’s fne,” O’Leary said. “We’ve lost a lot of good players, too, so it opens up some good spots for players who want that opportunity.”
Training camp continued throughout the weekend, with rookie camp wrapping up Friday and the full main camp scrimmages running all day Saturday followed by the Black White Intrasquad game on Sunday.
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THE PERFECT FIND
to Deb Higgins who scored a hole-in-one on Thursday, August 22, 2024, on hole #7 at the Lynbrook Golf Club. Witnesses included Deb Firth, Nadine Multon, and Bonnie Trumbley.
Warriors youngsters looking to turn heads as rookie camp scrimmages begin
Moose Jaw Warriors prospects Cooper Perrin and Nash Coquet are undoubtedly very familiar with each other’s game.
The duo suited up for the Saskatoon Outlaws in the Sask AA U15 Hockey League last season and played well enough that the Warriors picked both in the Western Hockey League Prospects Draft this past spring.
Fast forward to Thursday afternoon and the second scrimmage of rookie camp on Thursday afternoon at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, and the two former teammates found themselves going head-tohead, with Perrin’s Team Red taking a 3-2 shootout victory over Coquet’s Team Black.
And while both 15-year-olds will be returning to their respective AAA teams at the end of camp, having the chance to experience the WHL for the frst time has been nothing but a positive experience.
“It’s been good getting my legs going, getting a feel for the energy and I’m looking forward to the next game,” said Perrin, who was the Warriors’ second selection in the 2024 Draft, 99th overall in the ffth round. “It’s so awesome to be here, it’s a great city, and when you’re on this team everyone knows who you are. It’s really cool.”
Coqeut -- the Warriors’ fnal pick in 2024, 239th overall -- was of much the same opinion, adding that playing alongside some of the best players in his age group in western Canada has added to the fun.
“It’s good, the pace is fast,” he said. “Playing with so much good talent is awesome, and meeting new guys from all over the place is awesome, too. It’s been a lot of fun.”
A 5-foot-11, 175-pound defenceman, Perrin put up 10 goals and 29 points in 24 games with the Outlaws last season, while Coquet, a 5-foot-9, 153-pound centre, racked up 21 goals and 51 points over 27 games.
Both have turned heads early in camp and are enjoying the opportunity to showcase their abilities to the Warriors brass.
“I just want to get to know the guys and get used to the organization,” Perrin said. “It’s been good, the older guys have been really nice, it’s great being around them. Some of them have been around the NHL, too, so it’s cool to be around them and learn from them.”
Both players have had a chance to interact with the Warriors’ returning veterans through the frst couple days of camp, and look forward to having a chance to learn even more should they crack main camp.
“They’re great role models and you want to follow guys lke that,” Coquet said. “Looking up to them, they’re where you want to be in the future… and to have a chance to be on the ice with them in main camp would be a dream, it would be really awesome.”
As 2009-born players, both are a year away from being able to play full-time in the WHL and will be returned to their respective Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League teams at the end of camp -- Perrin with the Saskatoon Blazers, Coquet with the Saskatoon Contacts.
From there, the plan will be to develop their games as much as possible and ideally take a good run at cracking the team as 16-year-olds during the 2025-26 campaign.
Another small town information source lost
It was a mid-August day when I got the mail.
The mail included the weekly Herbert Herald newspaper. A large headline on the front page shouted: Important announcement on Page Three.
I wondered what it was, turned to the page and discovered the Herald had just published its last edition after 113 years.
My partner/wife and I were both disappointed when we read the announcement.
The owners’ reasons for closing said costs have been rising, advertising has declined and businesses use “free ’’ Facebook.
We have subscribed to the Herald for years with our frst time to read the news from Parkbeg-Mortlach where we have roots. The correspondent did an excellent job informing what was happening in those communities
When she died the new person was less prolifc and less frequent, until she quit.
We still took the Herald for coverage of Morse, Chaplin, Central Butte, Riverhurst and Herbert.
Detailed coverage of town council meetings became a must read that we enjoyed.
Aside from the mundane reports and accounts, the
stories described delegations to council and the ensuing discussions.
The council coverage also told of the numerous equipment failures leading us to believe the parsimonious council would be better off buying newer, more expensive equipment.
Regular stories about local health care, community events, libraries and the school division kept the community informed as did the ads to learn what is available.
Some observers might wonder how the Herald was managed. I think it was well managed, with a monthly edition that went to 5,000 homes adding to revenues. Paid circulation has been around 1,700.
Small town weekly newspapers are having a hard time with the loss of advertising and readers.
Five years ago the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association website listed 65 newspapers with 500,000 circulation.
The circulation loss included Saskatoon and Regina daily papers closure of weekly publications.
Now the website lists 51 weekly papers and 337,000 circulation.
