Moose Jaw Express, October 16th, 2024

Carla Beck will:

Remove the PST from children’s clothes and groceries to save you money on the essentials.

Suspend the gas tax to save you 15 cents a litre every time you fill up your car.

Hire more doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers and train and support the next generation of healthcare professionals wanting to serve their home communities right here in Saskatchewan.

Invest $2 Billion in our classrooms to reduce class sizes, hire teachers and education workers and address classroom complexity.

It’s time for Change.

Read the full plan:

Leidal has been a volunteer driver for Hunger in Moose Jaw’s “I Bought A Lunch” program for nearly four years and finds it rewarding to help feed the community’s children.

“(I’d) go to the (board) meetings and they would keep saying, ‘Oh, we need volunteer drivers,’ so I thought well, ‘Well, I’m retired; I can do that,’” the organization’s board chairman laughed on Oct. 7 at the Co-op grocery store during the launch of the 31st annual program.

“So you step up and help where you can.”

The campaign runs until Monday, Nov. 18, while residents and businesses can donate at the office at 269 Stadacona Street West, online or at the Co-op grocery store. The Co-op will present a cheque once the fundraiser concludes.

Helping to deliver almost 450 lunches daily — and roughly 80,000 annually — is fulfilling and satisfying for Leidal because he appreciates seeing the many smiling faces when he drops off the items at schools. Some schools receive “huge boxes” of lunch bags for kids, with office administrators and principals always thanking him.

“That makes me feel really good, personally,” the board chairman remarked.

The “I Bought A Lunch” program is “very, very important” for the community, while the campaign is Hunger in Moose Jaw’s biggest fundraiser of the year, said Leidal , a seven-year board member. The collection goal was once $50,000, but the organization increased that number to $75,000 several years ago because the cost to make lunches and purchase supplies had increased.

The higher amount might seem daunting to raise, but the board chairman pointed out that local and area residents and businesses have been “very, very receptive” to meeting that goal.

“They always come through for us … ,” Leidal continued, noting the community donated over $100,000 during last year’s campaign. “They can see the need, especially when you let them know that we’re making 350 to … 450 lunches per day that we’re sending out to the schools.

“It’s a very, very worthwhile fundraiser and it’s very worthwhile for the commu-

nity … , ” he added. “We could always use extra volunteer drivers to deliver lunches.”

Sharla Sept, Hunger in Moose Jaw’s executive director, explained that families who require lunches for their children apply through their schools, with the schools then informing the food security agency about that need.

Meanwhile, Sept praised staff and board members for making the food and

the volunteer drivers for delivering it daily.

A typical lunch bag includes a sandwich, a fruit, a vegetable, a snack and a milk or milk product.

“Our goal is always if we could work ourselves out of a job (that would be great), but we know that’s not happening,” she said. “So we look at it as just trying to support (students) as best we can and help with families and those little extras we do.”

Sept thanked residents for their donations since their generosity ensured the program’s success.

The Co-op is pleased to support this fundraiser, so much so that some cashiers compete with one another to see who can raise the most money for the campaign, said Rose Macatangay, the marketing and events co-ordinator. The winning cashier won’t receive a prize but will be recognized for his or her outstanding work.

“I think it’s a good engagement and they are really excited because it’s been a lot of years that they’re doing it,” she continued. “And I really feel good because … this is the part where the community is really helping each other.”

Macatangay added that her kindergarten-age daughter and her classmates receive a lunch bag at school through this program and like the food choices they receive.

From left, Rose Macatangay, the Co-op’s marketing and events co-ordinator; Crystal Bender, a board member with Hunger in Moose Jaw; Sharla Sept, executive director with Hunger in Moose Jaw; and volunteer Gwen Currie help kick off the 31st annual “I Bought A Lunch” campaign on Oct. 7. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Brad Leidal, board chairman of Hunger in Moose Jaw, helps pack groceries at the Co-op during the launch of the “I Bought A Lunch” campaign. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Honour the memor y of a loved one with a memorial gift to suppor t the Moose Jaw Dr F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.

River Street Promotions present $150K donation following Homestand ‘24

Following its fourth successful year, Homestand ’24 brought to you by the folks at River Street Promotions (RSP) recently concluded with warm weather and a strong turnout at the Ross Wells Park stadium. Now that proceeds have been tallied, RSP has handed a check for $20,000 to help maintain the Ross Wells Park venue and a second check for $130,000 to maintain the youth mental wellness program shared by both school divisions.

The announcement was made in the lobby of the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa on Oct. 9.

Jared Mathiesen, a co-founder of RSP, said Homestand ’24 saw attendance by 2,700 guests. “(Homestand 2024) was a lot bigger than the 800 (who attended) our first year, so yeah, (it was a) super success,” he announced at the spa.

This year’s Homestand concert kicked off in the late afternoon of Sept. 7 and featured a hit lineup including Moose Jaw’s own Trick Ryder. The show also featured 54-40, Belle Plaine, The Steadies, Doc Walker, and closed with the Canadian band Toque, which featured former Moose Jaw resident Cory Churko and his mates Todd Kerns, Brent Fitz, and Derek Frank.

RSP is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization promoting local mental health initiatives through entertainment programs. All proceeds support a fund accessible by both the Prairie South School Division (PSSD) and the Holy Trinity

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Representatives of River Street Promotions present checks to representatives of both school divisions and the Ross Wells Park following Homestand ’24 at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa on Oct. 9.

Catholic School Division (HTCSD) for projects supporting youth mental health and well-being.

“We are just super appreciative of all the support from (RSP) who puts on such great events for our community and brings the community together to support the mental health of our youth in southern Saskatchewan,” announced Amanda Olson, the superintendent of learning for PSSD.

The funds, Olson explained, primarily go towards the grant managed by RSP that both school divisions can apply to and access funding for projects they determine to be most impactful.

“So that can be anything the school

needs — it can be based on student needs, it could be a guest presenter, some workshops, mental health wellness first aid kits, training, things like that,” she said.

“Last year,” she added, “some of the funds also went to a youth virtual conference, as well as the Music City in Moose Jaw event where over 800 students were able to listen to four national artists perform, tell their stories about their mental health journeys, and (about their) journeys in life and the music business.”

For the upcoming school year, Olson said the schools plan to hold the grand match once again and she’s hopeful that a similar youth conference can be held in 2025.

“And, at Homestand (2024), we kicked off our ‘Your Presence Matters’ campaign in (PSSD) in which (RSP) donated some funds for the kick-off of the campaign,” she said.

Your Presence Matters is an ongoing project aiming to remind students that they belong, they’re cared about, and that they are welcomed where they attend school.

“We care about you, and you’re welcome in our schools. We want you to be there on a regular basis because that’s important to your mental health as well as your learning,” she said.

Any local businesses interested in supporting the Your Presence Matters campaign can do so by contacting the PSSD at 306-694-1200, toll free at 1-877434-1200, by Facebook or X (formerly Twitter), or online at PrairieSouth.ca/Contact/Central-Office.

Similarly, the HTCSD can be reached at 306-694-5333 or online at HTCSD.ca. Olson concluded with a message of appreciation on behalf of both school divisions.

“From the bottom of our hearts we are so appreciative that River Street Promotions is supporting youth mental health, promoting in our community, and talking about mental health on a regular basis,” she said.

To learn more about the work done by River Street Promotions, visit RiverStreetPromotions.com.

Chamber discusses ways provincial parties can support Moose Jaw

More doctors, more money for infrastructure projects, more high-paying businesses and more resources to address homelessness are the top provincial election issues the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce wants addressed.

CEO Rob Clark said it sometimes seems as if the provincial government gives Regina and Saskatoon preference on projects and resources, which prevents smaller cities like Moose Jaw and other rural communities from benefitting as well.

This oversight means the City of Moose Jaw, the chamber and other organizations need to lobby the province to ensure that the community experiences development and growth, considering it has many existing oppor-

Notice of Abandonment of Poll

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF CARON NO. 162

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to “The Local Government Elections Act” for the office of Reeve and Councillor for Division 1, 3, 5, and 6. I hereby give notice that no voting for the said offices will take place and the following persons are elected by acclamation:

Reeve – Gregory McKeown

Councillor – Division 1 – Nolan Cumming

Councillor – Division 3 – Kevin McLaren

Councillor – Division 5 – Dale McDowell

Councillor – Division 6 – Ian Crosbie (By-election)

Dated at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, this 11th, day of October, 2024

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tunities and amenities, Clark continued.

Two national rail lines, the Trans-Canada Highway and a municipal airport all run through or serve Moose Jaw, so there’s no reason why the community can’t have large business headquarters or production companies move here, he pointed out.

“We have everything going for us, but we don’t seem to be on the radar from … the provincial government … ,” Clark added.

The chamber CEO has been speaking with residents about health care and heard that many people do not have a family doctor. So, he wants to see the province encourage more physicians to move to smaller communities, which may include providing incentives or increasing the amount already given to ensure they stay.

Another challenges that residents will soon face is that many doctors are preparing to retire, so that is something the province must also address, he pointed out.

With education, Clark said the chamber appreciates the province introducing a financial literacy course for high school, which students must take — starting in Grade 10 — to graduate. He thought this program was “good news” since it would support young entrepreneurs

RM OF ENFIELD #194

with their future, while it would help families teach their teens proper financial actions like budgeting.

Meanwhile, the chamber says the province must provide more money for infrastructure projects in Moose Jaw, considering the city is facing significant financial pressures with upcoming projects.

“Probably the biggest thing is we just need some development in infrastructure,” Clark remarked.

If Moose Jaw had some type of big investment or development, that would give the community’s economy a boost, he said. Having a large tax base would “feed” the city’s coffers and enable it to pursue projects.

Also, the chamber wants to see the province address issues of homelessness, job-training programs and rehabilitation for people with physical or mental health challenges. Clark noted that such rehab programs can’t be for just two to three weeks since that won’t lead to long-term change , while job training would contribute to stability.

“There has to be something more. I know everybody is after each level of government to get something happening, but sooner or later, somebody’s going to have to step up,” he continued. “… we need some help and we need some support.”

When asked about the proposals that the Sask. Party and NDP have been putting forward during the election campaign, Clark critiqued the platforms and questioned why the Sask. Party in particular waited until now to suggest some of these ideas instead of implementing them months or years ago.

“It’s all just campaign noise. Hopefully they come through with it, but … I guess they just want to get back into power,” he added.

The chamber plans to hold a political forum featuring the provincial election candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Arena on the exhibition grounds.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

The weather never stays the same. Your investements shouldn’t

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Ross Wells Park managers thankful for donations made possible by annual Homestand concert

Now that Homestand ’24 has concluded, River Street promotions (RSP) — the organization that holds the annual fundraiser concert — officially wrapped up its fourth year by presenting cheques to both school divisions and the board that manages Ross Wells Park where the annual concert is held.

On Oct. 9, representatives of the park received a generous cheque in the amount of $20,000.

“Homestand has now turned out to be the biggest fundraiser that we have for Ross Wells Ballpark,” announced Roger Bastedo, a board member for the park. “It allowed us to do all of the infrastructure improvements that we’re able to do this year.

Contractors are now upgrading the park’s lighting to an all LED system which will both lower the electrical bill and ensures better visibility during ball games.

Aaron

Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The new system also gives park managers more control over illumination in the field.

Ross Wells Park was built in the ‘50s after a previous site was annexed by the city to expand the exposition grounds at the time. Today the park continues to host midget baseball teams, the Midget Men’s Baseball League, and is the home of the Moose Jaw Miller Express baseball team.

The ballpark is also home to the annual Homestand concert that raises money for both school divisions to have access to a mental health and wellness fund and part of these proceeds are reinvested in the stadium as a return of thanks.

The partnership between RSP and the Ross Wells Park began four years ago when James Murdock — one of the founding members of RSP — approached the park’s board asking if it would be possible to hold an outdoor concert at the ballpark.

“We were thrilled with the idea because usually in September the ballpark is all shut down and we’re not really doing anything there at that point in time,” Bastedo said. “So what a great use (of the venue) for citizens to be able to

get into that ballpark and take a look at it.”

Bastedo said many people haven’t seen inside the park and he’s happy that the Homestand initiative can help more residents discover it for themselves.

“It truly is a grand ballpark,” he said. “When people come from Calgary or Edmonton, they’re amazed at what a beautiful ballpark we actually have.”

In the near future Bastedo is hoping to see some bathroom upgrades at the park. “The washrooms… are not in great condition,” he said. “They’re quite old and built in, I believe, 1958… those washrooms haven’t kept up.”

He said the park doesn’t yet have wheelchair accessible washrooms and that’s another focal point for the proposed project.

Without the generous support from RSP and Homestand, the park would have to rely on funding by increasing rental fees and from the teams who now play there.

“It would be just so cost restrictive to a midget baseball team of 15 and 16 year olds to be trying to take on that extra burden to help us with these sorts of improvements,” he said.

“In the absence of Homestand, we

just wouldn’t have been able to do some of those major things that we’re doing, and we would have just had to continue with the status quo and do our best to get by…,” he said. It’s not guaranteed that the park would have to close, but with deteriorating conditions the board would be hard pressed to find funding options to keep the venue functional.

“Every year that they’ve (RSP) given us a generous donation… to make improvements — whether it’s the bleachers (or) the lighting systems — we couldn’t do those improvements without the support of Homestand,” Bastedo said. “And (Homestand) is just such a great event to have for the City of Moose Jaw… (and it) gets everyone together in beautiful weather. (All of the) organizers are such a pleasure to deal with.

“Thank you for everything (you) do to help us continue to make improvements to our ballpark.”

Ross Wells Park is located at the intersection of Caribou Street East and Ross Crescent.

To learn more about the work done by River Street Promotions, visit RiverStreetPromotions.com.

A look inside the Ross Wells Park during Homestand ’24. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Guest Editorial

Candidates file papers for civic election

In less than one month, residents of Moose Jaw will go to the polls to elect a mayor and six councillors, men and women who will govern us for the next four years.

This is the first civic election in recent memory that there has been so little excitement, so little speculation as to candidates’ names before the nomination deadline. For some, it was down to the final minutes before they declared their intentions.

In previous election campaigns, candidates seemed to come out of the proverbial woodwork, confident they could do a better job than the council of the day, had more out-of-the-box ideas to help the city grow, or sadly, were lured by the remuneration for councillors and mayor.

It was not unusual back in the day to have 2030 names on the councillor ballot, and a goodly number for mayor, some of whom had no previous experience in any kind of political or social leadership.

In the 2020 election, our choice for six councillors came from a list of 15 candidates. The mayor’s race was between three hopefuls. The byelection for mayor in 2021 came with nine names on the ballot.

On Nov. 13, 2024 when voters make their choices, the councillors’ ballot will include 24 names. Five others are in the race seeking to be mayor of the city. As a result of two sitting councillors seeking the mayor’s seat there will be at least two new faces among six councillors.

Without having heard much from any of the candidates thus far, it is expected, and certainly demanded, that each will talk frankly about their visions for the future of Moose Jaw — and how they might achieve some or all of their goals. It is one thing to be an armchair mayor or councillor but when that armchair becomes a hot seat around the council chambers, some of those lofty but well-meaning goals will defnitely come face to face with a hefty dose of political reality.

As voters hear from the candidates and candidates stand to talk about their platforms, it is to be hoped the campaign will remain civil, even with spirited debate.

While election campaigns elsewhere, such as the United States, are rowdy and ugly, here in a civic race, we’re all neighbours, and the winners and losers will continue to be neigbours, hopefully able to work together for what’s best for the city.

To the candidates who have come forward for mayor, council and school boards, thank you for your anticipated service. Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Fire department shares smoke alarm advice for students and residents during Fire Prevention Week

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Fire Prevention Week ran from Oct. 6 to 12 and the Moose Jaw Fire Department (MJFD) once again teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote a week of safety and education in the city.

To mark the occasion, the MJFD hosted a two-day program at the South Hill Firehall where students from grades six to eight had the chance to tour the station and learn about fire safety on Oct. 8 and 9.

This year’s theme was “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you,” announced Cathie Bassett, the MJFD’s public education officer.

Fire Prevention Week always begins Oct. 9 to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed approximately 300 people, destroyed over 17,000 structures, and left more than 100,000 residents homeless.

This year’s campaign focused on educating residents about smoke alarm systems. According to the NFPA, a working smoke alarm reduces the risk of death in a house fire by more than 54 per cent. Approximately three out of five fire deaths occur in homes that either have no smoke alarms or have smoke alarms that are not working.

“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” advised Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA.

Tours of the fire station involved students from St. Mary, King George, and Palliser Heights schools on Oct. 8 and students from St. Michael and St. Agnes schools on Oct. 9.

“We had two days of full tours for the kids this year… and we invited students from grades six to eight because we think that those kids don’t always end up getting out for good field trips…,” Bassett said.

“Last year we saw what a success (the program) was, so we did it again this year. This year we invited five schools and we had 420 students in two days, so it was pretty busy,” she added.

Focusing on this age group is important, she said, because many of these students are starting to cook at home and they’re on their way to becoming young adults who are becoming increasingly more independent.

During the tour students had the opportunity to don firefighting gear — minus the heavy tanks and masks of course — and learned about the equipment used by firefighters, learned how to conduct a right-hand search through a building, and even got to test out the fire hose in addition to learning life-saving tips along the way.

