Moose Jaw Express, November 6th, 2024

LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST

LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST MEET KIM ROBINSON

Standing Up for Moose Jaw

A Voice of Reason

Kim often found himself at odds with previous council members because he believes in doing what makes sense, not just what’s popular He listens to the facts, and he listens to you, making decisions that serve Moose Jaw’s future

Champion for Responsible Development

Kim proposed a $1 5 million development project for the old hospital site, designed to revitalize the area and bring value to our community Unfortunately, this proposal was epresented and outvoted, but Kim’s cation remains strong

ocate for Transparency values accountability He’s consistently uch with Moose Jaw’s citizens, ensuring y concern is heard and addressed With as Mayor, you’ll have a leader who keeps nformed and values your input

ponent of Public Safety

worked alongside our police force to new bylaws for safer public spaces He’s dedicated to supporting law enforcement efforts and ensuring security throughout Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw needs experienced leadership, a strong voice, and a mayor who can’t be influenced by money nor special interests.

Known for his common-s e ns e approach and commitme nt to accou ntability, Kim has always pu t pe ople firs t, addre s s ing citize ns ’ conce rns dire ctly and bring ing the m forward in cou ncil. H e is n’t afraid to challe ng e the s tatu s qu o if it me ans doing what’s be s t for ou r commu nity.

Kim is als o an av id v olu nte e r, g iv ing his time to he lp fe e d thos e in ne e d and bu ild s trong e r, s afe r ne ig hborhoods A lov e r of ou r W arrior hocke y te am and ou r che ris he d Snowbirds Air F orce , he be lie v e s in s tre ng the ning the bonds that make Moos e Jaw a tru e commu nity

A VISION FOR MOOSE JAW’S FUTURE

Building a Stronger, Safer Moose Jaw

Kim Robinson envisions a community that thrives on responsibility and accountability Working closely with developers, he’s advancing plans for a community complex near the hospital a safe, supportive space designed for Moose Jaw residents

Kim believes combining communitycentered development with transparent governance will create a brighter, more secure future for Moose Jaw From infrastructure improvements to community programs, Kim is committed to real progress that benefits every citizen

Kim Robinson has the experience, dedication, and integrity to lead Moose Jaw forward

If you believe in common sense, accountability, and in having a leader who listens, join Kim’s campaign today!

The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) is proud to present “An Evening Around the World,” a fundraising dinner where guests will be treated to a diverse away of culinary options and entertainment for an immersive, international perspective.

The fundraiser will take place on Friday, Nov. 15, starting at 5:45 p.m. with doors opening for 5 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church.

“So we have an event called ‘An Evening Around the World’ coming up on Nov. 15, and this is our eighth time hosting this event,” announced Jaella Wiebe, executive director of the MJMC.

Previously called the “International Dinner,” the upcoming event features several individuals from within the community who will donate their time to either cook, entertain, or “to show off the multitude of cultures that we have here in the city.”

“We’re just trying to draw people in to raise awareness about cultures — and to (help promote our) fundraising as well,” Weibe said.

Attending guests will be treated to a range of food dishes that include Ukrainian perogies, Nigerian Jollof rice, Ethiopian Injera and lentils, Vietnamese beef stew, and Syrian elmali kurabiye. Wiebe, who is herself part of the event’s food committee, said guests can also expect to see a Chinese beef noodle dish and Latin American foods including a Mexican-inspired crispy potato taco.

“I’ve seen pictures of (the

taco), and it looks fantastic,” she said. “We’re trying to have a very large variety of the cultures that we have in the city here (as part of the event).”

Entertainment options include Columbian and Kuduro style dance, musical performances from Syria, Vietnam, and Nigeria, as well as other forms of international song and dance.

Ibrahim Hussein, a former Syrian citizen and now a Moose Jaw newcomer, will be one of the entertainers on Nov. 15. “He’s (often) around here at the (MJMC) and he loves investing

in the community… and (his show) will be quite fantastic,” she said.

As well, a dance troupe based out of Regina will feature one of the council’s staff members, Slany Ba, and will showcase a wide assortment of dance styles.

Marcella Cruz, owner of the Moose Jaw Salsa Club, will also showcase Latin and Columbian belly dancing.

Proceeds will help support local efforts to aid in the settlement and integration of Moose Jaw’s newcomer community. These funds support the council’s ongoing efforts to provide

programs and services to newcomers and to directly support immigrants and refugees.

MJMC organizers are also seeking sponsors and volunteers, and donations are now being accepted for the night’s silent auction. If you’re interested in being a part of the evening, contact the MJMC at 306-693-4677 or email Reception@MJMCInc.ca.

Tickets are selling for $35 apiece and can be purchased online at SaskTix.ca or in person at the Moose Jaw Events Centre box office located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.

The price of admission also includes dinner and entertainment throughout the night. Last year’s event sold out around one week prior so Wiebe is reminding everyone to get their tickets well in advance.

For an additional charge, guests can participate in a silent auction, 50/50 draw, and can also enjoy a Sudanese coffee experience and receive a henna tattoo.

“I think the number one reason (to attend the event) is to not only invest in the community, but to see what the community is offering as well,” Wiebe said. “(You can) see all of the amazing opportunities out there and try something different.” To learn more about the work done by the MJMC, visit MJMCInc.ca or call 306-6920533.

St. Andrew’s United Church is home to the MJMC and is located at 60 Athabasca Street West.

Authorized by the committee to Re-Elect Clive Tolley

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THURS: 25% Waxing / Threading

FRI: $99 - 60 Minute Facials (including dermaplanting)

McLeod retains seat

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The votes have been counted and Moose Jaw North will remain in Sask. Party hands as Tim McLeod wins over his rivals Cheantelle Fisher and Kimberly Epp after the first preliminary count on Oct. 28.

McLeod beat his Sask. NDP rival, Cheantelle Fisher, by 1,589 votes, and the Green Party’s Kimberly Epp by 4,205 votes. Overall, the Sask. Party’s McLeod received 4,350 total votes, the NDP’s Fisher received 2,761 total votes, and Epp received 145 total votes after all 11 polls reported in.

McLeod was first elected MLA of Moose Jaw North in 2020 after working in the private sector as a community lawyer. In August 2023, McLeod was named the minister of mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health for the province of Saskatchewan.

Following the announcement, the Moose Jaw Express reached out with a few questions.

Q: “How do you feel about the results of the election?”

A: “I’m really excited about it,” McLeod replied. “It’s always an honour to be asked to serve as a representative for the people of Moose Jaw North. I was

incredibly honoured the first time around, and this time I am equally honoured as well.”

Q: “What would you like to say to your constituents?”

A: “I certainly want to thank all of the people of Moose Jaw North. This is an excellent riding,” McLeod said. “We’ve got a lot of really exciting things going on… and I’m honoured to be asked to be their representative in the Legislature.”

Q: “What is the first thing you would like to address in the Legislature?”

A: “When we get back, the first order of business is… to swear in the new members of the 30th Legislature and immediately start working on the campaign promises that we made…,” he said.

Q: “How do you plan to stay connected with your constituents and keep them informed?”

A: “I’m always accessible and my office is open five days a week,” McLeod said. “I take my role as the representative of Moose Jaw North very seriously and pride myself on being accessible to people.”

Sask. Party candidate Tim McLeod received 4,350 total votes to retain control of Moose Jaw North in this year’s provincial election. Photo by: Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly

Q: “What will the role mean for your family?”

A: “I wouldn’t have entered the political arena if I didn’t have the full support of my family,” McLeod replied. “The premier (Scott Moe) said many times that none of us serve alone, and that’s very true. We require the love and support of our family members.

“It’s not an easy job by any stretch

and there are huge time commitments and sacrifices that have to be made at home. I am blessed to have the full support of my wife and children and extended family as well.”

Q: “Where did you watch the results and who were you with?”

A: McLeod spent the night at the joint campaign office at 345 Main Street North alongside Blaine McLeod (LumsdenMorse) and Megan Patterson (Moose Jaw Wakamow). “We spent the evening… together with our volunteers, family, and supporters, and watched the results as they came in. It (went) a little bit later into the night than we had expected… but we were all very, very pleased and excited with the end results for all three of our campaigns.”

This success, he said, “just demonstrated some of the hard work and the commitment that we had from our wonderful team of volunteers.”

McLeod can be reached at 306-6928884 or by email at MJNorthMLA@ sasktel.net. His campaign office in Moose Jaw is located at 99 Diefenbaker Drive.

To view the full election results for the 2024 provincial election, visit Results. Elections.SK.ca

Moose Jaw Wakamow remains in Sask. Party hands as Megan Patterson wins seat

The votes have been counted and — in a tighter campaign than Moose Jaw North — Moose Jaw Wakamow remains in Sask. Party hands as Megan Patterson won over her rivals Melissa Patterson and Mike Gardiner after the preliminary count on Oct. 28.

Patterson beat her Sask. NDP rival, Melissa Patterson, by only 908 votes and the Green Party’s Mike Gardiner by 3,399 votes. Overall, the Sask. Party’s Patterson received 3,626 total votes, the NDP’s Patterson received 2,718 votes, and Gardiner received 227 total votes.

Patterson succeeds former Sask. Party MLA Greg Lawrence, who announced in August 2023 that he wasn’t going to continue to run following a motorcycle accident.

Following the announcement, the Moose Jaw Express reached out with a few questions.

Q: “How do you feel about the results of the election?”

A: “Well, I’m feeling excited and grateful,” Patterson replied. “Moose Jaw is my hometown, and I’ve always been interested in politics.” Patterson said she’s worked in numerous campaigns across

Aaron

Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Canada. “But” she added, “if there was one riding that I ever wanted to represent, it was my hometown in Moose Jaw Wakamow where I grew up.”

Q: “What would you like to say to your constituents?”

A: “I just want to thank (everyone) who

spent a few minutes of their day with me at the door… and shared some of their challenges, their triumphs, and some of their concerns,” she said.

Patterson also thanked everyone who helped with the campaign. “There were so many people involved, and every little effort made a difference, was recognized, and was appreciated.

“And of course, I want to thank my family (including) my mom and dad,” she said.

“My three boys were also very helpful and played a key part in the election. All of them came door knocking with me and took down a few (campaign) signs themselves (afterwards).”

“I just feel really blessed and honoured for all the contributions that I’ve received, and to finally be selected as the representative of Moose Jaw Wakamow.”

Q: “What is the first thing you would like to address in the Legislature?”

A: Patterson said her first priority is to ensure that she’s accessible to her constituents. “I need some place where people can find me if they want to come talk to me and I need to get a phone set up so they can call me.

“Once I get these operational things in place, I want to reach out to some key stakeholders, meet with them, and tour their operations,” she said. “There were a few places that I didn’t get a chance to (stop at) during the campaign that I would like to visit.”

Q: “How do you plan to stay connected with your constituents and keep them informed?”

: Patterson said she’d be happy to attend meetings, events, and meet her constituents one-on-one. “I would just love for people to send me invitations to

events and to highlight any opportunities to meet my constituents.”

Q: “What will the role mean for your family?”

A: “(My three) boys came down to the campaign office to see the results come in, but… I was one of the last (candidates to be) verified as the winner,” she said. Due to the late announcement, her boys returned home but woke to hear the good news the following morning and are now very excited to be part of her success.

Her husband — also a career politician who she met while campaigning a few years ago in Toronto — was, of course, “really excited” to hear the news.

Q: “Where did you watch the results and who were you with?”

A: Patterson joined Tim McLeod (Moose Jaw North) and Blaine McLeod (LumsdenMorse) at the Sask. Party’s joint campaign office at 345 Main Street North to hear the results. “My mom and dad were there, my three boys were there, and we had a lot of volunteers,” she said. “It was really exciting.”

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who cast a ballot,” Patterson said in a message of appreciation.

“I want to say thank you to my opponents for their passion and their efforts to help improve the quality of life for the people in Moose Jaw Wakamow. I’d be happy to work with them to address any concerns they have.”

Until Patterson has a phone number and email address established, she can be reached through Tim McLeod’s office at 99 Diefenbaker Drive at 306-692-8884. To view the full election results for the 2024 provincial election, visit Results. Elections.SK.ca Moose

Sask. Party candidate Megan Patterson received 3,626 total votes to retain control of Moose Jaw Wakamow in this year’s provincial election. Photo by: Submitted photo.

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

Editor’s Note

Next Monday, November 11th, many Moose Javians will make time to poignantly reflect on remembering war veterans and those that continue to fight for our freedom from tyranny. The sacrifice was great for those that lost their lives or were wounded in wars, but also, threats of war are still on our minds everyday as seen in the news.

For many soldiers that came back and for all of us, war is an ever-present danger. We as a community need to stand together in support of our war veterans and those that risk their lives everyday for our safety and well-being.

Moose Jaw is holding their annual Remembrance Day celebration at the Events Centre on Monday, November 11 starting at 10:45am. It is important to bring the whole family and teach our children the respect and honour those war heroes deserve. I hope everyone will take the time to attend and REMEMBER, LEST WE FORGET.

And in remembrance, the Moose Jaw Express has included our annual 32-page Remembrance Day section full of articles to read. These stories reflect how involved this city has been through the years, world wars and other missions, and still continues to be. Take time to read the war-heroes’ storied pasts.

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Wednesday, November 13th is also a big day for Moose Javians, as individuals will mark their ballots reflecting their decision as to who they think will make the biggest impact and best decisions to represent the people in this constituency. As we can all see, we have more candidates running for all positions in city council that seems to indicate people want change. Change is a sign of the times. In an ever-changing world, change is necessary.

For all those concerned with where we have been and where we are going, please make time to get out to cast your ballot. We wish all candidates well in their running for office as these individuals are standing up to put validity to their voice. PLEASE VOTE, THAT IS OUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT!

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We can also see that there are many unfortunate people in this community but there is a caring community that is continuing to do their part as Square One is holding their annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser on November 15 for Moose Jaw’s unhoused.

As well, there seems to be a lot of involvement with Moose Jaw’s Food Bank with a number of directives and initiatives focused on providing food for the unfortunate. The Harvest Pantry is just one initiative that Moose Jaw’s Co-op has made possible with a $90,000 – 3 year commitment in coordination with the Food Bank.

Soul’s Harbour continues to invest in supporting the food program at St. Aidan and First Baptist Church. As well, thanks to the community for their donations to the Better Together Food Drive that brought in 52K of food for the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank.

MOOSE JAW IS A CARING COMMUNITY AND IT DOESN’T GO UNNOTICED.

Read all about these and more in this 48-page edition of the Moose Jaw Express.

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

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291

468 High St. W., Moose Jaw SK S6H 1T3 www.mjvexpress.com

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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

Editor:

Mayor Tolley proclaims Disability Employment Awareness Month in Moose Jaw

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). To honour the occasion once again, Mayor Clive Tolley proclaimed that the City of Moose Jaw recognizes the month-long observation during the SaskAbilities luncheon at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Oct. 29.

“There shouldn’t be anybody out there that doesn’t feel they can contribute and work in our community. Everybody has value and has something to contribute,” Mayor Tolley announced.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

accomplished, human, successful, and a part of our community.”

Mayor Tolley then made the following proclamation:

“Whereas persons with disabilities are valued members of our city and deserve the opportunity to live and work in our community, where they are respected and rewarded for their efforts, skills, and accomplishments, and

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“I’m proud to say that the City of Moose Jaw is participating and trying our best to create opportunities for people and do the things that are necessary to get them employed so they can contribute and feel like they’re part of the community.”

DEAM was first proclaimed in 2010 by the province of Manitoba with Saskatchewan being the second province to recognize the month in 2011. Since then, employment service providers, employers, and community organizations across Canada have maintained an ongoing awareness campaign.

In Saskatchewan, SaskAbilities helps promote DEAM through its Partners in Employment and MentorAbility Saskatchewan programs. As an example of its success, 248 individuals who identified as living with a disability in Moose Jaw and Regina have found new employment during the 2023-2024 contract year alone.

Mayor Tolley said that he worked in social services before moving on to mediation and arbitration work and ultimately being elected mayor.

“I spent about 20 years working in social services,” he said. “My whole career, basically, was all about trying to create employment opportunities for people — all kinds of people. We all have abilities and we all have disabilities.

The key is to match each individual with meaningful work based on their skills and abilities. The ability to earn an income for yourself and make purchasing decisions, he said, goes “hand in hand with making a person feel

“Whereas there is a rich network of nonprofit agencies, practitioners, consumer organizations, school divisions and their families committed to promoting and strengthening employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the city of Moose Jaw, and

“Whereas Moose Jaw’s employers… can benefit further from the positive outcomes of hiring persons with disabilities, and

“Whereas proclaiming October as Disability Employment Awareness Month will help raise awareness about disability employment issues and will serve to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities,

“Now, therefore, I, Clive Tolley, Mayor of the City of Moose Jaw, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2024 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Moose Jaw.”

Mayor Tolley concluded with a few additional remarks.

“I would say that we want to emphasize ability rather than disability,” he said. “Everybody has ability. It’s (all about) finding what they can do or (learning) how to be productive and (to) feel like they’re part of the team.

“Everybody wants to be included, and this organization (SaskAbilities) has done a tremendous job…,” he said. “Teaching, training, subsidizing… mentoring — all those things are important tools that they’re using to get people with ability to work in our community, and I thank them for that.”

For more information about MentorAbility visit SupportedEmployment.ca/Initiatives/MentorAbility.

To learn more visit SaskAbilities.ca or call 1-833444-4023 toll free. Moose Jaw’s SaskAbilities office is located at 8 Wood Lily Drive.

Tips to keep the farm safer from crime

Ron

Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

With rural crime increasing over the last decade, making the farm less convenient for criminals becomes important.

An RCMP top 10 list provides ways to make the farm less attractive to intruders and thieves.

One: Install proper lighting. Good farm yard lights help farmers from taking a knock on the shin but also are a most effective way to deter criminals.

LED lights with motion-sensors can withstand harsh climates and save on energy.

Two: Secure fences and gates. Good fences keep livestock in and keep unwanted visitors out.

Use durable materials that can withstand the climate and try to use locked gates or padlocks to control access.

Three: Use natural barriers. Trees make the farm more appealing and guide people to monitored areas. Avoid creating new hiding places.

Trimmed trees and bushes open sight lines so people approaching are easier to spot.

Four: Trim vegetation to avoid hiding spots

Five: Add surveillance cameras. These cameras are a great way to keep an eye on property and can be connected to cell phones.

Invest in a weatherproof camera with infrared night vision to hold up in weather and low light. High resolu-

tion cameras help ID intruders.

Six: Secure outbuildings and equipment: Barns, shops and farm equipment are often full of expensive tools that are easy to steal and sell.

Seven: Using locks on these buildings and machines may be inconvenient for the farmer but they are equally inconvenient for thieves.

Eight: Visible signage and address. Clearly visible signs showing property boundaries, warning about camera surveillance, or rural crime watch signs deter criminal activity.

Clearly marked farm addresses help emergency services and neighbours to locate your place.

Nine: Establish a community watch network. Being friends with neighbours and joining Rural Crime Watch helps deter crime.

Ten: Use guard animals. Dogs can deter two-legged and four-legged predators. Tools left out in the open make easy targets for thieves.

Securing and tracking assets makes theft more difficult and increases chances of recovery. Consider engraving ID numbers on tools.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Mayor Clive Tolley delivers his proclamation at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Oct. 29. Photo by: Aaron Walker

SaskAbilities hosts luncheon to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) and SaskAbilities — the organization hosting the Partners in Employment and MentorAbility Saskatchewan programs — celebrated its ongoing successes with a free luncheon for employers at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Oct. 29.

“It’s truly a pleasure to be here… for an inspiring event during (DEAM)… which is about celebrating the incredible work done to promote inclusive employment and recognizing the unique contributions of our local community,” announced Allyson Schaefer, supervisor of Partners in Employment for Moose Jaw and Regina.

“Campaigns like DEAM shine a light on the importance of creating inclusive workplaces, and such initiatives… are essential to bring attention to the valuable contributions that people experiencing disability make to our province’s social and economic well-being.”

Each year, hundreds of additional employers are contacted by SaskAbilities to build new partnerships and to find inclusive solutions to help meet labour needs. SaskAbilities acknowledges the importance of time and labour costs and addresses this by streamlining the recruitment and retention process.

During the 2023-2024 contract year, 248 individuals in Moose Jaw and Regina found new employment through Partners in Employment and 934 employers were approached by the organization.

Schaefer said that, over the next 10 to 15 years, the Canadian economy is projected to lose approximately 25 per cent of its workforce, largely due to retirement or workers aging out.

Almost 22 per cent of Canadians identify as experiencing a disability, she said, adding that this equates to the combined population of Alberta, Saskatchewan,

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

and Manitoba. “When you add family, friends, and loved ones… that’s equivalent to (around 54) per cent of our population that is directly impacted by disability.”

Schaefer has seen the numbers continue to increase over the past 20 years but said a great potential exists in the marketplace. “The 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability showed that, among those with disabilities aged 25 to 64 who were not employed, two in five (42 per cent) had the potential to work,” she said. “That translates into 741,280 Canadians. That is a huge untapped labour pool.”

Brianne Munro, the general manager of The Canadian Brewhouse in Moose Jaw, was recognized for her role in creating an inclusive workplace. The highlight of her presentation was the successful hire of Amy, who joined the team thanks to SaskAbilities.

“Amy started working with us back in April and has

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Square One Community Inc. is hosting its third annual Empty Bowls event to provide “a heartwarming experience that’s all about compassion, community, and combatting hunger and homelessness” and tickets are on sale now.

The Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held in the social hall at Zion United Church from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.

“Supporting and donating to Square One Community will make you a partner in opening up the curtains of uncertainty for someone who has given up hope that things will ever change and will empower us to shine light into the lives of those who need it most,” wrote Max Eckstein, Square One’s special projects co-ordinator.

Empty Bowls “is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to make a difference in our community,” the organization wrote in an official statement.

The aim of the event is to bring awareness to homelessness in Moose Jaw and all proceeds will go directly to the Square One Community Centre to support individuals who are housing insecure.

“Secure and safe supportive housing is ‘square one’ on someone’s journey to recovery and independence,” Eckstein said, and is “an investment that will spark contagious hope into not only the lives of those we serve, but to their families and the entire community of Moose Jaw.”

With the purchase of each ticket, guests will receive soup that was donated by local restaurants and a slice of

cake donated by the Moose Jaw Co-op. You’ll even be able to keep the bowl after the event.

A generous donation of 33 pottery bowls has been received so far by Janine Rivard, and recently Melanie McFarlane and Faithe Sovdi added another 23 pottery bowls for attending guests to use and take home after the event.

Purchasing your tickets for the Empty Bowls fundraiser is easy and there are two ways to get them. Tickets will be available for $20 cash at the door or you can purchase them in advance by emailing CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com.

If you’re purchasing tickets in advance, Square One asks that you include your name, phone number, and the number of tickets you would like to purchase in your email. The organization is also accepting e-transfer payments.

At noon, silent auction and staycation raffle tickets will be available for purchase during the event.

“Thank you for your support and we can’t wait to share this heartwarming experience with you,” Square One wrote.

To learn more about Square One and its work in the community visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw. com, follow ‘Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw’ on Facebook, or email the organization at CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com.

Zion United Church is located at 423 Main Street North.

become a genuine member of our team,” Munro said. “The energy and positivity that she has brought into our store has been contagious and inspiring to our entire staff, with her confidence and the genuine pride… in everything she does.”

Another employer — who was not highlighted during the luncheon — is Hanover Cabinets co-owned by Jason and Joe Cushway. The employer was approached by a Partners in Employment representative earlier this year and now employs Autumn, who has more than proven herself through quick learning, dedication, and a careful attention to detail.

After his experience, Jason Cushway said he’d hire through the program again. “If I have a job available and they approached me again, yeah. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat.”

Mayor Clive Tolley formally proclaimed October 2024 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Moose Jaw before handing the floor to Adam Kramer, director of human resources and training for Commissionaires South Saskatchewan who shared a few words about the partnering organization.

“As we look ahead, let us remember that creating an inclusive workforce is not just a goal, but a continuous journey,” Schaefer said in her closing remarks. “By working together, we can break down barriers and open doors to opportunities for everyone.

“We can build a future where inclusivity is actually the norm and everyone has a chance to thrive.”

For more information on MentorAbility visit SupportedEmployment.ca/Initiatives/MentorAbility.

To learn more about SaskAbilities visit SaskAbilities. ca or call 1-833-444-4023 toll free. Moose Jaw’s SaskAbilities office is located at 8 Wood Lily Drive.

Ross Lundgren

Ernie Schock

Brian Rodwell

Allyson Schaefer speaks during the SaskAbilities luncheon at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Oct. 29.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Food bank, Co-op launch new food distribution program

After months of planning, the food bank — in partnership with the Co-op — is preparing to launch a new program that transforms residents’ shopping experiences and gives them more self-respect.

The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank and Moose Jaw Co-op announced recently that “The Harvest Pantry” officially launched on Oct. 28, with clients able to shop on Oct. 29.

“We are so excited about this. This is something we have been in talks about (for several months). And we have always really appreciated everything the Co-op has done for us over the years … ,” said Jason Moore, the food bank’s executive director. “And now this is wonderful (and) mind-blowing. We are so excited (and) extremely grateful.”

The food bank is thrilled to grow in this new direction, especially since it has seen more people use its services and concerns have arisen about sustainability, he continued.

This new shopping program lets clients choose the food they want, transforms how the organizations deliver food assistance in the community and offers a more dignified and personalized experience for families, the agency said.

The food bank has designed The Harvest Pantry program to give clients opportunities to select food that aligns with their dietary preferences, cultural needs and household situations and promotes autonomy and self-respect.

The Co-op has worked with the food bank for decades but is deepening that support by providing a three-year, $90,000 sponsorship to help the latter transition to this new food delivery model.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

“We know as a community that there are currently a lot of people struggling with food insecurity (and) the need and demand are prevalent and stronger than ever,” said Michaela Turner, the Co-op’s community engagement manager. “So this partnership over the three years really evokes a sense of abundance and gathering … .”

With the new program’s name, “harvest” refers to Moose Jaw’s agricultural roots and the gathering of resources for everyone, while “pantry” is a welcoming, dignified place for the community, she added.

The Co-op’s three-year commitment “is a breath of fresh air” for Moore, considering he started in the executive director role in May and faced a food shortage crisis in the summer. This prompted an emergency call to the community for support and a review to remain solvent in the face of a doubling of clients.

The grocery store’s financial support will enable the food bank to continue purchasing food so it hopefully doesn’t face similar problems in the future, he added.

The Co-op holds several annual fundraisers to support the Co-op — such as the Good Buy to Hunger campaign — while it donated $10,000 in emergency funding this summer during the crisis, said Turner. The organization also challenged other grocery stores to make similar donations, but, apparently, none stepped up.

“We just think it’s very important to help those in need when they need a hand up,” she added. “And calling it something different and having a different approach — a unique approach — of people receiving the help, we think is going to have a lot of success.”

The introduction of this client-choice shopping program means the former food hampers are now “a thing of the past,” Moore said. However, that’s OK since it lets clients choose what they want, which can reduce food waste.

Moore pointed out that the Medicine Hat, Alta., food bank changed to this model and reduced food waste by 30 pounds per person annually, with an overall annual decrease of roughly 50,000 pounds. That tour made him realize how much Moose Jaw was wasting.

The food bank here has many newcomers who use its services but don’t know how to use the food they’re given, so they may set it aside or toss it. Therefore, this new model may change that.

Moore added that the organization has had positive feedback from clients who are excited about this new change, while he has heard only good things from Regina’s food bank after it made a similar adjustment.

Food bank, Co-op celebrate grand opening of new food program

A new era has begun at the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank because, after four decades of offering the traditional food hamper program, it has switched to a client-choice shopping model.

Nearly two dozen people filled the venue on Oct. 28 to help the organization launch its new food distribution program, “The Harvest Pantry.” The new model was made possible by a three-year, $90,000 sponsorship agreement with Moose Jaw Co-op.

The Harvest Pantry’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, while Wednesday is 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. However, clients — the food bank supports roughly 800 households a month — need to book a time to pick up their items since space is limited.

The kickoff event helps celebrate a “remarkable journey” for the food bank, which, for 40 years, has shown commitment, resilience and community spirit, said Jason Moore, executive director.

During those four decades, the food bank has been privileged to serve people in need, while it owes its success to the

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steadfast support of the “incredible community” of Moose Jaw, he continued.

“It is your dedication, generosity and partnership that have truly been the foundation of our efforts. For that, we

extend our deepest gratitude to each of you,” he remarked.

This 40-year milestone allows the agency to celebrate its past and reflect on the difference it has made in the community and working with others, Moore said. It is also inspired by a future filled with new ways to serve — including its client-choice shopping model.

This new program was made possible by the “invaluable support” that the Coop and residents have given since this “innovative approach” allows clients to select items that best meet their needs and cultural preferences, he continued.

Moreover, this change gives people the dignity and autonomy they deserve while respecting individual choices, reducing waste, and helping the organization maximize its resources to have the greatest effect, Moore remarked.