Closure of the oldest business in Herbert leaves a gap
By Ron Walter For
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily refect the position of this publication.
in information sources. Only two small town newspapers are left in this region — Gravelbourg and Assiniboia. Loss of the Herald means a signifcant number of residents have no source of local information. Newspapers form a vital part of the community fabric.
Facebook may become the alternative but large numbers of people do not use the medium, or choose not to expose what they ate for dinner. Some younger people choose other online media.
And Facebook posts aren’t subject to the scrutiny of an editor. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
West Park Crossing to help Running Wild Rescue with upcoming community garage sale
As part of its community outreach and to pay it forward to a local non-proft who helps bring smiles to senior’s faces, Aspira West Park Crossing is holding a community garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 7 in support of Running Wild Rescue and everyone’s welcome to attend.
The community garage sale will be held on the main foor of the retirement residence and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
“We’re hoping to have the community of Moose Jaw come out to support the animal shelter here in town,” announced Charlene Rivard, West Park Crossing’s sales advisor in Moose Jaw.
In addition to complementary afternoon tours of the residence, snacks including popcorn and drinks will be provided for guests and Running Wild Rescue will bring in a few adoptable cats and dogs for people to meet and interact with.
The partnership isn’t new for the retirement villa. Currently, Running Wild Rescue stops by to conduct a voluntary “animal hour” program where residents can meet, hold, pet, and brush the animals on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
“They (Running Wild Rescue) come in and they spend half an hour over at the
We are hosting a garage sale on Saturday September 7 from 9:00am - 1:00pm Furniture, household items, clothing, Knick knacks etc. Refreshments & snacks provided, while you are here, please join us for s tour and enter to win a gift basket.
Running Wild Rescue is a non pro t organization founded in 2018 and based out of Moose Jaw. Once an animal comes into our care we get them spayed or neutered and get them up to date on their vaccinations and microchipped. Our end goal is to get them adopted out into their forever homes.
arbour, and our residents are able to pet the puppy or a cat (and) just have that social interaction with the animals which is really valuable for them,” Rivard said. “And then they come over into the independent side and do the same thing…”
Rivard said she’s received plenty of positive feedback from residents who attended past animal hour meetings and the interactions always seem to elevate everyone’s spirits.
Now, Rivard is hoping to pay it forward after learning that the non-proft has had some ongoing challenges with funding its operation.
“We suggested, ‘Why don’t we team up together?’” Rivard said. “You bring your donations, we will also supply donations, and hopefully the community of Moose Jaw will come out (and show its support).”
Jasmin Wenarchuk, the founder of Running Wild Rescue, confrmed that the non-proft will be bringing a few animals and adoption requests will be accepted during the garage sale.
“The money (raised from the garage sale) actually goes toward the vet care of the animals and helps us be able to fx them, look after any upcoming (veterinary) bills… (and) keeps us afoat,” Wenarchuk said.
“We’re excited to be there and get some animals adopted, and (we’re) excited to see what it all brings in,” she concluded.
Everyone’s welcome to contribute to the garage sale by donating gently used practical items. If you wish to donate in support of Runing Wild Rescue, you can call the residence as long as donations can be delivered on or before Friday, Sept. 6. Aspira West Park Crossing is located at 1801 Meier Drive and the reception desk can be reached at 306-694-4744. For more information visit AspiraLife.ca. To learn more about Running Wild Rescue, call 306-313-1558, email RunningWild.Rescue@gmail.com, or visit ‘Running Wild Rescue’ on Facebook.
Across Canada, Running Wild Rescue currently has around 80 dogs and 120 cats in its care. In Moose Jaw’s location, there are approximately 15 dogs and 30 cats in need of a new forever home. Aside from helping with the adoption of these pets, and during a very busy season for stray cats and kittens — the Humane Society’s ongoing adoption freeze for cats is a further indication of this — the shelter also requires monetary support to fnance its operations.
Moose Jaw Express
Ozark (top) is currently up for adoption through Running Wild Rescue and loves playing with his brothers while awaiting his forever home. The upcoming community garage sale at Aspira West Park Crossing will help support the shelter in its mission to get Ozark and around 44 other local pets adopted by a loving family.
Photo by: Running Wild Rescue
‘Touch a Truck’ will return for its third annual event on Sept. 7
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
On Saturday, Sept. 7, you can revisit your childhood curiosities and bring your kids to the third annual Touch a Truck event held at the Moose Jaw Events Centre. At the event, children will see a wide variety of vehicles, climb aboard, honk the horn, and meet the people who operate them.
The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and admission is free for families with attending children who are eight years old or younger.
“We’re celebrating National and International Literacy Day… with an event for children to learn new things and learn in a new way,” explained Christine Boyczuk, the literacy co-ordinator for the Moose Jaw Literacy Network that helped plan the original event.
“The whole idea with children is that they (get to) experience really interesting things with their families,” she continued. “(I)t’s (something) kids would otherwise not get to do — for example, being in an ambulance or the inside of a police car.”