New this year was an introduction to the station’s smoke house where Moose Jaw’s firefighters undergo training in heavy smoke scenarios. “And boy that was a hit, because they really got to see how bad it gets in a house when there’s smoke in it,” she said. “It was a really great day and (we had) a lot of smiling faces.”

Bassett said she cannot stress the importance of smoke alarms enough. “If (you) don’t have working smoke alarms in the home, (you’re) not going to get the warning soon enough,” she advised. “Smoke alarms aren’t expensive, and it drives me crazy in this day and age that people still don’t have working smoke alarms in their home when there’s no reason for it.” This one simple decision could potentially save the life of you and your family.

Smoke alarm safety tips

The MJFD offered some smoke alarm safety tips:

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside of each separate sleeping area such as hallway spaces, and on each level of the home including the basement.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and place smoke detectors strategically. Avoid areas that cause “nuisance alarms” such as a spot above the stove or too close to the shower as many residents tend to get annoyed and remove the batteries or become complacent.

• Make sure that all smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Smoke alarms should be tested at least once each month by pressing the “test” button.

• Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years.

• During spring and fall cleaning it’s a good idea to vacuum your smoke detectors as they’re prone to collecting dust similar to any other electronic device. Heavy dust contamination can limit the smoke alarm’s ability to detect smoke particles. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarm safety, visit FPW.org or visit Sparky. org for children’s fire safety tips. You can also visit the MJFD’s Facebook page, ‘Moose Jaw Fire Department — Official’ to learn more about the work done by Moose Jaw’s firefighters.

cation.

Publisher: Robert Ritchie - rob@mjvexpress.com

Editor: Joan Ritchie -joan@moosejawexpress.com

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David Klatt - david@moosejawexpress.com Kevin Ogle - kevin@saskpromo.com

Thank you to all the contributing writers, without your time and support, the paper would

Joyce WalterMoose Jaw Express

Around 420 students from five Moose Jaw elementary schools had the chance to tour the South Hill Firehall to learn about fire safety on Oct. 8 and 9.

Photo by: Moose Jaw Fire Department

Photo by: Moose Jaw Fire Department

Photo by: Moose Jaw Fire Department

Photo by: Moose Jaw Fire Department

RM OF MAPLE BUSH #224

Special Features

Farm and Construction Toys and Replacement Parts, Vintage and Antiques, Collectible Toy Vehicles, Dolls, Model Trains & many other collectibles. Ukrainian Food will be Available.

SKVotes24: Sask. Party’s Tim McLeod wants another opportunity to serve community

Campaigning in this year’s provincial election is a much different experience than four years ago for Sask. Party MLA Tim McLeod, who — as a rookie candidate — worked to win people’s votes during a worldwide pandemic.

The coronavirus had been circulating for nearly seven months when the provincial election began in October 2020, which meant candidates — because of health restrictions — had to stand six feet away from people and give elbow bumps instead of handshakes.

“It was a different feel,” McLeod recalled.

Four years later, campaigning is more personable for the Moose Jaw North incumbent since he can have more face-toface conversations and attend in-person gatherings.

“People now have heard of me and are able to give me some feedback on things that they’ve seen over the last four years and what they’d like to see moving forward,” McLeod said.

The first-term MLA’s desire to serve the public is motivating him to run again. He acknowledged that public service is not easy and requires sacrifices, but — with support from family and friends — he believes he has more to give and wants another opportunity.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

One thing McLeod has enjoyed about being an MLA is interacting with people, hearing their concerns and attempting to help them find solutions. He pointed out that he did similar work as a lawyer, so he views his roles as an MLA and minister much the same way.

McLeod has served as the minister of mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health since August 2023 and says the experience has been great. This role has enabled him to visit communities and attempt to address their concern. Meanwhile, he says being a cabinet minister complemented his duties in the

constituency, and contrary to the NDP’s accusations of him being regularly absent, he hasn’t struggled to be present in the riding. Instead, he says his work with the health minister has benefitted Moose Jaw “to a great extent.”

The incumbent MLA pointed to the province’s action plans on mental health and addictions and human resources, which helped hire 88 more nurses, 56 more care aides and 12 more lab technicians in Moose Jaw over the past two years.

During this election, affordability and cost of living are two topics that McLeod has heard from residents. He says the Sask. Party has campaign promises to address these issues, such as reducing taxes, increasing benefits for families, enhancing the graduation retention program and increasing seniors’ benefits.

“… the people of Saskatchewan, if they give us the honour to form government once again, can expect that those will happen swiftly,” he said. “This is a party that has governed for 17 years, and when we make promises, we keep them.”

McLeod thought the provincial government was on the right path since its investments had helped Saskatchewan grow. He acknowledged that there have been growing pains, which is why the province has built — and will continue to build

— more hospitals and schools to address these issues.

“And with a strong economy, I think we have a very bright future,” he remarked.

In Moose Jaw, McLeod understands that homelessness and shelters are important issues, based on conversations he’s had and town hall meetings he’s attended.

He noted that opportunities exist for the province and community to collaborate and for the government to work with city hall to share responsibilities with the delivery of services. He pointed to the year-old action plans on mental health and addictions and homelessness as evidence that the province is addressing these issues in Moose Jaw.

Despite city council’s claims that the province is responsible for addressing homelessness and addictions, McLeod said finger-pointing didn’t accomplish anything since all three levels of government shared this responsibility. Moreover, he meets regularly with Moose Jaw’s MLA, mayor and city manager to determine how to address these concerns.

McLeod’s campaign office is in the former Rainbow Retro office on Main Street, while his contact information is tim.mcleod@saskparty.com or 306-6942024.

Sask. Party candidate Tim McLeod, the incumbent MLA for Moose Jaw North.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

People living in glass houses ….

Prairie farmers have just gone though three frustrating events.

The short-lived CNR/CPKC strike, the short Grain Handlers Union strike and the Port of Montreal strike delayed grain shipments and payments to farmers.

Strikes delaying grain shipments have occurred periodically since the 1950s. One of the most significant was the Seaway Workers in the 1960s, settled with a 50 per cent pay hike over two years,

That settlement set off a round of inflation across the country.

Whenever one of these strikes happens farm organizations trot out the same arguments opposing them.

First is that farmers are deprived of critical cash flow by the strike. Actually, the strikes only delay that cash flow.

No one enjoys obstacles to getting paid but obstacles are a fact of every day life.

Another argument claims that Canada will lose export business with a reputation as an unreliable supplier. Where is the evidence of lost exports in the last 60 years?

Farm organizations are so frustrated by strikes they have asked grain handlers be declared essential workers with no right to strike.

Given that farmer incomes are based on volatile in-

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RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF HILLSBOROUGH NO. 132 MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a vote will be held for the election of COUNCILLOR FOR DIVISION NO. THREE (3)

ADVANCE POLL: Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M. AT

The Regional Municipal Plaza, Office #4, 1410 Caribou Street West, Moose Jaw, SK ELECTION DAY: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M. AT The Regional Municipal Plaza, Office #4, 1410 Caribou Street West, Moose Jaw, SK

Dated this 16th day of October, 2024.

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ternational commodity prices with no control by farmers, that view is understandable.

Declaring grain handlers essential workers would deprive them of their main lever to bargain for better pay and working conditions as well as negating a constitutional right.

The essential worker argument by farmers is questionable considering the array of subsidies to agriculture from federal and provincial governments. This is a classic case of people living in glass houses throwing stones.

No other sector receives the taxpayer support that farmers get.

Under federal-provincial Business Risk Management programs, farmers are enrolled in five programs to protect income.

Sixty per cent of crop insurance premiums are paid by governments.

The Agri-Stability program helps protect income from losses in production, higher costs and markets.

The Agri-Recovery program offers assistance for natural disasters — drought, flood.

The Agri-Invest program provides a matching government grant of one per cent of revenues. Farmer contributions are tax-free.

The cash advance loans go as high as $1 million with

$250,000 interest free.

By Ron Walter

The federal/provincial CAP program offers farmers thousands of dollars in grants for improvements to water supply, environment, pest and weed control, farm safety, irrigation, reducing livestock emissions and animal health.

Not to mention provincial sales tax exemptions on purchase of fuel, fertilizer, machine parts and insurance premiums are worth $537 million this year.

Most of these risk-reducing programs are worthwhile. Yours Truly grew up on a farm in the 1940s and 1950s when the government assistance was the “dried out bonus.” To qualify crop yields had to be under eight bushels an acre.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Moose Jaw Humane Society

After showing up at a nearby farmyard on April 8, two young dogs named Atlas and Ajax were surrendered to the Moose Jaw Humane Society and have since been searching for their forever home. They’ve also been at the shelter longer than any of its current canine or feline residents.

“They are super smart and well-mannered,” said Dana Haukaas, the shelter’s executive director. “The staff here work tirelessly with them throughout the day so they’re excellent walkers.

“They’re really good at sitting and waiting for the staff to open the kennel door,” she continued. “They’ll sit and wait for you to feed them their breakfast. They’re really nice boys.”

Haukaas hopes the pair can find a loving home and any potential candidates can arrange a meeting by calling the shelter. “We’re still kind of hoping that we will find a family that’s willing (to take these boys), doesn’t have any other pets, (and that’s) willing to take them both together.”

Both Atlas and Ajax are Huskies with a possible Border Colie mixture. They’re around one and a half years old and are a bonded pair. Although the shelter will consider adopting Atlas or Ajax into separate homes, Haukaas said she hopes to see the pair adopted together.

“If you want two dogs, you don’t have to get one now, wait a year, and try to introduce another one,” she said. “These two boys already love each other.”

True to the breed — as Huskies are known to be great family pets but can also be independent and stubborn at times — both Atlas and Ajax can be a little energetic and shouldn’t be adopted into a home with cats or similar small animals.

“They aren’t good with cats,” Haukaas advised with the inclusion of squirrels and other small animals. They do walk well on a leash, but their future owners should keep some distance if they’re about to encounter a small critter such as gopher or squirrel.

“(Atlas and Ajax are) happy-go-lucky boys and they have great manners,” she said. “They can be a little bit excited at the beginning, but then they settle down and trot alongside you for the walk. They can sit and shake a paw (and are) great with kids and adults.”

To help spread the news of their quest for a home, Atlas and Ajax patiently allowed staff at the shelter to dress

them up for Halloween.

“Nobody loves Halloween like the humane society staff… And the boys let us put dog goggles and bandanas on them and they just sat there and posed,” said Haukaas. “They are such easygoing dogs (and) they’re going to make great pets for some family.

“They do love each other, and there’s got to be a family out there who doesn’t have cats who is willing to add two dogs to their home.”

The Moose Jaw Humane Society currently has 68 cats, 19 dogs, and one rabbit available for adoption.

To adopt a pet, simply visit MJHS.ca and click the ‘adopt’ tab. An application can be filled out and submitted from the website and you’re free to include as many potential pets as you’re interested in meeting in person.

To celebrate Halloween, the humane society also has a line of Halloween-themed hoodies and crew necks available for purchase at the shelter.

The Moose Jaw Humane Society is located at 1755 Stadacona Street West and can be reached at 306-6921517. For more information visit MJHS.ca or follow ‘Moose Jaw Humane Society’ on Facebook.

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

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

Mayor: VILLAGE OF EYEBROW

Councillor: VILLAGE OF EYEBROW

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

MAYOR: Beverly Swanson

COUNCILLORS: Arlene D. Miller R. Kim McCallum

Dated at Brownlee, Sask, this 10th day of October 2024. Deanne Hartell Returning Officer

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

MAYOR: Orlando Bueckert

COUNCILLORS: Dale Gibson George Gurney

Shannon Harrison

Kim Nuttall

Dated at Eyebrow, Sask, this 10th day of October 2024. Deanne Hartell Returning Officer

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

For Moose Jaw Express

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Atlas (pictured) and Ajax show off their Halloween spirit as the search continues for their forever homes since arriving at the animal shelter on April 8. Photo by: Moose Jaw Humane Society

October Specials:

MON: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures

TUES: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures

WED: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures

THURS: 25% Waxing

$99 - 60 Minute

By Patricia Hanbidge

Autumn Colour in the Garden

There are many plants that you can incorporate into your garden for lots of fall colour and a pretty good resistance to a little bit of frost. It only takes a little bit of planning for our herbaceous borders to continue the fabulous colours enjoyed during the growing season. This is unfortunate as there are many choices that can make your garden colourful late into the fall.

One of the best choices for fall is Rudbeckia. It is quite drought tolerant and gives us such beautiful and cheery colour. The normal bloom period for rudbeckia is from mid-summer until late into the fall. It will even survive a number of slight frosts and until we get a really good hit (-8 C) it will continue to provide sunny cheer to the garden. The flowers are most often yellow and daisy-like but there are now a number of cultivars available on the market. ‘Cappuccino’ is one of my favourite culti-

vars as it boasts dark coffee coloured centers surrounded by amber and ochre petals – it is simply stunning. ‘Indian Summer’ still remains my all-time favourite but is short-lived and must be treated as an annual - however it does self-seed fairly readily.

Chrysanthemums are one of the showiest fall perennials you can grow. Most chrysanthemums will initiate their bloom by a specific daylength. However, due to our specific climatic conditions, by the time our days become short enough to actually send the message to bloom, we usually have had a killing frost. However, there is hope; there is a special line of chrysanthemums that were developed in Morden, Manitoba that are better suited to our climate. They are triggered to initiate bloom by not only day length but also by temperature. There are a number of different cultivars available. ‘Morden Delight’ is a lovely deep bronzy orange-red that truly depicts the colours of autumn. Most Morden mums will bloom from about mid-August until the true end of the growing season. Please note that these chrysanthemums are not totally hardy here and will require a good snow cover for survival. As for the other “hardy mums” that are tempting us when we shop are great for enjoying until it freezes

but unfortunately are not a great choice for our perennial borders here.

Asters are without doubt some of the biggest stars of fall. There are a host of choices with enough selection in size, shape and colour to use them everywhere in the garden. Typically, the colour palette will be whites, pink and violets but there are even some asters a lovely deep shade of blue. Ensure that you plant asters in full sun in a moist, well-drained soil.

A great selection for dry, sunny areas that still will give great fall colour is none other than one of the infamous sedums – ‘Autumn Joy’. This is truly a plant that has all season value. During the summer, you will enjoy great clusters of reddish-pink blooms that will continue to grace your garden into fall. As the temperatures cool, those blossoms will become a rich shade of burgundy. In winter, those same seed heads will add great interest to the landscape. Just ensure you plant this selection in full sun!

Last but definitely not least a popular but underused perennial - Joe Pye weed is not to be overlooked. Not only does this perennial attract butterflies during the growing season but adds great colour and interest in the fall. Plant it is full sun and keep it evenly moist to ensure the best possible show.

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?

For Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

Police Chief Rick Bourassa is pushing back against a “narrative” that has arisen online suggesting Moose Jaw is a crime-ridden community and is pointing out that the statistics disprove those rumours.

The Board of Police Commissioners received the September crime statistics during its Oct. 9 meeting, with the data showing that total crimes against people had declined year-over-year by 1.6 per cent and total crimes against property had declined 27 per cent.

“That (decline) is consistent with what we have been seeing for a number of years and what’s happened in other jurisdictions,” Bourassa said.

“(It) runs counter to the narrative that some people are presenting that crime is out of control and on the rise. That is not the case,” he continued, emphasizing the last three words.

Meanwhile, he noted that year-over-year calls for service had increased 4.7 per cent, with 75 per cent of those calls not crime-related. Therefore, he said police attend six times more incidents that are non-criminal than are.

“Some people do confuse some of the disruption and

disorder pieces with crime and that is not the case at all … . We do know from our Community Perceptions Survey that most crime is reported to us,” Bourassa said.

Meanwhile, with crimes that residents don’t report to police, people say they didn’t call because the offences were “much too minor” in nature, he continued.

“I continue to see in that online world this narrative that crime is out of control and that we have to get tough on crime and all these things. I don’t know what ‘get tough on crime’ means,” Bourassa remarked. “We deal with things as they arise, but I think it’s really important that we continue to counter that narrative of the rise in crime — that’s not the case.”

Residents are making more demands on the police for services because they are feeling less safe, which has been increasing for several years, he said. Meanwhile, the data has shown that overall crime rates have decreased 25 per cent during the past 20 years.

“The data are really clear: the narrative is misleading, it’s disinformation (and) misinformation and so I will continue to speak about the facts and not about the narrative

that some people feel the need to present without any factual basis,” Bourassa added.

During a media scrum afterward, the chief said he was not sure why overall crime numbers had declined year-over-year, but thought it was good news. Yet, one reason could be that police have worked extensively on reducing property crimes by making their presence more known than before in certain areas.

Bourassa was also unsure why some people perceive that there is an increase in crime in Moose Jaw. While online narratives suggest crime is rampant, he reiterated that neither the data nor the community survey shows that.

However, he acknowledged that people’s fear is real, while their perceptions can affect their viewpoints. This means officers must work to make people feel safer.

“I am certainly not happy to see those narratives not based on fact at all carry some weight and influence people,” the chief added. “But what I encourage people to do is trust their daily experiences and make their decisions based on the data (from relevant agencies) and the lived experience.”

The Moose Jaw Police Service has launched a new initiative to enhance community safety, where its members will increase their presence in certain areas and record anything they discover.

Acting Supt. Cam Lewis told the Board of Police Commissioners on Oct. 9 that the agency kicked off its business property and public property check program on Oct. 8. Even though officers were already checking properties in the evenings, this initiative is more formal, more strategic and enables the agency to track and record those inspections comprehensively.