“By embracing this client-focused model, we are reinforcing the core values

of our community (and) building a stronger and more resilient foundation for those in need,” he added. “This is not simply a change in process; it is a transformation that will have lasting and positive effects on every individual we serve.”

Moore said afterward that the food bank updated its main space within a week — he and his brother spent the weekend doing quick renovations — while staff and volunteers helped fill shelves.

“I’m really happy with how it looks. I know our clients are really excited to get in here,” he added. “Some of them were peaking through the doors throughout the week, giving us the thumbs-up.”

Geoff Anderson, CEO of the Moose Jaw Co-op, said his organization was formed in Saskatchewan 80 years ago in 1944 during the Second World War since people saw a need to provide goods and services more effectively. Forty years later, in 1984, the Moose Jaw food bank was organized because residents saw a similar need to help others.

Forty years later, in 2024, volunteers and residents are still passionate about supporting the food bank’s mission, while the organization’s “outstanding leadership” has created a “best in class” food program for residents who need it, Anderson continued.

“At the Moose Jaw Co-op, our value is ‘people first.’ And what goes along with that value is that everyone matters,” he remarked.

Whenever Anderson hears of individuals in need, he usually thinks of single mothers who can pay all the bills but struggle to purchase food for their kids — with children mattering the most in the community.

Anderson added that he and the Coop board were pleased to provide $90,000 over three years to support The Harvest

and the people who will use it.

Pantry

The food bank and Co-op have launched a new food distribution program called “The Harvest Pantry” that will allow clients to choose their own food similar to a regular grocery shopping experience. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Jason Moore, executive director of the food bank, and Geoff Anderson, CEO of Moose Jaw Co-op, celebrate the grand opening of the new client-choice shopping model. The Co-op provided $90,000 over three years to support the new program.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Oh Clark’s

Souls Harbour makes big donations to food bank, churches

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM) may have closed Riverside Mission and dropped the proposed building project, but it is continuing to donate food and money to community organizations helping the less fortunate.

“It shows that we care about the community — we’ve always said that — and we still want to be a part of helping feed people in the community,” said Joe Miller, SHRM’s executive director. “We have donors that want us to do that, so we’re doing what we can.”

SHRM recently made two $11,000 cash donations to St. Aidan Anglican Church and First Baptist Church to support their food programs, while it recently donated three tons of food to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank. It also made a $20,000 cash donation to New Life Centre Church, which was the original founding church of Riverside Mission.

The items the non-profit donated to the food bank came on six pallets, which included non-perishables such as canned foods, sauces, pasta, cereals, cookies and other items.

These donations show that Souls Harbour has not abandoned Moose Jaw, contrary to what people may say or think, Miller said. The “bottom line” is that SHRM wants to continue supporting people in need and addressing food security issues in Canada’s Most Notorious City.

Board members decided that they

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wanted the organization to make these cash and food donations to show their commitment to Moose Jaw, he remarked. This is the first round of donations, while they will continue to make donations as finances allow.

“We’re still trying to recoup our costs (from the failed building project), but … we want to do what we can as well,” Miller added.

Jason Moore, the food bank’s executive director, said it was great to receive the donation, especially since Riverside Mission’s closure strained the resources of the food bank and some churches.

“So, for Joe Miller and Souls Harbour to come with this offering is generous, and it is remarkable that he is still willing to help out in this way even though Riverside Mission can’t be a part of our city,” Moore continued.

The three tons of food are important because the food bank’s client numbers have nearly doubled during the past few years, he noted. Furthermore, recent “shocking” numbers from Food Banks Canada show that, over the past five years, almost every food bank across the country has seen a doubling of numbers.

What’s worse is 30 per cent of such organizations were forced to close their doors this year because they ran out of food, Moore said. Moose Jaw faced something similar this summer, but the public’s generosity kept the food bank open. Dona-

gift.

tions from the Better Together Food Drive are also expected to benefit the food insecurity agency.

“But this is certainly a blessing that we will not turn down and will put it to good use,” he chuckled, “as we figure out new ways to be sustainable.”

Moore added that Souls Harbour’s donation was like a post-Thanksgiving

St. Aidan Anglican Church is filled with “lots of gratitude” for Souls Harbour’s $11,000 donation, especially since the church is aware of how hungry people are, said Michelle Josefson, parish administrator.

The church is waiting to learn whether its other funding applications are successful for its weekend lunch program, so this financial gift means it won’t have to worry about resources “for several months.”

“It just allows us to carry on,” she remarked.

The donation was not entirely unexpected because Miller contacted the church once he realized Riverside Mission would be closing and asked what St. Aidan was doing and how the Regina-based organization could help, Josefson recalled.

While it’s not yet confirmed, St. Aidan could use some of the money to support Community Connection, she added. That group is handing out — and sometimes cooking — food from the church’s parking lot and has been playing a bigger role while other social agencies attempt to find a permanent, indoor location during this period of “turmoil” in Moose Jaw.

Joe Miller, executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (left), presents six pallets of food to Jason Moore, executive director of the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Ingenuity required from war-time homemakers

With war-time rationing limiting the amounts of certain products available, homemakers used ingenuity and substitution to prepare meals here at home. This week’s recipes salute the abilities of homemakers of that era to save much-needed ingredients until the correct amounts were available to make a casserole or muffin.

• • • EGG AND POTATO CASSEROLE

4 tbsps. butter

4 tbsps. flour

2 cups milk

4 cups cubed potatoes, cooked 6 hard-cooked eggs, sliced salt, pepper and paprika, to taste 1/2 cup or more cracker crumbs.

Melt butter and blend in flour. Gradually add milk and stir until sauce thickens and lumps are removed. Season to taste with the salt, pepper and paprika.

Place alternate layers of potatoes, eggs and sauce in a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle top with cracker crumbs. Dot with butter.

Bake in a hot oven for 15 minutes. Serves 6-8. Store leftovers in a cool spot.

•

CHEESE ROAST

2 cups grated stale cheese

2 cups cooked kidney or navy beans

1/4 cup finely diced celery

1 tsp. chopped parsley

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 cups stale bread crumbs

2 tbsps. butter salt and pepper to taste

Drain the beans and mash. Add with celery and parsley to cheese.

Add egg and mix thoroughly.

Melt butter in a saucepan then add crumbs, mixing well and cooking until slightly browned. Add crumbs to cheese mixture until thick enough to shape into a loaf. Roll the loaf in the remaining crumbs.

Bake in a moderate oven until heated through and nicely browned. A little minced onion may be added to the loaf, if desired, before cooking.

Slice and serve with a tomato sauce or soup.

• • •

VEGETABLE CHOWDER

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced potatoes

1 cup chopped celery or green peas

2 tbsps. butter

4 tbsps. flour

4 cups vegetable water and milk

salt and pepper, to taste

Cook bacon and onion together. Cover vegetables with water and cook. Drain water off and retain for later use.

Prairie South has 19 classes with over 28 pupils this semester, report shows

Jason G. Antonio -MooseJawToday.com

There are 19 classes with more than 28 students in Prairie South School Division (PSSD) this semester, while there are 60 classes with fewer than 10 students, a new report says.

Board trustees received a class size report during their October meeting, with data about the number of students in classrooms as of Sept. 13.

Large classes Central Collegiate has six classes with more than 28 students this year, which is the most in the division, the data show.

The classes with the most students are Gaming 90, Pre-Calculus/Foundations 10, Guitar 10, Wellness 10 and Calculus, each with 30 pupils. Meanwhile, Biology 30 has 29 students.

The next highest schools are Assiniboia Composite High School, with three classes with more than 28 students, followed by Peacock Collegiate, Prince Arthur School, Riverview Collegiate and William Grayson School, with two classes each.

Also, Central Butte Elementary School has one class

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Whereas Doug Szeles nominated for Councillor for Division 4 was the only candidate, I hereby give notice that no voting for the office of Councillor for Division 4 will take place on the 4th day of December, 2024.

Dated at Pense, this 31th day of October, 2024. Cathy Ripplinger Returning Officer

with more than 28 youths.

Small classes

Coronach School has the most classes with fewer than 10 students, with nine such classes. The next highest schools are Briercrest Christian Academy and Manko ta School, with seven such classes each, and Bengough School, with five classes.

Avonlea, Mossbank and Rouleau schools each have four classes with fewer than 10 youths, while Eyebrow, Glentworth and Lafleche Central each have three such classes.

Melt butter and blend in flour. Add 4 cups vegetable water and cook until mixture thickens, stirring constantly.

Add bacon, onion and cooked vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Heat thoroughly before serving.

Note: a bit of milk may be added to the vegetable water when added to the butter and flour.

• • •

JAM POCKETS

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

3 1/2 tsps. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tbsps. sugar

1 egg

1 cup milk

2 tbsps. melted butter

homemade jam

Mix and sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat egg and add milk.

Make a depression in the flour mixture and then pour in the milk and egg, then melted butter. Stir as little as possible in the mixing.

Turn half the batter into well-greased muffin tins. Add 1 tbsp. homemade jam to each muffin and then top with remaining batter.

Bake in a moderate oven for about 25 minutes. Cool before eating. Makes 24 small muffins.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

Meanwhile, Central Butte, Chaplin, École Gravelbourg and Mortlach each have two classes with under 10 pupils, while Assiniboia Seventh Avenue, Cornerstone Christian School and Kincaid Central each have one class.

Tender report

Division administration also presented a report about tenders that it issued between Sept. 1 and 30. During that period, it awarded:

• $76,035 to Thomas Marketing and Consulting for

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

THE NEXT PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, NOV 5

Prairie South issued a tender for driver education in the spring and again this fall but was unable to find anyone for the northern area, said Ron Purdy, superintendent of finance. So, division administration phoned around to see who other divisions used and found someone from Tuxford.

“It was getting a little bit tight for time and we weren’t sure we were going to have anyone up there to start the school year … ,” he added.

Prairie South launches campaign to encourage daily student attendance

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Research shows that students do better when they attend school regularly, so Prairie South School Division is promoting an attendance matters-focused campaign to encourage youths to be in class daily.

The division kicked off the “#YourPresenceMatters” campaign during the recent board of education meeting, with trustees and administration wearing red T-shirts with the phrase on the front.

The campaign aims to send a message to students, families and the community that Prairie South cares about its youths and wants them to be in school daily since attendance is good for academic achievement, well-being, and health, explained education director Ryan Boughen.

“We will be working with (the) community and school community councils and schools to make sure we get this message out, and (to) the media … ,” he continued. “It’s a message that we care very deeply about kids and we want them in school.”

The board has made regular school attendance one of its priorities in its 2024-28 strategic plan, since trustees believe that if students attend often, the division can educate them, Boughen said. Moreover, Prairie South is receiving support from River Street Promotions (RSP) since this initiative aligns with the company’s work sup-

porting student mental health and well-being.

“We care for our students and want the best for them, and we know if they attend school regularly, they have the best opportunity for holistic development,” he pointed out.

Boughen noted that PSSD’s administration has been planning this campaign since the end of the 2023-24 school year. Moreover, the data it possesses showing the importance of attendance comes mostly from the United States, particularly attendanceworks.org, along with professional development events that superintendents have attended.

Meanwhile, the organization is promoting the initiative by sending home letters to parents and guardians, using social media, distributing decals and stickers, working with school community councils, communicating in school newsletters, and working with RSP, businesses and other public venues.

“The campaign itself will not be measured because we are doing a number of things to strengthen student attendance,” Boughen added. “However, overall student attendance will be measured as part of our strategic plan and our strategic imperative.”

New report shows how well PSSD students doing with reading, writing, math

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Reading levels in grades 2 and 3 in Prairie South School Division remained flat during the past two years, although writing levels in grades 4, 7 and 9 and math levels in Grade 2 increased year-over-year.

Division administration presented a learning accountability report during the recent board meeting that looked at data schools collected about reading, math and writing from last June.

Reading

The division gathers reading data twice a year for students in grades 1 to 3, with teachers using this data to assess students’ progress and help guide appropriate interventions or supports.

Data shows that at the end of June, 77.3 per cent of students in Grade 1 were reading at or above grade level, compared to 69.6 per cent of students in 2022-23, 68.8 per cent in 2021-22, 67.9 per cent in 2020-21 and 73.1 per cent in 2018-19.

Furthermore, data shows that at the end of the 202324 school year, 72.4 per cent students in Grade 2 were reading at or above grade level. This was an increase of 2.8 per cent from when they were in Grade 1 in 2022-23. Meanwhile, Grade 2s’ reading levels in 2022-23 were 72.4 per cent, 72.2 per cent in 2021-22, 69.9 per cent in 2020-21 and 82 per cent in 2018-19.

Also, data shows that at the end of June, 70.1 per cent of Grade 3 students were reading at or above grade

level. This was 2.3 per cent lower than when they were in Grade 2 in 2022-23 and 1.3 per cent higher than when they were in Grade 1 in 2021-22.

Writing Teachers assess the writing of students in grades 4, 7 and 9 throughout the year and teach and examine various pieces of curriculum-related writing during the year.

Data show that 63.5 per cent of Grade 4 students were writing at or above grade level last year, compared to 58.5 per cent in 2022-23, 60.3 per cent in 2021-22 and 62.6 per cent in 2020-21.

In Grade 7, data show that 68.3 per cent of students were reading at or above grade level last year, which was 5.7-per-cent higher than when they were in Grade 4 in 2020-21.

Meanwhile, 66.1 per cent of Grade 7s were reading at or above grade level in 2022-23, 70.4 per cent in 202122, 65.9 per cent in 2020-21 and 65.5 per cent in 2018-19.

Data also show that 72.5 per cent of Grade 9 students were reading at or above grade level last year, which was 2.1-per-cent higher than when they were in Grade 7 in 2021-22.

Meanwhile, 65.5 per cent of Grade 9s were reading at or above grade level in 2022-23, 63.8 per cent in 202122, 67.3 per cent in 2020-21 and 65.1 per cent in 2018-19.

Math

Teachers in grades 2, 5 and 8 assess their students’

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

THE NEXT PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, NOV 5

ing at or above grade level last year, compared to 70.9 per cent in 2022-23, 76 per cent in 2021-22, 74.3 per cent in 2020-21 and 76.6 per cent in 2018-19.

Furthermore, data shows that 67.4 per cent of Grade 5s were at or above grade level last year, which was a decline of 6.9 per cent when they were in Grade 2 in 202021.

Meanwhile, 70.1 per cent of such students were at or above grade level last year, 69.6 per cent in 2021-22, 66.9 per cent in 2020-21 and 63.5 per cent in 2018-19.

Data also shows 72.1 per cent of Grade 8s were at or above grade level last year, which was a 5.2-per-cent jump from when they were in Grade 5 in 2020-21.

Meanwhile, 72.5 per cent of such students were at or above grade level in 2022-23, 73.1 per cent in 2021-22, 76.3 per cent in 2020-21 and 71.1 per cent in 2018-19.

Attendance, grad rates in PSSD almost at pre-pandemic levels, report shows

A new report shows that attendance rates in Prairie South School Division have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, while graduation rates are almost at the targeted goal.

Division administration presented an updated student accountability report during the recent board meeting.

The report showed that by June 30, the division’s overall attendance was 90.84 per cent. In comparison, that figure was 91 per cent in 2022-23, 90.04 per cent in 2021-22 and 92.1 per cent in 2020-21.

Data for last year also showed that rural kindergarten-to-Grade 12 schools in the north had attendance rates of 93.1 per cent while similar schools in the south had attendance rates of 92.7 per cent. Together, these numbers average out to 92.9 per cent.

This was the first year that Prairie South clustered schools into northern and southern groups, so there are no comparable figures from previous years since all rural schools were combined into one group.

So, in 2022-23, the attendance rate for all rural schools was 92.1 per cent; in 2021-22, the rate was 91.53 per cent; in 2020-21, the rate was 93.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, at the end of June, urban elementary schools had an attendance rate of 90.44 per cent, compared to 90.2 per cent one year ago, 87.57 per cent two years ago and 90.8 per cent three years ago.

Also, at the end of June, high schools had a collective attendance rate of 89.23 per cent, compared to 89 per cent one year ago, 88.82 per cent two years ago and 90.8 per cent three years ago.

“The most recent data that came out that’s not in this report is that (during) the last three years, we’ve seen an increase in attendance rates,” said superintendent Derrick Huschi. “But we took a significant drop of about five per cent going into COVID. So we are almost back at target.”

Graduation

The report also looked at graduation rates from the past three years.

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The division’s on-time graduation rate goal for students completing high school within the normal time frame is 90 per cent, while its extended grad rate goal for those who require an extra year or two to complete high school is 92 per cent.

At the end of June, Prairie South had an on-time graduation rate of 87.3 per cent, which was the same number one year ago and slightly lower than the 89.3 per cent graduation rate two years ago.

Meanwhile, its extended grad rate by June was 91.3 per cent, compared to 90.3 per cent one year ago and 92.9 per cent two years ago.

All Saskatchewan school divisions adopted the 2020 education sector strategic plan (ESSP) in 2015, which required them to monitor, increase and report on student graduation rates, the report said. School divisions are still required to monitor this area under the new 2030 provincial education plan (PEP), which they adopted last year.

“The new language (in PEP) is they talk about on-

time and they talk about extended, but they don’t talk (about) four-year (or) five-year (graduation rates),” said Huschi.

All school divisions start tracking graduation rates when students enter Grade 10, but the problem is Saskatchewan is facing a “transient population,” he continued. This means a student could attend Prairie South in Grade 10, acquire two credits, and move elsewhere, but remain on the grad list.

That data will change next year, as the division will track only those students who start and finish Grade 10 in Prairie South, Huschi said.

Division administration hired two career consultants last year to ensure students make informed decisions about their career pathways, while it opened Pathways School, a non-traditional high school, which was successful since two students graduated from there, he added. Also, one behavioural consultant was hired to help students struggling to attend.

By Patricia Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express

The Magic of Trees

“There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.”

- Minnie Aurmonier

It is the trees in the landscape that make the garden. They provide a sense of scale, a structure with a great underlying sense of awe. After all, is there a garden without trees?

When I travel, it is without doubt the trees that make the biggest impression. When we are at home, in our gardens and our familiar surroundings we often take the trees for granted – as part of the landscape that is. It takes leaving familiar surroundings to force us to open our eyes and to truly see what is in the landscape. This article was inspired by the trees that live on the west coast of Canada – more specifically on Vancouver

Island. The warmer weather and lots of moisture ensures the most majestic trees are grown. Not hampered by –40C, dry air or lack of moisture the true giants are allowed to grow from the heart of the earth to the heavens. Walking through the fall leaves and enjoying the myriad of colour still on the trees in November is truly a great experience for a gardener. Gathering leaves that are larger than an oversized dinner plate and reverently pressing them to take home to show off to other prairie souls ensures that the majesty of a tree has not been lost!

What does a tree do in the landscape? They provide a scale that is actually the setting for the entire garden. Take a moment to look at the trees that surround your living space. There are some principles that can guide you when choosing new selections for your space.

Essentially, a tree should have a function in the landscape. This of course is true of each and every element in the landscape but it is the trees that are visible each and every month of the year thus giving them added importance. Functionally, a tree should provide shade; or beauty; or fruit, flowers and/or colour. They provide the bones of the scape so should in fact be chosen with great care.

Are they proportionate with your house or do they

tower above? Believe it or not the trees around your home should be chosen for their mature size to be in scale with the rest of the landscape – including the house. Therefore, a bungalow should have trees that are smaller in stature than a larger and taller home and garden. In most cases this does not happen. Towering trees are the norm – but from the perspective of the landscaper –that is not actually desirable as huge trees around a small house actually make the house appear even smaller!

For us who live in a climate with four seasons and one of which is extremely long (this season is not summer!!!), it is also very important to choose trees that are attractive even when they are dormant. Get more landscape value by selecting trees with interesting bark, flowers, fruit that is retained so even in the dead of winter they have attractive features. When everything in the landscape is “shades of grey” a little bit of colour is hugely appreciated!

So, even though it is no longer summer, take a moment to study the trees around you. Appreciate their value – in fact be awed by them! Learn about the trees that do best in our climate and look for interesting features.

I hope you enjoy the magic of the trees around us!

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.

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

Downtown public art project brightens Moose Jaw with 75 unique creations

Downtown Moose Jaw is gradually becoming a bit brighter and more unique each day as a team of local artists continue to paint an assortment of trash cans, benches, and other previously mundane items as part of the Downtown Moose Jaw Association’s (DMJA) Kinsmen Kids Art Project.

The project is still underway and runs along Main Street North from Manitoba Street to Ross Street and also spills over onto Langdon Crescent.

“Throughout the past three years, we’ve been collectively tackling and painting every garbage can, bench, electrical box — anything that we’ve had approval from the right sources to be able to turn into something fun,” announced Carly Jaye, one of the artists behind the downtown creations.

The project began in the summer of 2021 and, by the time the snow flies this year, a total of 75 objects will be completed.

In its first year, the project included Carly Jaye, Kayla (32 Flavours) Hanson, and Maguire Sotnikow who oversaw the completion of 35 items. This summer, Jaye continued the work alongside Kayla Buckingham and Ellie Govan.

The project’s goal is to get families excited to be in downtown Moose Jaw. Led by the DMJA, the project is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and, true to the mission of the association, it seeks to help support downtown business development.

“We’ve had freedom to paint whatever we want, as long as it’s kid friendly and appropriate to our city,” Jaye said. “There’s some things that are specific to Moose Jaw, but overall, it was just to make it more colourful and youthful in a way that doesn’t take away from our historic downtown.”

Jaye said the addition of bright, colourful street art plays an important role in shaping the character of a public space.

“I get told all the time how much it brightens someone’s day, and just the two or three seconds that they drive by or walk by, these pieces of art that are (originally) just

love our downtown, so of course I want to paint a trash can.”

stone and concrete and metal… turn into something artistic that can be appreciated and maybe brighten someone’s day and make them smile,” she said. “It’s just such a beautiful thing to me.”

Jaye said it can sometimes be a challenge as weather, patience, and frequent interruptions to speak with curious onlookers can take time out of the work, but she also said that she’s not upset by these factors.

“Part of what makes it beautiful is the process, and regardless, if it takes a little longer to get it done, getting that public feedback face to face hits your heart a little more than a Facebook comment.”

In a unique twist, Laurie Hysuick, the owner of Mitny Refillery, agreed to help out with a garbage can project this fall in front of her business.

Hysuick’s insight speaks volumes to the project’s regular artistic talent. “I’m only doing cow dots, and they’re simple designs but it’s still harder than it looks,” she said.

Jaye replied with some insight from her decade’s worth of experience. “It’s one thing to be able to paint something, but to be able to paint something where you don’t have a full canvas, you’re having to factor in every other inch (and you) don’t have something to make it recognizable… that’s an added challenge that comes with street art,” she explained.

“No one can prepare you for it until you sit here on the corner and do it yourself,” she added.

The project is scheduled to conclude this year and Jaye said it likely won’t continue into 2025 — although there will likely be more projects to follow as the association strives to keep Moose Jaw’s downtown growing. “(We are) recognizing our history, but (we’re) also creating new history,” Jaye concluded.

“It’s just such a beautiful thing for me, and it’s fun,” Hysuick said while applying black cow marks to a garbage can beside Capone’s Hideaway. “I’m in my store and people come in all the time and they say how much they

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL VILLAGE OF BELLE

PLAINE

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act 2015 for the office(s) of:

Councilor(s) for the Village of Belle Plaine

I hereby give notice that no voting for the said office(s) will take place and that the following people are elected by acclamation:

Councilor – Cole Stevens

Councilor –Shane Wight

Councilor – Jerrod Thul

Councilor – Rodney Alberts

Dated at Belle Plaine, SK this 10th day of October 2024

Leane Johnston Returning Officer

To view a map of these downtown creations, visit DowntownMooseJaw.ca/Kinsmen-Downtown-Kid-Designs.

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL VILLAGE OF DRINKWATER

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act 2015 for the office(s) of: Mayor for the Village of Drinkwater Councilor(s) for the Village of Drinkwater

I hereby give notice that no voting for the said office(s) will take place and that the following people are elected by acclamation:

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Artist Carly Jaye stands next to one of her downtown creations which gave new life to an otherwise bland electrical box along Manitoba Street on Oct. 17. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Laurie Hysuick, owner of Mitny Refillery, agreed to help out with one of the creations as the season draws to a close on Oct. 17 Photo by: Aaron Walker.

By Leon Retief

The Mediterranean DishSimply Dinner.

125 Easy Mediterranean Diet-Inspired Recipes to Eat Well and Live Joyfully. Suzy Karadsheh with Summer Miller, photographs by Caitlin Bensel. Clarkson Potter/Publishers, New York. 287 pages.

The internet has spawned an enormous number of food blogs, not all of them equally enjoyable or professional. Born in Port Said but now resident in North America,

City council approved its 2025 regular and executive committee schedules during its final meeting recently, with city administration acknowledging that it may be possible to change the 4 p.m. start time.

The schedule for next year shows that meetings will occur — all on Mondays unless otherwise noted — on Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, April 7 and 28, May 12 and 26, June 9 and 23, July 14 and 28, Aug. 11 and 25, Sept. 8 and 22, Oct. 14 (Tuesday) and 27, Nov. 10 and 24 and Dec. 1 and 15.

April, October and December are the three months where city administration has modified council’s schedule because of conferences or holidays in those months.

In April, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s (SUMA) an-

Suzy Karadsheh posts her very interesting blog (one of my favorites) two or three times a week and it is always a pleasure to see it land in my inbox. Subscription is free; like many food bloggers she sells stuff in her online store but hey, she has to make a living just like the rest of us.

This is her second recipe book. The first one, which I have not read, was a New York Times best-seller.

It is of course not practical to prepare every dish she posts, but most are mouth-wateringly attractive and she has never disappointed. The book in question is equally interesting and the recipes certainly seem to be on a par with those in her blogs.

I should perhaps point out that her recipes, in the book as well as in the blog, are truly Mediterranean in the sense that they are from a number of countries bordering that sea and not only from Italy and Greece as many people think when this kind of diet is mentioned.

The book opens with a moderately extensive introduction about the nature of the Mediterranean diet. The health benefits of this eating habit have been intensively researched in numerous well-designed studies and should be well known to most people. Home cooks who do not have much experience of this diet will find the section on her favourite herbs and spices useful. Some of my current favorites, such as sumac, Aleppo pepper and ras el hanout, to give only a few examples, should be more widely known; we must also not hesitate to frequently use dried fruits, grains or berries in salads and cooked dishes. All of these are easily available in The Jaw. There are also some helpful hints about meal prepping which should save time.

nual conference is mid-month. This means council’s meetings that month will fall on the first and fourth Mondays instead of the second and fourth.

In October, because Thanksgiving occurs on the second Monday of the month, council’s meeting will be moved to Tuesday, while its second monthly meeting will be on the regular fourth Monday.

The city’s procedure bylaw says that whenever a regular council meeting falls on a holiday that the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Moose Jaw and CUPE Local No. 9 recognizes, that regular meeting will be held at the same hour and location on the next ensuing day that isn’t a holiday, a council report said.

Meanwhile, city council has historically rescheduled its December meetings during the festive season. Next year, the

The rest of the book is organized into the usual sections on various dishes, such as mezze, quick overnight meals for weekdays and/or busy home cooks, kebabs, one-pot and one-pan dishes, vegetables and breads, drinks and desserts and lastly, party essentials such as dips, sauces and so on.

The layout of the pages makes for easy reading and her writing style is attractive. I must admit to being somewhat surprised that there was no mention of an air fryer. This kitchen aid is rapidly becoming more popular and with good reason.

On the other hand, converting instructions for a dish meant to be prepared in a conventional oven to an air fryer isn’t rocket science: lower the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and decrease the cooking time by 20-30%.

Also, one needs to adjust for smaller batches – since air fryers’ baskets are much smaller than ovens, cooking will be accelerated, so it is necessary to check on the food more frequently.

Anyone interested in healthy dining and tasty food should have this book in the kitchen bookshelf.

meetings would normally occur on the second and fourth Mondays, but because the latter day happens during Christmas week, the meetings will be on the first and third Mondays.

If an emergent event arises during the Christmas season or at any other time of the year, the mayor — with authority under the procedure bylaw — may call a special council meeting to deal with the matters, the report said.

During council’s final meeting of this term, Coun. Kim Robinson asked whether the 4 p.m. start time was “set in stone.”

He noted that if he is elected mayor, he wants to see the times pushed back since they currently make it difficult for some councillors and residents to attend.

City clerk Tracey Wittke replied that the procedure bylaw says the start time should be 4 p.m. However, the opportunity exists for council to change that “if they wish to bring it forward.”

The 2024 municipal election is Wednesday, Nov. 13. The inaugural meeting of the new city council is Monday, Nov. 18, while the first regular meeting is Monday, Nov. 25.

Leon Retief is a retired physician with clinical and research experience. He likes drinking wine, listening to music and reading.

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

Book Cover Image: Amazon.ca

Mayoral candidates discuss leadership, housing, harm reduction

Contenders fighting to be Moose Jaw’s next mayor discussed their thoughts on various topics during a forum that the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce held at the Events Centre on Oct. 29.