All activities are geared toward boys and girls with an interest in everything mechanical.
Local businesses and organizations have an opportunity to engage with the community and leave a positive, lasting impression with youths. Any local organization with a vehicle is invited to sign up and registration is free of charge. Promotional materials and free swag are also welcome.
The event differs from a car show in that it allows you to interact with the vehicles, rather than having them remain on static display. From loader buckets curling to engines revving and sirens blaring, children can see how various pieces of equipment work right from the operator’s seat.
To enhance learning, there’ll be fun and interactive games on site and children will receive a free book courtesy of the Moose Jaw Literacy Network and the Early Years Family Resource Centre.
Last year’s event was “fantastic,” according to Boyczuk. She said that around 37 of the projected 40 vehicles attended
and, following the event, a survey accessed through a provided QR code confrmed “a lot of very positive feedback.”
A similar feedback channel is planned for this year as well.
If you’re looking to register, categories include emergency and military vehicles, commercial and construction equipment, farm equipment, and any unique, rare, or novelty vehicles.
Emergency vehicles will include police cruisers, fretrucks, and ambulances; commercial and construction equipment includes dump trucks, cement mixers, and 18-wheelers among others; farm equipment includes tractors and ploughs; rare or unique vehicles can include anything from limousines to monster trucks to antique cars and trucks.
“There might be a surprise display (this year), but I can’t say what it is at this point,” Boyczuk announced. “(Each year) we try to do something different from what we’ve had before.
“Hopefully the kids and parents will come out and have a great time,” she concluded.
For children with sensory concerns, event organizers will address this by turning lights and sirens off between 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. for sensory sensitive time.
Event organizers also wish to remind parents that children who attend must be accompanied by an adult.
Touch a Truck is hosted by the Moose Jaw Early Years Family Resource Centre and is sponsored by the Moose Jaw and District Early Years Coalition, the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, the Moose Jaw Literacy Network, and the Moose Jaw Public Library.
To register your vehicle or for further information, contact Wanda Peakman at 306-691-0202 or Christine Boyczuk at 306-693-0609.
The Moose Jaw Events Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest and the event will once again be held on the east side of the building facing First Avenue.
Truck building to open
Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Grand opening of the new truck building at the Sukanen Ship Museum is set for 1:45 pm on Saturday during the frst day of the threshing bee.
The building will be named the Hart Building to recognize Lorne Hart, long time museum volunteer and board member, who donated $120,000 for the new building.
A news story in the Aug.27 Moose Jaw Express incorrectly said the donation was $70,000.
Without his generous help the building would not have been erected. Located near the elevator, the Hart Building will be open for viewing after the grand opening ceremony.
Old Time Threshing Bee
Saturday Sept. 7 & Sunday Sept. 8
Saturday Activities
8am to 10am - PANCAKE BREAKFAST 11am - TRACTOR PARADE 1pm - CAR TRUCK PARADE 2:30pm - THRESHING DEMO
The Statistics Canada satellite yield survey indicates average yield of wheat up 5.9 per cent to 48.5 bushels and acre.
Wheat acreage is down 1.6 per cent.
Canola yields are up 1.9 per cent to 39.9 bushels an acre while fax and mustard yields are up 10 per cent and 11.9 per cent respectively.
Lentil production will increase 54 per cent based on higher acreage while chickpeas will increase 107 per cent, again from more acres.
Field pea production is up 15.3 per cent on more area seeded.
A 4.3 per cent increase in wheat production is led by durum up 47 per cent with average yields increasing 35.8 per cent.
Barley is the major cereal crop with lower production, down 2.1per cent on reduced plantings.
Moose Jaw Truck Shop
WANTED
Seeking Born Again Christian Business partner with potential ownership in Second Hand and Flea- Market business. Male, Female or Family must be interested in Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Outreach Ministry . Serious enquiries only please. 306-684-1084, 5 pm- 8pm ONLY (because of scam calls)
Wanted to buy, Volkswagen Beetle intact with air cooled rear engine. Please call 306-5260016.
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, fnishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofng/ siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Cleaner with 20 years experience, professional and bondable, please call Rebecca at 306-9900348
Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw, $60 and up. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances and furniture any where in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon
plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $20 each. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver TV’s and BBQ’s, $20 and up. Looking for body parts for 2017 F250. 306-681-8747
MISCELLANEOUS
For Sale, Sunset Cemetery Last Supper Cremation Plot #212, Asking $1600.00. Call 306693-2003.
AUTO PARTS
Four tires for sale. 245 x 75 R 16”. $175. Please call, 306-630-5281.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily refect the position of this publication.
Who Gets a Tattoo?
By Richard Dowson
Tattooing is popular and pretty much ‘mainstream’ today. From regular folks to entertainers and celebrities, people with tattoos are everywhere.