Each night, officers will visit certain corners of the city and attend to pre-identified locations such as schoolyards, parks or businesses. They will record anything they see or discover and report it back to headquarters, and then do the same thing elsewhere the next night.

This data collection allows the police service to respond to trends that it may identify in areas and focus on that park or business, Lewis said. These activities enhance the agency’s continued efforts to reduce crime in the community.

When asked whether the MJPS had seen an increase in people sleeping overnight in parks because of Riverside Mission’s closure, Lewis said he didn’t have any hard numbers about that but noted that the agency was monitoring that situation.

“We did, right away, identify that perhaps there would be people that are taking shelter in various spots (in greenspaces). And obviously, we don’t have the ability to restrict them from having access to that … ,” he said.

“We are keeping tabs and monitoring areas where we might anticipate — or could anticipate — people hanging out too long or even erecting encampments,” Lewis added. “… (but) we are not identifying any areas of great concern.”

Deputy Chief Rick Johns said the agency has used drones to search hard-to-reach, rarely checked wooded areas for people who may have set up shelters. However, officers have not seen anything in Wakamow Valley or elsewhere to indicate that impoverished residents have done that. If they had, the police would remove them and

help them acquire resources.

Chief Rick Bourassa said the police service has heard residents’ comments about wanting it to remove “undesirable” people from public spaces. However, he pointed out that public places are public, so less fortunate residents have the right to be there.

Bourassa then read a document from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, which said that police can’t just remove “undesirable people” from public parks and streets. This is because those are public spaces, such people can be there and officers must protect minority rights.

“So one of our significant functions is to protect individual freedoms. And sometimes that runs at odds with what people would like,” he said. “So simply because someone may be undesirable does not mean that we will be removing people … . We will follow the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at all times.”

Bourassa added that police will handle unlawful activity, but this topic about homelessness and impoverished people is not that.

Lewis also told the board that, to date, 117 business and non-business properties had joined the anti-trespassing program, while officers had recovered or seized and returned 50 shopping carts to grocery stores.

The Moose Jaw Police Service presented the September crime statistics during the Board of Police Commissioners’ Oct. 9 meeting. Presented below are the data from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30.

Crimes against people

Year-to-date data for crimes against people for 2024 versus 2023 show:

• Homicide: 0 / 0

• Attempted murder: 0 / 4

• Assaults (sexual, common, with a weapon/cause bodily harm, aggravated, against police): 275 / 309

• Robbery: 11 / 6

• Total: 429 / 436

Crimes against property

Year-to-date data for crimes against property for 2024 versus 2023 show:

• Break-ins (business, residence, other): 158 / 198

• Motor vehicle thefts: 43 / 40

• Theft over $5,000: 12 / 29

• Theft under $5,000: 590 / 890

• Arson: 0 / 1

• Mischief under $5,000: 189 / 267

• Total: 1,309 / 1,793

Other data

Other data for 2024 versus 2023 show:

• Impaired driving: 65 / 76

• Failing to comply with court orders: 670 / 310

• Threats: 14 / 45

• Domestic disputes: 40 / 49

• Provincial liquor infractions: 105 / 121

• Vehicle collisions over $1,000: 199 / 148; up 34.5 per cent

• Drugs (cocaine, marijuana, meth, other CDSA drugs): 18 / 38

• Calls for service: 15,581 / 14,880; an increase of 4.7 per cent The next police board meeting is in November.

Hot Pressure Washers!!

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

Police Chief Rick Bourassa has declined to explain why he fired Supt. Taylor Mickleborough because the latter is in the process of appealing his dismissal to the province.

Mickleborough — the fifth-highest paid officer in 2023 at $170,473.38 — received his walking papers several weeks ago, although he was initially suspended two months ago for an incident on which the police service refused to elaborate.

During a media scrum after the Oct. 9 Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting, Bourassa confirmed that he fired Mickleborough from the Moose Jaw Police Service, using Section 60 of The Police Act as his guide. He pointed out that that section gives criteria to chiefs on how and when they can dismiss members.

confirms

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

“I will not go into details,” he said.

Instead, he said Section 61 of the act gives dismissed members the ability to appeal to the Saskatchewan Police Commission, which would then hold a public hearing on the matter.

The chief said Mickleborough has submitted his appeal to the commission, which means the provincial agency and the Ministry of Policing and Corrections will appoint a hearing officer to convene the hearings.

“And we don’t know what the timelines are on that,” said Bourassa. “It probably won’t be too long. As of (Oct. 9), I don’t know if there’s been a hearing officer appointed yet. The appeal … we were just advised of it (Oct. 8).”

Bourassa said he wanted to respect

those legal processes, while saying anything else or litigating or trying those matters outside of those hearings “would be wildly inappropriate.”

The chief understood that residents were impatient and wanted to know what happened, but he encouraged them to wait for the proper processes to occur.

Meanwhile, Bourassa confirmed that Supt. Richard (Rick) McKenna — also the fifth-highest-paid officer last year at $170,473.38 — had been on “relief from duty” for more than a year because of an internal investigation against him. He said that police chiefs usually put members on relief from duty when investigations focus on them.

“It’s best for everybody that they’re not in the building,” he said, noting this

wasn’t a suspension because that is an entirely different disciplinary action. “It’s just best for everyone in some of these circumstances that people just aren’t under the stresses of being at work while it’s happening.”

A second officer who is also on relief from duty is Blair Torgunrud.

Bourassa said he is waiting for the results from those investigations into McKenna and Torgunrud before he says anything else about their situations. Meanwhile, the two officers would remain on relief from duty until that time.

“Sometimes those things (investigations) are quick. It’s already been a while … ,” he added. “I’m hoping it’s soon, but (it’s) out of my control.”

Gov’t bureaucrats have prevented MJPS from joining provincial ICE Unit

For years, the Saskatchewan government has rejected the Moose Jaw Police Service’s requests to join the provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, but the departure of certain government bureaucrats could open that door.

In a conversation about Moose Jaw’s ICE team, Chief Rick Bourassa told police commissioners during their Oct. 9 meeting that certain “personalities” in the Ministry of Policing and Corrections — namely, the deputy minister and assistant deputy minister — have been barriers to the police service joining the provincial ICE Unit.

However, those bureaucrats are gone and new people have stepped in, so he has been speaking with them and hopes those conversations bear fruit.

“And I believe (we can arrive there). But right now, we’re in a pretty good position,” Bourassa remarked. “We work closely with the ICE Unit and we have access to their resources. But … it could become more effective if we were actually embedded in the unit.”

While having an ICE investigator on the provincial unit would mean a greater ability to access those resources, it would also mean that that investigator focuses on other communities, the chief said.

Bourassa said he hoped his conversations led to Moose Jaw’s two ICE investigator positions being converted to fulltime. The agency also hopes that one or more of its eight new provincially funded officers could be made ICE members.

The agency would have to build “an appropriate workspace” for a full-time ICE Unit that puts staff in the best possible work environment and that also supports their mental health, the chief added. The police service would likely construct such space potentially next year.

ICE explanation

Sgt. Josh MacNaughton explained that it usually takes 113 days to 160 days for investigators to resolve one file, al-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

though sometimes it takes them one-third of a year to investigate a situation and then 18 months total before they lay charges. MacNaughton summarized how a “reactive investigation” unfolds:

• Officers learn of a situation after receiving a complaint

• They send a “jurisdictional” request to an internet service provider seeking information (one to seven days)

• Investigators create a production order to acquire further data from the provider (seven to 30 days)

• After receiving information about the alleged suspect, they surveil the person’s residence (one to seven days); sometimes officers have the name and computer IP address, while other times it’s not so “cut and dry who the bad guy is,” which is why investigations are “long and intensive”

• After determining who the suspect is, investigators write and perform a search warrant on the residence (three to five days)

• Police seize all electronic devices and take them to a digital forensic services agency (three months)

• It takes seven to 14 days for the agency to categorize the pictures, which could number in the hundred-thousands to the millions

• Police issue an arrest warrant, lay charges and interview the alleged suspect (one to two days)

• It then takes officers three to five days to provide the Crown with all the disclosure (evidence), while the suspect is either kept in jail or released on bail MacNaughton said one file he investigated had 1.7 million images, while another file he handled had 1,400 pages that he provided the Crown via a PDF. Meanwhile, he said child pornography — or child exploitation materials — is any images or written materials depicting, showing sensitive areas of, or describing the sexual assault of youths under 18.

By the numbers

The Saskatchewan ICE Unit handled 307 files in 2017, while last year that number was 1,029, said MacNaughton. In Moose Jaw, this year, the unit has resolved 24 files, executed two search warrants, created eight production orders, identified three victims and charged one person. It also has six active investigations.

Helping to stop the abuse of three children is a great feeling, although not every file leads to a charge since investigators may discover that the IP addresses don’t match or the suspect has moved, said MacNaughton.

One hurdle ICE officers face is hav-

ing limited time to investigate situations because they are not a specialized, fulltime unit and must handle other issues, he continued.

The unit also has limited access to specialized software and must drive to Regina to use it there, while purchasing it is cost prohibitive because annual licensing fees are $10,000 to $20,000, MacNaughton said. Further, it can be difficult for ICE members to stay current on investigative techniques since their attention is focused on other crimes.

The solution is to appoint a full-time ICE investigator and join the provincial ICE Unit, he added.

Give Back to your Notorious Community and Apply for a Position on a City Committee or Board Today

Moose Jaw City Council is seeking passionate Moose Javians who want to make a positive impact within one of our City-led committees and boards.

If you are 16 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, a full-time resident of Moose Jaw and have the knowledge, leadership and energy to make a difference, click the Boards, Committees and Commissions page at www.moosejaw.ca to find the committee, board or commission that aligns with your interests, including:

▪ Board of Police Commissioners (2 citizens-at-large)

▪ Development Appeals Board (1+ citizen-at-large)

▪ Moose Jaw Public Library Board (4+ citizens-at-large) / Palliser Regional Library Board (2+ citizens-at-large)

▪ Wakamow Valley Authority (1 citizen-at-large)

As a member, you will provide input and advice to City Councillors and other engaged residents that will help shape decisions on important issues that impact life in the City of Moose Jaw.

City Council values inclusivity, respect and trust and invites participation from community members in the decision-making process. Nominees will have been recruited through an inclusive, transparent, and equitable process and appointments made by City Council will reflect these objectives.

Deadline for completing applications is Friday November 1, 2024. For more information, you can also contact the Office of the City Clerk at cclerk@moosejaw.ca or 306-694-4424.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETING IS MONDAY, OCT. 21

City administration has been predicting the end of the landfill for more than two decades, but after a recent assessment, it says the venue will likely be finished by 2030.

City hall has conducted several assessments during the past few years while it searched for a new solid waste management venue site, administration told city council during its Oct. 7 executive committee meeting.

For example, an analysis in September 2022 found that the average fill rate was 4,230 cubic metres per month from 2017 to September 2021, which meant the landfill would reach a capacity elevation of 577 metres by March 2026.

During an airspace assessment in September 2023, the analysis determined that the average fill rate had remained the same between September 2021 and July 2023, which meant the dump would likely reach the 577-metre elevation by August 2026.

However, in early October, staff calculated that the average airspace fill rate was 7,270 cubic metres per month from July 2023 to May 2024. This was due to an increase in tonnage received from the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant from its upgrades and ongoing operations.

Engineering services staff also calculated that the average fill rate per month during that period was 5,750 cubic metres, which meant the 577-metre elevation had been reached. Therefore, city hall expected the peak elevation to be 584 metres by October 2028, which meant the landfill was now operating in “contingency airspace.”

Change is needed

“We need to change the way we run that facility. Where we are right now, the landfill is full … ,” said Bevan Harlton, director of operations. “If we increase it to 584 metres, we can buy another four years. If we put forward our best efforts at diversion … we can stretch that to 2030.”

Harlton noted that in 2023, the landfill collected 76,671.66 tonnes from the three sources, while it accepted — excluding dirty materials — 1.2 million kilograms of recycling items. This cost the city $3.9 million to provide these services.

City hall plans to apply for more than $6 million in federal funding to support upgrades to the library, the art gallery and museum, Golden Ticket Sports Centre and Kinsmen Sportsplex.

The department of community services is seeking $6.2 million from Ottawa’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program to pursue several projects at the four venues over the next five years. The projects’ expenses would be split between the feds and the city — 80 per cent to 20 per cent.

The department will apply for $5,240,357 under the GICB program’s large stream fund to retrofit the Moose Jaw Public Library and Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery.

The upgrades include replacing a roof (2027), replacing boilers (2026) and HVAC (2027) with energy-efficient models, installing LED-controlled lights (2026), replacing windows and exterior doors (2028-29) and adding solar panels (2028-29) to reduce electrical consumption.

The parks and recreation branch will contribute $935,263 between 2025 and 2028.

Meanwhile, the community services department is seeking $581,600 from the medium stream fund to replace sections of the Golden Ticket Sports Centre roof. The city replaced five areas in 2022 and 2023 and will complete the remaining five sections in 2026.

The parks and rec’s contribution will be $114,150 in 2026.

Also, the department is seeking $252,285 through the small stream fund to replace the air-cooling systems at the Kinsmen Sportsplex in 2025-26 since the current system

City hall confident that landfill will close by 2030, if not sooner

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Final planning

Meanwhile, with the help of a contractor, city administration will create a 2025 landfill operations plan using this year’s plan as the foundation. This document — to focus on landfill management and diversion efforts — will inform changes and help city hall anticipate operational costs.

Furthermore, administration will create the final landfill operations plan from 2026 to 2030, he said. It will also consult with Buffalo Pound and the Ministry of Environment about how to manage the plant’s sludge material at a different location.

“It’s a byproduct that is not going away (anytime) soon. Their capital project is working to reduce that, but in the meantime, it has to be managed,” Harlton stated.

Extra measures

City administration is considering interim measures that include immediately adding extra paper and cardboard bins at the landfill, improving the bulk recycling depot at 1100 High Street West, and making the composting program more accessible.

Further, it is reviewing the historic tonnages and trends for weekly and biweekly waste collection, and for now, will keep those pickup schedules intact.

Harlton added that the city can keep accepting waste until 2030 only if the average monthly fill rate remained at 4,230 cubic metres.

City manager Maryse Carmichael said she and Harlton met recently during a hybrid in-person/online meeting with the surrounding rural municipalities to inform them about the report and its contents. She pointed out that other users of the landfill need to be aware of the 2030 closure date.

A maximum height

Harlton told council that the 577-metre elevation is a “pretty old” number that city administration has held to for years. Directors have understood that if the city goes beyond that number, it could affect operational and customer service activities.

Asked if the Ministry of Environment had implemented a maximum airspace height, Harlton said the

is nearly finished. The new A/C system would be more energy efficient.

The parks and rec’s contribution will be $40,457 in 2025.

Altogether, the city’s total contribution will be $1,089,870.

City hall says if it’s successful in acquiring this federal funding, the money would provide “a significant relief to the current funding pressures” with renewing and upgrading venues.

Meanwhile, it has spread out the projects over five years — which matches the department’s capital projects plan — because of the inability to do everything at once. It will also submit the applications in order of highest priority, starting with the large-stream projects.

Also, city hall says installation of the boiler and air conditioning system will go ahead regardless of the applications’ outcomes because they are needed to heat and cool those venues.

During its Oct. 7 regular meeting, city council unanimously authorized community services to apply for funding through the GICB program and approved the municipality’s proposed financial contributions.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Oct. 16.

City administration reviewed the GICB program’s “new build projects” funding stream to see whether it could acquire money to replace the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool, specifically, the new change room/mechanical building, a council report said.

However, city officials determined it would not qualify because outdoor venues like pools are not eligible, the

584-metre maximum elevation is as high as the city can go without equipment falling off the sides.

The operations director acknowledged that the city could reach 584 metres before 2030, although it has been tracking this situation since 2021. The situation will depend on the 2025 operating plan and whether it’s viable to continue operating the site and bringing waste there.

“We are moving into contingency. This is not free space … it’s a pyramid that is not yet pointed,” he said. “Our hope is that we can find ways to continue to use this facility, but it’s not where we want it to be.”

Buffalo Pound a priority

Harlton noted that the operating plan would determine whether the city should accept or deny waste from some entities. He pointed out that Moose Jaw owns 26 per cent of the Buffalo Pound plant, so he wanted to prioritize that relationship, continue collecting revenue from it and store the sludge off-site if necessary.

Asked whether the landfill height could affect 15 Wing or the municipal airport, Harlton said he hadn’t heard any concerns from those groups. This is likely because the province allowed the dump there through a grandfather clause.

Chiming in, Carmichael said the dump’s height shouldn’t be a problem since it was already in a restricted zone near the city.

East versus west

Coun. Jamey Logan thought the city could store the sludge on the landfill’s east side, which would increase its longevity. Meanwhile, he wondered if they could reopen the dump’s west side — it was under 577 metres — to acquire a few more years of life there.

City hall discussed that with the province, but factors that limit extending the landfill in that direction include nearby waterways, Highway 1, 15 Wing flyovers and existing site contamination, said Harlton. If the ministry approved the use of the west side, the city would have to remove the contaminated soil and install a leachate management system because the expansion would be considered a new build.

“… the cost would be considerable,” he added.

document continued. Moreover, buildings that support outdoor pools — such as storage areas, change rooms, or administrative offices — do not provide open and accessible programs or services to underserved communities.