Chamber CEO Rob Clark emceed the event, which featured candidates Clive Tolley (incumbent), Crystal Froese, James Murdock, Mike Simpkins and Kim Robinson laying out their vision in front of more than 140 people.

The topics included showing leadership on contentious issues, housing and homelessness, harm reduction strategies, downtown development, fixing the property assessment program, property taxes, the mayor’s role in economic development, supporting seniors and improving city employee morale.

Leadership on contentious issues

Murdock said a “significant moment” in his leadership journey occurred when he attended the community safety meeting in July and spoke against the new Riverside Mission location while speaking for safety, downtown businesses and the Hilton Hotel project of which he is a part.

“I am committed to clearing up misinformation on my stance on this issue, as I believe open communication is essential,” he said.

Murdock supports a new shelter but

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

believes a proper location with wraparound services is vital to ensure it meets everyone’s needs while offering solutions “the Moose Jaw way” is best.

Simpkins runs a motorcycle training program, which was shut down in March 2020 because of the pandemic. He said he showed leadership by lobbying the provincial government to be included in phase 1 of the reopening plan; his training program was the first in the province to re-commence.

Robinson pointed to his voting record on council and said he doesn’t “blindly follow” every recommendation from city administration but conducts research, seeks out experts and listens to residents before voting. He noted that he received a “less than positive” response from some colleagues for his stances.

“As the old saying goes, if everyone around the table votes yes, then we don’t need everyone around the table,” he added to a smattering of applause.

Tolley was a member of the group that pushed for the Multiplex but faced considerable opposition from the council at that time. He noted that that “team of leaders” had a vision and stuck to it, which resulted in the building’s construction and gave the WHL Moose Jaw Warriors a new home.

Addressing homelessness and supporting less fortunate residents is a “deeply complex issue” since it also affects downtown businesses and residents, said Froese. To find practical solutions, the city must lobby its MLAs and work with the Moose Jaw Police Service and downtown association.

“By bringing people together, I’ve

shown that we can turn controversial issues into collaborative efforts … ,” she added.

Housing and homelessness

Simpkins said he didn’t want to support a homeless encampment, nor did he want a new shelter downtown. Instead, he thought the city needed to find a long-term program that was successful elsewhere and support that.

To address the housing shortage, he thought council should cut red tape at city hall, reduce the numerous bylaws and streamline the construction process for developers.

Robinson said the city needs to attract developers instead of chasing them away, as it did with a $50-million, 200unit housing project. He thought the city should offer incentives to developers to build and that homes should be constructed on in-fill lots, properties taken through tax arrears, and derelict sites.

Said Tolley, “The fact that Joe Miller and Souls Harbour left Moose Jaw … is a good thing because we now have Moose Jaw people working on a Moose Jaw solution to the problem.”

He noted that Moose Jaw Non-Profiting Housing Association (MJNPHA) and Square One Community Inc. are working to provide shelter, while Hope Ministries — comprised of former Riverside Mission staff — is working with churches to offer meals. These organizations, he emphasized, are offering a local solution.

Meanwhile, Tolley said the community doesn’t have a housing shortage crisis since apartments are going up in West Park and near the Old Union Hospital site while lots are for sale in Westheath. He

thought the market should handle any perceived housing problems.

Froese said council’s role should be to support these community organizations while lobbying for provincial funding. She also agreed that the city should offer incentives to developers.

Murdock said the city should make it easier for developers to ease the housing strain by approving permits faster and having land ready to go, including using more in-fill lots.

With homelessness, he thought good dialogue was needed with the province, city administration and organizations at “Ground Zero” to tackle this issue.

Harm reduction/safe injection sites

Robinson said he opposed safe injection sites but favoured a program that offered addicts wrap-around services and work skills.

“We really have to lift these people up, not just give them a warm bed, a sandwich and a bowl of soup,” he added.

Tolley said he also opposed such a site. Meanwhile, he said this is a provincial government responsibility, so council must have a good relationship with its MLAs and the premier. He also thought that MJNPHA and Square One were best positioned to handle this situation.

Froese — who didn’t give a position on safe injection sites — agreed that this is a provincial issue. However, she thought council could support the front-line agencies working with less fortunate people.

Murdock agreed that the province needed to offer help in this area. He also thought that the community needed to ensure that people receiving addiction help didn’t relapse or return to “their enablers.”

Simpkins said he opposed safe injection sites, especially since data from Europe shows harm reduction fails people. He thought that a long-term treatment program was required so addicts stayed long enough to become clean and potentially join the workforce.

“If we don’t get to the root of the problem, we’re never going to (address this issue) … ,” he added.

MJVotes24: Seven people running to join Catholic school division board

Seven people are running in the upcoming school board elections to be a trustee with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, although only the Moose Jaw subdivision requires a vote.

Joann Blazieko, Christine Boyczuk, Alison Bradish, Derek Hassen, Lee Moyse, Marc Perrault and Dana Thiessen have submitted their names to serve on the board during the next four years.

Perrault will represent the Swift Current area by acclamation because no one opposed him, nor did incumbent Ted Wallin run again.

Thiessen will represent the Shaunavon area by acclamation because no one opposed her, nor did incumbent Stephanie Nelson run again.

Meanwhile, Blazieko, Boyczuk, Bradish, Hassen and Moyse are attempting to secure one of four seats in Moose Jaw; Moyse is the only new candidate, while the other four are incumbents.

Candidate biographies

According to Holy Trinity’s election web page:

Joann Blazieko: “Joann Blazieko has been a dedicated member of the Holy Trinity Board of Education for over a decade, having been elected three times since 2012. With 10 years of experience as the chairperson of the board, Joann has been instrumental in guiding the board’s policies and decisions, consistently advocating for the best interests of students, teachers, and the broader Catholic community.

“Professional background: Joann brings her expertise as a Registered Nurse, currently working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Her professional experience extends to her active membership in the discipline panel of the College of Reg-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

istered Nurses of Saskatchewan, where she upholds the highest standards of care and ethics in the profession for both herself and others.

“Community engagement: A committed member of St. Joseph Parish, Joann is a practising Catholic who has previously served as vice-chair of the parish council, playing a key role in the spiritual and community life of the parish. Beyond her contributions to the parish, Joann has also been a passionate advocate for youth sports, actively participating in Moose Jaw Soccer and Moose Jaw Little League Baseball, where she has supported the development and well-being of young athletes.

“Commitment to Catholic education: Joann Blazieko is steadfast in her commitment to Catholic education, recognizing its vital role in nurturing faith, character and academic excellence for this generation of students and beyond. She remains dedicated to ensuring that Holy Trinity continues to provide a nurturing and faithfilled environment for staff and students.”

Christine Boyczuk: “Christine Boyczuk was a teacher, administrator, director of education. During her time in education, Christine was involved in promoting restorative approaches in the classroom and schools. Some of these practices were supportive behaviour models, mindfulness, classroom meetings, use of restorative questions, developmental assets, and circle of courage.

“Following retirement from the Davidson School Division, Christine became the Regional lntersectoral co-ordinator for the Moose Jaw South-Central Region. Working with other agencies, the following practices were implemented — alternatives to suspension, positive ticketing,

the HUB and the Moose Jaw Drug Treatment Court.

“As a board member and chair of the Provincial John Howard Society, Christine supported youth housing, conflict resolution/mediation, fine option, and practices to support individuals in correctional facilities.

“At present, Christine is the Moose Jaw Literacy Network co-ordinator. She is a member of the Provincial Integrated Youth Services Board, chair of Age-Friendly Moose Jaw, member of City of Moose Jaw accessibility committee and member of Square One Community. Currently, Christine also volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church. Christine’s passions are collaboration and engagement.”

Alison Bradish: “Alison Bradish is seeking a second term as trustee for the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division (HTCSD). She served the division as one of the directors of the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association and was appointed the HTCSD representative for St. Joseph Parish Council.

“She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism as well as Public Sector Governance Certification. Alison lives with her husband Robert and their three children. Her experience as a current trustee, plus her involvement as a parent with children in elementary and high school, give her a first-hand and relatable perspective about education.”

Derek Hassen: “It has been my honour to serve as a trustee and I am humbled to request your support in allowing me to serve another term. I have spent 28 years involved in education. It is near and dear to my heart.

“I have been an employee of the

school division and long-term volunteer coach. Now, as a business owner, I wish to continue contributing to Holy Trinity. I believe my skill set as a financial planner assists in understanding the division finances and my experience as an educator and administrator assists in managing the direction of the school division.

“As a current trustee, the experience has been invaluable. I have been actively involved with both parishes and will continue to build the relationship between school division, church, and home.”

Lee Moyse: “My wife and I arrived in Moose Jaw in 1996. We have two adult children who attended the Moose Jaw Catholic schools. I am an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish. I am a long-term member of the Knights of Columbus and actively participate in many events throughout the year.

“I have an extensive volunteer background, having coached baseball, soccer, and as a Scout leader. I was a member of the Kinsmen and scheduling director for co-ed rec volleyball. I was involved in speed skating for many years as a coach, club president, meet co-ordinator and a member of the provincial board.

“My career as a customer service office manager and volunteerism has given me significant experience working with people of varying backgrounds and levels of education. I work with various boards and serve on multiple committees. I have extensive experience developing policy and procedures and maintaining budgets in my current position.

“This role will be a natural fit to give back to the community.”

Chamber CEO Rob Clark was the event MC and asked candidates questions. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The five mayoral candidates who attended the chamber forum included incumbent Clive Tolley, Crystal Froese, James Murdock, Mike Simpkins and Kim Robinson.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Chamber forum lets mayoral candidates discuss visions for community

Downtown development, tourism, property assessments, taxes, economic development, seniors and city staff morale were some topics mayoral candidates discussed during the chamber of commerce’s Oct. 29 forum at the Events Centre.

Candidates who attended include Clive Tolley (incumbent), Coun. Crystal Froese, James Murdock, Mike Simpkins and Coun. Kim Robinson.

Property assessments

City council has met several times with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) and attempted to keep it accountable with its property assessments, but that’s difficult since the agency is provincially regulated and it denied council’s request for a secondary audit, said Froese.

“I am absolutely open to alternatives and working with the province to address these issues,” she added.

Murdock thought the city should hire independent property assessors since they apparently work well elsewhere. Hiring independent agencies meant council wouldn’t need to “reinvent the wheel.”

Simpkins thought council should “reinvent the wheel” and “look outside the box” for solutions since residents in Regina and Saskatoon regularly complained about their independent assessors. One idea he had was to tax properties by their size and not the building on it.

Robinson said the assessment system was broken and required an in-depth audit that provided tax fairness for all and “even(ed) the playing field.” If elected mayor, reviewing “the SAMA situation” would be one of his first priorities.

Moose Jaw had its own assessment group, but council eliminated it to save money, said Tolley. Meanwhile, SAMA frustrated him since it didn’t listen to anyone’s concerns and regularly mis-assessed property values, making developing lots too expensive.

The incumbent mayor added that council should go in a different direction once SAMA’s contract finished in 2025.

The conclusion of the 2024 provincial election allows residents to focus on the municipal election on Wednesday, Nov. 13, with advanced polls now available for voters wanting to cast an early ballot.

City hall has announced that advanced polls open today, Tuesday, at noon and will remain open until 6 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Centre.

Advanced polling will continue on:

• Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 12 to 6 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Monday, Nov. 4, from 12 to 6 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 12 to 6 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 7, from 12 to 6 p.m. Meanwhile, a special poll will be held on election day at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Only residents who are receiving care,

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Property taxes

Murdock said council needs to identify “smart solutions” to address property taxes while pursuing cost-effective infrastructure projects with limited revenue.

To do this, he thought the city needed to co-ordinate projects better in-house, avoid redundancies with street repairs, use the reserves more effectively, and use low-interest debt to pay for projects. This should keep property taxes manageable.

Simpkins said the city should consider developing and selling larger lots, which would attract families, give kids more space to play and develop a family atmosphere in neighbourhoods. He also thought the city should fire SAMA.

Robinson said Moose Jaw needs a consistent, common-sense approach with its property cap rates since residents deserve better with how much tax money supports SAMA.

Meanwhile, with revenue options beyond typical taxation, he thought city hall needed to be creative and entrepreneurial, such as better using its grant writer, acquiring low-interest loans or using investments. No idea should be off the table, he said, while outside help could enlarge the tax base.

Tolley said that another contractor provides Board of Revision services,

which a group of residents used to provide. Council is also unhappy with this provider and should find someone else while reviewing all areas of concern with assessments.

To grow and stabilize Moose Jaw’s economic base and reduce property taxes, council should attract value-added agricultural-focused companies and better manage its reserves, said Froese, who noted that the expansion at 15 Wing Air Base could also significantly affect the community.

“We need to live within our means and we need to look at a better way to do our assessments … ,” she added. “I would like to see us bring the assessment back into city hall.”

Economic development

The mayor can promote economic development by cleaning up the city and making it safer for everyone, and once that is accomplished, can market the community to attract outside businesses and investments, said Simpkins.

Robinson agreed that the mayor should promote the city and help acquire developments instead of chasing away projects. Once that occurs, the mayor should convince councillors to support the project.

Tolley described himself as “Mr. Moose Jaw” since he regularly invites people and businesses to move here. He thought the community was “very, very open” for business and argued that the mayor and council hadn’t chased away developers.

Froese argued that council had chased away opportunities since she knew of businesses that had gone elsewhere. Meanwhile, she thought the city could partner with rural municipalities to bring value-added agricultural companies to the area, with those workers living in Moose Jaw.

“We have to have a strategy. … you

can’t just sit behind a desk and hope that they come to you. That’s not how economic development works,” she added.

Important people in city hall need to be “leading the charge” with attracting economic investment, including encouraging companies to move here, especially since Moose Jaw has a good story to share and sits in the middle of major economic corridors, said Murdock.

Meanwhile, since Moose Jaw has plenty of underused land — especially in the agri-food industrial park — it should bring in more agricultural businesses, set up an ag cluster, and work with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s new agriculture program, he added.

Downtown development and tourism

Moose Jaw has the spa and casino as tourist attractions, while artists have spent several years beautifying infrastructure items like garbage cans and benches, said Tolley. Moreover, the downtown is full of heritage, while more people need to be frequenting the area to reduce safety concerns.

Froese agreed that the downtown is the backbone of the community’s history and is why tourists come here. She thought that redeveloping River Street could enhance the area.

Murdock said Main Street is the most important thoroughfare in Moose Jaw and should be supported. He thought investors were required to bring developments to the area, the mayor should talk to business owners since they wanted to be heard, and a greater police presence would enhance safety.

Simpkins thought the city needed to clean up its tax structure and how it taxes businesses, while it needed to stop driving away developments. Meanwhile, he thought the city needed to have more lowcost activities downtown to attract more people there.

Robinson said he was in favour of any type of development downtown.

The municipal election is on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

staff members of the venue, and caregivers who are voters may vote in the special poll.

On election day, polling locations will include the Golden Nugget Centre on the exhibition grounds, the Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre, Minto United Church and Church of Our Lady. These places will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To vote, residents need one government-issued identification that contains a photograph of the voter, the name of the voter and the address of the voter. This could include a driver’s licence, a Saskatchewan ID card or other valid government-issued photo ID.

Or, voters can provide two pieces of identification that show the name of the voter, with at least one also showing an address.

Residents will be voting for one mayoral candidate, six councillor candidates, five board members with Prairie South School Division and four board members with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division.

The five mayoral candidates include incumbent Clive Tolley, Coun. Kim Robinson, Coun. Crystal Froese, James Murdock and Mike Simpkins.

The 24 councillor candidates include Obeyaa Ampofo-Hunstad, Michelle Christie, Darrell Markin, Patrick Boyle, Jamaal James, Zac Monchamp, incumbent Jamey Logan, Sam Morrison, Carla Delaurier, Dave Stevenson, incumbent Doug Blanc, Godwin Ezizor, incumbent Heather Eby, Ashlea Street, Carolyn Ross, Steven White, former councillor Chris Warren, John Adams, Scott Montgomery,

incumbent Dawn Luhning, Jeff Goodnough, Jana Horsnall, Tracy Zimmerman and Perry Haug.

The candidates running to be a trustee with Prairie South in Moose Jaw are incumbents Brett Hagan, Lew Young, Mary Jukes and Patrick Boyle, while the challengers are Kursty Bansley, Brian Martynook, Ron Gorham, Abdul Alabi and Tenielle McLeod.

The candidates running to be a trustee with Holy Trinity in Moose Jaw are incumbents Joann Blazieko, Christine Boyczuk, Alison Bradish and Derek Hassen, with Lee Moyse being the only newcomer.

Residents can find information on voting in advance, candidates and more at moosejaw.ca/election.

Clive Tolley, incumbent mayor. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Mike Simpkins. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Coun. Kim Robinson. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

James Murdock. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Coun. Crystal Froese. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, due to the size of the original article and space issues in the Moose Jaw Express paper, we could not publish the full article on Mayor candidate Kim Robinson’s interview. You can read the full interview online at MooseJawToday.com

Incumbent councillor Kim Robinson has announced that he is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election to be mayor. Presented below are Robinson’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com Some answers have been edited for length.

Why are you running for mayor/why run for mayor after one term as councillor?

I’m running for mayor because Moose Jaw deserves a leader who listens closely and takes meaningful action. Throughout my term as councillor, I’ve tuned in to the concerns of our citizens and brought forward several initiatives and bylaw changes that have been successful elsewhere. Unfortunately, I never had any support from a largely “stand pat” mayor and council.

I understand infrastructure challenges and obstacles in creating a safer, revitalized downtown, I understand the issues that matter most to our community. I see the mayor’s role as the key leader in delivering an exceptional customer service experience to citizens.

My plan is to be open and available, supporting our city administration team and ensuring that the pathways of information between elected officials and administration are clear, direct, and easily understood. This way, the needs of our community are effectively communicated and met.

What prompted me to run is my commitment to serve our city that promotes transparency, responsible growth, and open communication. I believe in Moose Jaw’s potential and am prepared to lead with integrity and a vision that puts citizens first. With my experience and dedication, I’m ready to be the voice and advocate Moose Jaw deserves.”

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Once elected, my goal is to improve how our city functions by ensuring accurate and efficient communication between elected officials and city staff. Being at city hall full-time will allow me to have a closer “finger on the pulse” of day-to-day operations, clearing up many customer service issues I’m hearing from citizens.

I believe in being accessible, and I plan to increase

Mayoral candidate Kim Robinson

that’s there when needed.

I have also spoken with a major developer interested in creating a community-based haven for residents who need additional support. This development would benefit everyone —enhancing support systems for those who need them, helping our downtown businesses, and boosting tourism. It’s a project that would support our residential areas, bring economic growth, and make Moose Jaw safer for all.

As a councillor, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people invested in Moose Jaw’s economic development, and I’m eager to see these initiatives come to fruition with the added time and focus that the mayor’s role would allow. I am committed to ensuring Moose Jaw’s growth is managed thoughtfully, with open communication and strong, accessible leadership at the helm.

What would be your top area(s) of focus?

We have a great community of wonderful citizens, all who have their own concerns and priorities. My immediate “top of mind” would be to engage them. I have researched several cities doing just that. I would create an engagement strategy to improve civic participation and foster stronger community connections; we really need to get back to the trust we once held in our city hall.

Immediate concerns beyond this are a true need for transparency with our money and policy. Our road conditions, the cast iron schedule and ongoing infrastructure repairs and maintenance are always a concern.

What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?

Continuing a bit from the previous question here, improving the customer service experience at city hall

is crucial. Many residents have voiced frustrations about accessing city services, and I believe this stems from communication gaps between elected officials and city administration.

I would look at a quasi-ward system, dividing our city into six jurisdictions and assigning one to each councillor. Residents would know who to bring their concerns to and in turn, that councillor would make sure your concern is heard. In working full-time at city hall, I’ll ensure clear and consistent information flow between teams and to the public.

Fair assessment of property taxes is another priority. We need to carefully examine our tax structure to ensure it’s fair and supports residential and commercial property owners, allowing Moose Jaw to grow sustainably without placing undue burdens on our citizens and businesses.

Supporting our police by empowering bylaws is essential to improving community safety. I’m committed to working with our police to identify bylaw changes that allow them to do their jobs more effectively. That may include additional bylaw officers.

Of course, infrastructure improvements need prioritized attention — better roads, maintenance, and enhanced public spaces are key to a thriving Moose Jaw. I’m also collaborating with a developer interested in creating a community haven, a project that would offer vital support for residents while positively impacting our downtown businesses, tourism, and residential neighbourhoods.

There are many, many problems to try to solve, but I am eager to jump in.

Why are you the best person for this role?

I’m the best person for this role because I’ve earned my “degree” in Moose Jaw politics from the school of hard knocks over the past four years. I’ve learned how our city operates, gained a thorough understanding of The Cities Act, and know first-hand the strength and leadership required from the mayor to ensure the best decisions are made for the people of Moose Jaw — not just in the best interests of those sitting on council.

Too often, politics attracts those seeking personal gain, and that’s not why I’m here. I have no personal agenda or area of gain to achieve in this role. My only goal is to work for the community — to bring economic growth, clean up budgets and oversee spending, keep a closer, more direct eye on administration to ensure accountability and good customer service for the people of Moose Jaw.

I’m dedicated to Moose Jaw’s future by advancing economic proposals to my network of investors, supporting tourism, volunteering my time in social support programs, and progressing to the launch of Citizens on Patrol Program to support public safety. I’m committed to being a hands-on, active mayor, always working to make Moose Jaw a better place for everyone.”

What are your top skills/qualities/attributes?

I am a listener, a communicator, a critical thinker and I have financial literacy. I am ethical and I have an ability to stand firm, even if it means going against the status quo to make the best decisions for Moose Jaw.

My experience on council has taught me the importance of resilience and accountability, and I’ve built strong connections with investors who trust me as someone running for mayor purely out of a desire to make a positive difference for our city and its citizens

customer service hours and explore options to meet the needs of our residents better. Moose Jaw deserves a city hall

MJVotes24: Incumbent mayor Clive Tolley talks vision for community

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Incumbent mayor Clive Tolley has announced that he is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election. Presented below are Tolley’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. Some answers have been edited for length.

Why do you want to continue to be mayor?

I became the mayor after winning the 2021 byelection. We have made substantial progress in my time as mayor, but we are not done yet! It takes time to learn how to operate in this difficult, multifaceted job, and to build a relationship with council, the city manager, city staff, and other people, both inside and outside of city hall.

It takes time to build a team and collaborate with others to get things done. I have had three years of a fouryear term so far, and I think another four years in this office will see me functioning at an even higher level with the knowledge and experience I have gained from my first term.

My experience from my first term will benefit the city as we will build continuity and a team ready to tackle the challenges ahead. I have enjoyed the challenges of this position, and I value the privilege of representing our citizens in this position. People I meet say I am the right person for the job, and I agree. It feels like I am the right person at the right time for our city.

What do you hope to accomplish if re-elected?

Continue to support River Street revitalization including the construction of a new hotel, which will provide added value to the Events Centre and downtown. Make downtown and Crescent Park safe and beautiful for our citizens and tourists alike; support the Moose Jaw Police Service and downtown Moose Jaw initiatives.

Prioritize pothole filling, repaving our streets, and applying dust control to our gravel roads in both commercial and residential areas — do the worst roads first! Market our housing incentive policy, sell vacant city land, use our existing infrastructure, maintain vibrant neighbourhoods, and increase our housing capacity.

Fix the Fourth Avenue Bridge (win arbitration

By Jason Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

with CPKC) and start planning for a new bridge for the southwest South Hill, which will be necessary with the new school and adjacent housing.

Partner with indigenous people to make Wakamow Valley and Tatawâw Park a gathering place for people to enjoy nature, provide spiritual experiences, and honour our shared past while creating an economic development opportunity for indigenous people and others within our community.

To be inclusive and welcome all people to enjoy life in our beautiful city. To broaden and diversify our tax base, so ultimately, we develop more assessable

properties that generate the financial resources needed to fund our police, fire, and city services.

What would be your top area(s) of focus?

The top priority for our new council is the replacement of the Crescent View Lift Station as it is the pumping station that lifts our sewage to our sewage treatment plant in southeast Moose Jaw. I did not list this in my platform because this is an absolute need. It is not negotiable. If the Crescent View Lift Station fails, our sewage system fails. We applied to the Government of Canada’s ICIP program and were denied. Without funding from the two senior levels of government, funding the Crescent View Lift Station completely on our own will mean other projects will be deferred. We have now created and filled a position for a grant writer, who has already been successful in receiving funding for smaller projects. We are hopeful that our grant writer can find funding for our lift station and other projects in the future.

Expanding our tax base has been a top area of focus since I have been the mayor, and I plan to continue to make that the area I concentrate on the most. I have and will continue to meet with all potential developers and investors from any part of the world, including, of course, our local businesspeople who are considering expanding and diversifying their business interests in Moose Jaw.

Working closely with our economic development and marketing staff, and with the Chamber of Commerce, we are focusing on agriculture value-added food processing industries, transportation, warehousing and distribution, mining, manufacturing, aviation, technology and of course tourism.

Why are you the best person for this role?

I have proven over a three-year term as your mayor that I can get the job done. I have dealt effectively with a multitude of problems over this term while being as transparent as possible, maintaining confidentiality only when required. I have returned your calls and emails, and I will continue to do that during the next four years. I am approachable, open, and honest. If you want an audience with me, the mayor, simply call my office and my administrative assistant will set up a time. I want only the best for Moose Jaw!

Mike Simpkins announced that he will be running for mayor of Moose Jaw in the upcoming civic election. Following his announcement, the Moose Jaw Express reached out with a few questions on Oct. 31.

Q: “What motivated you to enter public service?”

A: “I am running for mayor because, for years, I have not seen the honesty, integrity, and transparency that our citizens deserve,” Simpkins replied. “What I have observed instead appears to be a complete disregard for the needs and wants of the taxpayers. These people need a voice and that’s exactly what I will be.”

Q: “How would you describe yourself as both an individual and as a candidate?”

A: “I’m hard working. I’m loyal. I operate with integrity at all times. I value people. I am a man of faith,” he replied. “As a mayoral candidate, I will bring commonsense, as well as a strong visionary, solution-oriented leadership back into city hall.”

Q: “How do you stay connected to the community?”

A: “My business puts me into the community and downtown every day,” Simpkins said. “Every weekend in the summer, I interact with people from the community and from out of town during the motorcycle training season. My business also provides services to newcomers from other provinces and around the world.

Q: “How would you describe your vision for the city?”

A: “I see Moose Jaw as a thriving, bustling, friendly city full of community spirit and renewed appreciation for our city,” he replied.

“I see city hall as the heartbeat of the city, so changing the culture there is crucial,” Simpkins added. “I want to create an environment where people are valued, supported, feel like they’re part of a family, and encouraged to share their ideas on bettering their workplace and their city as a whole.”

Q: “What are your top guiding values?”

A: “As a man of faith, these are my core values,” Simpkins began.

“Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles — moral uprightness. The state of

being whole and undivided.

“Accountability is an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.

“Commitment is the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.

“Compassion is a sympathetic concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

“Dependability is the quality of being trustworthy and reliable; (it is) the ability to be relied on.

“Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one; (it is demonstrating) strength in the face of pain or grief” and to persevere and step out of your comfort zone.

Q: “What would you say are the top three issues or concerns that you would like to address?”

A: “I think the people of Moose Jaw would consider our roads the biggest issue;

I feel that downtown safety and the protection of our seniors and most vulnerable would be at the top of my list.

I also think that our current taxation system needs a complete overhaul - “I think we need to look for a better way of implementing taxes, tax assessments, and appeals for both our residential and business tax structures. I believe we need to look at recreating an in-house tax assessments department at city hall.”

Q: “In your own words, why should people vote for you?”

A: “The fact that there are 29 people running for political office in Moose Jaw demonstrates that there is a need for change in our city,” he said. “

In his final remarks, Simpkins concluded with something to ponder.

“I leave you with this illustration to consider: A wise man once told me there are three types of people. There are the sheep; they are the ones that are the really nice people. They get along. They don’t cause trouble. Everybody likes them.

“Then there are the wolves; they are the ones who like to nitpick, backbite, stir up trouble, and attack the sheep.

“And then, there are the guard dogs. They are the ones who will protect the sheep and chase away the wolves. They will not cower in the face of fear. You as the voter have to decide which one of the five candidates running for mayor is the guard dog,” he said. “When your house is on fire, he’s the one who’s going to run in and pull you out. He is the one that’s going to fight for you when the city is in crisis. He is the one that’s going to confront issues head-on and take action.”