Although Tattooing dates back to ancient times it hasn’t always been ‘mainstream’. In the 1800s in the Untied States tattoos were associated with criminal behavior. Later they were associated with Soldiers and Sailors. That all changed in the 1970s when tattooing quietly emerged as mainstream.
Why Do People Get Tattoos?
For many a tattoo often has a personal meaning relating to a struggle or life event. A tattoo is often in the memory of someone or some event.
Actress Emma Stone has a ‘special occasion’ tattoo. Emma and her mother got matching Tattoos two years after her mother was told she was clear of breast cancer. Her Mom’s favorite song was Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird”. It is believed Paul McCartney designed the Tattoo.
Actress Hillary Duff’s ‘special occasion’ tattoo, “Take Foundation” is attributed to a quote from Actress Bette Davis on how to get to Hollywood. And, many people get a tattoo ‘just for the heck of it’.
So, Who Gets a Tattoo? By The Numbers
Katherine Schaeffer and Shrandha Dinesh of the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C. published information on who gets a tattoo. Although the survey is of Americans, it probably applies to Canadians. How Many?
Emma Stone’s tattoo – Black Bird Tattoo designed by Paul McCartney (Source Unknown)
According to Schaffer and Dinesh, 32% of Americans have at least one or more tattoos.
More Women than Men are getting a Tattoo. 27% of Men have a tattoo while 38% of Women have at least one tattoo.
Distribution by Age Group is: 18 – 29 = 41%; 30 to 49 = 46%; 50 – 64 = 25% and 65+ = 13%
This includes 56% of women ages 18 to 29 and 53% of women ages 30 to 49 with a tattoo.
Katherine Schaeffer and Shrandha Dinesh also looked at education levels of those getting one or more tattoos. The percentage of people with High School or less getting a tattoo, was 39%. People with Bachelor’s Degree or higher the rate dropped to 24%.
The researchers also found that about 51% of Americans who identify as
lesbian, gay or bisexual have at least one tattoo. The rate for women in this group who have one or more tattoos was 68%.
Conclusion Information on this topic or other
interesting topics can be found on the Internet. Have a look at the Pew Research Center Web Site for more topics. MJ Story Tattoos Who Gets Them 20240810 02 File
Obituaries / Memorials
Smith, Claude Everett “Ev” July 31, 1929 – August 15, 2024
Claude Everett Smith, aged 95 years of Moose Jaw, SK passed away peacefully Thursday, August 15, 2024 in Memory Lane at Pioneer Lodge with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Claude and Edith Smith; sisters, Velma and brother-in-law, Scott Starrak, Mildred and brother-in-law, Bob Binner; and brother, Jim Smith. Ev is survived by his wife Darleen of 64 years, daughter Shauna (Clayton Breault and their 4 children Ashley (Jeff), Jesse, Laine (Madi) and Elektra (Weston) and 3 great grandchildren Kassi, Rigg and Kruz), son Doug Smith (Debra Havanka and his son Kallan) brotherin-law Brian Larmer (Coby) and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all the staff at both the hospital as well as Memory Lane in Pioneer Lodge for the exceptional care Ev received. Also a big thank you to Palliative Care coordinator Tyler as well as Dr. Thorpe for going above and beyond their call of duty.
A Memorial Service for Ev will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan to help your community for generations to come.
Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 Phone (306) 694-0373 www.mjhf.org
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH
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 refect the position of this publication.
Perseverance
I was participating in a team golf event a few weeks ago. In our foursome there were some good shots and some horrible shots. All four of us had a bad stretch in the middle of the round and we played ourselves out of any notable standing in the tournament. But we did not give up and kept playing as best we could compete. As we were enjoying the amenities of the 19th hole, George made the comment that a good word to describe our round was perseverance, and that perseverance would be a good word to research. So, thanks George for the suggestion for this week.
Perseverance means the continued effort to do or achieve something despite diffculties, failure, or opposition. Perseverance was borrowed from the Latin perseverantia meaning persisting in a course of action in spite of opposition.
As each new area of Canada was opened to European immigrants, the pioneers faced the diffcult task of building homes and communities from the ground up. To persevere on the land, life revolved around providing the basic necessities of existence in a northern wilderness — food, shelter, fuel and clothing. Before roads, canals and railways provided transportation of goods and communication, perseverance meant isolation, deprivation and hardship. Success was often measured by sheer survival. Persistence, optimism, thrift, resourcefulness and the acceptance of unremitting hard work became character traits valued by succeeding generations.
On the other hand, marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, reporter Steph Wood refected on the legacy of colonial policies in the stories about the environment and the indigenous communities rebuilding systems Canada sought to destroy. The Mamalilikulla of islands off the west coast were displaced due to a lack of
clean water, lack of infrastructure, and their children being taken away to residential school. They were not allocated a reserve, so they slowly spread to urban areas and other reserves. Mamalilikulla’s Chief Councilor John Powell has stated that the land and the people need time to heal from the trauma inficted on them, but he sees it happening before his eyes. Stories like these about Indigenous-led conservation uphold joy and perseverance
Synonyms for perseverance include hang in there, carry on, gut it out, keep going, knuckle down, doggedness, and tenaciousness.