Meanwhile, an “integral component” of the GICB program is that the retrofits must have a climate-focused objective where measures achieve at least a 10-per-cent energy savings and reduce greenhouse gases, said the report.

“These upgrades will align with the city’s climate action plan and will provide significant energy reductions, greatly assisting in achieving our emission reduction targets,” the document added.

Derek Blais, director of community services, told council that the new grant writer, Tanya Reimer, and the department’s capital co-ordinator took the lead on this project, which freed up his time for other duties. The two employees spent several days completing all forms and gathering data from all four buildings.

Coun. Dawn Luhning expressed concern that the city was funding roof renos at the Golden Ticket Sports Centre when the building’s namesake was a for-profit enterprise. She acknowledged that the municipality owned the building, but she pointed out that it also owned the non-profit Kinsmen Sportsplex and library/art gallery.

She wondered what Golden Ticket Sports Inc. paid the city as part of the leasing agreement. City administration replied that the business gave five per cent of its annual revenues to city hall.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETING IS MONDAY, OCT. 21

The federal government will provide Moose Jaw with over $22 million in gas tax funding during the next 10 years for infrastructure projects, which may have to include housing development.

During its Oct. 7 regular meeting, city council unanimously authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the municipal funding agreement with Ottawa.

This motion aligns with one that council passed in April that encouraged Ottawa to provide municipalities with more money.

The deadline to submit the agreement is Friday, Nov. 1, while the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations will administer the money for the federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

Moose Jaw has received more than $36 million in gas tax funding over the years, with most of the money supporting major infrastructure projects, such as the wastewater treatment system upgrade for $9.5 million, the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant upgrade for $5 million and the high service pumphouse replacement for $2 million.

The city has used other revenue to replace the east water feeder line and water main, for capital upgrades to the Kinsmen Sportsplex, for the cast iron water main replacement project, to replace the Churchill and Valley View life stations, and to replace and install the 16th Avenue Northwest water feeder mains.

The Gas Tax Fund — now known as the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) — financially sup-

Feds want Moose Jaw to build homes as part of $22M agreement

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

ports municipalities’ infrastructure projects that promote productivity, economic growth, a clean environment and strong communities, a council report said.

Ottawa changed the fund’s eligibility requirements so municipalities must now conduct a housing needs assessment for the agreement, while future funding will support housing-related initiatives, the document continued. Therefore, municipalities must post the assessments on their websites by Monday, March 31, 2025.

“If infrastructure-required housing gaps are identified in the (assessment), Moose Jaw would be required to invest CCBF funding in projects aimed at improving housing outcomes,” the report stated.

Wallace Insights prepared such a document for Moose Jaw in 2023, so if Ottawa approves the funding agreement, the municipality will work with the contractor to update the assessment and plan how to allocate the money.

The cost to update the housing needs agreement would be $10,000, which is included in the operating budget for the planning and development branch.

The grant funding is calculated on a per-capita basis for eligible municipalities, so estimated allocations for Moose Jaw between 2024-25 and 2028-29 will be based on the 2021 Census data, the report said.

Therefore, Moose Jaw should receive $2.05 million next year, $2.1 million in 2026, $2.1 million in 2027, $2.2 million in 2028 and $2.2 million in 2029.

Overall, city hall expects to receive $10,770,553 in

federal funding during the next five years and more than $22 million in total over 10 years, the report added.

Council discussion

Coun. Dawn Luhning, who introduced the April motion, said it was unfortunate that the federal government changed the requirements of the gas tax funding, which is something the Federation of Canadian Municipalities discouraged it from doing.

She pointed out that housing is not necessarily a priority for municipalities, while she said the program’s change was Ottawa’s way of downloading services onto communities. Moreover, she noted that provincial governments do this to their communities as well.

Luhning then asked how, in light of the housing requirement, this change would affect Moose Jaw’s budget since council used the gas tax revenue for infrastructure projects.

City administration replied that the change is significant, but it may not be that restrictive since council could, for example, connect the importance of the water treatment plant to housing. Meanwhile, Wallace Insights will include everything related to housing in the updated assessment report, including projects like the Crescent View Lift Station.

Administration added that only the city can use the money, while it cannot distribute the funds to developers as incentives.

City hall creates first-ever formal training policy for new council members

The seven people who will form the new city council in November will receive formal orientation and training for their roles to ensure they are prepared for the next four years.

Orientation and training workshops are important for ensuring that members are well-prepared to serve their community effectively and have a positive effect, a council report explained.

Previous orientation workshops were conducted on an ad-hoc basis and provided new members with information and guidance on a need-to-know basis, which created gaps in elected officials’ knowledge bases, the document continued.

Therefore, city administration is recommending that council implement a first-ever formal orientation and training policy, which standardizes the introduction process and ensures that all members receive thorough and consistent training that enhances their effectiveness and efficiency.

The report noted that new members face several challenges in their new roles, such as time management, understanding procedures, handling public criticism, building relationships and navigating legal and ethical issues.

“By investing in the development of its members, the council can ensure better governance and improved service delivery to the community,” the report added.

The workshops would serve several purposes, such as:

• New members would better understand their roles, responsibilities and the scope of their authority

• Members would learn about council procedures, protocols and legislative processes, ensuring they can ef-

Forthcoming

Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 is inching closer to acquiring a new home but needs city hall to first change the zoning bylaw on a potential property.

During its Oct. 7 regular meeting, city council voted 6-0 to have city administration proceed with advertising and preparing a bylaw amendment to rezone 693 Fairford Street West from M2f2 heavy industrial district and f2 flood fringe overlay district to M1f2 light industrial district and f2 flood fringe overlay district.

Coun. Jamey Logan excused himself from the vote because his company owns the building.

That property — 0.125 hectares (0.31 acres) in size — currently houses Town and Country Plumbing and Heating. The legion wants to turn the building into a private club, which is prohibited within the M2 district; rezoning to M1 would allow such an establishment to be used for discretionary purposes.

The veterans’ organization has signed a lease agreement with the business owner and plans to make interior renovations.

There is no zoning district in Moose Jaw where

Jason

G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

fectively participate in meetings and decision-making

• Newly elected officials receive training on ethical standards, legal requirements and compliance issues to ensure they adhere to all regulations and maintain public trust

• The workshops include sessions on strategic planning and goal setting, which help new members align their priorities with the city’s long-term vision

The report added that the costs to conduct the training and orientation workshops are budgeted through the city clerk’s operating budget in an election year.

The orientation and training policy says new council members must attend and participate in the workshop, while the city manager — with help from the city clerk — will co-ordinate the development and delivery of the program.

Meanwhile, administration will not prepare any formal minutes from the workshops, council will not conduct any business or make any decisions, and any materials presented will not cover topics that advance the business of the city or an existing council motion.

Lastly, administration will use The Cities Act, the city administration bylaw and the procedure bylaw as supporting references and resources.

Council discussion

During the Oct. 7 executive committee meeting, Coun. Crystal Froese said when she was first elected in 2016, she and other members took tours of major infrastructure venues.

She said those trips were valuable in understanding

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

private clubs — which the legion is considered — are permitted, although such establishments are allowed as discretionary uses in the M1, M3, C2 and C3 districts, a council report said. City hall has few concerns about conflicts between the permitted uses in the M2 and M1 districts.

Three zoning districts intersect in this area: M2 industrial to the southwest, downtown C2 to the east and R1 residential to the north.

“It has occurred to administration that these (potential) conflicts could be reduced if the area between Ominica Street West and Fairford Street West were zoned M1 instead of M2,” the report noted.

The M1 zone generally works better as a transitional area since it excludes industrial uses that have the highest potential to conflict with other districts, but further study is required before administration brings forward any potential changes.

The existing land uses in the area — the building is on the southeast corner of Seventh Avenue Northwest and Fairford Street West — are mostly warehousing, storage

what the municipality was managing and where it was spending its money. She also thought it was important to include such trips in the training workshops.

Furthermore, Froese thought the training should cover The Cities Act and the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection (LAFOIP) Act since they were large documents that council referenced regularly.

She also thought administration should provide the new council with books from authors who focus on municipal governance.

City administration will give council tours of major infrastructure projects since that falls under strategic planning, while both provincial Acts are covered under the city’s ethics and legal training and procedures, said city clerk Tracy Wittke.

Meanwhile, administration plans to bring in speaker Keith Comstock, who works with the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, she added.

Coun. Heather Eby thought it was great that the training was mandatory since it ensured that all council members were on the same page from the start. She then asked whether this information would be in candidates’ packages for the 2028 municipal election.

Future candidates will see this information when they register, while administration will bring it back to council before the 2028 election for review and possible changes, Wittke replied.

Council then voted unanimously to approve the orientation and training policy.

and contractor offices and yards, which do not pose any major conflicts with the proposed private club, the report continued.

Once council approves the rezoning, the legion will have to submit a discretionary use application, which would enable council and administration to review the proposal in more detail, the report said. The veterans’ organization would then have to acquire development and building permits since the building was previously used as a millwork shop.

One issue the Legion faces with the property is the structure’s east side yard setback of 0.61 metres, which contradicts the zoning bylaw’s required 1.5-metre side yard setback on corner lots in the M1 and M2 districts, the document continued. However, the proposed rezoning would not change the zoning infraction since the setback is the same between the two districts on a corner lot.

As part of this zoning change, city administration plans to bring a full bylaw revision to the Nov. 25 council meeting for council to approve. This will help the legion with its goal of moving into a new home.

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Pioneer cooks saluted for skill with homemade cakes

In a cookbook published 55 years ago, authors noted that making a great cake in pioneer times “was a task to awe the most energetic housewife.”

It was pointed out that preparation had to be done by hand, “often with directions that were slightly less than vague.”

The housewife was warned not to use bad eggs and strongly advised against using pulverized sugar because it might contain plaster of Paris!

How times have changed with so many gadgets available to make cake baking much easier. But one truth remains: cakes are a popular addition to the dessert table and storage of leftovers is seldom a problem.

This week’s recipes offer two cake ideas, both using at least one surprising ingredient.

• • • MAYONNAISE CAKE

2 cups sifted pastry or cake flour

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

2 tsps. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup cold water

1 cup commercial whole-egg mayonnaise (not salad dressing)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl.

Combine water, mayonnaise and vanilla and blend well. Stir into the dry ingredients and blend thoroughly.

Turn batter into a buttered 8x12 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes or until cake tests done. Let cool on rack. Frost with a favourite frosting.

• • • SAUERKRAUT SURPRISE CAKE

2 1/4 cups sifted pastry or cake flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2/3 cup sauerkraut

2/3 cup butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup water

Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl and set aside.

Rinse and drain the sauerkraut. Snip it into smaller pieces with kitchen scissors.

Cream the butter until fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and cream until light. Add the eggs, one at a time and beat well. Add the vanilla and blend.

Stir in the flour mixture alternately with the wa-

ter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the sauerkraut last.

Turn batter into two 8-inch round layer pans that have been buttered and floured. Tap pans lightly to release excess air.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.

Cool in pans for five minutes before turning out onto racks to completely cool.

Put layers together with a favourite jam or frosting between layers. Frost entire cake with a favourite frosting or use sour cream chocolate frosting.

• • • SOUR CREAM CHOCOLATE FROSTING

9 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/3 cup butter

3/4 cup commercial sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

3 1/2-4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Combine chocolate chips and butter in the top of a double boiler and melt over hot but not boiling water.

Remove from heat and cool slightly. Blend in the sour cream, vanilla and salt.

Gradually beat in enough of the powdered sugar to make an easy-to-spread frosting.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Kinsmen Café staff members recognized for ongoing inclusivity efforts

One local employer has been recognized for its ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and employment opportunities for residents of varying abilities late last month, and now staff at the Kinsmen Café are getting ready to prominently display the award at the restaurant.

The award was officially received on Sept. 23 at Moose Jaw’s city hall and staff got together to share their thoughts on Oct. 8.

“The Kinsmen Café won the Creating Opportunities in the Community award,” announced Mariah Horsnall, a program co-ordinator with Moose Jaw Families for Change who runs the café.

“That really aligns with what we do here, as our goal for the café is to provide meaningful employment and opportunities to individuals living with varying abilities,” she said.

The Kinsmen Café is run by Moose Jaw Families for Change Inc. which was officially formed in January 2000. Today, Families for Change manages the café as well as the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre, the Supported Independent Living Program

(SILP), and the Imagine Employment Program.

“The Kinsmen Café provides job coaching and job readiness skills for peo-

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MOOSE JAW NO. 161 PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land title number described in the following list are fully paid before the day of December 31, 2024, an interest based on a tax lien will be registred against the land.

Note: A sum for the costs in an amount required by subsection 4 (3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel

ple with varying abilities, (and) they ensure that anybody that does come in the doors… feels welcomed and supported…,” Horsnall explained.

Horsnall said she first learned of the award when representatives of the city phoned her to declare the nomination.

“I think it took us all by shock,” she admitted. “I was very excited for all the staff here because they work very hard and they deserve that award and recognition form the community.”

After learning that they had won the award, the café’s staff went to city hall where Mayor Clive Tolley and members of city council presented them with it.

“We’re going to hang it up on the wall, but I think just the community awareness of what we do here was nice,” said Horsnall.

At the same time, full-time employee Chad Neal was presented a second award — the Advocacy Award — in recognition for going above and beyond with both customers and in coaching the café’s participants.

Neal started work at the Kinsmen Café through the Families for Change employment program, as has been the story for many who now work at the restaurant. “He goes above and beyond with the customers (to) create that welcoming environment,” Horsnall said. “He (also) goes

above and beyond with job coaching our participants.”

When asked where the award was displayed in the café, Neal said you won’t find it in there. “No, it’s actually in my room on my wall. I’m very proud of it.”

The ongoing work at the Kinsmen Café helps individuals break down barriers to meaningful employment. One of the café’s servers, Janine MacFarland, was diagnosed with spina bifida and would normally have great difficulty in the role as she is confined to a wheelchair. To overcome this, her coworkers help push her wheelchair when she’s serving tables and the café’s maintenance worker crafted a customized serving tray to facilitate her job duties.

“(My coworkers) help push my wheelchair while I’m carrying stuff, say coffee or whatever…,” MacFarland said. “We’re all about breaking down the barriers.”

One of MacFarland’s coworkers, Jillian Murray, is a part-time server at the café.

“I really like working here… because it’s very inclusive (and) my previous job was not that way,” Murray said. “It’s very inclusive and, for the most part, the customers are very understanding. I think that, at a lot of other places, they would not be.”

The Kinsmen Café’s Imagine Employment Program currently employs 19 individuals and allows them to gain job readiness skills, job coaching, and these residents learn how to cook, clean, and to utilize those skills in their daily lives.

“Our meals might take a little bit longer to get out because we’re in the back teaching somebody that maybe has never cooked before how to cook, so they can take that skill and maybe gain employment in the community…,” Horsnall said.

“I just want to mention that the award is a great tribute to the Kinsmen Café’s staff’s hard work and dedication — not only to our participants in the employment program, but to our community and partners as well.”

The Kinsmen Café is located at 431 Fourth Avenue Southwest and can be reached at 306-690-1484. For more information visit MJFFC.com/Kinsmen-Cafe or MJFFC.com.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Left to right: Janine MacFarland, server (front row), Mariah Horsnall, program co-ordinator (middle row, left), Jillian Murray, part-time server, Cherie Lamb, and Chad Neal, cook (back row). Photo by: Aaron Walker

MJ Votes: 29 total candidates running in the upcoming election

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Unfortunately, not all of the candidate biographies are included below; some have either ran previously or in another article or possibly to come in the next few weeks prior to the election.

Twenty-nine people are running for a city council position in the upcoming municipal election, including 24 people aiming for a council seat and five people shooting for the mayor’s chair.

Obeyaa Ampofo-Hunstad, Michelle Christie, Darrell Markin, Patrick Boyle, Jamaal James, Zac Monchamp, Jamey Logan, Sam Morrison and Clive Tolley were the final nine names to be added to the City of Moose Jaw’s election web page. The first eight candidates are running to be councillors, while Tolley is seeking re-election as mayor.

The other councillor candidates include 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 other mayoral candidates include Coun. Kim Robinson, Coun. Crystal Froese, James Murdock and Mike Simpkins.

The municipal election is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Mayoral candidates biographies added

Clive Tolley: “Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Clive Tolley loves our city where he has lived for most of his life. Clive was elected mayor in the 2021 byelection. Previously, Clive served as a city councillor. Clive is an active promotor of Moose Jaw, wherever he works or travels in the world.

“After coaching the Turkish Ice Hockey National Teams and serving the United Kingdom Border Agency as Vietnam Country Manager, British Embassy, Hanoi, Clive returned to live in Moose Jaw, establishing a professional mediation and arbitration business.

“Clive is married to Muriel, a retired teacher, and they have two children, Iden (Victoria Sharp) and Afton (Jonathan Lupul). Clive volunteered for twenty years to coach many children in minor hockey, girls’ softball, and baseball.

“Clive, a member of several service and sports clubs, plays hockey, bikes, and golfs for fun and fitness.”

Mike Simpkins: Mike is a lifelong resident of Moose Jaw and well-known in the community for his exceptional work ethic, entrepreneurial mindset, strength of character and leadership qualities. His 37-year career with CP Rail and his development/management of Miles Ahead Driver Ed and Motorcycle Training have proven his commitment and tenacity.