You can contact Simpkins through email at Mike4MayorMJ@gmail.com

The upcoming civic election will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Mike Simpkins is running for mayor of Moose Jaw in the upcoming civic election. Photo by: Mike Simpkins (submitted)

Incumbent mayor Clive Tolley. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

EDITOR’S NOTE: THERE ARE 29 CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL POSITIONS WITH THE ELECTION A LITTLE MORE THAN A WEEK AWAY. THERE WERE ALSO ONLY 2 REPORTERS DOING ALL OF THE PROFILES IN THE LAST COUPLE OF ISSUES AND MAY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THOSE THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED. UNFORTUNATELY, WE WILL NOT BE INCLUDING ANY MORE CANDIDATE PROFILES IN THE UPCOMING EDITION OF THE MOOSE JAW EXPRESS ON THE STREETS NOVEMBER 13, THE DAY OF THE ELECTION. THEREFORE, ALL PROFILES YET TO BE WRITTEN AFTER THIS EDITION WILL ONLY APPEAR ON MOOSEJAWTODAY.COM. OUR APOLOGIES.

MJVotes24: Zac Monchamp is running for Moose Jaw city council

Zac Monchamp announced that he will run for a position on Moose Jaw city council in the upcoming civic election. Following his announcement, the Moose Jaw Express reached out with a few questions on Oct. 29.

Q: “What motivated you to enter public service?”

A: “I was motivated by the lack of change and progress on the issues that I and others I know are facing in Moose Jaw,” Monchamp said. “I see the taxes always increasing but there’s little that I and most others see being done with them.

Q: “How would you describe yourself as both an individual and as a candidate?”

A: “I am a very curious person by nature; I ask a lot of questions (and) I enjoy solving problems and working with others to find common ground for those solutions,” Monchamp replied. “As my family wasn’t well off, I’ve had to learn the value of a dollar early, so I’m very financially conscious of what are needs (and what are) wants.”

Q: “How would you describe your vision for the city?”

A: “My vision for Moose Jaw is one of growth and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their financial or social standing.”

Q: “How will you ensure accountability and transparency in your role?”

A: “When it comes to accountability and transparency in my role, part of my plan is to deliver the answers that I get to my questions to the people,” Monchamp said. “I will engage with the public in different forums and also deliver their questions to council when I can’t answer them myself.

“To ensure the privacy of residents, I will not include their names unless they want me to.”

Q: “What are your top guiding values?”

A: Monchamp said his guiding values include honesty, communication, collaboration, and positivity. “I am a firm believer in ‘The cup is half full,’ and as a single vote on council, teamwork is essential to getting progress made.”

Q: “What would you say are the top three issues or concerns that you would like to address?”

A: “I believe the top three issues facing Moose Jaw are, simply put, infrastructure, economic, and social issues,” he said. “Many of these issues have been amplified by previous councils and (this is) why I decided to run.”

Q: “In your own words, why should people vote for you?”

A: “I believe voters in Moose Jaw are tired of the status quo,” Monchamp said. “I, like many residents, want change and want to see a Moose Jaw (full) of prosperity and opportunities. I hope they will give me a chance to bring that change and push for progress on the issues facing Moose Jaw. (These issues) are only going to get

worse if council keeps kicking the can down the proverbial road.”

In closing, Monchamp asked voters for the opportunity to bring about change.

“I am running because I want to see fiscal responsibility; I don’t want to see taxes keep going up while the roads keep crumbling,” he said. “I want to refocus the city’s priorities onto the things that will benefit everyone — not just a select few.

“I believe we need more low income housing. Our infrastructure is crumbling, and I think city hall should be more reactive and flexible when it comes to businesses. Moose Jaw has promise and deserves changes for the better,” he continued. “That’s why I’m asking you to give me the chance to work with — and, most importantly, for — the residents of Moose Jaw as one of your representatives on council.

“I want to thank my friends, family, and fellow residents for helping me have this chance to be a councillor and (to) bring (about) change.”

You can reach out to Zac Monchamp through email at ZMonchamp@gmail. com

The upcoming civic election will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

MJVotes24: Resident Carla Delaurier running for city council

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Resident Carla Delaurier has announced that she is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election. Presented below are Delaurier’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express. Some answers have been edited for length.

Why are you running/What prompted you to run?

I believe in the power of local government to effect meaningful change. Moose Jaw deserves a balanced approach to leadership, one that values economic progress and strong social support. As your councillor, I will focus on what matters to you: protecting businesses, addressing housing affordability, and ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe. I am committed to responsible governance, especially with avoiding tax increases and levies that hit lower-income residents and businesses the hardest. Instead, I will work to maximize the resources we have.

I have been increasingly concerned with the lack of leadership and structured decision making from city hall. Each decision appears to be made independent of further study and does not consider the long-term ramifications. SAMA’s assessment model is not fair or user friendly and it needs to go; the sale of Timothy Eaton Gardens was problematic; the continued expansion of the agri-food industrial park even without tenants; approving a budget

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

that includes millions of dollars of grant money that we did not receive; the denial of a $50-millilon, 200-unit housing project; and the lack of leadership with sound bylaws and supports to address the downtown homeless issue and criminal behaviours that directly affecting our citizens and tourists.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I am passionate about creating advisory committees for economic development, social issues, and property tax oversight. These committees would bring together citizens and experts to address the challenges and provide council with grounded, practical advice. This approach is not about gathering ideas; it is about giving you a seat at the table to shape Moose Jaw’s future. I plan to update our bylaws to reflect Moose Jaw’s current needs; they need to be fair and enforceable. I plan to have all development and property projects vetted to ensure they are in the best interests of Moose Jaw.

What would be your top area(s) of focus?

Funding the Crescent View Lift Station, restructuring the city’s property tax assessment model, updating our bylaws to reflect our current needs, creating an advisory committees for economic development, social issues, and property tax oversight; and making city hall more accessible to the citizens, from office hours to attending and participating in council meetings.

What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road?

How would you bring that to fruition?

I trust it doesn’t take 10 years, but Moose Jaw will have fair taxation and modest growth with developers being supported through streamlined processes and quick permit approval. Our downtown and public spaces will be serviced with additional bylaw officers to ensure public safety.

Moose Jaw will have a much-improved infrastructure rehabilitation plan that does not cause unnecessary financial hardship to property owners. Our roads, sidewalks, and water/sewer repairs will be current with nominal seasonal main-

tenance. Moose Jaw will have more entry-level homes available to bolster job creation and expansion. Fewer students and workers will commute from Regina as they will have found their home here. Moose Jaw will be using our geothermal energy for direct use and district heating systems, and industrial applications like food dehydration and milk pasteurizing. Moose Jaw will subsidize property taxes and social programs with revenue from our geothermal projects.

Why are you the best person for this role?

I think outside the box but with financial accountability and a solution-focused mindset. I believe city hall is to serve its citizens. I believe that each person has intrinsic value and has a place in our city. Those citizens who struggle with socially unacceptable behaviours will be held accountable for their infractions. Fines can be mitigated through active participation with the appropriate community agencies. Why should people vote for you?

My vision includes innovative solutions for economic growth, fast-tracked infrastructure improvement, mindful spending, and bylaw creation. I pledge to maintain open communication with constituents and ensure that the decision-making process at city hall is transparent. My goal is to rebuild trust between the community and local government by being accessible, honest, and accountable in all my actions as a councillor.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Photo by: Zac Monchamp (submitted) Zac Monchamp is running for a spot on Moose Jaw city council in the upcoming civic election.

MJVotes24: Incumbent councillor Heather Eby discusses vision for community

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Incumbent councillor Heather Eby has announced that she is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election. Presented below are Eby’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express

Why do you want to run again?

We have made some big strides in the last few years on infrastructure renewal and I want to continue to ensure that these big projects don’t stall out. It would be easy for new a council to not know how hard we fought to get these things in the budget and moving along. I believe it’s important that the historic knowledge of how we got here is not lost. My experience will help keep these projects in the forefront.

What areas do you think council should have done better or missed addressing?

There are always things that could be done better and one of those things is I think we let the decorum and following

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

of proper procedure in council chambers begin to slip and become lax. City council is the third highest level of government in the country and I believe it deserves to be treated with respect and in high regard. It is not a willy-nilly organization to be taken lightly. Respect is imperative.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

It is my hope that we will be able to address the Crescent View Lift Station replacement in the next year or two. As well, the Fourth Avenue Bridge is a huge project that is becoming a “must do.” Economic Development is always on the list and with a few projects coming to fruition, hopefully they will be catalyst for more business development

What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?

Core Infrastructure. Business development and retention. Cleaning things up. The “look” of the city at times could definitely be improved.

What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road?

How would you bring that to fruition?

It is my hope that in 20 years Moose Jaw’s reserve system will still be annually funding a good portion of the budget. My vision also includes an infrastructure renewal program that is nearly caught up to

where it should be; I’m not saying it will ever be completed but we could be in a much better shape.

Most importantly, my vision is of a city that has left division aside and is operating in unity. I also hope that a new sense of community pride has taken deep root within the next few years and is flourishing in all areas of life in Moose Jaw by then.

Why should people vote for you?

My experience allows me to be a councillor who can be a good resource to new members of council as well as administration. I am a team player and will work to collaborate with colleagues to move decisions and initiatives forward. I am a person who does what I say I’m going to do.

Respect and professionalism are very important to me and I will carry those values into all meetings of council and committees and beyond. I promise to be prepared for every meeting and to use my experience and knowledge to make good decisions that will benefit our beautiful city.

MJVotes24: Councillor candidate Chris Warren discusses vision for Moose Jaw

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Former city councillor Chris Warren has announced that he is running again to be councillor in the upcoming Nov. 13 municipal election. Presented below are Warren’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express. Some of his answers have been edited for length.

Why have you decided to run again/ what prompted you to run again?

I am running for council because I love Moose Jaw, and my passion is to serve. I possess a strong desire to provide excellent and quality services, and I’ve spent 16 years working to make life better for citizens because I care about what you think.

You quit being a councillor in 2020 because of work commitments, if I recall correctly. Is your work situation now more flexible or accommodating with you returning as a councillor?

I decided not to run for city council in 2020 because of family issues. It was a very difficult decision because my four years on council provided some of the

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

most rewarding opportunities I’ve had in my life. Fast forward to today, and personally, things are amazing for me while my family situation is better. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I hope to create an environment where business and tourism thrives. I hope that our city council can work together to attract industrial development that creates jobs and grows our economy. I hope that I can work with city hall to improve city

services to address critical infrastructure needs and to make everyday life better.

I hope that I can work to ensure we have a fair and balanced and affordable property tax system. I hope that I can collaborate with city council, federal and provincial government, and community leaders to find real solutions to the social issues in our community. Lastly, I hope that I’ll be able to look back in 2028 and say that I made a difference and Moose Jaw is a better place to live, work, play and visit.

What would be your top area(s) of focus?

My top areas of focus are to support local business, create economic development, boost tourism, enhance city services, and find solutions to address our social issues.

What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?

I think some of the top issues at this time are finding a landfill location that works for our city and our regional partners, growing the agri-food industrial park, investing in core infrastructure such as roads and water, supporting local businesses so they can thrive, finding solutions

for food and housing security, and reviewing our property tax assessment model to ensure it is fair and balanced.

What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road? How would you bring that to fruition?

My vision for Moose Jaw is that people come to visit, to make a home, to raise a family, to work, and to play. My vision is that citizens feel valued when interacting with city hall and believe that city hall cares about them. My vision is that we are a community where everyone contributes and is proud to say, “I live in Moose Jaw!” Why are you the best person for this role?

I spent my career working to make life better for citizens because I truly care about what you think. I love being able to make a difference in someone’s life, and I want to make a difference in Moose Jaw. I am grateful to be part of such a great community and would love another opportunity to serve you. I’ve demonstrated this in my career, and my time on council, and I commit to working hard to represent you at city hall.

MJVotes24: Jamaal James is running for Moose Jaw city council

Jamaal James announced that he will be running for a spot on Moose Jaw’s city council in the upcoming civic election. Following his announcement, the Moose Jaw Express reached out for a few comments on Oct. 29.

Q: “What motivated you to enter public service?”

A: James said that he was motivated by “A desire to do my part to help my community grow and thrive.”

Q: “How would you describe yourself as both an individual and as a candidate?”

A: “Honest, accountable, and approachable,” James replied. As a candidate, he said that he describes himself as “Someone who isn’t afraid to do the right thing — even if it isn’t popular.”

Q: “How would you describe your vision for the city?”

A: “I see us becoming a city on the rise,” James said. “A city where we have great infrastructure and services, affordable housing, and fair taxation. A place where people want to raise their families, set up shop, and be proud to call home.

“I see a city where we plan big projects well, and execute properly and responsibly,” he continued. “I see a council

that is honest and accountable to our residents, and ensures that we spend their tax dollars in ways that are sensible, sustainable, and (to) deliver maximum benefit to as many people as possible.”

Q: “How will you ensure accountability and transparency in your role?”

A: “By being open with people and willing to talk about the issues that impact our residents — even if we don’t see eye to eye,” James replied. “I want to give people honest answers for decisions that I make which impact their families and livelihoods.”

Q: “What are your top guiding values?”

A: James said his top values are honesty, integrity, and accountability. “(I also believe in) Doing the right thing — even if it isn’t easy,” he added.

Q: “What would you say are the top three issues or concerns in Moose Jaw that you would like to address?”

A: “Taxation is a huge priority for me,” he said. “We need fair and consistent assessments, and to be responsible with the dollars that come from it.

“Infrastructure is another huge issue that I want to tackle. We have major vital infrastructure projects that need to be

completed ASAP, so prioritizing getting those done — and done right — is at the top of the list for me.

“Poverty reduction and affordability are vital,” James said in his third point. “We need to find effective and tangible

solutions to address and mitigate poverty, food insecurity, and housing so that we can keep people from falling into (a cycle of) mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. We need to find sensible ways to address the root cause(s) in order to mitigate the effects of people falling into vulnerable situations.”

Q: “In your own words, why should people vote for you?”

A: “People should vote for me because I have a vested interest in seeing the city that I love — and have spent my entire life in — grow and thrive,” James said. “I’m not afraid to say ‘No’ when something makes no sense for our city, and I’m willing to give straight answers as to why I make decisions.”

James said he’s ready to face the challenges that are ahead of him.

To learn more about Jamaal James, visit JamaalForCouncil.com or follow him on Facebook at ‘Jamaal James for City Council.’ James can be reached by email at Jamaal.James@outlook.com and also runs a TikTok account (‘jamaalforcouncil’) and X (formerly Twitter) account at ‘jcjames34.’

The upcoming civic election will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Heather Eby. File photo

Chris Warren. Photo supplied

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Jamaal James is running for a spot on Moose Jaw city council in the upcoming civic election. Photo by: Jamaal James (submitted)

MJVotes24: Incumbent councillor Doug Blanc running for second term

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Incumbent councillor Doug Blanc has announced that he is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election. Presented below are Blanc’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday. com. Some answers have been edited for length.

Why do you want to run again?

I am running because I want to continue be a voice for the citizens of Moose Jaw. I said four years ago that councillors should treat citizens as their customers, and I still believe in that. We need to work for the citizens of Moose Jaw.

I have tried to represent everyone who called me. We will have some major challenges in the next few years. We have the Crescent View pump house that needs considerable work or a complete replacement. We have an aging outdoor pool that needs to be replaced. We have the Fourth Avenue Viaduct that needs major repair along with road repair.

I want to work for the citizens to ensure that these issues can be completed in a fiscally responsible manner.

What did you think of your previous experience/first term on council?

Experience on city council is a huge asset. But past experience can also be a benefit. With my background I believe I have the qualifications. My four years

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Resident Obeyaa Ampofo-Hunstad has announced that she is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election to be a city councillor. Presented below are Ampofo-Hunstad’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday. com. Some answers have been edited for length.

Why are you running/what prompted you to run?

I’m running for city council because I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. My goal is to promote long-term planning that focuses on sustainable economic development, strong infrastructure, and vibrant recreational venues, while engaging residents.

Recently, as I drove my young sons (an eight-year-old and two year-old) to my sister’s house, I pointed out my campaign sign, which really got him excited and intrigued. He asked what running for city council meant. I explained that it meant I love Moose Jaw and I want it to be a place where they would still be proud of and come back to even if they leave to explore other communities and places. I want to serve our community and advocate for its needs

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

If elected, I will aim to enhance our infrastructure — focusing on roads, bridges, and recreational venues. I will encourage local shopping to keep money within our city.

I will ensure effective engagement with residents by incorporating diverse viewpoints, promoting community involvement, connecting with various groups, and consistently integrating feedback. My goal would be to make city council more responsive and accountable,

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

on city council, along with being on the parks and recreation committee, Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery, Moose Jaw Exhibition Board, roads and infrastructure committee and Moose Jaw Police Commission, has provided the opportunity to have considerable experience. My past experience on different boards, both within Moose Jaw and in previous work, has provided me the opportunity to deal with complex budgets and issues that have provided me the experience and knowledge to be sit of city council.

What areas do you think council should have done better or missed addressing?

We need to listen to our citizens better and deal with their concerns. Although we have the “report an issue” on the city’s web page, I think this needs improvement to allow friendlier and easier usage of this app.

We could make our city more attractive to visitors by ensuring that our entrances are free of weeds and garbage. We need to work on our infrastructure projects better to allow less interruption for our citizens, while maintaining quality work. Our bylaws need improvement to have permits issued faster and easier.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Over the next number of years, we have many projects that will require additional work or new work. The first that

needs to be addressed is the Crescent View pump house. This station is responsible for ensuring all our sewage and stormwater is pumped to our lagoon. This will require renovation or

We need to lobby the federal and provincial governments for assistance. The Crescent View pump house needs to be at the top of the list.

After this there are a number of proj-

ects that we need to work on. They include, but are not limited to the Fourth Avenue Viaduct, outdoor pool, continuation of cast iron and water repair work and road repair. We also need to maintain our buildings, as some will require maintenance to keep them operational.

What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road? How would you bring that to fruition?

I hope in the future I will be excited and happy to be a resident of Moose Jaw. I would like to see Moose Jaw prosper and grow. We need to promote our city as we are on major highways and the CPKC main line. We have affordable housing, a great municipal airport and wonderful shops and great parks and entertainment facilities.

Why should people vote for you?

I want to continue to represent the citizens of Moose Jaw. As stated earlier, we will have some major infrastructure projects in the next few years. I would like to be part of these discussions to represent the citizens of Moose Jaw. I have always used the philosophy of dealing with the issue and not personality.

I feel city council should make decisions based on facts and information and leave personality out of it. If the majority of council voted in favour of an issue that I voted against, I still supported it as it was passed by the majority.

prioritizing transparency and engagement with residents on relevant issues.

What would be your top area(s) of focus?

If elected, I will champion sustainable economic growth and cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship to create a vibrant local economy. My focus will be on initiatives and policies that attract, retain, and expand businesses, empowering our community to shop locally. Supporting locally owned businesses will not only foster job creation but also keep money circulating within Moose Jaw.

I am committed to enhancing our infrastructure, parks, recreational venues, and community programs. Another priority would be to develop a comprehensive plan for new infrastructure while ensuring the maintenance of existing facilities, focusing on long-term benefits rather than short-term fixes.

I would ensure that we engage residents and organizations on issues pertaining to essential services, including affordable housing. I aim to build an engaged and responsive community by making council more responsive to the needs of residents and involving various stakeholders in meaningful decision-making.

What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?

I believe there are some critical issues that need our attention. First, we need to improve our infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities. Upgrading these will not only enhance our quality of life but also attract new residents and businesses.

We also need to focus on supporting and expanding local businesses. Creating initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship will help our local businesses succeed, leading to job creation and economic stability.

Lastly, homelessness is an emerging

issue that requires urgent attention. We need to engage different stakeholders and community organizations to develop solutions that ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. Addressing homelessness is essential for the overall well-being of our community and supports our economic growth.What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road? How would you bring that to fruition?

My vision for our city focuses on sustained economic growth, a skilled workforce, and quality services for residents and businesses. I would want to see an agile city which can quickly adapt to new challenges and opportunities, ensuring we meet the needs of our community.

To this to fruition, we’ll need to embrace innovation and leverage technology. I believe it’s essential to actively engage residents, especially young people, as they are the future of our city. Building strong, trust-based relationships with various

partners and stakeholders will be important to our future.

Why are you the best person for this role?

I have extensive experience in public service and community engagement. For over a decade, I’ve been dedicated to serving the public, leading various initiatives and policies in areas of community safety and well-being, crime reduction, social services and, most recently, agriculture.

My career spans various roles in public and non-profit sectors, including positions as a volunteer co-ordinator, policy analyst, and director in multiple departments. I also hold a graduate degree in public policy from the University of Saskatchewan, providing me with the skills to address complex issues effectively. Currently, I serve on the cultural diversity advisory committee, where I collaborate with stakeholders to address community needs. I also serve on my local church board.

What are your top skills/qualities/ attributes?

My top skills and qualities include the ability to connect and collaborate with different stakeholders by building trust-based relationships. I value open communication, integrity, transparency, and honesty, and I strive to be a responsible steward of my talent and resources. I also consider myself a forward thinker, bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to council.

Why should people vote for you?

I’m passionate about creating a community with opportunities for future generations. I believe in strategic thinking, open-mindedness, and honest, servant leadership. I’m dedicated to tackling our community’s biggest challenges and want to hear your ideas. I don’t have all the answers, but by listening and engaging with residents, we can work together to address the critical issues we face.

Coun. Doug Blanc. Photo submitted

Obeyaa Ampofo-Hunstad. Photo submitted

MOOSE JAW VOTES. MEET YOUR CANDIDATES.

RE-ELECT MAYOR CLIVE TOLLEY

I love our city, and as your Mayor for the past 3 years, I have proven to have the strength, skill, and ability to lead the City of Moose Jaw through tough times! Action is underway to make us a better city now and in the future! Every day, our team is working to promote and market our city and we are seeing results in both economic development and population growth. Allow us to continue to work together to grow and sustain our city into the future.

VOTE KIM ROBINSON

FOR MAYOR

Let’s put the “friendly” back into Moose Jaw. In the upcoming mayoral election, candidate Kim Robinson brings a "win-win-win" strategy to tackle our housing challenges, addressing residential areas and senior housing, supporting downtown businesses and tourism, and providing solutions for the unhoused. With his accounting background and deep-rooted community and provincial connections, Robinson is excited to lead Moose Jaw to a safer future.

He heard you, and from the mayor’s seat, he can make sure things change.

Authorized

Review

Address

Eliminate

Promote

Attract

Lifelong resident of Moose Jaw

Married for 39 years with four adult children and 11 grandchildren

REGULAR POLLS

I

MOOSE JAW VOTES. MEET YOUR CANDIDATES.

FOR CITY COUNCIL VOTE for Michelle Christie

CREATE. GROW. SERVE.

by the Committee to Elect Michelle Christie

My name is Jamey Logan. I am an entrepreneur of 29 years who was born and raised in Moose Jaw. Together with my wife, Sheri, we raised our family in this great city. I am honest, relatable, open-minded and dedicated. I have a business minded, community first, common sense approach and feel that my experience with problem solving, conflict resolution and business management will be beneficial as your City Councillor. I promise to work hard to find efficiencies and opportunities to help this city grow and prosper. I feel its important to listen to both sides on every issue; but, at the same time, be willing to ask the difficult questions. I support economic growth and business development with a focus on fiscal responsibility. I am passionate about this city and the well-being of its citizens. Please be assured that I am determined to earn your trust and respect.

Authorized by Jamey Logan

I am Zac Monchamp

Moose Jaw has been my family’s home since 2008.

I’m running for the council of Moose Jaw because I’m tired of watching taxes go up and road surfaces go down! I love Moose Jaw and want to see it thrive for all residents. Together we can grow opportunities for the betterment of the entire community.

If elected, I will strive to bring financial responsibility and equitable service across the community.

As a councillor and resident my focus will be on, needs based projects, housing affordability, and delivering good value public services.

Transparency, communication with the community and paying attention to the needs of the community.

Thank you!

Authorized by Zac Monchamp

Hello, Moose Jaw! I’m Scott Montgomery, a husband, father, and grandfather, and a lifelong resident of our city. With over 30 years of coaching experience in football and baseball, I’ve seen firsthand the strength of our community and the impact of commitment in our city. My campaign for City Council is built on three core principles: Community, Commitment, and Common Sense. I believe in fostering a strong sense of community, where every resident feels safe, heard and valued. My commitment to you is to bring transparency and accountability to City Council, ensuring your concerns are my priority. And with common sense, I’ll approach every issue with practical solutions, focusing on what truly benefits Moose Jaw and its residents.

On Nov 13th, I ask for your vote and your trust, as we work together to create a safer, stronger, and more vibrant future for our city today, and for generations to come. Vote Scott Montgomery for City Council –Vote for Community, Commitment, and Common Sense.

Authorized by Scott Montgomery

We need to create the environment for our residents to get the services they need and deserve. We need to focus on service excellence - just because it was done this way for 30 years doesn’t make it right. We need to realize the economic growth potential to both retain and attract strong local businesses. The heart of our economy is our local business sector which contributes millions to the community each year. By creating a climate where City Hall is a partner and not a roadblock, I believe we can start to reach our huge potential as a community.

PATRICK BOYLE

Re elect Doug Blanc

I believe that city counsel works for the citizens of Moose Jaw!

I support current business & new, while looking at the concerns of Moose Jaw citizens.

I have attended in person all city council meetings & executive committee meetings. Attended all board meetings except one, which I was double booked with another committee.

I, along with the police administration, lobbied the Provincial Government for additional funding for Moose Jaw Police. This was achieved a few months ago with the Province funding eight additional officers in Moose Jaw.

I would be pleased and honoured to represent the citizens of Moose Jaw for the next 4 years as one of your City Councillors. Authorized by

Carla Delaurier

Experienced in social work, business ownership, and commercial and residential real estate, I offer balanced leadership that prioritizes both economic progress and strong social support. Protecting local businesses, addressing housing affordability & accessibility, and ensuring safe neighborhoods requires action. I am committed to responsible governance, avoiding tax increases and levies that disproportionately affect lower-income residents and businesses.

I will: maximize our existing resources to serve everyone in our community by; creating advisory committees for economic development, social issues, and property tax oversight, bringing together citizens and local experts, fund the Crescent View Lift Station with multifaceted solutions without overburdening our residents, renegotiate or withdraw from SAMA' and their assessment model and return to an in-house model that works for all citizens, City-wide Entry-Level Housing Plan to expand available housing and spur job creation, new bylaws and bylaw officers to address our parks & downtown core, surveillance cameras in key areas, Vote for the change you need to see! Six fresh faces for 2025! A thorized by Carla Delaurier

“I’m a proud, lifelong Moose Javian, raised on a farm and grateful to have raised my family in Moose Jaw. With qualifications in Psychiatric Nursing, Wellness Coaching, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution, and over 35 years of experience in mental health and personal development, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering others. I’ve served on community boards, and as CEO of Lakeview Regional Wellness Centre and co-founder of Dr. Goodenowes Restorative Health, I bring a deep sense of civic duty. Approaching retirement, I’m running for City Council to make Moose Jaw safer, more prosperous, and welcoming for all. My commitment is to revitalize downtown, streamline regulations, and ensure safety in our communities. By empowering local organizations, we can address homelessness and mental health, providing affordable housing, education, and jobs—and ultimately, the future Moose Jaw deserves.”

Authorized by Jana Horsnall

Authorized

Authorized by Patrick Boyle

Doug Blanc

FOR COUNCIL

Re-Elect Dawn

Luhning for Council

Dawn has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan. She owns DLSolutions, a financial services business in the City’s downtown and has been in the industry for 30 years. Dawn founded the Moose Jawg Charity Road Race in 2002 and recently transitioned her role as Race Director to another business owner. $160000 has been given back to the Health Foundation. Dawn received a Woman of Distinction award for Community Leadership and Enhancement in 2012.

Boards include: Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA); she is past chair of the Board of Police Commissioners and Vice-Chair of the City’s investment committee.

Dawn is a proven leader, honest, and experienced, and approaches all decisions with common-sense and a business perspective. Infrastructure, smart spending and value for your tax dollars, better communication with residents, and forging collaborative partnerships to affect positive change for the City is her focus.

Chris Warren for City Council

Authorized by Dawn Luhning

With my beautiful, blended family by my side, I am excited to be running for City Council! I love Moose Jaw, and my passion is to serve. I’ve spent my career trying to make life better for citizens because I care about what you think. My vision for Moose Jaw is that people come to live, work, play, and visit, where citizens feel valued and cared for when interacting with City Hall, and where everyone is proud to say, “I live in Moose Jaw!” My priorities are to support local business, create economic development opportunities, boost tourism, enhance City services, and find solutions to address our social issues, and I would be so grateful if you gave me a chance to serve you on Council and at City Hall.

Authorized by Chris Warren

Platform Statement - Jeff Goodnough

Hello, I’m Jeff Goodnough, a proud third-generation Moose Javian, and I’m running for City Council because I believe in a better, stronger future for Moose Jaw residents.

A safer Moose Jaw is essential to our growth, and I will work hard to ensure our neighborhoods are secure and our crime prevention efforts are strengthened. Healthcare and mental health support are also critical for our community’s well-being.

Moose Jaw has incredible potential, and I want to see us become a city that not only survives but thrives—a city that’s safe, vibrant, and welcoming to all. My platform is built on making Moose Jaw friendlier, stronger, and full of opportunities for every resident.