Hang in there means to continue despite diffculties or discouragement. We are almost ready, so just hang in there for a few minutes.
Carry on indicates to continue despite complications, opposition, or impediments. She bravely carried on despite the loss of her husband.
Gut it out implies persisting despite diffculties, disagreements, or hindrances. I know you’re tired of being in the car, but can you gut it out until we get to the motel?
Keep going infers to endure when one is doing something. We were debating quitting after those few tough holes in the golf tournament, but we convinced one another to keep going.
Knuckle down means to apply oneself earnestly. I was getting tired during the fence building project, but Patti reminded me to knuckle down and fnish before the rain came.
Doggedness suggests an action marked by stubborn determination. He was admired for his doggedness in fnishing the race, even though he had no hope of winning any sort of prize.
Tenaciousness indicates being persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired. The teacher tenaciously held to the practice of memorization, as tenaciousness as farmers clinging to an age-old way of life.
If we had enough resolution, we knew we could fnish the golf match with our heads held high and reap the benefts of our perseverance at the 19th hole.
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 confrm that all words will be used.
Lonely church sits out on the Prairie
Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
My friend and I had passed the sign saying “Ukrainian Orthodox Church” several times over the years.
This time we turned onto the gravel road south of Hodgeville to investigate.
Just a few miles down the road sat a large onion-domed Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic church.
Beside the church was a cemetery with dozens of large headstones observing the passing of parish members.
St. Peter’s and Paul Church out on the bald prairie was built in 1916, two years after seven families from Ukraine settled in the district. Later another nine families came to round out the settlement.
According to an Orthodox Church website, the original church was a small rectangular structure costing $l,000 to build. It was dismantled and the current church was built in 1964 at a cost of $24,000.
The church contains an elevated sanctuary, a glass mounted oil print of patrons behind the main altar, and glass prints of the Holy Mother and Stations of the Cross
The church seats 100.
Plaques in the chain link fenced yard commemorate the millennium of the orthodox church in 1988 and the 1881 arrival in Alberta of the frst immigrants from Ukraine.
The church closed in 1991 after 75 years as the place for locals to worship.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
I would be honoured to assist and support you in creating a Pre-Plan for your end of life wishes.
WOW Factor Media donates $50K to food bank after holding 24-hour fast
Community businesses continue to show their support to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, with WOW Factor Media being the latest to donate after holding a unique fundraiser.
The business collected $50,000 in pledges as part of a 24-hour fast held from Aug. 21 to 22, where 10 people took on the challenge of refraining from eating for a full day. The fundraiser saw Cargill and JGL each contribute $15,000 while the participants raised $20,000.
“It was good. It’s something I have never done before,” said Joel Pinel, partner with WOW Factor Media. “Near the end, it got tough.”
The group began its fast at 5 p.m. and, after skipping supper, slept for most of the fundraiser before returning to work the next day, he continued. The second day proved
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
to be challenging because as people delivered pledges to the business, they also discussed food, which made the participants’ tummies grumble.
WOW Factor Media intends to hold the fasting fundraiser next year because of how successful it was, while it could turn the activity into an annual event, Pinel added. Also, many people who were unable to participate this year expressed the desire to step up next year.
The company chose the food bank because of how important the charity is to Moose Jaw and area, said Pinel. He noted that 40 per cent of food bank users are children, which pulled on employees’ heartstrings since many have families.
Furthermore, WOW Factor Media decided to act after hearing that the food bank was in a tough spot with
increased expenses and increased clients, he continued.
Pinel added that the advertising agency appreciated the support that JGL and Cargill provided to the fasting fundraiser, while it was grateful to the volunteers who collected pledges.
In a social media post, the food bank expressed its appreciation for the money that WOW Factor Media collected.
“We are beyond grateful for your incredible dedication and skill in transforming the ‘Fasting for our Food Bank’ event into a phenomenal success,” the agency said.
“You helped us reach new heights and achieve results that went beyond our expectations.
“Thank you (for) your remarkable contribution and for the amazing success together!”
Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw
If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@moosejawexpress.
com
The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild starting Wednesday, Sept. 4th held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7 pm at St Andrews Church from September until May. Learning, comradery, fun challenges, quilting and Community Projects. Moose Jaw Camera Club Meeting on Monday, September 9 at 7pm at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre. Everyone is welcome to come and see what the club is about. Meeting details will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, photographic work of club members may be viewed at Carol’s Catering & Cafe Moose Jaw Camera Club Gallery at 820 N Service Road. “Be Focused With Us!” For more club information: Rachel 306-6930159 or Betty 306-371-5220.
New Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw “The White Heather” for youth aged 8 to 12. Further information may be obtained by contacting Michelle Carline at mcarline@hotmail.com
Minto United Church, 1036 7th Ave. N.W. - U.C.W. Harvest tea and Bake Sale. Saturday, September 14th, 2:00p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Admission $5.00 at the door. Everyone welcome.
Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw Branch: HELL with the BELL Breakfast at the MJ Wildlife Federation. New and Old STS members are invited to celebrate the start of the school year on Tuesday, September 3 at 9AM. Program: Introduction and Welcome to new members. Eating and Visiting.
Cost: $5pp (Newly Superannuated Teachers and partners are free)
UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars! LUNCHEON Meetings: All Meetings are at Masonic Hall, Main Street @ 10:30 AM Wed. Sept 18, 2024/Wed. Nov 20, 2024/Wed. Jan 15, 2025/Wed. March 19, 2025/Wed. May 21, 2025
United Nations International Day of Older Persons: Theme “OUR PLACE” Recognizing the People and Places Important to Us Older Persons Symposium will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 @ T. Eaton Center. Check website and newsletter for more information or Rosalie Marcil at 306.691.0696 or email stsmoosejaw@gmail.com
Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling
Drop in Bowling Monday thru Thurs at 7pm Drop in Cofee League Tues & Thurs at 10am For more information text 306-690-8739 Scottish Country Dance Classes for all ages on Thursdays at 7pm at 510 Main St. N (T. Eaton Bldg). No partner required. Call Val @306.630.5790.
Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month basis 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 ofering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questionsCall or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email frmfoundationministries.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 afected 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.
Toastmasters is an internationally recognized education program providing experiential communication and leadership training. For better listening, thinking & speaking skills Toastmasters myriad of programs can be utilized
to facilitate your goals. Moose Jaw has 2 clubs. Summer programing will be:
BIG COUNTRY club
TAP club meets each Tuesday @7pm on Zoom. Contact 306-630-7015 or email lorna.e.arnold@ gmail.com for more info
TOPS (Take of Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets every Wednesday evening at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. (Corner of Thatcher Drive W. & 9th Ave.W.) Please enter through the west-facing door, turn right and go to end of the hallway by the library, to room 105. Weigh-in takes place from 6:30-7:00 pm. Meeting to follow. TOPS can help you reach your weight loss goal by providing you with tools, information and support to be successful. The group shares friendship, weight loss tips and offers encouragement to one another. New members are very welcome. Scale weighs up to 500 lbs. Wednesday Night Ladies Business League (9 Hole) at Lynbrook Golf Course at (306) 6922838 for more information or if interested in joining. Hours of play have to cross over within time frame of 4-6pm. Registration fee: $25.00 (cash or cheque) to be paid at Pro Shop; Sign-up sheet on bulletin board by Ladies bathroom. Sept 11 – Year End Tournament – 5:00pm - Shotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week) Sept 18 – Year End Banquet (cocktails 6:00 pmsupper 6:30 pm) 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 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@ moosejawlibrary.ca
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:
Commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30 with the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association. Events will begin at 9:30 am. No cost to attend and all are welcome. Visit the Indigenous Services page on our website for more info as it comes.
ADULT PROGRAMS:
MJPL MOVIE CLUB on Monday, September 9
@6:00 pm in the MJPL Theatre for adults. Dropin program. Movie: The Seventh Seal MJPL MOVIE CLUB on Monday, September 23
@6:00 pm in the MJPL Theatre for adults. Dropin program. Vote starting September 9 on library Facebook page. Movie: Viewer’s Choice
DOCUMENTARY NIGHT on Thursday, Sep 26 @6:00 pm in the MJPL Theatre for adults. Dropin program. Movie: Chaakapesh. SASKATCHEWAN CLIMATE CAFÉ on Tuesday, September 17 from 7:00-8:30 pm Presented via Zoom - participate at home or in the library. For ages 13+ and adults. Registration required. TECH TIME available by appointment during open hours in the main library for adults by appointment only - please call the library at 306692-2787 to schedule an appointment.
MAGIC THE GATHERING on Saturdays, Sep 7, 14, 21 & 28 @2:00 pm in the Reading Room for ages 13+. Drop-in program.
MJ CHESS CLUB AT MJPL on Sundays, September 15 & 29 from 1:00-4:00 pm in the South Meeting Room for all ages welcome. Drop-in program. MAKER NIGHT on Monday, September 9 @6:30 pm in South Meeting Room for ages 13+. Registration required. Project: Paper Beads. WAR TIME HOUSES on Tuesday, September 24 from 7:00-8:30 pm in South Meeting Room for adults. Drop-in program. Guest Speaker: Janie Fries, Heritage Advisory Committee
YOUTH PROGRAMS:
DIGITAL D&D Fridays from 4:00-6:00 pm at the MJPL Youth Discord Channel for ages 16-25. Registration required - Email youth@mjlibrary.ca to inquire.