“Mike and his wife Carla have been married for 39 years, have four adult children and eleven grandchildren.

“Mike believes that if elected, he will be able to make the changes that Moose Jaw citizens have been waiting for. Crucial concerns that must be addressed are safety, crime, roads, taxes, spending and accountability. Supporting our current businesses and finding creative ways to attract new businesses are central to Moose Jaw’s economic growth. Councillor candidate biographies added

Obeyaa Ampofo-Hunstad: I have proudly called Moose Jaw home for the past 11 years, drawn in by its strong sense of community. This welcoming environment has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and actively participate in local initiatives.

“I volunteer at my local church and serve on the Kayak-for-Kidsport and cultural diversity advisory committees. With over a decade of experience in community safety, public policy, legislation, program development, and community engagement across both public and non-profit sectors, I am dedicated to making a positive impact.

“My husband, Jordan, and I have two sons. Outside of my work and volunteering, I love hosting friends and family, taking my kids to soccer and hockey practices, swimming lessons, and spending time together.

Michelle Christie: “I’m Michelle Christie, and I’m running for city council in Moose Jaw—a fantastic place with amazing people. As a mom of two young children, I know how crucial safety and opportunity are for families. We need stronger leadership!

“With my experience in business administration and 11 years as an operations manager, I understand how to solve problems and manage budgets effectively. Let’s make our streets safer, support the backbone of our economy — local businesses, tackle housing issues with real solutions, and make spending transparent. Let’s fix our roads and keep taxes low while investing wisely in what truly matters.

“Moose Jaw deserves a vibrant community where families and businesses can thrive together. I’m ready to serve you and bring common sense back to city hall. Together, let’s get to work and make this community the best it can be! Thank you!”

Darrell Markin: “I am a dedicated family man and respected business owner in Moose Jaw, with a proven track record spanning 17 years in the flooring industry before selling my company in 2019.

“As a committed citizen, I effectively served as a Moose Jaw Police Commissioner for five years, enhancing community safety and trust. I also bring over 12 years of invaluable experience as a board member of the Moose Jaw Warriors, promoting sports and youth engagement.

“My firm belief in driving economic growth aligns with my vision to advance Moose Jaw, fostering a thriving community that benefits all residents. My leadership is characterized by a steadfast dedication to service, prioritizing the needs and welfare of Moose Jaw’s citizens in every endeavour.”

Patrick Boyle: “Growing up on the family farm, I learned the value of hard work and how contributing to your community can make a difference. My wife Alyssa and I have three children and understand the challenges Moose Jaw families face each day. That is why I am driven to create a growing and vibrant community.

“As a former Moose Jaw city councillor from 2012 to 2016, I understand what it takes to make positive change. I am currently an executive director for the Water Security Agency with over 20 years of communications and public engagement experience.

“I also serve as a school board trustee with the Prairie South School Division and continue to volunteer with youth sports organizations, including Moose Jaw Minor Hockey and Moose Jaw Minor Girls Fastball. I believe strongly in giving back to the community by serving the people of Moose Jaw, and I look forward to earning your support.”

Jamaal James: “Jamaal is a lifelong Moose Javian who is seeking your vote for city council. When not working as a diesel mechanic at CPKC, serving as vice-president and shop steward for his union lodge, or goaltending at local rinks, he can be found working on computers and sitting on the MJMAG board as the current vice-chair.

“He is a former Kinsmen member and served for nine years as a reservist with The Saskatchewan Dragoons.

“Jamaal is active in human rights, diversity, and anti-discrimination advocacy, and is passionate about politics. His values and life experience drive his desire to work to ensure that Moose Jaw continues to grow and thrive over the long

term and remains a great place to call home for everyone. Affordability matters in these challenging times.

“His priorities, if elected, are property tax reform, infrastructure, poverty reduction, and optimizing city services.”

Zac Monchamp: “I moved to Moose Jaw 16 years ago. I have worked retail, for large international firms, government and my own small business. I went to the University of Regina and I successfully completed my degree in political science with an international focus.

“I am disabled, I’ve struggled with it, I’ve advocated for myself and others who are disabled. I believe I bring a needed difference in view and experience.

“I believe change is required, I want to provide clarity and reason for where our taxes go. We are supposed to be a tourist city and what do I hear from visitors? The infrastructure is terrible.

“I moved here for my wife, I stay here for my family, and I want to see the city grow and flourish for my children. With the support of family, friends and fellow residents, I want bring a better future for all to Moose Jaw.”

Jamey Logan: “My name is Jamey Logan. I was born and raised in Moose Jaw where I met, and later married, my beautiful wife Sheri. Together we raised our family, while being self-employed, working alongside some of Moose Jaw’s greatest people.

“Over the years I have sat on several volunteer boards and committees and have been fortunate enough to have served on Moose Jaw City Council between 2020 and 2024. I have coached baseball and softball in this great city since 1993; wherein, I have met so many awesome people.

“I am honest, hard-working, relatable

and willing to learn. I am communityminded and passionate about this city and the wellbeing of its citizens. Please be assured that I will work hard to earn your trust and respect.

“I look forward to working with the next mayor and council as well as administration, if given the chance.”

Sam Morrison: “I am a dedicated leader committed to enhancing Moose Jaw through job creation, improved infrastructure, and transparent communication. With a deep understanding of our community’s needs, I prioritize initiatives that foster economic growth and provide sustainable employment opportunities

“As a strong advocate for transparent governance, I believe that city administration, city council, and the mayor’s office are here to serve the residents, not just their own interests. I aim to establish clear channels of communication between city hall and the public, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

“My vision includes modernizing infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population while maintaining our city’s unique character. By focusing on collaboration and accountability, I am ready to lead Moose Jaw into a prosperous future where all residents can thrive. Join me in building a better, more inclusive Moose Jaw for everyone.”

According to the City of Moose Jaw’s website:

Carolyn Ross: “Having lived in Moose Jaw for over 50 years, raising four children, and owning businesses, I deeply understand the needs of this community. My background as a safety professional,

Join us on Sunday, October 20th, for the Festival of Trees Family Brunch hosted by the Hospital Auxiliary! Treat yourself to a spectacular Italian-themed brunch that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy door prizes and a captivating performance by Dance Images.

Don’t miss this unforgettable brunch—your participation supports a new bronchoscopy service, helping lung cancer and COPD patients right here in Moose Jaw. Every dollar raised stays in our community.

Get your tickets now at SaskTix or the Moose Jaw Events Centre Box Office. Adult tickets are $35, and children’s tickets are $20. Let’s make a difference together! Article continued on Page A16

MJ Votes: 29 total candidates running in the

with experience in government and nonprofits, has strengthened my commitment to building safe and thriving communities.

“Additionally, serving as mayor of South Lake has given me invaluable experience in leading municipal affairs and making decisions that benefit residents.

“I’ve also been an active volunteer, serving on the Moose Jaw Little League Board, as Provincial Slo-Pitch National co-ordinator, and supporting mental health initiatives like Journey to Hope. Our family are proud season ticket holders of the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Steven White: “I have always been interested in leaving a better place for our children. I truly feel that Moose Jaw has amazing potential that has been ignored for way too long. I believe that my 20-plus years of experience as a financial planner, and fundraiser for local organizations has given me connections to be able to work within the community and help us plan for the future of this promising city.

“My wife and two children have been residents of Moose Jaw for over 15 years. We believe in our community and its potential; we want to see it flourish. So, I believe we need to get tough on crime to impact the safety of our city, and to produce, as well as attract, more permanent local businesses in the community.

Chris Warren: “I love Moose Jaw, and I loved representing my community on council between 2016-2020, and so I’m seeking your support to help improve and shape the future of Moose Jaw for the better! I’ve worked for a municipal government for sixteen years, so I have a unique insight to help this city move forward in a positive direction.

“I believe in honest, transparent, accountable and accessible government,

and I will work hard to support economic development, grow our population, find solutions to reduce crime and social issues, and ensure service delivery is efficient and meets our community needs. Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to your support!”

John Adams: “Having lived in Moose Jaw for 19 years, he has made it a home with his wife (his high school sweetheart) Becky, and their four daughters. Professionally, John has a robust background in finance, accounting, and business solutions, and has spent the last 17 years developing and sharpening his skills working in the private sector.

“He is an entrepreneur and enjoys dabbling in various business ventures and has a heart for contributing sustainable value to the local community and economy.

Outside of his professional life, John is an avid disc golfer and he takes pleasure in supporting local sports.

Scott Montgomery: “As a longtime resident and dedicated community member…I believe it is time for change and leadership that is ready to embrace it.

“With 30 years of coaching football and baseball in this city, I’ve learned that leadership is about accountability, transparency, and stepping up to face challenges head-on. As a proud husband and father, I am committed to bringing fresh perspectives, proactive solutions, and a deep respect for our city’s values to the council.

“We must prioritize supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth to ensure Moose Jaw thrives for generations to come.”

Four residents with ‘Moose Jaw Vitality Team’ aiming for council seats

According to the City of Moose Jaw

Long-time resident James Murdock has become the third candidate to run for Moose Jaw’s mayor after announcing the start of his mayoral campaign in which he promises to bring “a fresh vision to Moose Jaw’s future.”

The announcement was made before the Ross Wells Park on the early afternoon of Oct. 8.

“It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I stand before you to announce I am running for the office of mayor for the City of Moose Jaw,” Murdock said. A resident for well over 30 years, Murdock lives with Bev, his wife of 24 years, and their daughters as a devoted family man.

His previous role as a funeral professional has given him experience supporting families during their most challenging times and has equipped him with the invaluable skills of listening, understanding, and addressing individual needs.

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Moose Jaw No 161 Municipal Election 2024

Whereas,

Ron Brumwell, nominated for the Office for Reeve

Shae Nichols, nominated for the Office for Councillor Division One;

Bruce Richards, nominated for the Office for Councillor Division Three; David Delahey, nominated for the Office for Councillor Division Five

are the only candidates, I hereby give notice that no voting for these offices will take place on November 13th, 2024. Mike Wirges (Returning Officer)

Dated this 9th day of October, 2024

website:

Jeff Goodnough: He “is a lifelong Moose Javian, married to his wife Beth for over 31 years, and together they have raised three wonderful children.

“As a local entrepreneur, Jeff founded Moose Jaw’s first coffee roasting company, Coffee Encounters, in 2000. Building the business from the ground up, he successfully ran it for 12 years, making it a beloved fixture in the downtown area.

“Jeff is also dedicated to charitable work, participating in several mission trips both locally and internationally. He envisions a Moose Jaw that is safe, vibrant, and welcoming to all, where young entrepreneurs thrive, families feel supported, seniors live comfortably, and the underprivileged have opportunities.

Jana Horsnall: She “is a proud lifelong Moose Javian who believes in the beauty, history, and potential of her city. Raised on a farm and raising her family in Moose Jaw, Jana has a strong connection to the community. She values the neighbourly spirit that brings people together, shaping her vision for a thriving Moose Jaw.

“Jana is passionate about revitalizing Moose Jaw’s downtown, expanding tourism, and fostering opportunities for small businesses. She believes that ensuring safety, providing community support, and truly listening to residents are key to enhancing Moose Jaw as a place to live. Jana is dedicated to working for the people, making sure their voices are heard and their ideas put into action.

“With over 35 years of experience in personal and business development, Jana has successfully owned and operated businesses, making her well-equipped to help shape the future of Moose Jaw.”

Tracy Zimmerman: She “is running for city councillor in Moose Jaw because she believes every resident deserves the opportunity to thrive. Having moved to Moose Jaw in 2023, Tracy quickly saw what a beautiful and vibrant community it is.

“With extensive experience in community mental health, Tracy is passionate about ensuring no one in Moose Jaw falls through the cracks. As a mother of five adult children, as well as a former foster and adoptive parent, she has spent her life supporting those in need.

“Her advocacy focuses on mental health, addiction support, domestic violence (victim) advocacy, and homelessness solutions. Tracy is ready to work with local organizations and leaders to create a more inclusive, supportive Moose Jaw where no one is left behind.”

Perry Haug: He “believes the strength of Moose Jaw lies in its families and small businesses. Born and raised in the city, Perry has deep roots here, having built a life with his wife Michelle of 25 years, raising their children and now grandchildren in Moose Jaw.

“As a local small business owner and property investor, Perry understands the importance of fostering a thriving local economy. His experience as a marriage mentor and involvement in parenting groups highlight his commitment to building strong community relationships.

“A certified Red Seal welder, Perry has worked with Boilermakers Local 555 for over 14 years, contributing to major construction projects in and around Moose Jaw. He believes in creating a city that supports future generations through responsible growth and collaboration in the construction sector.”

James Murdock announces start of mayoral campaign in upcoming civic election

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“These experiences have made me deeply aware of the importance of transparency and communication, and I am committed to bringing these principles to the mayor’s office,” he announced.

Murdock has spent much of his spare time coaching his daughters in soccer and Moose Jaw Minor Fastball and has proven a commitment to the community through his roles with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation as past chair and current board member, the Providence Place Health Foundation as a board member, and by working with River Street Promotions to raise funding for youth mental wellness and education.

Ross Wells Park — where the announcement took place — is also symbolic as Homestand ’24 hosted by River Street Promotions recently concluded at the same venue on Sept. 7.

Murdock’s mayoral campaign is focused on strengthening the community by driving economic growth and promoting tourism. His aim is to foster a future where Moose Jaw is recognized as “a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“I want to work closely with our local businesses, recognizing their crucial role in driving economic growth and creating opportunities,” he announced.

“By supporting tourism, we can showcase Moose Jaw’s unique attractions (and) encourage visitors to explore and invest in our city. At the same time, attracting new businesses to our industrial park will create jobs, diversify our local economy, and ensure long-term prosperity for all.”

Murdock said this collaborative effort will help re-

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF RODGERS NO. 133 Municipal Elections 2024

Whereas,

Brent Tremblay, nominated for the office of Reeve, Jeff Hawkins, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. One (1), and Byron Johnstone, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. Three (3),

are the only candidates, I hereby give notice that no voting for the offices will take place on November 13, 2024.

Dated this 16th day of October 2024. Colleen Ferguson, Returning Officer

vitalize parks, recreational spaces, and public areas, and described these spaces as “the heart of our neighbourhoods, where families connect and build lasting memories.” He stated that his intention is to maintain these spaces to promote healthy, active lifestyles to enhance residents’ overall quality of life.

Murdock reaffirmed his commitment to taking action on his talking points and said his goal is to ensure a high quality of life for Moose Javians and to create a community where families can thrive.

“I hear your concerns, whether it’s the condition of the streets and sidewalks, safety within our community, or the need for better communication from the city and council to our citizens. It’s time to address these issues head on,” he said. “I am committed to improving how we engage with the community and ensuring that your voices are not only heard but acted upon.

“I may not have all the answers or know every detail of the issues facing our city right now, but I do know that I am fully committed to this journey at this stage in my life, with the unwavering support of my family,” Murdock added.

“I am ready to invest my full energy and experience into creating a better tomorrow for Moose Jaw,” he said. “Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this journey together. Together, we can build a Moose Jaw that reflects our values, supports our families, and welcomes growth and opportunity. Thank you.”

You can follow Murdock’s campaign online through his official website at MurdockForMayor.ca.

The upcoming civic election is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13 and runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

James Murdock announces his mayoral candidacy at Ross Wells Park on Oct. 8. Photo by: Aaron Walker

MJ Votes: Clive Tolley confirms he’s running again for mayor

Mayor Clive Tolley has officially confirmed that he is running for re-election in the November municipal election and will file his nomination papers at city hall today before the 4 p.m. deadline.

“I have enjoyed the challenge and the privilege of serving as the mayor of Moose Jaw, Canada’s Most Notorious City,” he said.

“I believe I have done a good job and I think the work of our team, coun-

By Moose Jaw Express staff

cil, city administration and city employees has contributed to the positivity and growth we are seeing in our city. There is more important work to do, and I want to be part of the team that continues to work over the next term.”

Tolley — pronounced Tall-ee — was elected in a byelection that was held on Nov. 3, 2021, after previous mayor Fraser Tolmie announced he was running to be the Conservative Party candidate in

MJ Votes ’24: Patrick Boyle announces candidacy for city council, PSSD board

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Patrick Boyle announced that he will once again run for Moose Jaw city council and he’s also running for the Prairie South School Division’s board in the upcoming civic election. Following his announcement, the Moose Jaw Express reached out with a few questions on Oct. 9.

Q

: “What motivated you to enter public service?”

A: Boyle served as a city councillor in 2012 and described it as “a really good experience.”

“At the time, my kids were quite young and… fast forward a decade later, my teenage daughter said to me one day as they were learning about governance that she was shocked to find out that (I served as a city councillor),” he said. “She said to me, ‘Well, you should do that again.’

“At the end of the day it really was just one of those moments where I thought, you know, I have something to contribute, and I think I can do it in a positive way.”

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

A: Boyle describes himself as a born communicator and, as a trained journalist by trade, he’s no stranger to asking questions in the quest to understand diverse perspectives. “One of my skills is to engage people, communicate, and try to work things out,” he said. As well, he described himself as “a personable type of guy who likes to talk to everybody about anything” and said he’s passionate about the city.

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

A: Boyle currently serves as a Prairie South School Division board trustee and is connected to the education system through this role. He has volunteered and coached youth sports for countless hours and said he’s always open to talking with folks downtown. He said the Boyle name has been well known in the community for over 100 years.