I’m asking for your vote because I care, and together, we can make Moose Jaw a winning city. Thank you.

Dave Stevenson

I

Dave Stevenson was born and raised in Moose Jaw, worked at Valley View Centre for 28 years, working as a group activities aide, among other positions.

"I believe that we need to be accountable to the people of Moose Jaw and transparent with tax dollars". We need to develop a better plan for the cast iron project with it being a 20 to 30 year project and that these services should be done in house which is more cost effective and creates jobs in Moose Jaw. We also need to have a solid plan to deal with the infrastructure issues. We also need to look at working with all organizations to come up with a solid plan to address the homelessness crisis we see in our city. This plan needs to be solid and treat all people with dignity and respect and ensure that both sides of the spectrum are heard.

Authorized by Dave Stevenson

Authorized by Jeff Goodnough

MOOSE JAW VOTES. MEET YOUR CANDIDATES.

SCHOOL BOARD

Authorized by Mary Jukes

My name is Ron Gorham. I am seeking a position as PSSD Board Trustee. I am a retired manager with the Co-operative Retailing System. My career allowed me the opportunity to work and collaborate with a board of directors and I know the value of the board approach to teamwork and management.

During my children’s education I volunteered in school-based events. Also, during this time I coached minor hockey, employed high school youth, and worked in partnership with the schools in community

In my personal life I am surrounded by educators. My daughter and son-in-law are teachers, and my wife has worked as an educational assistant for 23 years. I have great respect for the educational system. I know the value that lifelong learning can have on success. I am hard working and dedicated, with a high degree of integrity. I will dedicate myself to the trustee role with PSSD. On November 13, I respectfully, ask for your support.

Authorized by Ron Gorham

VOTE

Brian Martynook

For Prairie South School Board

- Born and Raised in Moose Jaw

- Brings Extensive Board Governance Experience

- Focused on Giving Students the Best Education

- Ensure Sufficient Resources are Allocated to Meet Teacher, Classroom and Infrastructure Needs.

My name is Brett Hagan and I’m seeking re-election as trustee for Prairie South School Division.

I have worked as an Educational Assistant, coached football and helped direct plays for Prairie South; because of this experience, I understand the many challenges teachers and students face, in and outside of the classroom.

My priorities as a trustee working with the board include focusing on reading, writing and mathematics skills, and ensuring that all schools in Prairie South have the most up-to-date tools for learning. Achieving these goals will help equip our students with the support and resources needed for not only educational success, but also support their mental health and wellbeing. I also want Prairie South to continue being a world-class organization where people want to work, and students continue to thrive.

LEW YOUNG School Board Trustee

I would be honoured to continue serving students, staff, and parents of Moose Jaw as a Public School Trustee.

• Long time resident of Moose Jaw.

• Semi-retired from my profession of Funeral Director.

• I take my service as a Trustee very seriously, working to ensure we provide the best possible resources available to facilitate student learning, as well as providing a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff.

• Open door policy for all questions/concerns.

• With my experience I will continue working hard with both the local and provincial governments to ensure the best education for our students.

REGULAR POLLS

SCHOOL BOARD DIVISION 1

Jan Pogorzelec (Rice)

I am humbly

Authorized by Brett Hagan

Authorized by Lew Young

MJVotes24: Incumbent councillor Dawn Luhning discusses ideas for Moose Jaw

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Incumbent councillor Dawn Luhning has announced that she is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election. Presented below are Luhning’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. Some answers have been edited for length.

Why do you want to run again?

I enjoy being involved in our community and hope to always affect positive change for our residents and businesses. The city has so much further potential. I would like to focus on infrastructure and economic development to grow our tax base.

What did you think of your previous experience on council?

Some personalities clashed at times and that is difficult for finding common ground for solutions. Overall, the experience was good.

What do you think this council did well and what were some of its achievements?

Finding and hiring our new city man-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

ager is certainly a highlight for me. I think there is much change to come from her leadership. The handling of the Stadacona Apartments situation was also an accomplishment.

What areas do you think council should have done better or missed addressing?

I continue to believe that we struggle to communicate with residents in a timely manner about their concerns. I would like to improve this communication process and resolution process. We also do not have a way of consolidating these concerns as a council into one place, so we do not overlap with each other. With technology, we should be able to streamline this.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Continue to improve our infrastructure (roads, water utilities), partner with the police service, provincial and federal government reps, and local organizations to help with solutions for unhoused etc. Continue to provide good value for the citizens’ and businesses’ tax dollars with smart spending and finding efficiencies in our processes and budgets.

What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?

Infrastructure, technology, communication with residents, partnering with other levels of government on issues like

mental wellness or homelessness that affect the municipality but are not our responsibilities and eliminating red tape for businesses existing and new.

What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road? How would you bring that to fruition?

Innovative, welcoming and safe. A place where its leaders and its citizens are not at odds publicly all the time. We need to stop beating each other up, collaborate and understand each other’s roles. City council is bound by The Cities Act. Understanding that is the first step in finding solutions. Changing policy to create those collaborative partnerships to affect positive change is also our role.

Why should people vote for you?

I will always ask hard questions, trying to get to both sides of the discussion. I have experience in governance and policy, which is required for the position of councillor. I am honest, I’m a business owner and I will bring integrity and respect for others into our discussions. All these characteristics need to be upheld within council chambers.

MJVotes24: Incumbent councillor Jamey Logan running for second term

Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for space issues. The full article can be read online at MooseJawToday.com

Incumbent councillor Jamey Logan has announced that he is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election. Presented below are Logan’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. Some answers have been edited for length.

Why do you want to run again?

I chose to run for council in 2024 because I felt I have something more to offer as a city councillor. I really felt like I learned a lot last term and am ready to contribute even more to see the city move forward.

What did you think of your previous experience on council?

The experience was good. There is so much to learn that it’s quite overwhelming at first.

What areas do you think council should have done better or missed addressing?

We could have better communication with citizens when it comes to infrastructure renewal. The continually fluctuating

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

tax assessment is creating confusion and worry amongst citizens and businesses alike and needs to be addressed.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I’d like to see how the tax assessment fluctuations can be solved. There needs to be consistency for everyone.

I would like to address our paved roadway surfaces. We need to repair more of the paved surfaces each year.

I would also like to see us have a plan in place to start repairing some of our dilapidated gravel roads like Caribou Street East and Stadacona Street West. There must be an acceptable level of service to every road even if they are gravel.

I would like to see if we can afford to have weekly garbage pickup switched to weekly in May rather than June. I know the landfill is filling up, but May is when a lot of yard work is getting done and having weekly pickup would be helpful to a lot of people.

What would be your top area(s) of focus?

The tax assessments is my priority and work to find a way to keep the fluctu-

ations to a minimum or create a phase-in approach if assessments go up significantly.

Ensure Moose Jaw is business-friendly to attract new business while supporting existing business. We are working towards that with the permit system and specs but

there is still more to do.

What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?

The main priority should be infrastructure improvement .

What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road? How would you bring that to fruition?

I would love to see the city growing slightly, but more importantly would like to see the infrastructure repaired, the Fourth Avenue Viaduct repaired and the Crescent View Lift Station replaced. By then we will have a new pool and hopefully a transit system that works for the citizens of this city. If we look after our assets first, then the population uptick will follow.

Why should people vote for you?

With three decades of business experience along with my common-sense approach I am confident that I am the person for this job. I am approachable, conscientious, open-minded and hardworking. I don’t see myself as a politician but as an average citizen who cares about this city and wants to see everyone succeed and prosper.

Resident Sam Morrison has announced that he is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election for city council. Presented below are Morrison’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday. com.

Says Morrison, “I did run for mayor in 2020. I always believed in running for council first, but the timing just worked out differently at that time. Mayor Fraser Tolmie stepped down and I had just sold my business, which freed up time, so I threw my hat in the ring and made a good effort. I didn’t win but was pleased with the results and learned a lot.

“I’m running for council this time hoping to gain experience, and it requires less time than the mayor position.

“I feel it’s time to step up our game

as far as infrastructure and development goes. I see projects taking way too long for unsatisfactory results.

“We need something different than SAMA assessing our taxes. There has to be a better, more uniform method for our residents’ property taxes.

“I don’t believe the city should be funding a hotel project. That should be privately funded like any other business. I am in favour of tax incentives during development and doing whatever we can to help with the process so there are no regrets for choosing Moose Jaw to develop it.

“The homeless situation is an area of great concern for many residents. Fortunately, we have a very compassionate population willing to step up and help.

There’s a percentage of homeless ready to accept help and improve their situation. There’s a greater percentage who are not ready and that is a challenge.

“I feel much of the problem is deeply rooted in drug use, which is rooted in other emotional problems or past traumas. We will need help from health experts to address this concern. We also need to keep our residents safe through this process.

“It’s our city also and we should be able to co-exist and enjoy Moose Jaws amenities.”

“Nothing about running a city is easy. Moose Jaw is a great place and we can fine-tune it to be even better with some attention to details.”

Incumbent councillor Dawn Luhning.

Photo submitted

Coun. Jamey Logan. Photo submitted

Sam Morrison. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Letters to the EDITOR for MJ Express

RE: ABANDONED HOUSE CAUSING ISSUES FOR OTHER HOMEOWNERS AND NOT BEING DEALT WITH BY CITY OF MOOSE JAW IN ACCORDANCE TO BYLAWS

This is yet another email I have sent to our city and MLA representative.

When do tax paying homeowners get a say??

Letter sent to the City on October 24, 2024

I am writing you in regards to the abandoned house located at 826 Stadacona Street West in Moose Jaw.

To the Citizens of Moose Jaw, As a land developer with extensive experience in community building and economic growth, I am pleased to endorse Kim Robinson for Mayor of Moose Jaw. Having worked with Kim, I have full confidence in his ability to earn the trust and respect of the land development community while making

Guidelines for Submitting Letters to the Editor:

Due to space allotment in Moose Jaw Express for free letters to the editor, we find it necessary to establish some guidelines in submissions that will be in effect.

• All letters to the editor submitted to the Moose Jaw Express newspaper should not exceed 900 words. In this case, we reserve the right to edit them accordingly.

• Please do not write letters of personal attack or are condescending.

• A full name and contact information will need to be included with

The amount of homes abandoned and causing issues for other homeowners, is out of control.

I have contacted the city on numerous occasions to enquire as to the status of this home, and to express my concerns for our property next door due to the overgrowth, dry tinder, and rodents spotted in the yard. We maintain our yard and home, and have now had to deal with a rodent issue in our yard, along with concerns if this home is to start on fire. The overgrowth is seeping into our yard, yet our neighbor received a registered letter to clean up grass clippings in the alley??? What

a meaningful impact on the future of Moose Jaw.

Kim brings a progressive and enthusiastic zeal to economic development—a rare combination of passion and pragmatism that is essential for driving positive change. His background in accounting and construction management gives him a unique edge, allowing him to bring creative solutions and a meticulous eye for financial efficiency to each proposal. This expertise,

each submission for verification.

• Only the name will be included in publication with the letter as the contributor.

• We Reserve The Right to Edit.

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

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

exactly is the point of bylaws, if the city does not enforce them?

Abandoned homes, and unkempt homes, have really become an issue in Moose Jaw yet our city doesn’t think they need to do any thing?? This is beyond disgraceful and us citizens are now banding together to tackle this issue seeing as the city has chosen not to. We have also contacted various news outlets to have our voices heard as tax paying homeowners.

It is only a matter of time with winter approaching before there are more critters, possible squatters (if there already isn’t), and potential fire issue.

coupled with his experience in governance, means that Kim understands what it takes to see projects through from vision to reality while maximizing benefits for his community.

Importantly, Kim’s personal agenda in economic development and job creation is rooted in a genuine desire to enhance the quality of life for Moose Jaw residents. His personal focus is entirely for the betterment of communities and people, making him a true

When will the city take some responsibility? When one of our home catch fire due to these tinder homes and we sue the city for negligence??? Enough is enough, we need a mayor and councilors that care about the city and it’s citizens!!

I won’t hold my breath for a response, considering I have reported this on numerous occasions to the city itself, but this is my last ditch effort before speaking to the news. Time to take Moose Jaw back and clean up our city!!!

Respectfully a tax paying homeowner, Chandra Greig

advocate for Moose Jaw’s long-term growth and success.

I am confident that Kim Robinson, as Mayor, will work tirelessly to foster trust, attract new opportunities, and support meaningful developments that benefit his city and its people. Please join me in supporting Kim Robinson for Mayor—a leader with the vision and integrity to drive Moose Jaw forward.

Sincerely, Cal Babych, The Babych Group

Former Moose Javian writes humorous book about breast cancer journey

It was July 2021 and Tammy Gunn was towelling off after her shower when she felt an unusual lump in her right breast and realized something was wrong.

“It felt like broken glass,” she said, which she also wondered whether she had somehow “broken” her breast.

Thus began a journey of doctors’ visits, a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy sessions that ended in February 2023.

This adventure also led Gunn — a former Moose Javian who has lived in Toronto for almost 20 years as a Zumba fitness instructor — to write “Dancing Through Diagnosis: Navigating Breast Cancer, the good, bad and surprisingly funny.”

Gunn explained that after finding the lump in July 2021, it was in mid-August — this was the middle of the coronavirus pandemic — when she had an ultrasound and biopsy at the hospital. At age 44, this was also her first mammogram.

A day later, a nurse practitioner confirmed that Gunn had cancer that was aggressive and had metastasized. She then met with an oncologist and the team that would support her. Beginning that September, she started chemotherapy, then had a double mastectomy, and then had radiation.

Gunn was scared when she discovered her lump, while she was terrified after the doctors officially diagnosed it as cancer. Moreover, it was unexpected because she had worked in the fitness industry for 15 years and looked after herself.

One thing that kept her mentally steady during her treatments was that she could still teach Zumba classes online,

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Tammy Gunn, a former Moose Javian now living in Toronto, has written a book about her experience with breast cancer. Photo supplied

which protected her immune system. She also listened to podcasts that helped manage her emotions — especially knowing that her cancer was metastatic and possibly elsewhere in her body.

Not everyone can work while receiving cancer treatments, while governments don’t cover every drug, Gunn said. She took a drug that cost $1,800 every two weeks, but the hospital helped her find a benefits plan to pay for it.

“I have a great husband to support me, but it’s not an easy thing to go through,” she said.

She also credited Liz, “a wonderful nurse,” with supporting her during her entire cancer journey. This was important

since the pandemic prevented her husband, family, or friends from attending her treatments.

After the double mastectomy, Gunn learned that she also had HER2-positive breast cancer, which is driven by estrogen in her body. She compared it to a photocopier stuck on copy and continuing to create cancer cells.

So, after her cancer treatments finished in March 2022, she spent 1.5 years taking 17 sessions of immunotherapy to eliminate this problem.

“Typically, it would be found during the biopsy, but for whatever reason, I got to be the special one, and it wasn’t found until after,” Gunn, 47, chuckled.

One side effect of the double mastectomy is that surgeons removed the lymph nodes in her right arm, so she must wear a compression sleeve and have massages to clear out built-up toxins. Moreover, the cancer could still return; doctors said she must remain in remission for five years before she can declare victory.

Gunn is almost two years cancer-free, but she already feels that she has beaten the disease.

“I feel very powerful about that. That’s what gets me up every day,” she said.

Writing “Dancing through Diagnosis” was a cathartic experience for Gunn, who wanted to make people who are facing similar diagnoses or going through similar treatments feel powerful.

Gunn, now 47, attended Central Collegiate when she lived in Moose Jaw and credited Robert (Bob) Currie, her creative writing teacher, for instilling in her a love

of writing.

After being diagnosed in 2021, she began journalling because she needed to put her thoughts on paper, or she thought she would die. She shared some of those writings with family and friends, who encouraged her to write a book.

“I like to write with a sense of humour because cancer is a very heavy topic, so I wrote it like I was talking to my best friend,” she said.

Gunn finished writing her book in January 2024 and published it in July, where it landed on several bestseller lists on Amazon.

The front cover shows her tattoo-covered chest from the side, which symbolizes that she has been “born again” and has “risen from the ashes.”

“Dancing Through Diagnosis: Navigating Breast Cancer, the good, bad and surprisingly funny,” a memoir that Tammy Gunn wrote about her cancer journey. Photo supplied

She is also “delighted and surprised” with how the book turned out, while she has received positive feedback from people going through or supporting those with cancer.

RE: ENDORSING KIM ROBINSON FOR MAYOR OF MOOSE JAW

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

We remember them with respect and

Note: the following column was originally printed for Remembrance Day in 2016. The sentiments expressed then continue to be true today. The column is reprised this week, once again showing respect for all who served in past wars and for the men and women who continue to serve in today’s military.

Several years ago I was honoured to be the guest speaker at the annual Remembrance Day banquet held at the local Royal Canadian Legion hall.

One of my work colleagues at the time questioned why I would want to spend my day off “with a bunch of old guys who had likely spent the day drinking beer.”

I was disturbed by her crass comment about the veterans and even more disturbed to learn that she had never attended a Remembrance Day service, did not know what went on there and had no desire to learn. Remembrance Day, she implied, was a glorification of war and she wanted no part of it.

She obviously did not understand that she was able to express such opin-

gratitude

ions without fear of retribution, in part, because the very veterans she ridiculed served in world wars to ensure our freedom of speech and to free the world from men who would severely limit our right to live peaceful lives.

When I related her comments during my speech, there were gasps of outrage and shock from the veterans in attendance. After the dinner, one of the men approached me and said I should pity my colleague because maybe she hadn’t been raised in a home where she was able to learn about the sacrifices made by the soldiers, and the families who stayed at home and made their own contributions.

I believe that elderly man had accurately nailed the problem. Her education about Remembrance Day should have started in the home, or at least in a school classroom. If that had happened she might not have been so dismissive of a day that holds special significance for the men and women and families who had direct knowledge of what the war years meant for them.

In our home, my Dad didn’t talk much about his actual duties or what he saw. Instead he talked about his buddies, about the people he met who welcomed the Canadian soldiers with open arms, especially in Holland where residents were liberated amid much celebration. He talked about some of the men who came from our community and how he met them overseas and shared news of home.

He kept in touch with one or two fellow-soldiers and shared visits in our home or in theirs. When they wandered away to talk privately, we suspected only then did he actually relive the days of war with someone who had been there and understood.

The teachers in our rural school were dedicated to making sure we held a Remembrance Day service each year, inviting local veterans to come and tell their stories or to bring some memorabilia for show and tell. Dad’s medals occasionally came out of the storage trunk for those occasions. And all the students wore poppies and recited the poem, In Flanders Fields.

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

Most schools now hold similar observances, with teachers providing educational information on the various wars, past and present, and on the peacekeeping efforts of Canadian troops. With a military base as part of our community, there is every reason to understand why men and women sign up to protect and serve their country, and are prepared to carry the Canadian ideals of freedom to other parts of the world.

This kind of educational focus in the schools builds a foundation to understand why we observe Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, why we wear poppies and stand in silence to remember all who served, and to salute those who continue to serve on our behalf.

“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Twenty-five new veterans added to city’s banner program Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

The whisper of the wind and the crackling of leaves were the only sounds in Crescent Park as a crowd stood silently for several minutes honouring 25 veterans from the community.

Nearly 100 people — families, friends, dignitaries, politicians and citizens — gathered at the park’s Cordova Street entrance on Nov. 1 to celebrate the men whose faces adorn the new banners that now fly from light poles throughout the downtown.

This is the second year of the city’s veterans’ banner program, which launched last year with the unveiling of 23 flags featuring Moose Jaw men who served in war and peace.

Bagpiper Michelle Carline kicked off the ceremony with a tune, followed by 34year RCMP veteran Garth Hampson, 90, singing O Canada. Ceremony MC Coun. Crystal Froese then welcomed the crowd and recognized the many dignitaries and members of the heritage advisory committee in attendance.

Taking the microphone, Mayor Clive Tolley said this project is incredibly important for Moose Jaw, while the commit-

tee should be commended for its strong effort in promoting it. He also applauded the families for paying tribute to their loved ones.

Janie Fries, committee vice-chair, thanked project chairwoman Stella Richards for spearheading the initiative and residents for embracing it, as the program honoured Moose Javians who were committed to giving their lives for their country.

“This project is very close to the hearts of many. The fact the community response has been so immediate speaks volumes to the fact that so many of us try to live the statement ‘Lest we forget,’” she continued.

“Throughout the decades, it’s been easy to get caught up in busy lives and future goals. To remember takes time and commitment. And for that, we thank you.”

The veterans on these banners represent only a fraction of the thousands of men who answered the call of war and left the safety of homes and the love of families to serve overseas, said Froese.

Froese singled out the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary this year, including 15 Wing Air Base and its predecessors for training airmen to protect the country over the decades — and continue

to do so as part of the Moose Jaw family.

“Today, as we officially unveil these banners, they serve as a reminder not to forget those who are gone, but also to remember all those who continue to serve

our country with unwavering dedication,” she added.

Richards then read the names of the 25 men who had been added.

The new inductees include Sgt. Eldon Lawrence Babcock, Signalman Adelard Brin, Lt. George Donald Collins, LanceCpl. Matthew Collins, Lead aircraftman Douglas (Scottie) B. Dunlop, Pte. Arthur John Ellis, Pte. Reginald Ellis MM, Sgt. W. Roy Ellis, Pte. Lloyd Elmer Erickson, Sgt. Douglass Ross Greene, Lance-Cpl. Sidney T. Hampson, Flight Officer James Burleigh Hill and Cpl. Spiros (Sam) Marinos.

Also, there is George Markewich, Pte. George M. McGregor, Company Sgt. Maj. Alastair James Muir, Pte. Sir Arthur Charles Edward Ramshaw, Bill Sagal, Walter Sagal, Pte. Francis Eric Sagal, Sgt. Donald N.E. Stockton, Harold (Seabee) Seabrook, Sgt. Anthony Olden Thomlinson and Gunner William (Bill) Wetaski.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them,” Richards added, with the crowd repeating the second phrase.

Trumpeter David Selensky then

played Last Post and Reveille, with two minutes of silence in between each tune. Carline then played her bagpipers to close the ceremony, after which, most people attended a reception in the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery foyer.

More information about the 25 men added this year and the 23 added last year can be found at moosejaw.ca/veteranbanners-2/.

Bagpiper Michelle Carline kicks off the event. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Janie Fries, vice-chairwoman of the heritage advisory committee (right), speaks during the ceremony while banner project chairwoman Stella Richards and event MC Coun. Crystal Froese listen. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A banner for veteran Walter Sagal hangs from a light post on Main Street. Sagal was one of 25 men added to the banner program this year. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Military personnel salute as trumpeter David Selensky plays the Last Post and Reveille during the event. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Veterans’ families pleased with new banners honouring their loved ones

Nearly 20 relatives of the late James Burleigh Hill attended the city’s second-annual veterans’ banner program ceremony on Nov. 1, where they paid homage to a man they had never met.

Hill was born in Boharm west of Moose Jaw and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the Second World War. He flew a mission to lay mines in the North Sea on Oct. 26, 1944, but while coming home, was shot down in the English Channel near Heligoland Island, a place the Germans had fortified with heavy anti-air guns.

Hill’s nephew, Calvin Burleigh Hill, was one such family member — three generations were present — who attended. Calvin noted none of the family ever met the airman and only knew of him as “that guy in the RCAF who never returned.”

“And (he has) pretty special mean-

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ing to every one of us. It kind of breaks a guy up just starting to talk about it,” he said, emotion in his voice. “He was the only boy and went overseas and just about made it through (to the war’s end) … .”

Bomber Command told the airmen to stay away from the island because of its defences, but the winds that night blew differently than forecasted and pushed Burleigh’s lead plane over the island, Calvin continued.

Despite the fierce anti-air flack thrown up, other planes in the formation recalled seeing one plane drop out of the sky, which they later assumed was Burleigh’s after his crew failed to return.

Calvin noted that his father and his cousin Marilyn Tighe’s father did significant research about Burleigh’s war experiences and combed through his logbooks to learn more about him. The men also created a memorial plaque and erected it on an island in northwest Saskatchewan that the government had named in honour of their brother.

The brothers also took a tree sapling from there and planted it on their farm

near Boharm.

The family added that they have connections to the Pascoe clan, which saw one son — Arthur Wellington — die in the First World War and two sons — James and Ernest — become mayors of Moose Jaw; both died while in office.

Matthew Samuel Collins

Al Collins, along with his wife Laurie and other family members, said he was impressed with how well the ceremony honoured his dad, Matthew, and the 24 other men. He noted that they submitted his father’s name after learning about the program from his daughter, Janie Fries, the vice-chairwoman of the heritage advisory committee.

Mrs. Collins also thought the ceremony was wonderful and “beautifully done,” while she was pleased to see nearly 100 people in attendance. She commended the city for initiating this project.

“It’s a great way to recognize the service of these guys. When you think back, they were pretty young guys and they put their (lives) on the line for us … (and) something we all believed in,” Mr. Col-

lins said.

Matthew told his son “quite a bit” about his experiences from the First World War, but most stories were about the funny moments, times of camaraderie, and interesting things that happened among the soldiers.

One story that Mr. Collins recalled was about how his father went on a mission with 13 other men and was presumed missing since he had no way to contact his company. However, he returned two days later, the only one from his squad to survive the mission.

Matthew then wrote his parents a letter — which Al possesses — informing them that he was still alive and that they should ignore any information about his alleged disappearance.

“The 23rd (of March, 1918) was a real wild one for me. Fritz handed me quite a few pockets (bullets), but I missed them all,” the soldier wrote in his March 28, 1918, letter. “I expect a real warm time in the near future (during another raid) and will try to write you as often as possible. At present, I am still going strong.”

RCMP veteran sings O Canada at banner ceremony to honour soldier father

RCMP veteran Garth Hampson had the honour of singing O Canada during the city’s second annual veterans’ banner program ceremony, which was one way he honoured his father during the event. Hampson, 90, is a former Moose Javian who now resides in Ottawa and was once a soloist with the RCMP Band. After the ceremony, he expressed his excitement about the program and thought every Canadian community should have one.

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“Because how are young people going to know about people who left here and never came home?” said the 34-year RCMP veteran, whose father Sidney Thomas Hampson now hangs from a banner.

The picture the family used of their patriarch was originally a group photo, with only Sidney smiling in it. Hampson noted that one man in the group was killed right next to his father, who also received wounds.

Garth’s daughter, Diana, said they have letters that Sidney wrote to his sister from the trenches, with all those missives online at The Canadian Letters and Images Project. She noted that the soldier talked regularly about his friend, Arthur (Artie) Taylor, with whom he enlisted.

“They did all the big battles, and then all of a sudden, (in) one letter, (Sidney wrote), ‘We lost Artie today.’ So Artie never came home here to Moose Jaw,” she said.

“And … the older I get, the more I think (that) he was just a young lad. Like, how could he even know what he was signing up for, to go there and fight like that?”

Sidney — who fought in most of the

Canadian Corps’ major battles, including at Vimy Ridge in the first wave of the at-

tack —also wrote that the trenches were filled with mud and rats, and that he was gassed during a battle. Diana noted that that injury killed him at age 70 in 1964.

“The Great War was not so great,” she chuckled, adding all the men on the banners are “Canadian heroes.”

Garth became emotional while discussing his appreciation of seeing his dad on a banner. He noted that Sidney — whose brother Joseph was mayor — was community-minded, served on many boards and committees and promoted tourism.

Sidney rarely spoke of his war experiences to Garth, but the latter’s son has conducted thorough research about his grandfather.

Meanwhile, the family has visited the “fabulously looked after” war cemeteries in Europe to see the graves of other relatives, including their uncle, John (Jack) Alexander Sealy, who lived at 1021 Montgomery Street and died during the Great War. They plan to submit his name for next year’s banner program.

Sealy’s original wood

cross is in a glass case at the Moose Jaw Armoury, while the family has his medals.

Some members of the James Burleigh Hill family gather for a picture after the ceremony. From left are Brian Hill, Marilyn Tighe, nephew (Calvin) Burleigh Hill, Chris Hill, Finn Olfert and great-great-nephew Burleigh Kempe. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A banner of Matthew Samuel Collins hangs from a light pole in downtown Moose Jaw. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A photo of the banner of James Burleigh Hill appears on a screen in the art gallery theatre, during a reception after the ceremony. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Garth Hampson, a retired RCMP veteran and former Moose Javian, sings O Canada at the start of the veterans’ banner campaign. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A picture of the banner of Sidney Thomas Hampson appears on screen in the art gallery theatre during a reception after the ceremony, with Hampson’s son, Garth, looking on. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

accessories on sale now!

Veterans who served as signalmen, commandos featured on new banners

Twenty-five new banners featuring Moose Jaw veterans now hang from light poles throughout the downtown as part of a project that city hall is continuing to honour those who served in war and peace.

Below are the biographies of Adelard Brin and Alastair James Muir, who appear on the banners. The information comes from the City of Moose Jaw website. This is part 1 of 8 in a series.