TEEN D&D: INTO THE DEPTHS on Tuesdays OR Thursdays, Sep 3 to Oct 24 @6:30 pm in MJPL Archives for ages 2-16. Registration required.
TEEN ANIME+ CLUB on Wednesday, Sep 25
@6:30 pm in the MJPL Theatre for ages 12-19. Drop-in program Feature: Journey Through Another World Raising Kids While Adventuring
MOVIE MATINEE on Saturday, September 7 @2:30 pm in the MJPL Theatre for all ages. Dropin program. Movie: The Breadwinner (PG) TEEN GAMERS on Wednesday, September 11 @6:30 pm in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 1219. Snacks provided. Drop-in program
TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS on Wednesday, September 18 @6:30 pm in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Snacks provided. Drop-in program. Project: Cross Stitch.
MOVIE MATINEE on Saturday, September 21 @2:30 pm in the MJPL Theatre for all ages. Drop-in program. Movie: The Marvels (PG)
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS :
L’HEURE DU CONTE (FRENCH STORYTIME)
Lundi, 9 et 23 sept. 10h30 à la chambre des enfants pour les 0-5 ans et leurs soignants. All levels of French language are welcome.
DAYCARE STORYTIME Thursdays @ 10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 2-5 and their caring daycare providers! Drop-in Program. No Storytime Sep 5 and their caring adults! Drop-in Program. No Storytime Sep 4.
LITERACY CALENDARS Download September Early Literacy Calendar for infants and pre-school children; download July Children’s Literacy Calendar for elementary-aged children (Coming soon)
BABY STORYTIME on Tuesdays in the Children’s Program Room for ages )-2 and their caring adults! Drop-in Program. No Storytime Sep 3.
LEGO WEEKENDS! Saturdays & Sundays during open hours in the Children’s department for ages 4+ as a self=guided activity.
TOUCH A TRUCK on Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm at Moose Jaw Events Centre For families with kids ages 0-8. Free admissionno registration required.
DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS on Saturday, September 7 @2:30 pm in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 8-14. Registration required.
MAKER SATURDAYS on Saturdays, September 14 & 28 from 1:30-3:00 pm in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 8-12. Registration required.
PETE THE CAT BUTTON SLIME on Saturday, September 21 @10:30 am in the Children’s Program Room for ages 2+. Registration required. The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw Contact: 306-692-5453
Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONBranch 59 Moose Jaw
Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59
BINGO – Monday @ 6pm
CRIBBAGE –Tuesday @ 1:30 pm - Please signin by 1pm
MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pm - Everyone welcome Legion Money Rafe Draw – Final Draw Dec 21 @1:30pm 3 Early Bird Draws Oct 5 @1:30pm for $1000each. 200 tickets available @$20each. 19+ to purchase tickets. Total retail prize $23,000. Tickets available at Legion. Call ofce at 306.692.5453 or 306.693.9688 to pay Visa or Mastercard. 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.
Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open M-T and Friday’s 8am-8pm/ Lounge – Friday’s from 8am-4pm. Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm/Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri, 8am – 4pm. Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Everyone is welcomed. Billiards daily 8a.m. – 4p.m.; Monday & Thursday evenings 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.; Whist –Tuesday @ 1pm; Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.; Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners is Monday @1pm; 500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m.; Spades – Tuesday and Fridays 1pm Full Body work out – Monday’s 10am & Wednesday 9:30am Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m. Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. Floor Shufeboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m. Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.; New to the Centre is BINGO every Monday at 1:30pm Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm 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 @1pm
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: 9:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor Shufeboard/7pm-Camera Club – only on the 2nd Monday of the month Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pmPickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pmBeginners Only Pickleball
Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net
Every Wednesday, open 12-6 pm, Smear –Starts at 1 pm Every Thursday, open 12-7 pm, Smear – Starts at 1 pm, Crib starts Sept. 5th; registration at 1 pm; Crib starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a partner or sign up as a spare. Every Friday, open 1-10 pm, drop in shufeboard. Register at 1 pm. Play starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a partner. Drop in pool and darts. Register by 6:30 pm. Play starts at 7 pm. Bring a partner. Every Saturday, open 1-7 pm. Meat draw starts at 4:30 pm, 10 meat draws, 4 free draws, gift card and 50/50. Everyone welcome. Hall rentals available – book now! Available now! Our 6th Annual 50/50 Tickets. $10/ticket. Only 1000 tickets sold. Could win up to $5000 if all tickets are sold. Draw date will be in December.
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 DROP IN DARTS - Every Wednesday evening -starts September 4, 2024– continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, draw for partners, starts at 7:00 pm. DROP IN CRIBBAGE - Every Monday evening -starts September 9, 2024– continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, registration between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm – play starts at 7:00 pm. Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Gary Kincaid and Bill Duncan playing in the Eagle’s Club Lounge from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28, 2024 – Brandon & Company playing in the Eagle’s Club Lounge from 8:00 pm to closing. 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
Toque and Moose Jaw’s own Cory Churko excited to return for Homestand ‘24
Homestand ’24 is fast approaching and on Saturday, Sept. 7, an all-star lineup of performers will help support youth mental health initiatives in the community including 54-40, Doc Walker, Belle Plaine, Trick Ryder, The Steadies, and Moose Jaw’s own Cory Churko with Toque.