“Also, I have three kids who are all in activities so I spend a lot of time at the hockey rink, at the ball diamonds, and (at the) basketball courts talking to people,” he said. “(It’s largely) grassroots stuff and we’re always in the community and engaging (with people).”

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

A: “We’re at an interesting time in Moose Jaw’s history where we have an opportunity to see a vision of what we could be,” Boyle said. “There’s a lot of potential opportunities that could be capitalized on when you’re looking at growing a vibrant, sustainable, safe community.”

As one example, he said the growth

of the industrial park where the new SaskPower natural gas power plant is being bult was the beginning of something very large.

“Or you talk about our agricultural background… there’s no reason that we couldn’t be a centre for pulse crop or lentil excellence,” he said. “We need to really capitalize on (these opportunities) and start having that vision and forethought to do those things. To me, at the end of the day, I really want to try to somehow increase our revenues for the city so we can offer better services to all our citizens.”

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

A: To ensure accountability, Boyle said he believes in always being open and honest and described it as “an important part of the democratic process.”

“You want to ensure citizens have all the information that is available, and what we do on council and the decisions we make at the end of the day (represents) them,” he said.

Q: “What are your top guiding values?”

A: Boyle said his leading values are trust, honesty, and being authentic. “If you talk to me, I’m the same person when I talk to a janitor as (I am when) I would talk to a CEO,” he said.

He also said that, as a family man, he understands the challenges that families face in the city. “For me, just (having) family-based values (are important when, for instance) looking at trying to drive economic growth and ensuring that we are taking care of what we have in this

engage with them and then come to the best decision we could possibly for them at the end of the day (is my goal and I) try to bring that strong decision making to the citizens of Moose Jaw.

“My first term on Moose Jaw city council was the honour of my life, and I’m looking to see that mandate again from the citizens,” he concluded. “If I’m so lucky as to do that, I’ll work as hard as possible to be the best I can for them (and to) really create the strongest Moose Jaw that we can.”

the 2021 federal election that September.

Before becoming mayor, Tolley served a term as a city councillor in the late 1980s and worked as a chartered mediator and chartered arbitrator.

“I work diligently every day to make our city a better place to live, raise a family, work, build a business, and enjoy a healthy and happy life,” he added. “I appreciate the effort that so many of our citizens put into that very same work.”

Patrick Boyle is running for a position with city council and the PSSD board in the upcoming civic election.

by: Patrick Boyle/Facebook

You can reach out to Boyle or learn more through his Facebook campaign page, ‘Patrick Boyle for Moose Jaw City Council’ or via email at PatrickBoyle@ live.ca

Clive Tolley. Photo submitted

Photo

each submission for verification.

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.

RE: TERM LIMITS FOR CIVIC LEADERS AND QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT FOR UPCOMING ELECTION

Term Limits.... This enables a “rotation” in democracy, where power is shifted to new individuals every set number of years. Our city needs multiple points of view ensuring more people have a chance to influence policy and rebutting the potential for single individuals to entrench their power and influence as long as possible.

Term limits create an issue of urgency. If you have a set term in office, your term limits should motivate you to pass as much legislation, or influence as much policy and decision making as possible, during the limited amount of time you have in office.

A non-term leader may feel no pressure or urgency to affect any sort of change, because there’s no direct end in sight to their position on council.

I am in support of term limits. Two consecutive and four lifetime terms as mayor or as a city councillor. A person could serve 2 terms as mayor and 2 terms as councillor, or 4 in either position.

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

If we are voting the same way and expect different results, we are missing the problem.

I have looked carefully at who is running for city council. We have a large group. Here are some questions to consider:

How have the incumbents served my needs, how have they voted for important issues like the former Union Hospital Development? Creating 200 new residences and $500,000 a year in property tax revenue for the city. What research did they review to make an informed decision. Did they ask for studies that would show the citizens that this was not in the city’s best interests before they voted?

Who has best represented the citizens by bringing forward motions that the citizens have asked for? Whether you agree or not on the motion, who has stepped forward to represent the people?

There is a lot of money being spent on the Agrifood Industrial Park and other Parks and Rec projects. Where are the Agrifood tenants? Are we recreating the Grayson Industrial Park with 24 acres of unsold land?

• 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

Who is providing city work and how does a ‘disclosure from a councillor” really protect the public. Just because it’s permissible, doesn’t mean it’s right. Is SAMA working for you? Are you familiar with what it entails and how businesses are being affected? Why hasn’t the council protected the citizens from unfair taxation?

For New Candidates- Who has real world experience addressing budgets, economic development, and who is doing their due diligence to be ready on November 14th.

Who will bring a fresh perspective to how the city can best serve its citizens? Who isn’t afraid of countering, “we’ve never done that before” with evidence-based solutions and updated bylaws to reflect the city’s needs? Ask hard questions. It’s up to you Moose Jaw. Please vote on November 13th.

Warm Regards, Carla Delaurier City Council Candidate

Fifteen candidates aiming for trustee spots with Prairie South board

Fifteen candidates have put their names forward to be a trustee with Prairie South School Division, although only two subdivisions — including Moose Jaw — will require an election.

Subdivision 1 biographies

In her biography, Darcy Pryor said, “I have been a trusted, dedicated and ethical school board trustee for Prairie South for eight years, serving and representing subdivision 1. I am currently the vicechair of our board and have been in this position for three years.

“I believe rural schools are the heart of their community and continue to maintain a high standard of education while having many unique qualities and strengths. I’d like to continue my role as a trustee so I can be a strong advocate for schools and education.

“I am a lifelong learner committed to supporting students, families, communities, and staff in achieving educational success. Currently, I am employed as a part-time sessional supervisor with the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina.

“I will provide open and transparent communication partnered with an unwavering focus on students and decisions based on what is in their best interest. I understand the responsibilities of a board of education and the need for the board to lobby (the) provincial government for continued support for providing the best opportunity for student success.”

Subdivision 6 biographies

Brett Hagan: “My name is Brett Hagan and I’m seeking re-election as trustee for Prairie South in the 2024 school board election. My interest in education

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

led to working at Prairie South as an EA for over a decade, giving me first-hand knowledge of how a school and classroom run. I currently work at a protective-model group home for at-risk youth in Moose Jaw.

“I’ve sat on the parks, recreation, and facilities advisory committee, and am currently chair with Wakamow Valley Authority. In the past four years as trustee, I’ve been on the student outcomes, human resources, and partnerships and teambuilding committees; for the past two years I’ve been the representative with the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association.

“My time as trustee, professional experience, work on boards and committees, along with my passion for education and commitment to positive change make me an ideal candidate to continue as trustee for Prairie South.”

Lew Young: “I would be honoured to continue serving the students, staff and parents, of Prairie South Schools. A longtime 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 most up-to-date resources available to empower and facilitate student learning and achievement. I value Early Childhood Education. I have always maintained an open-door policy for parents and staff to contact me.

Kursty Bansley: “I have extensive experience with legislation, governance, policy framework development, and consider this part of my personal wheelhouse.

“My career has provided me with the experience required to develop and

maintain interpersonal relationships with key community-based organizations, and stakeholders at various levels of government, including the Ministry of Education.

“Additionally, I was a founding committee member of a Nationally Accredited Professional Association’s project where we developed the current curriculum, and examination materials for a professional educational certification course. My knowledge and passion for accountability within governance provides me with the skills to support and advocate for all parents and students.”

Brian Martynook: “Born and raised in Moose Jaw, I am presently retired, having served as the CEO of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce for 15 years. Prior to that, I owned and operated MM Construction with my father and brother, a local Moose Jaw business that operated continuously for over 50 years.

“Serving my community has always been an integral part of my life and I have served as a director on the boards of the Five Hills Healthy Region, Habitat for Humanity, Moose Jaw Literacy, Hillcrest Sports Centre, the Regina Airport Authority. At present, I sit as a director on the board of the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.

“In order to bring value to my role as a board director, I completed the educational and examination requirements to achieve my Professional Director (“Pro. Dir”) designation.

Ron Gorham: “I am seeking election on Prairie South School Division board because I greatly value the education process. Being a retired business manager, I understand the importance of diversity in the education and business sectors. I believe strongly in community involvement and will dedicate myself to the division board.

“My role as general manager with the Co-operative Retailing System allowed me to collaborate with a board. I understand the significance of the board approach to operating a viable business.

Mary Jukes: “I, Mary Jukes, am seeking re-election as board member of Prairie South School Division, Subdivision No. 6. I am a retired educator with teacher, counselor, vice-principal, and principal experience.

“I have served on many boards and committees throughout my career and in addition to the PSSD, currently serve on the Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing

Board and Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association. I am a mother and grandmother, passionate about life-long learning and community participation in education.

“I will always provide my opinion but will actively promote the decisions of the board majority to enhance the lives of students, parents and community stakeholders.”

Patrick Boyle: “Elected as a school board trustee in 2023, Patrick Boyle knows the value of public education. He and his wife Alyssa have three children currently in the Prairie South School Division.

“As a former Moose Jaw city councillor from 2012 to 2016, Patrick has extensive governance experience. He is currently an Executive Director for the Water Security Agency with over 20 years of communications and public engagement experience.

“He has and continues to volunteer with many other youth sports organizations…and believes strongly in giving back to the community by serving the people of Moose Jaw.”

Abdul Alabi: “My name is Abdul Alabi and as a passionate advocate for education and the well-being of our students, I bring a commitment to ensuring our schools provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all.

“With over 10 years of experience in Canada as a banker, tax professional and advisor committee member with Saskatchewan Center for Patient Oriented Research, Cultural Diversity Community member with the City of Moose Jaw and Newcomer Advisory Council member with Prairie Skies Integration Network.

Tenielle McLeod: “As a resident of Moose Jaw for almost 20 years, and mother of three, I am deeply invested in education. I have served as past SCC chairperson for five years, am current vice-chair and SCC member on both elementary and high school committees.

“I have worked in the post-secondary sector as instructor and as educational developer in learning and teaching for almost two decades. My expertise is in assessment, curriculum development, and prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR). I have also been involved in advancing initiatives that improve learner pathways for all students such as dual credit, transfer credit, and PLAR.

“I hold a BA and MA from USask. I am a current doctoral candidate in the Adult Learning program at the University of Calgary.

Reflective

It might sound childish, something a youngster might tell an older sibling, but I freely use the definitive declaration “you’re not the boss of me” especially when Housemate issues what I interpret as a command to a lower level rank.

I know he does it to see if I will react to his directives and mostly I just ignore him, but when I’m in the mood to have a debate, I refer him to our marriage vows which 55 years ago did not include the word “obey.”

I went almost 50 years thinking that word had indeed been in the vows we had taken. Imagine my glee when I came across the marriage booklet and discovered it did not exist.

At that time I wrote the following column and I note that in the past five years, I continually remind my partner of 55 years that he is not the boss of me!

Reprised from Oct. 16, 2019.

When we married, the standard vow was for the wife to love, honour and “obey”, in sickness and health, till death do us part — perhaps not in those exact words but close enough for the meaning to get through.

I as the “wife” was expected to love and honour, which I did without any qualms at all, barring of course the usual tiffs of married life.

But coming from a family of capable and hard-nosed women, I had a problem with the “obey” part and told Housemate up front that he shouldn’t get his hopes up — that saluting in deference simply wasn’t in my make-

up. He grinned and seemed to tentatively agree with my decree.

And so married life began, with give and take, honour and respect going and coming from both sides of the arrangement. But occasionally, just to stir the pot and to see how I would react, he would give an order or command, whether it be to bring him some coffee, make him a sandwich, or even just turn over the television for his tedious (in my opinion) business programs.

He calls it my “skunk eye” and that is what he got in good measure as he attempted to boss me around.

“You can’t tell me what to do,” I would respond, when I didn’t feel like turning off one of my police shows, or getting him a sandwich or fetching his underwear from the dryer.

“You promised to love, honour and obey,” he would point out with a tone of voice that suggested there should not be any further discussion. If I felt like it, or if he were sick, I would relent on some issues but still the spirited debate over our wedding vows went on, year after year, decade after decade, with me suggesting that I didn’t recall that word “obey” in the marriage ceremony.

Suddenly it was time to celebrate a half-century together and we began the plans for a party, and for a small display of memorabilia from our wedding day. From the trunk came the guest register, the bridal shower books and gift lists, a veil minus the tiara that I had loaned someone,

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never to see it again, a flattened bouquet of flowers, table decorations, a cake topper and an envelope containing the booklet, Our Marriage Book.

It contains a marriage certificate signed by the minister (My Uncle Joe Carpenter), witnessed by our brothers and numbered. The subsequent pages set out the ceremony and the vows, which were of particular interest to me.

“I, Joyce, do take thee Ronald to be my lawful wedded husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poor, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish till death us do part: and thereto I plight thee my troth.”

I didn’t think “troth” meant to obey but I looked it up just in case it was a secret word meaning that. It doesn’t. One of the definitions is loyalty but in none of my searches did I find it interchangeable with “obey.”

With that knowledge, I scurried downstairs to confront him in his den, exclaiming, “I told you so. I did not promise to obey you, and here’s the proof.”

The huge grin on his face confirmed he had known that all along but couldn’t resist having a bit of fun at my expense.

Kindly revenge might take me some time, but hopefully we will have a few more years together for me to come up with a devious plot.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Upcoming Games:

‘The biggest thing is keeping good habits’: Warriors’ Yager settling in after return from NHL camp

Stellar start to season sees Moose Jaw captain put up five points in first two games since arriving from Winnipeg

It wasn’t all that long ago that Moose Jaw Warriors captain Brayden Yager was a fresh-faced 15-year-old looking to find his way on the ice in the Regina Hub, playing alongside veterans with nearly half a decade of experience in Western Hockey League.

Now, the 19-year-old forward is a rugged veteran of the WHL wars himself, with multiple league honours and a championship to show for it. So it was a little bit of a different feeling this past weekend when Yager suited up for his first games of the 2024-25 season, less than a week after he had returned to the team from Winnipeg Jets training camp.

And to say the least, that experience showed.

As expected, the former NHL firstround draft pick was a force to be reckoned with against the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Medicine Hat Tigers, posing a threat every shift and eventually finishing his return to the WHL with five points in two games.

Different times, different challenges, and a whole lot of expectations.

“It changes every year and it’s crazy how fast it goes by,” Yager said after practice on Wednesday afternoon. “It wasn’t too long ago we were in Regina in the Hub, and now I’m 19 and I’m trying to be a leader. It’s definitely weird being one of the older guys now, but I’ll try and teach some of the younger guys some things and also focus on myself and play well.”

Yager -- who was quickly minted as the Warriors’ newest captain upon his return -- came across one challenge in the

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

early going: the speed of the game, or more specifically, the drop from the NHL to the WHL.

The key to dealing with that issue is to push the pace, Yager says, and bring your teammates up to your level as opposed to the other way around.

“It’s pretty difficult because you don’t want to slow down, and it’s hard to stay at your own pace,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is to try and push my teammates and my linemates to play at a different pace than the other team and I thought we did a pretty good of that against Medicine Hat (a 6-3 win on Saturday night).”

Making that happen is all part of taking what he’s learned at his first NHL

camp in Pittsburgh and now through his time in Winnipeg, and putting it to use at the WHL level.

“A lot of players get sent back and it’s all about points, but the most important thing is keeping good habits,” Yager said. “The biggest thing about making the jump to the NHL from junior is your play without the puck, and any high draft pick, we know what we can do with the puck, we can do some pretty special things. But in Winnipeg, it was the stuff you do when you don’t have the puck and what you do when you’re back… so you stay at the highest pace you can play and keep up with the good habits.”

One thing that’s for certain is Yager

returns to Moose Jaw with tons of notoriety. A two-time winner of the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player award, the Saskatoon product put up 35 goals and 95 points last season, tying for second in team scoring. He also suited up for Team Canada at the World Juniors and is already projected as a team leader for Canada at the 2024-25 tournament.

With that naturally comes pressure to perform -- and while those kinds of outside influences might weigh on some players, it’s nothing compared to what Yager expects from himself.

“I think I put more pressure on myself than anyone else,” he said. “I’m pretty used to being hard on myself and I don’t really listen to much to what the media says and things like that. So I want to play well and stick to the things I’m good at like scoring goals and making plays and also being a leader and good all-around player.

“I’ve focussed on that pretty much my whole life, so I won’t worry too much about expectations other than the ones I have for myself.”

Of course, as a first-round NHL pick, World Juniors standout, WHL champion and the team captain, there’s quite a bit of fame involved, too. So was there a bit of awe from the youngsters in the Warriors line-up when he made his return?

“I don’t think so,” Yager said with a grin. “I experienced that at the NHL level but I’m no Sidney Crosby or Mark Scheifele, so I just come back here and I’m of the boys again. So it’s great to be back, it’s fun to be around here again and it’s exciting.”

Eight former Moose Jaw Warriors suiting up for National Hockey League teams this season

Total of 127 players from throughout WHL beginning new campaign in NHL Marc Smith - Moose Jaw Warriors

The Moose Jaw Warriors will have eight alumni suiting it up for teams in the National Hockey League to start the season.

Two NHL teams will have multiple former Warriors on their opening night rosters with Tanner Jeannot and Joel Edmundson suiting up for the Los Angeles Kings and Noah Gregor and Travis Hamonic set to lineup for the Ottawa Senators.