Adelard Brin

Adelard was born on April 6, 1922, one of 14 children whom Charles and Rosilda Brin raised on a small farm near Coderre. In his later years, Adelard described his childhood as very much poor but happy.

Adelard was one of many young men roaming Prairies looking for work in the final years of the Great Depression. However, the call for recruitment of servicemen came and he, along with seven of his brothers, stepped up to serve in the Second World War.

He volunteered in late 1941 and completed his basic training in Ottawa, followed by his enlistment on Jan. 12, 1942, having trained in the Army Service Corps and Signal Corps with the rank of signalman with the 4th Canadian Army Division. He was “employed” as a wireless operator while serving as

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a soldier.

Adelard’s active duty took place across Northwestern Europe. He was involved in many front-line battles and witnessed many horrific events. After over four years of active service, he completed his tour of duty and landed back in Canada on Feb. 16, 1946.

Along the way, he was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, The France and Germany Star, The Defence Medal, The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and The War Medal 1939-1945

Following his service, Adelard farmed in the Eastleigh district near where he was raised. There, he married Kathleen Kelly, who also hailed from the Coderre area. They raised four children on the farm.

In the early ’70s, they sold their farm and moved to Moose Jaw where they remained until he died in 2001 at age 79. He was greatly loved and adored by his wife, children and seven grandchildren. Our hero indeed.

Throughout his adult life, Adelard remained tremendously proud of his service to Canada.

Alastair James Muir

Alastair James Muir was born in the village of Killin, Scotland, on Nov. 1, 1921, to John and Georgina Muir. At age 17, he was employed at a law firm and was about to enter into a formal contract to serve as an apprentice, working there when not attending law classes.

On Sept. 3, 1939, while listening to a radio broadcast, the nation was informed Britain was at war with Germany. He realized his plans would be put on hold and he was called up on April 10, 1941.

Following basic training, he was assigned to an army transport unit. In 1943, he was registered with the Special Service Brigade. Following his acceptance and completion of training at Achncarry, he was assigned to 34 Troop of 30 Commando — Section No. 2. Soon after, he embarked on a ship bound for Italy to join the men there.

At the end of the war in Italy, he was sent to finish his service in Palestine until his release in the fall of 1946. He was called up to the army reservists for 15 days of exercises in 1951 and was discharged on Jan. 29, 1951, with exemplary military conduct, earning the Military Medal,

1939-45 Star, Italy Star and the War Medal 1939-45. With a brain like a sponge, he picked up enough language in Italian, German and French to get by in the war. He returned to his studies, graduating with a degree in law from the University of Glasgow in 1949. In 1952, he immigrated to Canada, settling in Moose Jaw and practising with the law firm Grayson and McTaggart. He married Eleanor Buchanan in 1957 and had two daughters. In 1964 he was appointed a Crown prosecutor and on Nov. 1, 1972, was appointed a Provincial Court judge. He served on numerous boards and foundations and was called to mediate many labour disputes. Alastair was an honest, hard-working, dedicated family man, and apart from a few stories he shared with his two sons-in-law and a memoir of his time in the war he wrote for his granddaughter at her request, he spoke very little of his service in the Second World War. It is no wonder that he cherished quiet solitude at his property at Buffalo Pound Lake with a few heads of cattle, horses and his garden. Wanting no recognition of his service, he told his family the soldiers who never returned home to their families were the real heroes. Lest We Forget.

New banners feature three Sagal men who served in WWII, Cold War

Brothers Bill and Walter Sagal served their country in wartime and have now been honoured with banners throughout the downtown, joining their other brother, Gus, whose banner was unveiled last year. Furthermore, Gus’ son, Francis Eric Sagal, has also been honoured with a banner.

This story features the biographies of the three new Sagal men, with information taken from the City of Moose Jaw website.

This is 2 of 8 in a series.

Bill Sagal

Very little information was listed for Bill, aside from the fact he served in the Second World War from 1942 to 1945.

Walter Sagal

Following in the footsteps of his brothers Gus and Bill, Walter joined the army in 1943 and completed his basic training in Regina. He went overseas that same year with No. 4 Platoon – 1 Company and saw service in England and Belgium as a welder repairing tanks

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and other vehicles like the Deuce-and-a-Half truck.

Walter claims he survived a direct hit on the welding shop only because he was completing repairs underneath one of those trucks at the time. He returned from the war in the fall of 1945.

Once home, Walter brought the welding skills he learned during the war to his work at Sagal Bros.

Walter and his wife, Marguerete (Thul), went on to have five children. Walter didn’t speak much about his time in the service to family and friends, but when asked, he would always say, “We put the last weld on the last tank that fired the last shot.”

Francis Eric Sagal

I (Francis) joined the Canadian Armed Forces (Air) in May 1972. I completed my basic training in Cornwallis, N.S., and was trained as a teletype and cipher technician in Kingston, Ont.

I was briefly posted to CFB Calgary before being deployed on two UN Peacekeeping missions to the Middle East with UNEF Middle East and UNDOF Golan Heights. I was originally posted in Cairo, Egypt. In June 1974, after the creation of the UN Observing Force in Golan, I was sent to Quneitra, Syria (Israeli-held territory).

During my service in Canada and the Middle East, I had the privilege of visiting many locations, from Port Hardy to Halifax; Lahr, Germany; and Nicosia, Cyprus. As a technician, I travelled extensively in Egypt, the Sinai Desert and the Gaza Strip. I was in Israel, Damascus, the Golan Heights and Beirut, Lebanon. I have also been inside the Great Pyramid of Giza.

I was honourably released in March 1975, and I must say, the Canadian Armed Forces were very good to me. The medals I received were the UNEF Middle East, UNDOF Golan Heights and Canadian Peacekeeping.

Adelard Brin. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Alastair James Muir. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Bill Sagal. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Walter Sagal. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Francis Eric Sagal. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Two brothers who fought in First World War featured on new banners

Matthew Collins and his brother George both fought during the First World War and have been honoured with banners downtown, joining other brothers Donald, Edward, Emmett and Leo, who were added last year. This story features the biographies of Matthew and George, with information taken from the City of Moose Jaw website.

This is part 3 of 8 in a series.

Matthew Samuel Collins

Matthew Samuel Collins (March 23, 1890 to Dec. 31, 1976) was the fifth of eight sons and one daughter born to Matthew George Collins and Margaret Ann (McNeil) Collins.

Matthew Samuel served in the First World War with his brothers George, Emmett, and Edward; brothers Leo and Donald served in the Second World War. Five brothers lived at one time in Moose Jaw, where Matthew and Ed

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had an electrical company before their enlistment.

Matthew served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force with the Canadian Railway Construction Corps from 1915-19 in Canada, Britain and France, attaining the rank of lance corporal. He received the King George Medal for Meritorious Conduct in the Battle of St. Pol, the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Matthew attended St. Boniface College from 190307. He was a talented athlete, catching baseball for his brother, Leo, at a major league calibre, and they were considered one of the top batteries in Saskatchewan. Matthew also played hockey and soccer.

On Aug. 26, 1925, Matthew married Anne Mae McNeil (born Nov. 6, 1906, in Cape Breton, N.S., died Mar. 9, 1961). They raised 11 children, including eight sons and three daughters.

Matthew was an inspector for the Saskatchewan Liquor Board, then became a sales representative for the Canada Life Assurance Company. An active member of Holy Rosary Cathedral parish in Regina, Matthew served as chair of the Regina Separate School Board, was a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the 3rd order of St. Francis.

George Donald Collins

As the First World War raged on and desperate for recruits, in the fall of 1915, George Donald Collins was accepted by the Canadian Expeditionary Force despite health concerns.

As the second oldest of nine children — eight of them boys — he was anxious to join two of his brothers by doing his duty and signed up on Nov. 19, 1915. His

attestation papers mention he suffered from lumbar tuberculosis but “should be fit to do telegraph work.”

Unfortunately, the overseas trip resulted in him immediately being admitted to hospital upon landing in Britain, first in Shorncliffe and then Bramshott. In April 1917, he was considered permanently unfit and was sent to Winnipeg to convalesce. George never recovered and never saw active service during his enlistment, and despite his illness and pain, George was determined to fight alongside his brothers and comrades and willing to give his life for his country. He later earned the British War Medal.

George died on July 23, 1919, at age 34. He never married and had no children. He is buried in the family plot in Broadview, Sask.

We will remember him.

Three soldiers from Ellis family newest inductees into banner program

New banners now hang in downtown Moose Jaw that remember three veterans from the Ellis family, including one who fought with the “Suicide Battalion” in the First World War.

Art Ellis and his brother Reg served in the Great War, while Art’s son, Roy, served in the Second World War. Their biographies are featured below, with information taken from the City of Moose Jaw website.

This is part 4 of 8 in a series.

Arthur (Art) John Ellis

Pte. Art Ellis enlisted with the 128th Battalion in Moose Jaw on Jan. 4, 1916 at age 30. This battalion was a Moose Jaw-based battalion that started enlisting recruits from here and area in late 1915. The battalion left for England on Aug. 15, 1916.

Before he went overseas, grandpa Art married Bessie Rosalie Nagle on March 4, 1916. Their first of two sons, Carl Arthur Ellis, was born on Feb. 25, 1917. Grandpa would not meet Carl until he returned from service in 1919.

After arriving in England, grandpa was assigned to the 28th Battalion. On Dec. 5th, 1916, he arrived in France, and on Dec, 28 he joined his new battalion in the field.

The 28th Battalion fought in virtually every major battle of the First World War and proved themselves to be more than equal to the task. That dedication to duty came at a cost, though, as 787 men died and 2,241 were wounded during the war.

Grandpa returned to England on April 11, 1919, and was demobilized on June 2, 1919. He also earned the War Service Badget Army Class A, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

After the war, Grandpa and Grandma Ellis settled in Moose Jaw and lived there for the remainder of their lives. Grandpa, a painter before the war, joined the C.P.R. and retired as a conductor in 1951.

In 1940, our grandparents got to experience their sons putting their lives on hold to once again fight for our freedom, because the world did not learn its lesson the

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first time around. Already understanding the horrors of war, that parting must have been difficult for them.

Reginald Ellis

Pte. Reginald Ellis enlisted with the 46th Battalion in Moose Jaw on Sept. 23, 1915. This battalion was formed in Moose Jaw in February 1915.

During the First World War, it became known as the “Suicide Battalion” because of how many casualties it took. The battalion played a part in every major battle that Canada was involved in throughout the war.

Of the 5,374 members of the battalion, there were 1,433 soldiers killed and 3,484 soldiers wounded. From August 1916 until the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, they had a 91.5-per-cent casualty rate.

Reg arrived in England on Oct. 30, 1915. He was transferred to the 10th Brigade Machine Gun Corps in June 1916 and arrived in France in August 1916, where he served as a machine gunner and dispatch runner. He was later absorbed into the 4th Battalion Machine Gun Corps.

Early in 1918, it was reported that he had received the Military Medal. We are unsure about the circumstances that led up to Reg receiving the medal, but the criteria states that “it may be awarded to non-commissioned members for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-In-Chief in the field.”

Reg was discharged as a cadet on July 6, 1919, and returned to Moose Jaw, where he lived a solitary life. Today, we hear a lot about PTSD and have a better understanding of it, but for many years it seems that people could not grasp that not all wounds are physical. We believe the actions that Reg took and witnessed during the war profoundly affected his life.

Besides his Military Medal, he also received the British War Medal, the Victory Medal, the War Service Badge and the Army Class A medal.

W. Roy Ellis

Roy was born in Moose Jaw on April 11, 1920, to

Arthur and Bessie Ellis and lived all his formative years here. He enlisted on May 6, 1940, and on Sept. 9, 1945, he was discharged.

He spent several years training in Canada. On July 2, 1942, Sgt. Roy Ellis married Madeleine Cooney. In March 1943, he was posted overseas and became a member of the RCAF 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit as a mechanic.

The role of a Heavy Conversion Unit was to train crews on the large, four-engine bombers they would be flying in combat. Crews were trained on either the Halifax or the Lancaster bomber.

When dad returned home, he finally met his first child, Patricia. Dad and mom, a powerful team, eventually had six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren in over 50 years of marriage.

Following the war, dad trained as a remedial physical therapist, then worked at the DVA Hospital in Saskatoon with returning war veterans.

As a civilian, dad returned to his love of swimming and recreation. He became the head swim coach in Saskatoon from 194560. When the family returned to Moose Jaw in 1960, he formed the Kinsmen Swim Club and coached it from 1960-66.

His great passion, however, was recreation. He believed strongly that every community needed access to quality recreation venues and programs and worked hard through his various recreation-related roles in government to make this a reality. He was quite successful, as many of his peers referred to him as “Mr. Recreation.”

The Saskatchewan Recreation Society also honoured him, establishing the Roy Ellis Bursary to recognize his contributions to the leisure services field in Saskatchewan. Service to others was a defining characteristic of our father.

The medals he earned included the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, the Defence Medal 1939-45 and the General Service Badge.

Matthew Samuel Collins. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

George Donald Collins. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Arthur John Ellis. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Reginald Ellis. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

W. Roy Ellis. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Veterans who served as commandos and survived tank explosions

Twenty-five new banners featuring Moose Jaw veterans now hang from light poles throughout the downtown as part of a project that city hall is continuing to honour those who served in war and peace.

Below are the biographies of Douglas Ross Greene, Lloyd Elmer Erickson, George M. McGregor and Eldon Lawrence Babcock, who appear on the banners. The information comes from the City of Moose Jaw website. This is part 5 of 8 in a series.

Douglas Ross Greene

Douglas Ross Greene was born in Boharm, Sask., in 1921. He joined the King’s Own Rifles of Canada (KORC) in Moose Jaw upon turning 18. While serving with the KORC, in July 1942, the Canadian government approved the assignment of 697 officers and enlisted men for “Project Plough” under the guise that they were forming Canada’s first airborne unit, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.

As part of that unit, my father became part of the 1st Special Service Force, a Canadian/U.S. joint force that later became known as the Devil’s Brigade. Upon examining his Soldier’s Service Book, which outlined my father’s military career within that unit, I learned that the unit was activated on July 9, 1942, at Fort William Henry Harrison near Helena, Mont.

My father deployed in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre, the Mediterranean Theatre, Italy and France. He was wounded on Dec. 6, 1943, when the unit took two heavily fortified German positions in Monte la Difensa, Italy. He was honourably discharged from the military on Jan. 23, 1945.

My father was a proud Canadian who never spoke of his time in the highly decorated elite commando unit. He worked for the CPR in Moose Jaw until his retirement.

Our family is exceedingly proud of my father’s outstanding service to Canada, the extent of which we were unaware of until recently.

The medals he earned included the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, King George VI 19391945 Bronze Star, King George VI Italy Bronze Star, King George VI Defence Medal, French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star, Distinguished Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and the First Special Service Force Congressional Gold Medal (2015).

Lloyd Elmer Erickson

Lloyd was born to Clarence Arthur Erickson

and Lillian May (Tyler)

Erickson at St. Boswells, Sask. on April 23, 1921. He enlisted on June 24, 1942, joined Lord Strathcona’s Horse Royal Canadians, and was later discharged on March 23, 1946.

His service took him to the United Kingdom, continental Europe and the central Mediterranean. Lloyd served in a tank, which was blown up. He was the only survivor that day, which is one of many reasons he would not talk about the war.

Lloyd married May Patricia Dray on Jan. 9, 1947. They moved to Moose Jaw in 1952, where they had two sons

and four daughters. He lived in Moose Jaw until his death on Aug. 9, 1990.

His wife and children are very proud of his service. Thank you, Dad!

The medals he earned were the 1935-1945 Star, the France, Germany and Italy Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939-1945 Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.

George M. McGregor

Born in New Deer, Scotland, on July 8, 1923, George Milne McGregor, along with his family, moved to Canada and settled on a farm in Mortlach in 1928. George called this home until 1940, when he joined the Canadian army and was made a member of the Royal Tank Regiment, serving in multiple locations across Europe.

George was honourably discharged in 1945 and returned to the family farm in Mortlach. In 1948, George married Evelyn Kien, and they started their family home in Parkbeg. Upon his retirement in 1987, they moved to Moose Jaw to be closer to family and friends.

We all knew dad/grandpa was a man of few words, but we will always cherish and remember the sacrifices he made for his country and family. On Oct. 25, 2005, George Milne McGregor was laid to rest.

The medals he earned included the France and Germany Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal 1939-40

Eldon Lawrence Babcock

There is no information about Eldon on the city’s web page, aside from the medals he earned during the Second World War, including the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-1945 and the Canadian Forces Decoration and Clasp.

Douglas Ross Greene. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Eldon Lawrence Babcock.

Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Lloyd Elmer Erickson. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

George M. McGregor. Photo courtesy City of Moose Jaw

Blue Line Hockey and skate sharpening shop keeps players at their best on the ice

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

When Kolter Mealing moved back to Moose Jaw from Harrow, Ont., his performance as a goalie for the Lafleche Flyers hockey club was starting to plateau and he couldn’t pinpoint why. He then called his former skate sharpener from Ontario, Bob Allen at Maximum Edge, who suggested it may be due to the way his skate blades were sharpened.

The call resulted in a new skate sharpening business in Moose Jaw.

The Blue Line Hockey Shop first opened in July 2022 and is usually open from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day Mealing is available.

“There’s a lot of science behind (sharpening skates) that not a lot of people know about,” Mealing explained. “I guess a lot of it comes down to metals and the metallic properties of the blades and how the heat and different types of grit affects every single blade.”

Mealing started The Blue Line Hockey Shop as a side job to solve this problem for others who didn’t have a mentor like Allen to provide an assist. By combining his knowledge of metalworking and welding from his regular job at Dynamic Railcar Services Ltd., Mealing found a side gig that he loves and one day hopes to expand.

A pair of properly sharpened skates makes a huge impact on the ice and may be the missing “secret sauce” that some players might be overlooking.

When Mealing was goaltending in Ontario he described his game as “pretty strong.” “When I came out here, (my performance) kind of just went downhill. I felt like I plateaued,” he said.

Allen runs Maximum Edge and formerly worked with the company that makes Blademaster skate sharpeners.

“He’s trained… NHL equipment managers, and so I invested into him and his business and then learned how to sharpen

NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Resort Village of South Lake intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 27-15, known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT:

The proposed bylaw will amend the Zoning District Map: 1. By rezoning from R-Residential to C-Commercial all of Lot 5-Blk/Par 41-Plan 81MJ10924 Ext O as shown within the bold dashed line on the map below:

REASON:

The reason for the bylaw amendment is to accommodate a request to run a commercial business in a residential district.

PUBLIC INSPECTION:

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Resort Village of South Lake office between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Wednesdays excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost at the Municipal Office.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Council will hold a public hearing to receive submissions on the proposed bylaw on the 19th day of November 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Regional Municipal Plaza, Municipal Office Boardroom #2. Council will also consider written submissions received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing. For further information, please contact the municipal office at 306-692-7399.

Issued at the Resort Village of South Lake on this 30th day of October 2024.

Signed Melinda Huebner, Administrator

because he said they didn’t feel right,” he continued.

“Once that was all fixed up, they kept coming back and just kept pushing the word out for me. But yeah, his game changed in terms of being able to skate and push off as a goalie…”

Mealing is starting to master the process and described the work that goes into a finely tuned pair of skates. “Profiling… gives a better center of gravity… and allows for a better blade-ice contact which, in turn, (means) your body has less compensation due because — if you think of it — we’re not supposed to be on these three millimetre blades on the ice, right?”

Today, Mealing’s shop covers more than just blade sharpening — he’ll adjust the profile, pitch, and level of the blades, and he can also “bake” the skate — a process that allows the skates to ergonomically conform with your foot for exceptional comfort. He’s always looking to increase his range of products that include laces, blades, and other accessories. As his business grows, he plans to include equipment repairs to help families save money.

skates,” Mealing said.

“It really affects the game,” he said, noting that every aspect of on-ice performance from the quality of gameplay down to the biomechanics of the body are improved with a properly sharpened skate. These were some of the considerations that Allen — who himself had knee issues after playing hockey that required surgery — took to mind when developing his technique.

The quality of his work could be highlighted in what Mealing calls “one of the biggest tasks I’ve had.”

“There was a goalie that came in and his parents bought him brand new skates from a big chain and they butchered his skates,” Mealing recalled. “One blade was an eighth of an inch higher than the other one, so naturally he’s not standing flat.

“His parents didn’t know any better than to… just keep getting them sharpened

The best part of the job, he said, is forming new connections with people who visit him and his trusty dog, Spuds. “You know, honestly, (it) boosts my mood after a (bad) day, going in there, talking to people, and making sure they’re happy and content with hockey. It’s awesome.”

Due to his busy schedule working at Dynamic Railcar Services, coaching hockey, or minding the net for the Lafleche Flyers, the best way to book a skate sharpening is by visiting ‘The Blue Line Hockey Shop’ on Facebook for updated hours of operation.

To get in touch with Mealing, either stop by the shop in person, call 306-6904787, or email him at TheBlueLineHS@ gmail.com.

The Blue Line Hockey Shop is located in its mobile storefront at 790 A Lillooet Street West across from the Pla-Mor Palace.

Playoffs set in Moose Jaw high school

senior boys and girls volleyball

Quarter-finals taking place Tuesday, semifinals on Thursday as postseason arrives

The regular season is in the books and the playoffs are on the horizon in the Moose Jaw High Schools Athletic Association senior boys and girls volleyball leagues.

The first round of the postseason will take place on Tuesday night with quarter-finals in both leagues.

Senior boys action will see the Cornerstone Christian School Falcons (2-6, fourth place) host the Briercrest Christian Academy Cougars (1-7, fifth place) at 8 p.m. at Cornerstone.

The winner of that contest will advance to face the Central Cyclones (8-0, first place), while the Vanier Vikings (6-2, second place) will host the Peacock Toilers (3-5, third place) in the other semifinal. Both of those games are at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

The senior girls playoffs will see three quarter-final games on Tuesday.

The Notre Dame Hounds (0-7, seventh place) will be at Cornerstone (7-2, second place) while Central (1-6, sixth place) is at Peacock (6-3, third place) and the Rouleau Rebels (4-4, fifth place) are at Briercrest Christian (3-6, fourth place).

Rouleau finished first in the Tier II division and Briercrest fourth in Tier I, and as a

result the Cougars host their quarter-final even with a worse record.

Each of the games is at 6:20 p.m.

The lowest remaining seed will face the Vanier Spirits (8-1, first place) in their semifinal on Thursday, while the other two quarter-final winners will play at the highest remaining seed.

The start time for the semifinals is also 6:20 p.m.

The semifinal winners will advance to the city finals on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The girls championship at 5:50 p.m. and boys championship at 8 p.m., with both games at Sask Polytech.

The entry fee for all playoff games is $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Kolter Mealing sharpens a skate blade at The Blue Line Hockey Shop on Oct. 26. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Kolter Mealing stands next to his loyal companion, Spuds, in front of The Blue Line Hockey Shop on the morning of Oct. 26. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Next Game:

Warriors split final two games of B.C. Division road swing,

finish with 1-4 record

Moose Jaw snaps eight-game losing skid with 4-2 win in VIctoria on Friday, drop 6-2 decision to Vancouver in final game of trip Saturday Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

Things didn’t quite go the way the Moose Jaw Warriors were hoping for in their final two games of their Western Hockey League B.C. Division road swing, but they were able to find a positive result nonetheless.

The Warriors snapped an eight-game losing skid with a 4-2 victory over the Victoria Royals on Friday night before concluding their five-game road trip with a 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Giants on Saturday.

Moose Jaw is now 4-11-2-0 on the campaign and sits tied for 10th place in the Eastern Conference.

Moose Jaw 4, Victoria 2

Moose Jaw haven’t had many comebacks in the first part of the season, but Saturday night was an impressive one.

Trailing 2-0 heading into the final period, the Warriors scored four straight goals -- including three in the first 5:15 of the frame -- to secure their first win since a 4-2 victory over Everett back on Oct. 11.

Connor Schmidt and Kalem Parker got things going, scoring 22 seconds apart to tie the game early in the period.

The Warriors look to create a scoring chance in the Vancouver zone on Saturday night.

Owen Berge then gave Moose Jaw their first lead at the 5:15 mark, and that’s where things would sit until Ethan Semeniuk finished things off with an empty netter with 26 seconds to play.

Rilen Kovacevic had two assists in the game, Semeniuk finished with two points.

Teydon Trembecky and Reggie Newman scored for Victoria in the first period.

Jackson Unger turned in a solid game in net to earn the win, stopping 30 shots. Jayden Kraus had 21 saves for Victoria.

Vancouver 6, Moose Jaw 2

The Giants scored a pair of goals late in

the second period, added another two early in the third and never looked back on their way to the win.

Kovacevic got Moose Jaw on the board with a slick breakaway goal at 12:57 of the first period, and Ethan Hughes would pick up their other marker on great individual effort 3:18 into the third.

Between those two goals, Cameron Schmidt would score twice for Vancouver while Tyus Sparks and Madzen Leslie each had single markers.

Schmidt would finish off his hat trick with five minutes to play in the third and now has a league-leading 17 goals on the season.

Adam Titlbach had the Giants’ other goal midway through the first as Vancouver led 3-1 after the first and 5-1 through two.

Unger had nine saves in 23:19 of work before giving way to Dimitri Fortin, who had 19 stops the rest of the way.

Matthew Hutchison had 19 saves for Vancouver.

The Warriors will now have the week off before hosting the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Friday night. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors sweep weekend set with Trojans in Tisdale

Warriors move into tie for fourth place as cut-off date for Circle K Classic nears Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors picked up a pair of crucial wins over the Tisdale Trojans this past weekend in Tisdale, taking a 3-2 shootout victory on Saturday and following up with a 4-1 win in the rematch on Sunday.

As a result, the Warriors improved to 7-2-1 on the season and are currently tied for fourth place with the Saskatoon Blazers, with their .750 win percentage giving Moose Jaw sole possession of fourth.

If the Warriors can hold that spot or improve through the Nov. 15 weekend, it’s highly likely they’ll book a spot in the Circle K Classic U18 AAA tournament, which takes place in Calgary during the Christmas holidays.

The event -- formerly known as the Mac’s tournament -- annually features the best U18 teams from throughout North America. Traditionally, the top four teams from the SMAAAHL at the Nov. 15 deadline earn invites, and the berth is considered a major accomplishment given the high profile of the Classic.

Moose Jaw 3, Tisdale 2 (SO)

As the score would indicate, things were exceptionally close between the two teams in regulation.

The Warriors’ Carson Park and Trojan’s’ Jacob Tait exchanged goals just over

The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors picked up two valuable wins in Tisdale over the weekend.

a minute apart late in the first period before Ryan Gibbs made it a 2-1 Moose Jaw lead with the lone goal in the second.

Carter Geyson would tie things up midway through the third, though, and there things would remain until the shootout.

There, Park and Kierin Osberg scored for Moose Jaw while goaltender Luke McKechnie stopped both shooters he faced to earn the win.

McKechnie capped the night with 28

saves, while Jackson Dunn stopped 42 at the other end of the ice, Moose Jaw 4, Tisdale 1

Things weren’t quite as close in the rematch less than 24 hours later, as the Warriors scored single markers in the first and second periods before adding a pair in the third to finish things off.

Gibbs scored in the first and finished with two points, giving him nine goals and 15 points in 10 games to sit 10th overall in league scoring.

Sean Shiels tied the game four minutes into the second, but Maxx Fuessel would give Moose Jaw the lead for good with 9:42 to play in the frame.

Brennan Brown made it a 3-1 contest 6:26 into the third and Marek McIvor capped scoring with an empty netter with 1:13 to play.

Fuessel and McIvor also finished with two points apiece.

Kaleb Page had a solid game in goal for Moose Jaw, stopping 28 shots. Dunn had 29 saves.

The WINMAR Warriors are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 9 when they host the Warman Wildcats. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Vancouver Giants

Central Cyclones see football season come to end with loss in provincial semifinal

Gold medal games across all divisions set to take place next Saturday all over province

The Central Cyclones have seen their football season come to an end.

The South Rural Football League champions were unable to get anything going on offence and dropped a 31-3 decision to the Saskatoon Bishop Mahoney Saints in the 5A 12-Aside semifinals on Saturday in Saskatoon.

Central had advanced to the semifinal with a 32-7 upset win over the Balgonie Greenall Griffins last weekend, while Bishop Mahoney had booked their spot with a 42-6 win over Aden Bowman in the Saskatoon 5A final.

The Saints will now advance to the provincial final against the Prince Albert Carlton Crusaders after Carlton downed Regina Johnson 39-13 in Prince Albert.

The 5A gold medal game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Gordie Howe Complex in Saskatoon.

Provincial semifinals took place across all divisions this past weekend.

In the 1A Six-Aside division, the Hafford Vikings’ quest for a sixth-straight provincial title continued in style, as they rolled to a 62-16 win over the Lemberg North Valley Eagles in Lemberg. Things were slightly closer in the other semifinal,

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

where the Hanley Sabres took 48-16 win over the St. Brieux Crusaders.

Hafford and Hanley will now meet in the gold medal game in Hafford, while the bronze medal game between Lemberg and St. Brieux will take place in Lemberg.