Churko was born and raised in Moose Jaw and it wasn’t long before he was introduced to music.
“My dad and mom had a band, and when that band broke up, my siblings and I were all at an age where we were already playing musical instruments, and we started a family band,” he recalled. “I played my frst wedding dance when I was seven.”
After hitting the road to perform across Canada until breaking up when Churko was 18, he then moved to Vancouver with his brother to start a second band.
“To make a long story short, that band eventually broke up and I got a call from Shania Twain to join her band, which I did for the last 26 years,” he said.
Shortly before receiving the call from Shania Twain’s band, Churko was busy putting himself through school as an animator by busking in the streets of Vancouver. Not long after he would fnd himself performing at the Super Bowl halftime show with the popular Canadian singer-songwriter.
“So, I always say… I played every gig from street performer to halftime Super Bowl performer and everything in between,” he said in good humour.
Toque was formed shortly after Churko began meeting routinely with Todd Kerns — who played with The Age of Electric and went on to play bass with Slash — and Brent Fitz — the drummer for Slash and now the bass player for Toque — at a Winnipeg club to play for a
breast cancer charity event.
“We were just three guys from Canada who all lived in the United States and had done, you know, successful things I suppose in the music industry,” he said.
“After that event we did another one… one or two years later. And then we were just like, ‘You know what, we should just make a band.’”
As the three Canadian-born musicians were now living in the United States, they decided to focus on playing Canadian music exclusively because Churko said the same songs he grew up with on Canadian radio weren’t commonly played south of the border.
The band soon got to work recording its frst two Canadian-themed albums, “Give’r” and “Never Enough.”
“We wanted everything to be sort of Canadian themed, because nobody in the States knows what ‘Give’r’ is,” he added.
When it came time to name the band, they wanted to incorporate a novel Canadian reference. The group came up with a few runner-up names including “Justice Beavers” and the “Fun Chin Rights Band,” which still gives Churko a laugh.
After some deliberation, the band came up with the name “Toque,” and Churko was happy with this as he said nobody else in the world knows what a toque is except for Canadians. As a case in point, many Americans call them “torque” or “toke.”
After accepting the Homestand ’24 invitation, Churko said it’s “super exciting” to be returning to his hometown.
“To bring all my brothers in rock, you know, Todd (Kerns), Brent (Fitz), and Derek (Frank) to the place where I grew up… to show them Main Street where I used to cruise up and down… and of course Mac the Moose, it’s a thrill…
“The best part… is that I used to play football on that feld as a little kid,” Churko said, referring to his time playing for Elks Minor Football at the Ross Wells Park. “I think that’s the last time I was on that feld… so its going to be a blast for
me to be there again.”
Churko’s last Moose Jaw gig was in January 2020 for a reunion show with his family band who opened for Toque at the Mae Wilson Theatre just before the pandemic hit.
“(The show) sold out within like 20 or 30 minutes,” he said. “So, we always knew that we have the support of Moose Jaw…”
After Homestand ‘24, Churko said his next step is to continue releasing new music. Toque originally “put a new coat of paint” on iconic Canadian songs including those by Harlequin, Loverboy, April Wine, Tim Mitchell, and others. Now the group has its own unique sound.
“When you get four guys together that are very creative, it’s inevitable that eventually… we’re going to start making our own music,” he said. “Our frst original song, ‘Never Enough (for You),’ was on our second album, and that sort of opened the door for us to start doing more.”
Rather than releasing an upcoming album, Churko said the group plans to focus on a steady stream of singles with the next release planned sometime before Christmas when Shane Gaalaas returns from his tour in Japan.
In the meantime, the band is excited to perform next week and everyone’s coming to The Friendly City except for Gaalaas who is on tour with B’z, a popular band who sold more than 100 million records worldwide in Japan.
“When you can bring together a bunch of people, you know, for the right cause, in the name of music, it’s never a bad thing,” Churko said, referring to the charitable nature of Homestand. “To be a part of that, whether you’re in the audience or up on stage, it’s a win-win for everybody.
“I would just have to say, Moose Jaw, get ready to (bleeping) give ‘er.”
Tickets for Homestand ’24 are available now at RiverStreetPromotions.com or at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre’s box offce at 217 Main Street North.
The Ross Wells Park is located at the intersection of Caribou Street East and Ross Crescent.
To learn more about Toque, visit ToqueBand.com.
1631 Marshall Cres
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Toque is set to perform at Homestand ’24 in Moose Jaw this Saturday, Sept. 7.
Photo by: Submitted
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