Jeannot and Edmundson are both in their first seasons with the Kings.

Jeannot was traded from Tampa Bay to Los Angeles at the NHL Draft as he suits up for his third team in the NHL. The 27-year-old forward had seven goals and 14 points in 55 games with the Lightning last season.

Edmundson signed with the Kings in the offseason after playing for Washington and Toronto in 2023-24. The 31-year-old defenceman finished the season with one goal and six points in 53 games.

Gregor joins the Senators after playing last season with their Ontario rivals, the Maple Leafs. Entering his sixth NHL season, the 26-year-old forward had six goals and 12 points in 63 games last season with the Leafs. Hamonic is heading into his fourth

season with the Senators after posting two goals and six points in 48 games during the 2023-24 season. The 34-year-old is in his 16th NHL season with 52 goals and 235 points in 841 career games.

Brayden Point is set to lead the Lightning for another season as he enters his ninth year in the NHL. The former Warriors captain had 46 goals and 90 points in 81 games with Tampa Bay in 2023-24.

Morgan Rielly heads into his 12th season in a Maple Leafs jersey in 2024-25. The 30-year-old defenceman finished with seven goals and 58 points in 72 games last season with Toronto.

After helping the Hersey Bears to their second straight Calder Cup title, Dylan McIlrath will start the season in the NHL with the Washington Capitals. McIlrath has played nine games in the NHL over the past two seasons since joining the Capitals organization but helped their AHL squad to back-to-back championships.

Brett Howden prepares for his fourth season with the Vegas Golden Knights and his seventh season in the NHL overall. Last season in Vegas, the 26-year-old forward posted eight goals and 19 points in 72 games.

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager in action after practice on Wednesday afternoon.

The Moose Jaw Warriors will be well represented in the National Hockey League this season.

We Deliver within city limits, Free with purchase of $45.00 We want to be your go to spot for all your beverage needs

We welcome you to come and check what we have to o er. We have over 4000 square feet to serve you. If we don’t have what you are looking for just ask one of the team members and we will do our best to bring it in.

Free bag of Ice with a $20.00 purchase or more!

Warriors partner with City of Moose Jaw to create Recreational Facility Renewal Program

If a new partnership between the Moose Jaw Warriors and the City of Moose Jaw turns out as well as hoped, local recreation facilities could be seeing a host of major improvements in the near future.

The two organizations held a press conference on Thursday at the Pla-Mor Palace dual-rink facility to announce the Recreational Facility Renewal Program, which will see the Warriors selling advertising at recreational facilities throughout the city and all proceeds going into a fund to enhance those facilities.

Should things go as planned, that could mean tens of thousands of dollars being funnelled into the Pla-Mor Palace and Kinsmen Sportsplex as well as local ball diamonds and other athletic facilities.

“It’s exciting, it gives us an opportunity to give back to the community,” said Warriors director of business operations Olivia Howe. “Being a community-owned team, we rely a lot on their support, so to be able to use our staff to sell these items within these facilities and give back proceeds that way, it’s ideal for us and an easier way to give back.”

The program expands on an existing deal that saw the Warriors sell advertising and a 50-50 split going back to the team

and the community through a general fund. Now, that advertising will cover all aspects of all facilities, with a projected 80 percent or more going into the recreational improvement fund.

“We’ve been doing this a little bit before, working with the Moose Jaw Warriors and selling advertising, but we really haven’t taken it to the community level

and reinvested it in the facilities,” said City of Moose Jaw recreation services manager Scott Osmachenko, adding that one of their biggest question marks prior to the program being formed was finding revenue streams to bring about facility upgrades.

“It’s a win-win, basically. The community, the advertiser product and then all the proceeds go back into the buildings. Minor sports need the facilities, we want to try and keep everyone active and this is a way to make that happen.”

One unique aspect of the program is that pretty much everything in every facility is up for grabs by advertisers. From dressing room doors to dugouts at ballparks and everything in between, the Warriors will do what they can to accommodate advertiser wishes.

Once the funds are pooled in the reserve account, it’ll be up to the community to decide where they go.

“The biggest thing is the community gives us that ‘this is what we think we should be doing’, not just a meeting that we have in a department,” Osmachenko said. “We want input from the community businesses that have supported this with their own funds and then they’re going to

see where the money is going to.”

Those improvements could run the gamut of just about everything, too.

“Whether it’s paving the Bert Hunt floor or adding dressing rooms to an arena or dugout enhancements at the ball parks, people will know that those funds are going into that fund instead of a general city fund,” Howe said.

Given the exceptionally high use of some recreational facilities in the city, the boost to advertisers could be substantial, said Osmachenko.

“You could talk to the Warriors and advertise with them, you advertise at the Events Centre with their programming and then you put your logo here in the arenas or the ball diamonds and that really expands the opportunities to get your name out there,” he said. “And the number of tournaments and games we have in these facilities, there are over 200,000 people who walk through these doors every year, so we feel it’s a great opportunity.”

For more information or to support the Recreational Facility Renewal Program, contact Kate Scidmore, Warriors manager of sales, at kate@mjwarriors. com.

Moose Jaw Warriors president Bob Dougall, Moose Jaw Warriors director of business operations Olivia Howe and Moose Jaw recreation services manager Scott Osmachenko gather for a photo outside PlaMor Palace after the Recreational Facility Renewal Program announcement Thursday morning.

WINMAR Warriors continue solid start to season with shutout win over Notre Dame

Page records first SMAAAHL shutout, Deichert puts up four points as Moose Jaw takes 5-0 win in Wilcox Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors find themselves in contention for first place through the early stages of the Sask Male AAA Hockey League campaign.

The Warriors saw their record improve to 4-1-0 on the season on Wednesday night after rolling to a 5-0 win over the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox, with the victory moving Moose Jaw into a tie for second place with the Estevan Bears, two points back of the unbeaten Regina Pat Canadians.

It was a milestone night for goaltender Kaleb Page, who picked up his first shutout in the SMAAAHL thanks to a 14-save performance. His defence certainly played a role in the clean sheet, as they held Notre Dame without a shot in the first period and only four in the second.

Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors goaltender with the game puck from his first-ever Sask Male AAA Hockey League shutout after Moose Jaw’s 5-0 win over Notre Dame Wednesday.

Despite the final score, Notre Dame goaltender Steven Wawryk was solid in his own right, giving up five goals despite facing 24 shots in the first period, another 17 in the second and 24 more in the third for 65 in total.

Moose Jaw took a 2-0 lead out of the first period thanks to a pair of goals from Carson Deichert, who would finish the game with four points. Linemate Ryan Gibbs also had a solid night, putting up a second-period goal and finishing with three points as Moose Jaw lead 3-0 through two periods.

Deichert now has five goals and 10 points in five games since returning to the team from the WHL Warriors and is tied for second in league scoring with Gibbs, who has put up three goals and 10 points

in that same span. Keaton Lesperance was held off the scoresheet Wednesday but has three goals and eight points to sit ninth in SMAAAHL scoring.

Gage Nagel and Charlie Nameth scored in the third period to round out the offence on the night. Nameth also had two assists to finish with three points.

Notre Dame fell to 1-4-0 with the loss and are in 11th place in the 12-team league.

The Warriors are back in action Saturday, Oct. 19 when they host the Tisdale Trojans. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Notre Dame was in action Saturday when they hosted the Swift Current Legionnaires, but because of early press time due to Thanksgiving holiday Monday, results not available for this issue.

Central, Vanier remain unbeaten at top of high school volleyball leagues

Cyclones improve to 4-0 with win over Cornerstone to sit atop boys league, Vanier downs Briercrest to improve to 5-0 in girls action Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Central Cyclones and Vanier Spirits continue to roll along in their respective Moose Jaw High Schools Athletic Association senior boys and girls volleyball leagues.

The Cyclones ran their record to 4-0 in the boys league on Tuesday night, taking a 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 win over the Cornerstone Christian School Falcons at Central. Cornerstone fell to 1-3 on the campaign and are tied for third with the Peacock Toilers and Briercrest Christian

Academy Cougars.

The other boys league game saw the Vanier Vikings improve to 3-1 and hold down second place thanks to a 25-15, 2523, 25-14 victory over Briercrest Christian at Vanier.

The Spirits had similar success against the Cougars, running their record to 5-0 after a 25-5, 25-18, 20-25, 25-10 victory at Vanier. Briecrest Christian fell to 2-3 and will need a win over Notre Dame on Oct. 15 to stay in Tier I when the first part of

the season wraps up next week.

The Rouleau Rebels took a 25-21, 25-15, 25-22 win over Central in their match on Oct. 8 to stay in contention for a Tier I spot, as they also have a 2-3 record and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Briercrest.

The other girls league match on Tuesday saw Peacock improve to 4-1 with a 25-7, 25-7, 25-17 win over the Notre Dame Hounds, who fell to 0-5

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Volleyball file

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

Mary-Lee Booth Square One Community Inc. Board President

“A Home to Call My Own” Documentary on Homelessness

Square One Community has been working on the production of a new documentary focussing in on issues around homelessness in Moose Jaw, and just released two teaser trailers in anticipation of the film’s introduction. The trailers timely release coincides with World Homeless Day being recognized on October 10th, a time to bring awareness on issues related to homelessness and to spark discussions on factors that contribute to homelessness.

Having just completed the 2024 Point in Time (PiT) Count, Square One Community is working with partners in Moose Jaw to learn and share factual information

UPCOMING

If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@moosejawexpress. com

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will be held at the Moose Jaw Public Library on Friday, October 18 from 1–4:30 pm and on Saturday, October 19 from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. Adult books, children’s books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and more! Everything is priced to sell and it’s a great way to support the Library! West Park Crossing National Open House will be held on Saturday, Oct 19th from 11am2pm at Aspira West Park Crossing. Have a soup-erb time and enjoy a tasty lunch. Spring Valley Fall Supper will be held on October 19 at 6pm. Cost $25. 8 oz. Steak & Potato; $15. Burger; Includes salad bar & desserts. Tickets available at the RM Office Please pre-order by Oct. 16th e-transfer svdic123@gmail.com. Limited amount of tickets available at the door Trinity United Church Fall Supper with turkey and all the trimmings, catered by Charlotte’s will be held on Sunday Oct. 20th at 5pm at 277 Iroquis St. W. For Tickets Call Gail at 306-6940051. Briercrest Fall Supper will be held on Sunday, October 27th from 5:00-7:00 pm. - Come and enjoy a homecooked meal of turkey, ham and all the trimmings at the Briercrest Community Centre. Adults: $25/6-12 yrs: $15/5 & under: free. Tickets available at the door, doors open at 4:30 pm. Sponsored by the Briercrest Community Centre and Briercrest Museum. For more information contact: Marge (306) 630-4092.

COSMO CENTRE CRAFTS & PRODUCTS FAIR will be held from 9am-3pm on Saturday, November 2 at the Cosmo Centre. Come and pick up some early Christmas gifts or simply pamper yourself! Concession open. $2 Donation to enter for a surprise draw. For more information contact Anita (306) 6301256.

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.

BRIDGE LESSONS - It’s fun, social and a great game! Thursday evenings 7:00-9:00 pm Oct. 3 – Nov. 28 (9 sessions for $45) For more information or to register call Anita (306) 6301256

Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: September, October, 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 Lawn Bowling in Crescent Park Tuesday and Thursday DROP IN @10am will continue as weather permits. Evening bowling will be sporadic. For reservation phone 306630-8160 also to register for Members Fall tournament on Sept 21.

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. Winter 2024 Program on Monday nights starting September 30 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

on the complexities of homelessness, and to advocate for and develop a continuum of programs and services to support our most vulnerable citizens. These services include, but are not limited to, emergency shelter spaces; meal programs; outreach responses; and supportive housing spaces-- all of which support folks to move toward securing and maintaining independent living in safe and affordable housing.

In short time, Square One Community will be announcing the premiere of their locally filmed documentary. This thirty-minute film invites the viewer into the lives of two lived-experience individ-

uals and also addresses some of the common myths associated with the homelessness situation in Moose Jaw.

As an opportunity to promote awareness and engage community members in open discussions on homelessness, Square One Community is pleased to unveil the first trailers for their upcoming film. Stay turned for more information on the premiere of “A Home to Call My Own”.

There are two trailers included with this article that can be viewed online.

EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

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, smallgroup, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306-6841464 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 Celebrating 100 Years of providing communications skill education. The Moose Jaw Clubs invite guests to all meetings. TAP Toastmasters meet Tuesdays @7pm on zoom. Big Country Club meet Wed @ 7 in person @Saskpolytech.

Big Country Toastmasters invites everyone including former members, people who are new residents to Canada to visit. For more information email officers-3418@ toastmastersclubs.org or text 306-690-8739. For more Information text 306-690-8739 or email officers-3418@toastmastersclubs.org

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss Support Group meets at The Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 – 3rd Ave.

N.E., Moose Jaw. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Weigh ins are 8:00 – 8:45 am. Meeting to follow. Scale weighs to 350 lbs. Join for friendship and support on your weight loss journey. For more information go to 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

Saskatchewan Library Week will take place from October 13 to 19 to promote the resources and services that libraries have to offer. This year’s theme “Grow with Your Library” highlights how a person can grow intellectually, socially, and creatively by using library services and programs.

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.

ADULT PROGRAMMING:

MJPL MOVIE CLUB Monday, October 21

@6pm in MJPL Theatre for adults Drop-in program Movie: Phantom of the Paradise DOCUMENTARY NIGHT Thursday, October 31 @ 6pm in MJPL Theatre for adults Drop-in program Movie: Room 237

MAGIC THE GATHERING Saturdays, October 19 & 26 @2pm in Reading Room for ages 13+ Drop-in program

MJ CHESS CLUB AT MJPL Sundays, October 27 from 1-4pm in South Meeting Room for all ages Drop-in program MAKER NIGHT Monday, October 21 @6:30 pm in South Meeting Room for ages 13+ . Registration required Project: Hanging Macrame Wall Art FRIGHT FEST ON KANOPY All month long from horror classics to thrilling adventures, Fright Fest celebrates horror and fascination during this spooky season. Get your flashlight ready and start streaming, only on Kanopy with your library card.

YOUTH PROGRAMS:

DIGITAL D&D Fridays from 4:00-6:00 pm at the MJPL Youth Discord Channel for ages 16-25. No D&D Oct 25

Registration required - Email youth@mjlibrary. ca to inquire.

TEEN D&D: INTO THE DEPTHS on Tuesdays OR Thursdays until Oct 24 @6:30 pm in MJPL Archives for ages 2-16. Registration required.

BEETLEJUICE MOVIE NIGHT Wednesday, October 30 @6:30 pm in MJPL Theatre Ages for all ages Drop-in program

TEEN ANIME+ CLUB Wednesday, Oct 23

@6:30 pm in MJPL Theatre for ages 12-19 Drop-in program Feature: Suppose a Kid from the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesday, October

16 @6:30 pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 1219 Snacks provided Drop-in program Project: Pumpkin Bags

MOVIE MATINEE Saturday, October 19 @ 2:30 pm in MJPL Theatre for all ages Dropin program Movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS : L’HEURE DU CONTE (FRENCH STORYTIME) Lundi, jusqu’à 21 octobre 10h30 à la chambre des enfants pour les 0-5 ans et leurs soignants All levels of French language are welcome. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Wednesdays @ 10:30 am in the Children’s Program Room for ages 2-5 and their adults! Drop-in Program LITERACY CALENDARS

Download October Early Literacy Calendar

DAYCARE STORYTIME Thursdays @ 10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 2-5 and their caring daycare providers! Drop-in Program.

BABY STORYTIME on Tuesdays in the Children’s Program Room for ages up to 2 and their caring adults!

LEGO WEEKENDS! Saturdays & Sundays during open hours in the Children’s department for ages 4+ as a self-guided activity.

MAKER SATURDAYS Saturday, October 26 @ 2pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 8-12. Registration required. Project: Spooky Articulated Hand TAKE ’N’ MAKE Q-TIP SKELETON on October 16 - Open hours in Children’s Circulation Desk for ages 4+ self-guided activity.

HALLOWE’EN SENSORY BOTTLES Saturday, October 19 @10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 2+. Registration required. The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw Contact: 306-692-5453

Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONBranch 59 Moose Jaw Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59 BINGO – Monday @ 6pm

CRIBBAGE –Tuesday @ 1:30 pm - Please sign-in by 1pm MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 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. Mulberry Estates – 220 Mulberry Ln, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1N1. Call Sales and Marketing Tricia Oblander at (306) 694-5020

Mulberry Estates Novels and Nosh event at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th. Love a good book, hearing a good story and enjoy sweet treats? Come for a visit at 220 Mulberry Lane. Please call Tricia and 306.694.5020 to reserve your spot today!

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-T and Friday’s 8am-8pm/ Lounge – Friday’s from 8am-4pm.

Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm/ Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri, 8am –4pm.

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards daily 8a.m. – 4p.m.; Monday & Thursday evenings 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 10 a.m/Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m./Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m./ Wednesday pickleball @ 5pm Cancelled for the summer months Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Mondays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m. Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.; Whist –

Tuesday @ 1pm; Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.; Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners is Monday @1pm; 500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m.; Spades – Tuesday and Fridays 1pm Full Body work out – Monday’s 10am & Wednesday 9:30am Scrabble – Monday’s at

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/1pm-Pickleball Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pmRegular Pickleball Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@ sasktel.net

Every Wednesday, open 12-6 pm, Smear –Starts at 1 pm Every Thursday, open 12-7 pm, Smear –Starts at 1 pm, Crib starts Sept. 5th; registration at 1 pm; Crib starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a partner or sign up as a spare. Every Friday, open 1-10 pm, drop in 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, October 26, 2024 - Enjoy a Hallowe’en Party in the Eagles Club Lounge. More details will follow. Party along with music by Lone Rambler – 8:30 pm start. 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/MooseJaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm. ca

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

8

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

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.