All provincial medal games will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. in all divisions.

The 2A Six-Aside class saw the Clavet Cougars return to the provincial title game with a commanding 72-36 win over the Rosetown Royals. Clavet will

face the Wakaw Warriors for gold after Wakaw took a 38-22 win over the Southey Screaming Eagles.

The title game will take place on Saturday at in Clavet, while the third-place contest between Southey and Rosetown is in Rosetown.

The Tisdale Tornadoes booked their spot in the 4A Nine-Aside final in dramatic fashion, taking a 38-37 win over the Delisle Rebels. The perennial title-contending Melfort Comets were a little more comfortable in their semifinal, taking a 6342 win over the Lumsden Devils.

The Nine-Aside provincial title game will take place in Melfort.

The 6A 12-Aside finalists were decided by the Regina and Saskatoon city championships on Friday night.

The Campbell Tartans defeated the Leboldus Golden Suns 28-20 in the Regina title game, while the St. Joseph Guardians got past the Holy Cross Crusaders 3834 to claim the Saskatoon city title.

The 6A gold medal game will take place in Regina at Mosaic Stadium.

Be sure to keep an eye on www.shsaa. ca for scores as they happen on championship weekend.

PLAYOFF WIN: Saskatchewan Roughriders advance to West Division Final with victory over B.C.

Riders rack up three interceptions, go on to 28-19 victory in West Division semifinal at Mosaic Stadium

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are off to the West Division Final.

The Roughriders outscored the B.C. Lions 15-6 in the second half and would go on to a 28-19 victory in the first round of the Canadian Football League playoffs Saturday at Mosaic Stadium.

The Riders’ defence was the major key in the victory, hauling in three interceptions on the night, including two in the fourth quarter as B.C. attempted to mount a comeback.

The playoff win was the first for Saskatchewan since the 2021 season when they lost to Winnipeg in the Division Final.

Saskatchewan will now rematch the Blue Bombers in the West Final on Saturday, Nov. 9. The Game

The Lions got off to the aforementioned great start on their first drive of the game, taking seven plays to get to the B.C. 54 before Vernon Adams Jr. found Jevon Cottoy with a pass over the middle that turned into a 56-yard touchdown run four minutes into the game.

Kicker Sean Whyte would miss the convert, though, and the Lions settled for the quick 6-0 lead.

The Roughriders responded on their first drive, with Harris taking eight plays to get to the Lions’ 26 and setting Brett Lauther up for a 34-yard field goal.

Both teams had drives stall without points in the latter half of the opening 15 minutes, and the first quarter would end with B,C. holding a 6-3 lead.

Saskatchewan got the stop on the Lions’ first possession of the second quarter and the offence would immediately respond. Jerreth Sterns had the key play of the drive with a 25-yard catch down to the B.C. 20, and three plays later Lauther would hit a 25-yard field goal to tie the contest 6-6.

The Riders got the ball back immediately on B.C.’s next drive, with Marcus

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

Sayles picking off a scrambling Adams at the Saskatchewan 49.

That turnover would result in the Roughriders’ first major 11 plays and six minutes later. A.J. Oulette would cap the drive by taking the wildcat snap and slamming over the line from one yard out, giving Saskatchewan a 13-6 lead.

Some great play calling by the Lions led to their second touchdown of the game late in the first half.

Adams got off a surprise punt on a third-and-three and pinned the Riders deep in their zone, and when B.C.’s defence held and forced a short punt, the Lions had great field position at the Saskatchewan 22. Three plays later, Adams found Justin

McInnis in the back of the endzone for an 11-yard major with 38 seconds left in the half.

Whyte would make the convert this time, and the teams went into the half tied 13-13.

The Roughriders regained the lead on the first series of the third quarter.

Oulette finished off a six-play drive with a 30-yard run that saw him break initial contact at the line before going untouched the rest of the way to the Lions’ endzone.

B.C. had things going in their next drive, but a time-count violation due to fan noise forced the Lions into second and long, and a Brian Cox Jr. sack would force the Lions to settle for a 36-yard field goal.

A turnover on downs on the following series when Harris failed to convert a third-and-one gave B.C the ball at the

Saskatchewan 50, but Whyte would put a 39-yard field goal off the upright and the game would remain 20-16 to start the fourth quarter.

The Lions came right back with another solid drive on their next possession, with a 35-yard catch by Ayden Eberhardt getting B.C. down to the Riders 13. Saskatchewan’s defence would stiffen, though and Whyte hit a 17-yarder to make it a one-point game.

The Riders responded immediately.

Starting at the B.C. 47, Harris put together a quick four-play drive that culminated with a 13-yard pass to Sterns for the touchdown. KeeSean Johnson hauled in the two-point convert, and the Riders had a two-score lead with 10:08 to play.

Adams had another drive going on B.C.’s next possession, but it would be snuffed when a long-range pass to Eberhardt was picked off by Nelson Lokombo at the Sask 20-yard line. The interception was the first of Lokombo’s CFL career. B.C. went into desperation mode on their next series, and the drive would end with 47 seconds remaining when Rolan Milligan hauled in an interception in the Riders end zone.

The Stats Harris was 26-for-33 passing for his 279 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.

Samuel Emilus was his favourite target wth nine catches for 106 yards, while Johnson hauled in seven for 66 yards.

Ouelette led the ground game with 14 carries for 279 yards.

Adams completed 20-of-33 passes for 317 yards, two majors and the three picks.

Cottoy had three catches for 82 yards, McInnis five for 66.

The Riders rush defence was on point, holding William Stanbeck to only 27 yards on seven carries.

Saskatchewan had 371 yards total offence, B.C. 351 yards.

Fountain Tire’s Silk lone unbeaten team in Original 16 Cash League

Leeville Construction’s Woloschuk also picks up fourth win Wednesday night at Moose Jaw Curling Centre Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

Barry Silk and his Fountain Tire rink are the lone unbeaten team remaining in the Original 16 Cash League after the most recent draw of round robin action at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre.

Silk took on KMS Construction (Ben Gamble, 3-1) in a battle of the unbeatens on Wednesday night and improved to 4-0 on the campaign with a 6-1 victory. Things were as close as expected in the early going, as Silk picked up a single point in the fifth end to take a 2-1 lead. Everything went his way from there, though, as Silk would steal a pair in the sixth and another two in the seventh to bring the game to an early end.

Leeville Construction (Dustin Woloschuk) kept pace with Silk for first place

and improved to 4-1 with a 10-2 victory over Young and Young Automotive (Stan Barnsley, 0-5). The game was tied 1-1 heading into the third end, when Woloschuk would put up three to take control of the game. Barnsley got one back in the fourth, but after Woloschuk scored single points the next two ends, he’d add a steal of four in the seventh for the commanding win.

Wade Gray (3-1) remained a win back of the leaders, holding M&T Feedlot (Ryan Wenarchuk, 1-3) to only two points in the second end as they went on to a 9-2 five-end victory. Gray scored three in the third to take a 4-1 lead, stole one in the fourth and then racked up a four-ender in the fifth to finish things off.

Barry Silk and his Fountain Tire foursome are the lone unbeaten team remaining in the Original 16 Cash League.

The other game on the night saw RK Sunview Farms (Dayne Heisler, 1-3) pick up his first victory of the season, scoring a pair in the eighth for a backand-forth 7-5 win over EMJ Marketing (Joe Gunnis, 1-4). The teams exchanged deuces in the third and fourth ends before Heisler scored three in the fifth to go into the break with a 5-3 lead. Gunnis tied the game in the sixth, and Heisler would blank the seventh before putting the hammer to perfect use in the eighth and securing the victory.

BTN Chartered Accountants (Penny Barker, 3-1) had the bye. Action in the Original 16 Cash League takes place every Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre.

Moose Jaw Miller Express to open season on May 29 as WCBL releases 2025 schedule

Home opener set for Thursday, May 30 against Saskatoon Berries at Ross Wells Park Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

After reaching the Western Canadian Baseball League final for the second time in the last three years last summer, the Moose Jaw Miller Express now know when their 2025 quest will begin.

The Express will open the new WCBL campaign on Wednesday, May 29 when they face the Medicine Hat Mavericks in Medicine Hat after the WCBL released their schedule on Tuesday.

Moose Jaw will then host the Saskatoon Berries in their home opener at Ross Wells Park with that contest taking place one night later on Thursday, May 30.

The first long homestand for the Express will take place from Wednesday, June 5 through Wednesday, June 12 as they play six of seven games at Ross Wells, including two against the West Division’s Brooks Bombers.

That stand will conclude on Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 12 with a rematch from the 2024 WCBL Final when the Okotoks Dawgs are in town.

Moose Jaw will also play seven of eight games at home from Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 24, with four of those taking place against the Medicine Hat Mavericks.

Wednesday, May 29 in Medicine Hat.

The final long run of home games goes from Saturday, July 27 through Friday, Aug. 2 with five of six games at Ross Wells.

Of course, all that time in the friendly confines has to be balanced out, with the Express going on a monster eightgame trip through the West Division from Friday, June 21 through Saturday, June 29, with two-game stops in Medicine Hat, Sylvan Lake, Fort McMurray and Edmonton.

All told, Moose Jaw will play 13 of 15 games on the road from Wednesday, June 19 through Wednesday, July 3.

The first game of the Trans-Canada Clash against the Regina Red Sox will

take place on Tuesday, June 18 in Moose Jaw and the eight-game season series will wrap up on Sunday, Aug. 4 in Regina.

The Miller Express will also once again host their traditional Canada Day game on Monday, July 1, with the Swift Current 57’s visiting Ross Wells.

The league’s 12 teams will play a total of 56 games apiece this season, with the full list of home openers below:

Medicine Hat Mavericks, Athletic Park, May 28th vs. Okotoks Dawgs

Regina Red Sox, Currie Field, May

29th vs. Swift Current 57’s

Sylvan Lake Gulls, Gulls Field, May 29th vs. Edmonton

Weyburn Beavers, Tom Laing Park, May 29th vs. Saskatoon Berries

Brooks Bombers, Elks Field, May 30th vs. Lethbridge Bulls

Fort McMurray Giants, Legacy Dodge Field, May 30th vs. Sylvan Lake Gulls

Moose Jaw Miller Express, Ross Wells Park, May 30th vs. Saskatoon Berries

Swift Current 57’s, Mitchell Field, May 30th vs. Medicine Hat Mavericks Okotoks Dawgs, Seaman Stadium, May 31st vs. Edmonton

Saskatoon Berries, NexGen Patch at Cairns Field, May 31st vs. Regina Red Sox

Lethbridge Bulls, Spitz Stadium, June 5th vs. Edmonton

Edmonton, Myshak Metro Ballpark, June 7th vs. Okotoks Dawgs

The WCBL Playoffs will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 6, with the top four teams from each division qualifying for the rapid-fire post-season. Each series will be a best-of-three, with the season likely wrapping up by Aug. 18.

For more information and the complete WCBL schedule, be sure to visit www.wcblbaseball.com -- with files from Ian Wilson /wcbl.com

October Athletes of the Month

The top athletes from the Moose Jaw High Schools Athletic Association from October Submitted

The Moose Jaw High Schools Athletic Association has released their list of Purposed Financial Group Athletes of the Month for October.

Winning for Peacock Collegiate were Kingston Potosme-Usher (Tornadoes football) and Owen Varjassy (Tornadoes football).

Winning for Central Collegiate were Mila Kicenko (Cyclones soccer) and Patrick Pryadko (Cyclones soccer).

Winning for Riverview Collegiate were Emma Russel (volleyball) and

Taylor Jacobson (football).

Winning for Vanier Collegiate were Keira Zimmerman (Spirits cross-country) and Cruz Pambrun (Vikings cross-country.

Winning for Cornerstone Christian School were Nikkia Samson (Falcons cross country) and Wyatt Craik (Cyclones football).

Winning for Briercrest Christian Academy were Naomi Nelson (Cougars volleyball) and Jude Daeschel (Cougars football).

The Moose Jaw Miller Express will open their 2025 Western Canadian Baseball League campaign on

Better Together Food Drive fills two semi trailers

Each Halloween, volunteers with the Better Together Food Drive organized by the Hillcrest Apostolic Church embark on a quest to collect food in support of the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank.

After a busy night of organizing, collecting, sorting, and loading non-perishable donations, 615 volunteers — including 90 student volunteers from Vanier Collegiate — helped raise 52,776 lbs. of food from generous residents on Oct. 31.

For the first time in its history, the drive required two 53-foot semi trailers to haul everything from the Exhibition Grounds sorting centre to the food bank.

“It was amazing,” announced Daycee Richardson, the community advocate for the Hillcrest Church and a food drive co-ordinator. “In fact, it was one of our smoothest sailing years.

“We just couldn’t get over how many things kept coming into place. It was better than normal and we had a record num-

ber of volunteers out collecting and helping us.”

The Better Together Food Drive was first organized in 2006 when a Hillcrest Church staff member learned about a similar campaign and sought to try it in Moose Jaw. In its trial run that year, 35,786 lbs. of food was collected.

In 2023, the drive raised 44,216 lbs. of food and was supported by just over 400 volunteers. One year later, those figures grew by 8,560 lbs. and 215 volunteers in 2024 as the campaign continues to gain momentum.

“We haven’t passed 50,000 lbs. since before the pandemic, so we were really excited to see that,” Richardson said. An additional $11,269.84 was collected through online donations — despite that portion of the campaign not being heavily advertised.

Volunteers covered 43 routes and even “a bonus route.” Teams first met up at the Hillcrest Church for 5 p.m. and by 9 p.m. — or earlier in many cases — everyone was busy sorting.

Sorting may also be at its peak efficiency. “When you walk in now, you’ll never see piles of food (and) you won’t see tables overflowing with food waiting to be sorted,” she said. “They were just snatching it up so quickly they could barely unload the vehicle fast enough.”

The food bank would typically have to close down for the day, but with ample volunteers and a spacious new facility, the essential service was able to keep its doors

open without interruption. By noon on Nov. 1, everything was already delivered and in the warehouse.

Richardson said the community appears to have become more aware of the food bank’s importance, especially since the pandemic. A staff member at the food bank also said residents have been re-

sponding more to specific needs including diapers.

Richardson wished to thank everyone involved in this year’s drive on behalf of the Hillcrest Church. “We could not do this without you,” she said.

“To the City of Moose Jaw, you just continue to blow us away with your generosity. We know food drives happen all the time and many people are regular supporters of the food bank, yet they continue to give again and again.”

Richardson also wished to thank the sponsors who helped make the drive possible, including semi drivers with Nutrien and Moose Jaw Co-op Agro and forklift operators from South Country Equipment.

“It’s one of our favourite times of the year, just to see that generosity and to be able to be the ones to channel it to the food bank and bless them in that way. So thank you very much.”

To learn more, visit HillcrestMJ.com/ FoodDrive or call the Hillcrest Apostolic Church at 306-692-5600. The Hillcrest Apostolic Church is located at 1550 Main Street North.

The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank is located at 270 Fairford Street West and can be reached at 306-692-2911.

FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE WINNERS

FOR SEPT & OCT 2024

7 pm - Tuesday Nights, Cosmo Senior Centre Submitted

Sept. 3rd

1st – Linda & Ron McGinnis

2nd – Anne Kraus & Lorne Jackson

3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Linda Sempel & Deb Firth

Sept 10th

1st – Frank Van Breugel & Clayton Sjoberg

2nd – Rae Trites & Anita Duncan

3rd – Judy Bender & Judith Deatrich

Hidden Score – Linda Sempel & Deb Firth

Sept 17th

1st – Judith Deatrich & Judy Bender

2nd – Linda Sempel & Deb Firth

3rd – Linda & Ron McGinnis

Hidden Score – Gwen Venn & Carol Andrejcin

Sept 24th

1st – Deb Firth & Linda Sempel

2nd – Rae Trites & Anita Duncan

3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Gwen Venn & Carol Andrejcin

Oct 1st

1st – Rae Trites & Anita Duncan

2nd – Myrna & Walter Hawkins

3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Judith Deatrich & Bob Busse Oct. 8th

1st – Sharon Knittel & Marie Spencer

2nd – Deb Firth & Linda Sempel

3rd – Judy Bender & Judith Deatrich

Hidden Score – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe Oct 15th

1st – Sharon Knittel & Marie Spencer

2nd – Deb Firth & Linda Sempel

3rd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe

Hidden Score – Frank Van Breugel & Clayton Sjoberg

Oct 29th

1st – Linda Sempel & Deb Firth

2nd – Rae Trites & Anita Duncan

3rd – Sharon Knittel & Marie Spencer

Hidden Score – Judy Bender & Frank Van Breugel

All bridge players are welcome to join our club. In addition, if you are interested in learning how to play, we would like to help. We play at the Cosmo Senior Centre on Tuesdays at 7 pm. For more information contact Debbie Firth at 306-690-4690.

Photo by: Sub-

One of the two semi loads of non-perishable food donations arrives at the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank on the morning of Nov. 1.

Public library announces upcoming program options for November

The Moose Jaw Public Library is announcing its program lineup for the month of November.

Movie club

The library’s movie club meets twice monthly to watch a film and engage in short discussion starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.

• Twisters: One of the summer’s “most impactful blockbusters” is both “a classic movie thrill ride and a sensitive reckoning with extreme weather devastation.”

Show date: Monday, Nov. 4.

• Decision to Leave: Visionary South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook’s “beguiling romantic thriller of obsession and desire” utilizes a Hitchcockian narrative to follow a detective investigating a murder all while being romantically drawn to the victim’s widow as he investigates her as a suspect. Show date: Monday, Nov. 18.

The library’s Documentary Night showcases documentary films that rarely hit theatres and takes place on the last Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.

• Fire of Love: Directed by Sara Dosa, this documentary captures the unique work and romance of French volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft who ultimately perish in the eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan in 1991. Show date: Thursday, Nov. 28.

A few movie matinees will be shown for audiences of all ages in the library’s theatre starting at 2:30 p.m. Admittance is free and everyone’s welcome.

• Inside Out 2: Saturday, Nov. 2 (rated PG).

• Barbie: Saturday, Nov. 16 (rated PG). Maker nights Maker nights provide an evening dedicated to learning and creating with others. Register by calling 306-6928210. The program runs from 6:30 –8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 13 and up.

• Teen Makers: Will create recycled paper bookmarks on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

• Maker night: Guests will make bottle cap magnets on Monday, Nov. 18. Advance registration is required.

• Maker Saturdays: Guests will make cardboard critters on Nov. 9 and origami on Nov. 23.

Children’s programming

LEGO Weekends: Are open for ages four and up during the library’s regular business hours on Saturdays and Sundays. In this self-guided activity in the Children’s Department, children can have fun building wild LEGO creations that they’re invited to put on display. Children’s Storytime programs run on separate days in the Children’s Program

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Moose

Room starting at 10:30 a.m. Here, young readers can enjoy a short story, rhymes, and songs as caregivers learn ways to improve early childhood literacy.

• Baby Storytime: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 12, 19, and 26.

• Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 13, 20, and 27.

• Daycare Storytime: Thursday, Nov. 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Stand alone events

• Veteran Banner Display: A scaled down display of the City of Moose Jaw Heritage Advisory Committee’s veteran banner project will be available to view throughout November in the main stacks of the adult library.

• Cinnamon-scented slime: Starts at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room on Saturday, Nov. 16. Registration is required and the event is intended for ages two and up.

• Snow globes: Starts at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room on Saturday, Nov. 30. Registration is required and the event is intended for ages two and up.

Youth programming

The library’s Teen Anime+ Club meets every fourth Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 to watch anime, read manga, draw, chat, and eat Asian snacks. Anyone ages 12 to 19 is welcome to attend in the library’s theatre and yes — cosplay is welcome.

• Next Anime+ meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 27.

The Teen Arts & Crafts program takes place once a month for youth ages 12 to 19 and runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. The program features art, crafts, snacks, and the chance to meet new friends.

• Friendship bracelets: Wednesday,

Nov. 20.

The Teen Gamers program provides an evening of video, card, and board games for youths ages 12 to 19. The program is held once a month in the Herb Taylor room with snacks provided from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and no registration is required.

• Next Teen Gamers meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Kanopy

This “Noirvember,” a month-long film noir festival will take place on the Kanopy app where guests can explore “the gripping world of film noir” and learn more about its influence on storytelling and contemporary culture.

Hoopla

Look for exciting new youth comic book arrivals on the Hoopla app, available with your library card.

Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library non-profit organization supports the library through at least two annual book sales and other

events to help fund programs not covered in the library’s regular municipal budget.

• Jigsaw puzzle sale: Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the South Meeting Room.

Regular events

The Moose Jaw Chess Club provides bi-weekly chess games every second Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the South Meeting Room.

• Upcoming chess games: Sunday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 24.

Magic the Gathering is held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room. No registration is required, and all experience levels are welcome.

• Magic the Gathering: Saturday, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is typically played from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Archives Room and players ages 12 – 16 across all experience levels are invited.

• Digital D&D: will take place Fridays on the youth Discord channel for ages 16 to 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. Email Youth@ MJLibrary.ca to inquire.

• Spell Thieves: A teen D&D event will take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays from Nov. 5 to Dec. 19. Advanced registration is required.

Tech Time: classes provide one-on-one instruction for modern-day electronic devices and are available by calling the library.

French-language programs

L’heure du conte is a French-language program for children ages five and under with their caregivers. The program is held in the Children’s Room starting at 10:30 a.m.

• L’heure du conte: Monday, Nov. 4 and 18.

The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached online at MooseJawLibrary.ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing Ask@MJLibrary.ca.

His Worship Clive Tolley, Mayor of the City of Moose Jaw

O ce of the Mayor, City Hall, 228 Main Street North Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 3J8 ctolley@moosejaw.ca

am pleased to o er my congratulations to the City of Moose Jaw on being recognized by the Government of Saskatchewan for its commitment to becoming an age-friendly community (AFC).

Making communities age-friendly has been identi ed as one of the best ways to help older adults remain healthy and active, while enabling them to be and do what they value. Age-friendly communities encourage healthy aging by improving and preserving health; improving and preserving physical, social, and mental wellness; maintaining independence; and enhancing quality of life. At the same time, these communities create better, safer, and healthier places for all Canadians to live and thrive in as they age. PHAC and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize the importance of creating social and physical environments in communities that facilitate active and healthy aging. By creating environments that foster the abilities of older people, the City of Moose Jaw is supporting the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). On behalf of PHAC and WHO, I am pleased to endorse the Government of Saskatchewan's recognition of your community's commitment to becoming age-friendly.

In becoming part of the Pan-Canadian Age-Friendly Community Initiative, the City of Moose Jaw has the immediate bene t of also being pre-approved to join the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. To nalize the process of being added to the list of WHO Network Members, please visit: https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/application-form/.

Once membership is processed by WHO, you can log in to your pro le page to download an o cial certi cate of membership. Please note that while you will be required to enter general information about the City of Moose Jaw's age friendly work, you will not have to undergo an additional screening process and will be accepted upon completion of the form. For further information about membership in the Global Network, you are invited to read the Terms of Reference for Membership at: https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/membershtp/.

I also encourage you to actively engage in the Global Network, as this will give you the greatest bene t and international visibility. In order to maintain membership, you are required to submit at least one age-friendly practice per year, which you can do at: https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlywor!d/submit-afp/.

Please accept our best wishes for your continued e orts to support healthy aging. Thank you as well for leading the way for other communities in Saskatchewan, and across Canada, to become age-friendly.

Sincerely,

Dr. Theresa Tam

c.c.: Thiago Herick de Sa Age-Friendly Environments, WHO herickdesat@who.int

Christine Boyczuk, Chair Age Friendly Moose Jaw ageweUmoosejaw@gmail.com

Catherine Barnsley Age-Friendly Saskatchewan catherine.bamsley@sasktel.net

Mayor Clive Tolley:

The

Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

AGAIN, AREA, ARSENAL, BALANCE, BEST, CHALK, CHIME, COVER DASH, DEPTH, DIES, ENTERPRISE, FADED HILARIOUS, INSIDE, LEAGUE, LEMON, PATRIOT PENNY, PINT, POTATO, QUART, REACH, RESIGNATION, RIGHT SNACK, SPEND, STABLE, STEEL, STONE, SUITE, THINK TOUCH, TRADITIONAL, UNION, VISUAL, YOUTH

ACROSS 1. Overtake

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork. Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

5. Manila hemp

10. Algonquian Indian

14. Cobras

15. Breakfast strip

16. Fluid escape

17. Naggingly

19. Being 20. Anagram of “Eat” 21. Farewell

22. Overgrown with ivy 23. Immune response trigger 25. Paired 27. Bloodshot 28. Concern 31. Pondered 34. Dialect

35. Modern 36. “Oh dear!” 37. Light refractor 38. Cicatrix

39. Gooey stuff 40. Fire a weapon 41. Refine

42. In being 44. Life story 45. Scenes

46. LA baseball team

50. Sacred hymn

52. Utopian 54. Strike

55. Memorization method

56. Corrupt

58. Ends a prayer

59. Late Superman actor, Christopher ___ 60. Ear-related 61. Exam

62. Aromatic compound

63. Sounds of disapproval DOWN 1. Noodles 2. Pale 3. Brisling 4. South southeast 5. Put up with 6. Sink 7. Dull pain 8. Editorialist 9. Whichever 10. Cunning 11. Dwelling 12. Lack of difficulty

13. Managed with difficulty 18. Engaged

22. Any thing 24. Angers

26. “Smallest” particle

28. Blockhead

29. Marine mammal

30. Legal wrong

31. A magician

32. Genus of gorse

33. Drools

34. Armor-plated warship

37. Expresses relief

38. Dirty air

40. Flower stalk

41. Move furtively

43. Unspoken

44. Straw hat

46. Dig (into)

47. Muse of poetry

48. Relative magnitudes

49. Spectacles

50. Backside

51. Several

53. Song for 2 voices

56. Metric unit of area

57. Burgle

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” -- Lou Holtz --

Moose Jaw Truck Shop

205 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 - Will pay cash for your Gold and Silver coins. Call 306-527-7786.

210 SERVICES

Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load.

306-630-2268

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268

. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Cleaner with 20 years experience, professional and bondable, please call Rebecca at 306-9900387

Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw, $60 and up. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, tvs, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $20 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $60. Dry cut up firewood 10 - 14” lengths - Split wood - $50/row, Not Split - $35/

row, one row across truck box. 306-681-8749

160 MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE - Sunset Cemetery Last Supper Cremation Plot #212. Asking $1600, open to reasonable offers. Please call 306-693-2003.

110 AUTO PARTS

Get ready for winter! Four Cooper Weather Master tires on rims. 235/55 R18. Rims are from 2013 Taurus. Asking $300 for all 4. Please call 306-692-3282.

Set of 4 snow tires 225/50 R 17 mounted on aluminum wheels with sensors. From a 2019 Fusion. Less then 10,000 km’s. Also, front and rear Ford Fusion custom rubber floors mats. All for $440. 306-692-5078.

The City of Moose Jaw has launched an enforcement campaign in an attempt to recoup roughly $1 million in unpaid parking ticket revenue.

Saying that “Outstanding Isn’t Fine,” the city has initiated a parking ticket enforcement strategy aimed at people with unpaid tickets.

“Parking ticket revenue contributes to fund city operations like infrastructure repair,” said city manager Maryse Carmichael. “And, the City of Moose Jaw has a list of thousands of unpaid parking tickets totalling almost $1 million. It’s our responsibility to Moose Jaw taxpayers and to the majority of people who do pay their parking tickets that we enforce our penalties.”

On Feb. 12, the city council passed Bylaw No. 5689, an impounding bylaw that permits the city to seize, impound, immobilize, sell, or otherwise deal with or dispose of vehicles to enforce and collect fines for parking offences.

Letters to those with outstanding parking tickets will be sent this week, with a 60-day deadline to pay their fines. If fines are not paid within 60 days, offenders may have their vehicle towed and impounded until the outstanding fine is paid.

We learned in March 2021 that there

was roughly $940,000 in outstanding parking tickets stretching back to 2011. Furthermore, one motorist has allegedly racked up more than 225 tickets and $20,000 in parking penalties.

Meanwhile, city hall confirmed in September 2022 that there was more than $1 million in uncollected parking fines.

Moose Jaw contracts parking enforcement services to the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) for $215,000 annually, so if residents fail to pay parking tickets voluntarily, the police prosecute the offenders in court.

In 2023, the city anticipated collecting $200,000 in revenue from outstanding parking tickets and increased meter use.

In 2024, the goal was to collect $265,000. However, it’s not known how successful the municipality has been in recovering that amount.

As of December 2022, the city estimated there were $1,080,000 in uncollected parking fines that 4,017 people held.

This included:

• Less than $100 owed: 2,237 motorists and $184,875 outstanding

• Between $100 and $500: 1,307 motorists and $312,470 outstanding

• Between $500 and $1,000: 302 mo-

torists and $210,490.12 outstanding

• Between $1,000 and $5,000: 163 motorists and $280,503.72 outstanding

• Over $5,000: Eight motorists and $88,715 outstanding Details on all payment options available will be posted on the parking page of

www.moosejaw.ca. Anyone with questions should contact the legislative services and enforcement department at 306-694-4487 or bylaw@moosejaw.ca.