BOUT, ANXIOUS, ATHLETE, AWHILE, BACON, BATHE, BLOAT, COMMIT, COMPLEMENT, CONGESTION, CUSTOMER DEPLOY, DESIRE, EXPERIENCE, EXPOSURE, FILTHY FORCE, HUMID, LIGHT, LINEN, LOAM, MERGE, OPENLY PLANK, PLAYER, RIPE, SHOWER, SMELL, STEP, STORY, STREET, TRUE, WEAPON, WORRY

ACROSS 1. Walk in water 5. Taxi driver 10. False god 14. Minerals 15. Cognizant 16. Imitate 17. Restates 19. Anagram of “Sage” 20. Explosive

Contrariwise 22. Go-between

Bumpkin 25. Weighty books

Be mistaken

Baptize

Convent

Coniferous forest

Anger

A novel

Remarkable thing

Hitching place

Consume food

Mother

Pennies 42. Swings for acrobats

Honey insect

45. 9 person musical group 46. Bare-breasted 50. Farewell 52. Assumed name 54. Excluding 55. Truth 56. In a submissive manner 58. Winglike 59. Extraterrestrial

By mouth

Depend upon 62. Pauses 63. Circular course DOWN

Value 2. Sporting venue

Divinity

Estimated (abbrev.)

Vocation

Honor

Flying mammals

In a breathy manner

“I agree”

Pictures

Body process

Portent

For fear that

18. All 22. Dogfish 24. Search 26. Debauchery

28. Settles down

29. Once, long ago

30. Trawling equipment

31. Assist illegally

32. Wild hog

33. Kind of garden

34. Schedule

37. Nap

38. Rind

40. List of choices

41. Stop

43. Verse

44. Minds

46. Basin for washing anal area

47. Door

48. Pertaining to the sun

49. Flair

50. At a distance 51. Broad valley 53. Luau souvenirs 56. Paddle 57. Holiday drink

Construction still slower in 2024

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Construction values in Moose Jaw for the first nine months lagged 2023 when the natural gas

plant was issued permits.

Building permits to the end of September 2024 issued by city hall amounted to $23.62 million —a decline of two-thirds from $72.25 million last year. Smaller projects dominated with 161 permits this year and 128 the previous year. September was no exception recording $2.22 million in 19 permits compared with 15 worth $7.53 million in 2023. New dwellings have held up with 29 structures and

56 units worth $11.95 million, compared to 10 units worth $3.83 million last year. Major projects in September were $600,000 alterations to Sask. Polytechnic, $856,000 for apartment renovations at 424 Fourth Avenue N.W., $540,00 for a house in Iron Bridge and $340,000 for a house on Willow Avenue. Housing in September involved two permits worth $840,000 compared with eight worth $2.7 million last September. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

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. *with photo* 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 construc tion, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw, $60 and up. Will pick up, move, haul, and de liver any appliances and where in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic bar rels, great for rainwater, $20 each. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver TV’s and BBQ’s, $20 and up. Looking for body parts for 2017 F250. 306-681-8749.

Cleaner with 20 years experience, professional and bondable, please call Rebecca at 306-9900387

Hair service needs for seniors in your own home. Having a problem getting out... call for more info: 306-690-1865

160 MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE - Sunset Cemetery Last Supper Cremation Plot #212. Asking $1600, open to reasonable offers. Please call 306-693-2003. 130 FARMS, SUPPLIES & LIVESTOCK

Post Horizon Booksellers is phasing out exchange for credit by the end of December 2024 and clearing outstanding credit accounts. Any remaining credit needs to be used, declined, or donated. (We maintain a book credit for teachers; unused credit can be donated there if you wish.)

Debbie Ann Anderson (Huffman), a loving and caring wife, mother and nana passed away at the age of 64 on October 9, 2024.

Debbie is predeceased by her parents Rose and Cecil Huffman, siblings - Raymond Huffman and Faye Skipper, and in-laws Pat, Phyllis, Diane, Mary and Raymond.

Obituaries / Memorials

She will be dearly missed by her devoted husband Walt Anderson, daughters Raeanne (Jason) Duke and Erin Anderson, cherished granddaughters Carmel and Ellie, siblings Lynn and Wayne (Doreen), Walt’s siblings, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was one of a kind and had the biggest heart. She loved her granddaughters very much and always looked forward to their videochats. Carmel was nana’s little helper and loved their weekend sleepovers. Ellie made sure to always keep nana on her toes.

Mom loved her garden and all her plants. She was constantly giving dad a hard time for his poor watering skills. The two of them loved to travel and had many adventures together.

Special thanks to Lynn and family. Debbie looked forward to your chats.

A Celebration of Debbie’s life will be held Friday October 18, 2024 at 1:00pm at W. J. Jones & Son Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St W, Moose Jaw, SK. Della Ferguson will officiate. A time of sharing memories will follow in the reception lounge.

For those wishing memorial donation may be made to the Canadian Lung Association, 885 Meadowlands Dr., Suite 502, Ottawa ON K2C 3N2.

In living memory of Debbie, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director.

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

2SLGBTQ SUICIDE HELP

Wigmore Hospital Mental Health & Addiction Services Mon-Fri, 8-5 (except stat holidays): 306-691-6464

MJ Police and Crisis Team (PACT): 306-694-7603 or 911 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566

Text: 45645 or Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca

Regina Crisis Line: 1-306-757-0127

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Text: CONNECT at 686868

First Nations & Inuit Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

OUTSaskatoon Helpline: 1-800-358-1833

Trans LifeLine: 877-330-6366

The 2SLGBTQ community faces higher rates of suicide caused by discrimination and isolation. But you are not alone. Help is a phone call away.

Tyson Bilawchuk Dec. 27, 1981 - Nov. 3, 2019

In Memory of a Special Son

It’s sometimes hard to know Why some things happen as they do For so much joy and happiness

Was centred around you

It seems so hard to comprehend

That you’re no longer here

But all the happy memories Will help to keep you near

You’re thought about with pride, son With each mention of your name Death cannot change a single thing The love will still remain

In Loving Memory of Our Mom Frances O’Connor Aug. 7, 1926 – Oct. 15, 2019

You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And although we cannot see you, You are always by our side.

Always in our hearts, Pat, Kathy, Mike, and Families

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

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

Paraphernalia

I managed to play four rounds of golf when we were in Japan recently. I have put together a set of clubs for use in Japan with the help of my son who lives there. He lives in Hirakata and works in Kyoto. Now that he and his wife have a house, I am able to store clubs permanently in Japan. However, I needed to purchase all the golf paraphernalia that is required to play the game properly. Paraphernalia refers to articles of equipment designed for a particular use of activity, or items or feature typically associated with a particular activity or subject. The store was filled with all types of sports paraphernalia There was a souvenir shop that sold all types of beach paraphernalia. Possession of drug paraphernalia is not a criminal offense in Canada. The normal paraphernalia of a university; endowments, buildings and grounds, trustees and president, heads of departments and deans, curricula, grades and examinations, did not exist for the online school.

Paraphernalia was not used with this meaning at its origin in the English language. In the mid-1600s, paraphernalia was the property of a married woman, that she owned herself, as opposed to her husband’s property or the dowry she brought to the marriage. The word is derived from the Greek parapherna, meaning the brides’ property beyond her dowry. Parapherna is from para, meaning beyond, and pherne, meaning dowry. It referred to the separate real or personal property of a married woman that she can dispose of by will and sometimes according to common law during her life.

Paraphernalia can take either a singular or plural verb in English.

Synonyms include accoutrements, apparatus, equipment, gear, hardware, stuff, and tackle.

Accoutrements mean trappings or accessories. When our children were young, we would pack the car with toys, snacks, and all sorts of accoutrements to survive the three day trip from southern Ontario to the farm in Manitoba. For the dinner at our house, we set out all the accoutrements for toppings on the hotdogs and hamburgers.

Apparatus infers a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use. In chemistry labs there are apparatus designed for experiments. The gym had all the apparatus for a full workout.

Equipment means the implements used in an operation or activity. He gathered all the hockey equipment into the bag, but he left the skates on the bench by mistake.

Gear implies clothing or garments. She purchased all the gear necessary for climbing the difficult rock face.

Hardware means the major items of equipment, or their components used for a particular purpose. When she opened the Ikea box, she realized that according to the setup instructions some of the hardware was missing. He gathered the hardware needed to set up a first aid station at the finish line of the marathon.

Stuff implies materials, supplies, or equipment used in various activities. He set out all the stuff needed for cooking the Thanksgiving Day turkey.

Tackle means a set of the equipment used in a particular activity. On Fathers’ Day the two of them took all the fishing tackle needed for a fun day at the lake.

Today we decided to clean up the last of the garden produce before the colder weather settled in. Patti set out all the paraphernalia needed for the job in the monring, and I joined her after a wonderful autumn golf round. Well, to be honest, she had most of the work done by the time I arrived back home. But I did do a little bit.

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.

With love from Mom, Dad, Lyndon and family

Nearly 70 pro-life residents show support for unborn during annual Life Chain

Moose Jaw Right to Life (MJRTL) held its annual Life Chain on Oct. 6, with 67 residents participating in the event and standing up for the rights of the pre-born.

The group stood near the intersection of Main Street and Caribou Street around Victory Church for about an hour, holding various signs that said, “A person’s a person no matter how small,” “I am for children, I am for women, I am for life,” and “Protect pre-born human rights.”

Life Chain — which has been happening for 35 years — is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life individuals standing for 60 minutes praying for an end to abortion in Moose Jaw, in Saskatchewan, in Canada and across North America, explained Jean Landry, MJRTL president.

Moose Jaw joined 14 other Saskatchewan communities, 340 towns and cities across Canada and countless others across the USA in this event, which is a visual statement of solidarity that the Christian community leads and that all like-minded individuals can join, she continued.

Furthermore, Life Chain demonstrates that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death, while it attempts to awaken the public conscience

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

by exposing the truth that abortion results in the death of a child, she pointed out.

“We stand and collectively implore God to turn our hearts and minds away from this culture of death we have embraced and lead us back to a culture of life,” Landry said.

The MJRTL president noted that participating in the Life Chain takes residents out of their comfort zones as they stand out there, with many wondering what good their actions are doing. She then offered five reasons — developed by the Campaign Life Coalition — why the event matters.

Life Chain can save lives

It’s unknown how many abortion-minded women have seen the demonstrations, but Christians know that God can use their presence as a sign to those who may be undecided, she said.

Life Chain can bring healing

Some people criticize Life Chain as being insensitive, especially to those who have had an abortion. Some passersby will react in anger because the truth on the signs resonates with them since they may have an unhealed wound that has been exposed, Landry continued. Recognizing that this wound exists and that Jesus for-

OPINION/COMMENTARY

gives and heals is the first step to healing.

Life Chain challenges the public

Over 325 communities in Canada participated in Life Chain last year, with thousands of Canadians reminded that abortions are happening, and despite the pro-abortion government and media, abortion remains controversial. Passersby also learn that there is a movement committed to protect life.

Life Chain grows the pro-life movement

Millions of Canadians are pro-life, but few have put those convictions into practice, Landry said. Life Chain provides the opportunity to be a part of the movement and to learn more about the pro-life community while it opens an avenue for families who want to instill pro-life values in their kids.

Life Chain commemorates the lives lost to abortion

About 100,000 innocent humans are aborted in Canada annually, and while not every life can be saved, pro-life proponents can offer a different viewpoint, added Landry. Proponents can pray for women and offer them an hour, a small act of solidarity, or a tribute to their human dignity that usually goes unrecognized by so many.

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

Regional Political Parties Allow the Tail to Wag the Dog

The Bloc Quebecois, a Regional Party is a Master at the Wag Game

So Why Doesn’t the West Have a Regional Party?

Well, it did; An observation by Richard Dowson Background (Oct. 1): Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet wants the Liberal minority government to boost Old Age Security (OAS) payments and it “… also wants stronger trade protections for supply-managed farm sectors.”

(CBC) If the Liberals don’t agree, the Bloc will withdraw their support of the Liberals on any non-confidence votes after October 31

Quebec Regional Federal Party

Quebecers have figured out how to get Federal concessions for Quebec. In 1990 they formed their own middle of the road Federal Regional Party, the Bloc Quebecois.

As noted above, the Bloc influences Federal issues related to Quebec, meaning, the Tail can wag Dog

By Richard Dowson

First, who is the West? It’s Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Northeastern B.C.

Who was the Western Regional Federal Party and what happened to it?

It was called the Reform Party of Canada. The Party was formed in October 1987 in Winnipeg by people unhappy with the Mulroney Progressive Conservative Party. They thought the PCs catered to Quebec.

The first electoral win for the Reform Party was in the 1989 Beaver River (Alberta) By-Election. The folks in the St. Paul, Cold Lake Region of Alberta were fed up the PC Party. In the ByElection Deborah Grey ran for the Reform Party. Folks in the motorcycle community used their energy and organizational skills to help Deborah Grey win.

Deb was the first Reform Party member in the House of Commons.

The West finally had a regional voice in Parliament! In the 1993 Federal Election

Party and got more seats than the Reform Party in the 1993 election and became the Official Opposition. (Go figure?) So what happened to the Reform Party?

A Western Regional Party didn’t sit well with the old order. In addition, a bunch of interlopers with special agendas wanted to take control. One group fought another group – stuff hit the fan and in March 2000 the Reform Party folded. No more Western Regional Party.

The Bloc Quebecois carries on, still a force in Parliament. The Bloc recognized the value of a Regional Political Party. They’ve been wagging the dog for 34 years.

How Does the West Cope?

Every Federal Election they elect politicians to go East and ‘fight for the

The Bloc Quebecois had been watching. They organized their Regional

With pro-life

near Victory Church. Photo courtesy Jean Landry

West’. These Politicians get subsumed into a big political machine and have little or no effect.

Credit: Wikipedia. Deb Grey’s motorcycle and memorabilia from the 1989 Beaver River by-election, on display at the Royal Alberta Museum.

Moose Jaw Church of God 80th Anniversary celebrating with a Legacy Banquet Oct. 19

The Moose Jaw Church of God is celebrating its 80th Anniversary this month with a Legacy Banquet on October 19.

The ministry started in a small building on Fairford Street West in 1944. Growth over the next forty years led to a relocation to Hochelaga St E where services are held today The congregation also uses the Church of God Campus on South Hill and hosts a pod group in Caronport. The South Hill campus is also home to Iglesia de Dios Casa de Gloria.

The property move in 1984 provided a local ministry opportunity for the Church of God. A youth ministry called Joe’s Place was reaching out to the young people in the city and Joe Dueck, founder of Joe’s Place, says the Church of God sold its property to the youth ministry for a reduced price.

Youth ministries are important to the local fellowship. Many resources are invested in young people. This past

Submitted

summer several block parties and day camps were conducted throughout the city. Youth group programs run throughout the year. When it comes to children, Pastor Becky Adams says efforts have been made to reach those with special needs.

The church has two sensory rooms to help children with limited communication skills using special lighting, music, and objects.

PIE TABLE

FULL

The pie tables at the Eyebrow Fowl Supper kept re-filling with desserts as the near 200 guests enjoyed turkey, trimmings and pies. Eyebrow holds one of many fowl suppers. Some others are Spring Valley, Oct. 16; Tugaske, Oct 19; Rowletta, sold out, Oct 20; Trinity United Church Moose Jaw, Oct. 20; Briercrest, Oct 27; St. Joseph’s Church Moose Jaw, Oct, 27; Elbow, Nov, 1; and Mortlach, Nov. 3. Ron Walter photo

COG Moose Jaw has an active seniors’ ministry. These folk gather for Bible studies, social times and volunteer with various organizations and groups in the community.

The church also supports many ministries in the city from feeding the less fortunate to helping the Christian Counselling Centre. The local church is also home to Pastor Marvin Garcia and Casa de Gloria. The church has a pod ministry in Caronport and supports Pastor Kim in Prince Albert. It reaches into the world by supporting ministries in India, Honduras and the Philippines.

Over the years some 23 individuals have pastored the congregation, and many lay people have contributed to the legacy of ministry which is being celebrated. Larry Hasmatali started pastoring the local congregation almost 30 years ago and believes the best years are still ahead. The congregation numbers around 800 people.

The mission of Church of God Moose Jaw is to be a place of HOPE. Hospitality where everyone is welcome. Openness where everyone feels safe. Potential where everyone has a bright future. And Empathy where everyone is heard.

80 years of Christian service needs to be celebrated. COG Moose Jaw continues to be an instrument in God’s hands to introduce others to Jesus Christ.

Information on Legacy Banquet: https://www.discovermoosejaw.com/ events/165799

Seventy-four per cent said local shopping was important with 71 per cent citing food and beverage their number one local shopping priority.

Eighty per cent of shoppers age 55 and over were strongest supporters of local food and beverage shopping compared with 59 per cent of younger respondents.

The next most important local shopping categories were home and garden, liquor and wine at 41 per cent. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net