The city reminds motorists, “Don’t be #NotoriouslyOutstanding. Pay your fine.”

Senior’s Centre Without Walls seeking volunteers to help older adults shovel snow

To help seniors navigate the challenge of keeping their driveway and walkways clear of snow, Seniors Centre Without Walls (SCWW) is starting a new project called “Adopt a Driveway” where volunteers can lend residents a helping hand — and back — this winter.

The organization is asking for able-bodied volunteers whether it be an individual, family, workplace team, or a sports team who can ideally partner with a senior resident throughout the duration of the upcoming winter months.

“A lot of seniors in this community are unable to shovel their driveways, which is really important for them to get out for different things (such as) doctors’ appointments and for shopping,” said Manon Desruisseaux, one of the co-ordinators with SCWW.

“We are trying to find volunteers to help us with that because we don’t have enough… volunteers on our team to do (driveways and walkways) for all the peo-

ple that need it.”

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The Adopt a Driveway program came about as a natural expansion of the centre’s already existing programs for seniors including grocery shopping, meal preparation, mobility, transportation, and housekeeping services. Currently, 10 seniors are enrolled through the program so an ideal complement of 10 volunteers is suggested.

“We get calls from people that need assistance out in the community, and we’re getting a lot of people now wanting us to go out and shovel snow when it starts snowing,” Desruisseaux explained. “We’re just unable to do all those (people’s shoveling) by ourselves.”

Ideally, each volunteer would partner with a senior through the program and provide services as required throughout the winter months. Ronda Wedhorn, the centre’s program co-ordinator, said that volunteers would ideally help Moose Jaw’s seniors not only with their shoveling duties, but will also form a lasting social bond

Obituaries / Memorials

Obituary of Ronald Stanley Pohl

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Ronald Stanley Pohl, who left us on November 2, 2024, at the age of 78.

Ron will be lovingly remembered by his sweetheart and best friend, Heather; his children, Derrick (Darla), Lisa (Dave), Jodie (Marvin), and Stacey (Kelly); and his grandchildren, Natalya, Brooke, Peyton, Finn, Matthew, Ethan, Tyler, and Reese. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends, including special friends Andy and Sharon.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Ethel, and his brother, Norman.

Ron was born on September 14, 1946, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where he spent his childhood with friends, exploring the Moose Jaw Flats and skating at the hockey rink on Hochelaga Street. His work journey began at the age of 15, serving burgers at the A&W drive-in on Caribou Street and 13th Avenue—a role that would become a 63-year legacy of service in the Moose Jaw community.

A dedicated member of the Kinsmen Club, Ron devoted many hours to supporting local causes, making a difference while sharing laughter and camaraderie along the way. He was also a longtime member of the Elks Club. At home, he took great pride in hosting family and friends, delighting them with his backyard gatherings and generous servings of food. Later in life, Ron discovered a new passion: riding his recumbent bike. Over the past five years, he logged thousands of miles, savouring every ride and finding fulfillment in this newfound joy.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

Donations to the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital can be made through the Moose Jaw Health Foundation at (http://www.mjhf.org).

Akku Panchal, one of the co-ordinators at Seniors Centre Without Walls, points to the centre’s signage in front of its Town ‘N’ Country Mall location on Oct. 24. Photo by: Aaron Walker

throughout the winter.

If you’re unable to volunteer to shovel, Panchal said you can still help by spreading word of the program through social media, by encouraging your coworkers to partic-

ipate, or by inquiring about possible partnerships with local groups.

“We would be grateful for your support in this initiative, and we are happy to provide more information or answer any question you may have,” Panchal said. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our seniors this winter.

“Thank you for considering this opportunity to help our community.”

The Seniors Centre Without Walls office is located at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall at 1235 Main Street North and volunteers can apply by stopping by the storefront to inquire. You can also call the centre or contact Panchal by email at SCWWAkku@ gmail.com.

If you don’t have access to a shovel or other required winter gear, you can phone SCWW to inquire about options and they will provide shovels if needed.

To learn more about SCWW and its range of programs, call 306-692-2242 or email SCWWMJ@gmail.com.

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

Rev. Dr.

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

Perspective

Sorry it took so long to use this word suggested by Mark many months ago. But here you go.

As I looked out the east facing window in the living room this morning I noticed a very tiny sliver of a moon in the sky. Yet it seemed so large. I know a full moon often appears very large when it is near the horizon, but I was surprised that the slim crescent moon also was huge. A bit of research discovered that it is a matter of perspective The moon illusion is the tendency for the moon to appear larger and closer when it’s on the horizon than when it’s higher in the sky.

Perspective can mean the appearance, to the eye, of objects in respect to their relative distance and position. The larger looking moon may be due to the brain’s use of distance cues to perceive the horizon moon as farther away than the moon higher in the sky. The perspective of trees and buildings in the distance effects how the

brain processes the image of the moon when it is near the horizon. The moon appears totally different when it is higher in the sky. However, some people may not experience the moon illusion at all.

Artists use perspective to give a distinctive impression of distance on a two dimensional canvas. Prior to the 1400s paintings lacked accurate perspective Instead, important people and objects were simply shown larger than less important ones. Distant objects were sometimes shown smaller than nearby ones, although this wasn’t done in a regular and accurate way. We are familiar with pictures that are being seen from one single place, as a camera viewing the scene.

Perspective can be used in conjunction with mental processes more than just the eyes. He interviewed a number of former colleagues to gain a broader perspective on the international issues driving the Israeli action in Gaza.

Perspective is also the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed. With her vast experience in marketing, she places the issues in proper perspective

Perspective enables one to see things as a result of who you are and what you do. Someone from South Hill in Moose Jaw might perceive the civic issue of garbage in laneways differently than a person living in the Iron Bridge area.

Perspective is the capacity to view things in their relative importance. This understanding could be significantly different from a federal, provincial, city, and neighbourhood perspective

Perspective can affect emotional and physical responses to problems. Social status impacts a person’s view on a range of all sorts of cultural issues. It might be good to consider the phrase, “Walk a mile in their shoes before you judge their reaction to the concern.”

Religious people are encouraged to keep a spiritual

perspective on social issues. Others maintain that a critical race theory is important for the proper perspective

A drawing of parallel lines converging can give the impression of depth and distance. It is a perspective that appears illusionary.

Just recently, in October 2024, Sughnen Yongo wrote in Forbes concerning the Democratic nominee for President of the United States, “To assess the feasibility of Harris’s plan, two experts offered varied perspectives.”

Perspective can impact how you vote in the upcoming civic election. Sometimes a shift in perspective can influence how you view a candidate’s position on the issues facing our city.

When I am trying to assess possible wind damage to the shingles on our roof, I move around the house to gain a better perspective of the situation.

The perspective of a 5 year old and a 95 year old on the pace of life is dramatically different. For the 5 year old life moves so slowly as they desire to grow up and do more. Life seems so fast for a 95 year old, especially when considering past events and change.

However, you may view the moon or the social issues facing our province and city, I encourage you to keep a sense of perspective to make some sense of it all.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/ MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@ gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Business focuses on providing moms with free postpartum materials

Businesswoman Kate Bookout had just had her first child when she realized there were few postpartum resources for new moms, so she made her own materials that others could also use.

Bookout, owner of Orange Door Collective Wellness (ODCW), created postpartum wellness boxes two years ago to educate women about the resources available to them in the community. On a quarterly basis, she offers 12 small batches of free materials that women can apply for and use.

Some items include post-childbirth exercises from ODCW and donations — handmade lotions, bath balms, heat packs and hygiene products — and discounted or free services — massages, breastfeeding consultations, postpartum doulas and aesthetics — from community businesses.

Last year, Bookout distributed 48 boxes to women, while so far this year, 24 moms have received the materials.

“It’s really great. It says a lot about the lack of resources in our community for having provided (72) women in our community with postpartum resources … ,” she said.

Bookout describes Orange Door Collective Wellness as a “wellness inclusive

Jason G. Antonio

- MooseJawToday.com

community” for women in all stages of motherhood and womanhood.

Using her bachelor of kinesiology and certification as a pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist, she offers in-person one-on-one classes, group sessions, and general health sessions to help moms deal with issues like recovering from C-sections.

Moreover, in partnership with The Light Yoga and Wholeness Studio, she offers the only mom-and-baby exercise classes in Moose Jaw, with two evening sessions weekly.

Bookout noted that women regularly have babies, so she is always pleased to see new and returning

moms and their tots attend her classes annually. Moreover, she is thrilled to offer services to help grow this community.

The businesswoman has two kids, but it was after the birth of her first child that she realized there were few postpartum resources for women after the hospital discharged them. Moreover, the health region only provides information about supporting the baby but nothing to help the woman recover. So, she developed materials and then made them available.

“Second to that, myself being the only certified pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist in Moose Jaw, often it is very difficult for moms to get to an exercise space where they’re welcome to bring their new babies,” said Bookout.

“So this is something we’re very proud to offer: a safe space for moms to come and bring their little one with them because it can be a very difficult time to manage schedules and return to exercise after having a baby,” she continued.

Bookout also noted that the mainstream wellness community typically pushes women to lose weight after giving birth and promotes the “bounce-back concept,” whereas the ODCW community promotes the idea of meeting women

where they are physically and encouraging them to move their bodies for better mental health.

Women interested in applying for the postpartum wellness boxes can do so at www.orangedoorcollective.ca or through Orange Door Collective Wellness’ social media pages. Businesses or residents interested in sponsoring the boxes can call 306-630-5264.

Cancer fundraiser

Bookout turned 34 in September, and for the third time in the past five years, she held a fundraiser to support the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic in Regina. The event — which featured the sale of T-shirts with specially designed logos and a collection of donations — netted $1,550, bringing the total amount acquired to roughly $7,500. She explained that she started fundraising to support her dad, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a half-decade ago. He is now doing well, while the family is grateful that his health is better and that he can spend time with the grandchildren.

Bookout added that she was pleased with how much she raised this year, while she virtually donated the money to the cancer clinic.

Thank you

to all those who donated items for the silent auction, penny parade, and many other donations.

The evening was a great success and thank you to all who came out and enjoyed the evening. A special thank you goes out to Co-op Prairie Plains Agro, Farm Credit Corporation and Rob and Vel Smith, Joanne Zaremba and family. Also, all the volunteers who helped out. We would like to thank all who attended

Kate Bookout with Orange Door Collective Wellness offers women postpartum wellness boxes to support them post-pregnancy. Photo courtesy Kate Bookout

Kate Bookout, owner of Orange Door Collective Wellness, is a certified pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist. Photo courtesy Kate Bookout

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@ moosejawexpress.com

Lawn Bowling is a sport for all levels of ability. During winter, Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling club invites everyone to try it on the turf at Yara Centre starting Nov 5@10am Instruction & play (at your pace) will be available Tues & Thurs mornings@ 10am. For more info phone or text 306-630-8160 or visit www.moosejawlawnbowling.com

The Moose Jaw Art Guild will hold a business meeting on November 14, 3:00 pm at the MJMAG. The opening of the Annual Art Guild Show is November 15, 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the MJMAG. The public is invited. For information call 306-631-3148 or 306-692-6667.

Square One Community 3rd Annual Empty Bowls Fundraising Event will be held on Nov. 15 at Zion United Church Lower Hall.

Doors Open at 11am. Soups served at 11:30-1pm. Delicious Soups/Bowls to keep/ Program/Silent auction/Staycation Raffle. All funds go toward Square One Supportive Housing wrap around services initiative for those who are housing insecure. For Tickets ($20pp) : email communitysquareone@ gmail.com Or call: 306-630-6121 and leave a message.

Branch 59 Royal Canadian Legion Moose Jaw Special General Meeting will be held on November 16 at 1 pm in the Main Lounge of the Legion, 268 High Street West, to discuss our move and funding for renovations. All voting members are encouraged to attend.

Superannuated Teachers of Sask. Moose Jaw Branch Luncheon will be held on November 20 at the Masonic Temple Hall, 1755 Main St. N. S6J 1L6, Moose Jaw, Sask.

NEW LUNCHEON FORMAT - 10:30 – 11:00

Coffee Chat -circulate and connect with past colleagues/11:00 – 11:30 Speaker or Entertainment/11:40 – 12:30 Dinner/12:35 -1:15 Meeting, for those of you who wish to stay. Program: STS Provincial President Sue Amundrud/Noon Luncheon: Turkey Dinner, Caterer: Charlotte’s Cost: $15 per STS member and spouse. $25 for nonmembers. Please RSVP to Rosalie by Sunday, Nov. 17/24, @ 306-691-0696, or email stsmoosejaw@gmail.com, or click on the link in your latest STSMJ Newsletter. (If you haven’t received your newsletter please check your junk/spam mail or, follow the directions on www.stsmoosejaw.com ***Coming Soon: Info on our Christmas Social.

LUNCHEON Meetings: Masonic Hall, Main Street @ 10:30 AM - Wed. Nov 20, 2024/ Wed. Jan 15, 2025/Wed. March 19, 2025/ Wed. May 21, 2025

Christmas Sale – Sat, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Zion on Main Street is collecting good quality used Christmas decorations and jigsaw puzzles for the sale. Items can be dropped off during office hours. There will also be a bake sale. The event has wheelchair access and no admission charge.

78TH ROTARY CAROL FESTIVAL

Monday and Tuesday, December 9 and 10th at 7 p.m. at Zion on Main. The Moose Jaw Rotary Club with assistance from the Salvation Army are asking those desiring to participate in this year’s event to register. Please use email at rmontgomery39@ outlook.com before the deadline of November 15. Previous duos to choirs have brought joy to many. Let us work together to continue celebrating the season with song.

W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home Mourning Star 2024-“Heartstrings” will be held on December 12, 2024 at 7-7:30pm Gathering Music and 7:30 Ceremony at 474 Hochelaga St. W. Mourning Star Ceremony for those experiencing Grief this Christmas in the serenity of the chapel, where we will gather with others who understand the challenge of saying “Merry” Christmas. Through music, message, mementos and the gentle afterglow of love’s light, we will gather to honor the ache in your heart and the fact that there is an amplified sense of “missing” your precious loved one(s) this season. Joya Johnston will offer the gift of her musical talents to set the atmosphere of serenity. IF YOU NEED A RIDE, PLEASE CALL: 306-

693-4644

BRIDGE LESSONS - It’s fun, social and a great game! Thursday evenings 7:00-9:00 pm until Nov. 28 (9 sessions for $45) For more information or to register call Anita (306) 630-1256

Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: November, January, February, March, April and May. Call or text 306 756 2819.

The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is 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.

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

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club will resume meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The first meeting will be at 6:30pm, in Lindale School staff room, 1322 11th Avenue NW (north entrance). Phone 306-693-5705 for information.

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. Winter 2024 Program on Monday nights from 7-9pm at St. Mary’s School, 720 – 5th Ave. SW. Dance in a square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles or doubles welcome!

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 offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord. Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

TOASTMASTERS organization provides communication and leadership skill training that fosters confidence building, personal and professional development in a supportive environment. Moose Jaw is home to 2 clubs: TAP and Big Country. TAP meets on line on Tuesdays@7. TAP club is transitioning to a resource for building environmental awareness.

BIG COUNTRY meets Wednesdays@7 at Saskpolytech & on zoom(hybrid). Themes for Nov will be : Nov.6 Rider Pride, Nov 13 Critiquing/Evaluation workshop, Nov 20 Ed Sullivan Show, Nov. 27 In the Neighborhood For information text 306-690-8739

TOPS SK 2149 Weight Loss Support Group meets on Wednesday evenings at the Alliance Church located on the corner of Thatcher Drive W. & 9th Ave.W. Please enter through the west facing door and turn right down the hallway. Weigh-in takes place from 6:30-7:00 pm. Half hour meeting to follow. Are you looking for a weight loss support group and also to meet new

friends? We are here for you and would love to have you join our group. Come try us out. Your first meeting is free. For more information: www.tops.org

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: TECH TIME available by appointment during open hours in the main library for adults by appointment only - please call the library at 306-692-2787 to schedule an appointment.

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 sign-in by 1pm MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACESaturday @ 3pm - Everyone welcome Legion Money Raffle 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 office at 306.692.5453 or 306.693.9688 to pay Visa or Mastercard.

Branch 59 Royal Canadian Legion Moose Jaw Special General Meeting will be held on the 16 of November, 2024 at 1 pm in the Main Lounge of the Legion, 268 High Street West, to discuss our move and funding for renovations. All voting members are encouraged to attend.

Mulberry Estates – 220 Mulberry Ln, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1N1. Call Sales and Marketing Tricia Oblander at (306) 6945020

Mulberry Estates Flannels and Flapjacks event at 9 a.m. on Thursday November 7th Come show off your favourite flannels while you enjoy some delicious flapjacks made just for you by our Chef›s. Who doesn›t love a pancake breakfast?! Join at 220 Mulberry Lane. Limited spots available! Please call Tricia at 306.694.5020 to reserve your spot today!

Mulberry Estates Open House Tradeshow at 220 Mulberry Lane on Saturday, November 16th from 11a.m. - 4p.m. Come help spread joy like confetti without all the mess! Many vendors booked and you will have the opportunity to come see our refresh. Mulberry Estates has new flooring, paint, decor, furniture and a new kitchen. See all the updates while you shop for that special someone!

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-Thurs 8am-8pm and on Fri 8am4pm

Wood working area – 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.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 9a.m/Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m./Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m./ Weds pickleball @5pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.; Whist

– Tuesday @ 9:30am; 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 ON HOLD

Full Body work out – Monday’s 10am

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 Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Circle Dancing – Thursday 2:15pm

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

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

Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @1pm

Girls Night out – November 23 at 6pm. Door prize, cash bar, crafts and appetizers. Tickets available at the front desk. Limited Tickets!!!!

Christmas Craft Fair – November 30 at 9am to 3:00pm New to the Centre is BINGO every Monday at 1:30pm

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. N.E. Phone 306.692.6072 or email cosmo@sasktel. net. Check them out on Facebook. Monday: 9:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/7pm-Camera Club – only on the 2nd Monday of the month

Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pmPickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pmBeginners Only Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30amPickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard

Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pmPickleball

Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pmRegular Pickleball

Saturday, November 2, 9:00 - 3:00 Craft Fair, Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Center Saturday, November 16, 7:30pm - 11:00pm Social Dance - Sugar Top (Diane Humble)

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 shuffleboard. 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! 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, November 16, 2024 - Runaway Train will be playing in the Eagles Club Lounge – 8:30 pm start – come out and enjoy the music, dancing and fellowship. Saturday, November 30, 2024 - The Eagles club Lounge is pleased to have “Two Easy” playing – come out and dance the night away to some really great music. NEW YEARS EVE - Great Party time going on in the Eagles Club Lounge with Brandon & Company – bring in the new year right… Watch for more details.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

New 23-unit housing development launches on North Service Road

Businesswoman Zhu Xiaoming has lived in Moose Jaw for only four years, but she has come to love it so much that she has created a 23-unit housing community north of the city.

Dozens of supporters helped Zhu — in Chinese culture, it’s common practice for names to start with the surname first — launch the Canswan Homeland Community Housing Project on Oct. 30. The community is at 145 North Service Road beside the Moose Jaw Inn.

There was a reception afterward in Zhu’s office in the Mualla Professional Building at 290 Fourth Avenue Northeast.

Zhu’s company, Canswan Holdings Ltd., through its subsidiary, Canswan Farmland Ltd., spent roughly four years and $5 million bringing the project to fruition. Eighteen homes are present and should soon be ready for occupancy, while there will be 23 in total.

Vancouver-based Welkin Renewables is also partnering with Canswan Holdings to install solar panels on every housing unit to bring green energy to Moose Jaw.

The community’s creation is Canswan Holdings’ proactive response to the request from city council for affordable and accessible housing units, Zhu said through interpreter Liu (Ben) Zhaobin. She hoped that the project would bring warmth and shelter to more low-income families.

“Moose Jaw, with its prairie charm and rich history, has captivated me deeply. This city has become my home at heart, inspiring me to write a new book titled ‘Moose Jaw — My Dream Home’ … (that) is filled with heartfelt emotions,” she continued, noting she would publish the book in Chinese and English.

“I believe in destiny, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build this beau-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Dignitaries help cut a ribbon to officially open the Canswan Homeland Community Housing Project on the North Service Road. From left are Kelvin Hu with the Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network, Chamber CEO Rob Clark, Mayor Clive Tolley, Maxine MacKenzie and project proponent Zhu Xiaoming.

by Jason G. Antonio

tiful home (community) together with all of you, for both myself and future generations,” she added.

The businesswoman has also written two other books, both about farming and agriculture in Canada.

Zhu later said that she was “very excited” and “very happy” about this project since the process of completing it was long.

The site originally belonged to the late Les MacKenzie, an influential city councillor and tourism advocate, after whom the famous moose was named.

After operating Mac’s Cycle — once located where the casino parking lot now is — he began developing a trailer park

in the mid-1970s.

MacKenzie’s daughter, Maxine, 82, attended the housing community’s grand opening and recalled helping him install the underground plumbing around the property. They operated the site from 1979 until she sold it to Canswan Holdings in August — a span of 45 years and 23 days.

“I’m sure my father would be very, very appreciative of this,” Maxine told the crowd. “And I hope that your new venture is a great success for everyone, including the tenants who move in here and the owners of the property.”

Canswan Holdings plans to erect a life-sized statue of MacKenzie in the

fill up quickly, considering the city is growing.

Afterward, Zhu — through interpreter Kelvin Hu — explained that she was an agriculture-focused university professor in China before she moved to Vancouver and lived there for 21 years. She then fulfilled a dream and bought a farm south of Moose Jaw — near Kayville, by Avonlea — before moving into the city about four years ago.

Meanwhile, Zhu loves swans — she has several paintings of them in her office — and named her China-based company after them. So, “Canswan” is a combination of Canada and swan.

“I thought Moose Jaw was an ideal city for me to call home because farming is only one of my passions,” Zhu said. “So, Moose Jaw seemed to be the ideal place to expand (the) spectrum of my businesses.”

The businesswoman added that she is also interested in culture, arts, filmmaking and tourism and wants to bring more such resources to Moose Jaw.

Photo

The inside of a housing unit. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Businesswoman Zhu Xiaoming (left) speaks to Maxine MacKenzie before the ceremony starts. MacKenzie sold land on the North Service Road to Zhu for the housing project. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Liu (Ben) Zhaobin MCs the grand opening of the housing community. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Moostletoe ’24: Meet Nissa Gieni-Wareham, owner of artisaNGrounds studio

As plans unfold for the upcoming Moostletoe Artists Spotlight event, three artists have been added and the event will now switch from one venue to two. To confirm this — and to introduce the first artist in this year’s lineup — Nissa Gieni-Wareham, owner of artisaNGrounds, shared a few words.

The Moostletoe Artists Spotlight will now feature the works of eight local artists and will take place at artisaNGrounds and the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.

To the existing list, Marie Bophoha, Dave Pelletier, and Jai Stuart have now been included.

Gieni-Wareham will be hosting this year. “Moostletoe kind of landed in my lap unexpectedly,” she said. “Laura Hamilton, who’s run it in the past, stepped down this year. She returned back to the classroom. So, I volunteered to organize (it)….”

Moostletoe is a traditional fall event where local artists showcase some of their finest works, promote the artistic community, and guests are invited to meet the people behind these creations. The works range each year from paintings to pottery, jewellery, and photography.

“The two locations are so close together, which is nice,” she said. The event — normally held in October — will also be switching to November because of administrative changes as organizers regroup after the change of ownership.

“It will be a little colder, but… you’re close and you don’t have to drive far. We have hot drinks, snacks, and all of that,” she added.

‘Oh, I can have my kid’s birthday party here, or my stagette, or anything else.’”

Since moving to her new location from the Hammond Building this July, Gieni-Wareham now has the space to expand her business. She now hosts or more pop-up events each month and has included a gift shop featuring her fun, unique, and whimsical creations.

Guests will enjoy a live tutorial each hour starting at 11 a.m. Gieni-Wareham isn’t quite sure what she’s going to offer yet but said she’s thinking about a handson pottery demonstration.

“At my open house (in the past)… I… did a micro project where people could come and make a quick 10-minutes fall pumpkin that they could take home and test their hand at pottery,” she said. “So it will be something quick and easy that people can take, just enjoy, and kind of get a feel for pottery.”

Moostletoe transitioned from a tour of each artist’s studio to a focus on the artists themselves. Much of the reasoning behind this, she said, is because several artists no longer operate from one fixed location.

She earned her degree in visual arts and holds an education degree in arts education from the University of Regina. Gieni-Wareham now holds a full time job as an art teacher at the Phoenix Academy and runs her business outside of that.

Gieni-Wareham said it’s hard to pin-

Gieni-Wareham has been creating art since “forever.” “It seems like I came from generations of artists and women (who made) all kinds of creations,” she said. “I started off really young, looking at the old Snoopy comics and tracing those… Then in school, I went through an arts and education program.”

point only one preferred medium but said painting and pottery are her go-to media. Aside, nothing can quell her artistic curiosity. “If I’m creating, I’m happy,” she explained. “I will get my hands into anything I can try. I’ll pick up something new and give it a whirl.”

One crucial element of Moostletoe is the support it brings to Moose Jaw’s artistic community. “A lot of people don’t know that I offer painting and clay parties…,” Gieni-Wareham said. “Even if they’re not looking to purchase (any of my works at Moostletoe), they can find out,

“Instead of saying it’s a studio tour, it’s an artist’s spotlight where you can see what they create. So, we all come together and we support each other, and it’s going to be really great.”

To learn more about Nissa Gieni-Wareham and her works, visit ArtisanGrounds.net or follow her on Facebook at ‘artisaNGrounds.’

The artisaNGrounds studio is located at 262 Athabasca Street East and the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent.

Moostletoe ’24: Meet Beth Barrett, owner of One Sweet Dream Pottery

With the Moostletoe Artists Spotlight on the horizon, residents will soon be able to meet eight local artists and learn about their work, watch live demonstrations, and perhaps find the right Christmas gift for a loved one.

Moostletoe will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Beth Barrett is one of those artists and will be attending her fifth Moostletoe experience.

“It will be a different year,” she said, explaining that guests typically come to her house where she works alone. “(W) hen you have your lone studio it’s quite fun to be around other artists as well.”

Moostletoe has become a tradition in Moose Jaw and includes a range of art from paintings to pottery, jewelry, and photography.

Whereas the event normally includes a tour of each artists’ studio, organizers are trying something new this year by holding Moostletoe at only two locations — the artisaNGrounds studio and the nearby Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery.

-

Barrett has been a potter for over a decade and runs One Sweet Dream Pottery as a part-time endeavour. It all started with a memorable Christmas present.

“I was given a pottery class as a Christmas present from my husband,” she recalled. “That class was at the Moose Jaw Pottery Club with Wendy Parsons. The first night that I put my hands on clay, I just fell in love and smiled for like a week straight. I think I dreamed about it and it was just wonderful.”

To further hone her skill, Barrett studied a few videos and got to work. “I think my biggest inspiration now comes from nature,” she said. “I tend to go towards flowers and leaves more than anything

else… and I like the softer hues.

“I think God inspires me a lot,” she added. “I think He’s given me this gift, and I hope to use it to His glory. I put scripture verses on some of my mugs and I’ve had people tell me over and over how much they feel at peace when they’re having their morning coffee….”

At Moostletoe, Barrett plans to showcase a range of unique mugs, vases, nesting bowls, serving dishes, and a variety of Christmas-themed wares.

It would be quite a challenge to set up her kiln — which isn’t mobile by design — and fire it up to the recommended 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit (1,260 degrees Celsius) or so required to harden the clay — not to mention, the process might

prove to be disruptive and could take up to a week to fully complete. The kiln itself takes around a day and a half just to cool down.

Instead, Barrett plans to do a quick 15-minute hand building demonstration of how she works with wet clay — also called greenware — and will finish it offsite later.

For Barrett, Moostletoe has inspired her to keep going, built her confidence as an artist, and has helped promote her pottery business.

“Every year I get repeat customers,” she said. “I’m so happy they love my stuff. That encourages me to keep going. It’s been a bit hard… working full time and trying to do this on the side, but they have encouraged me through the years.”

To learn more, visit OneSweetDreamPottery.ca or follow her on Facebook at ‘One Sweet Dream Pottery.’ Her works can be identified by a telltale flower stamped on the bottom of each creation.

The artisaNGrounds studio is located at 262 Athabasca Street East and

the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Aaron Walker

Moose Jaw Express

Nissa Gieni-Wareham is the owner of the artisaNGrounds studio and will host this year’s Moostletoe Artist’s Spotlight event. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Beth Barrett/One Sweet Dream Pottery

Beth Barrett (pictured) works on one of her pottery creations. Photo by: Beth Barrett/One Sweet Dream Pottery

Photo by: Beth Barrett/One Sweet Dream Pottery

Photo by: Beth Barrett/One Sweet Dream Pottery