City of Martinsville

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WESTERN CANADA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY

Martensville still Western Canada’s fastest-growing city by Blair Braitenbach for SP Special Projects Amidst a booming population base and surging commercial industry, Martensville’s reputation for small-town charm with inviting, friendly neighbourhoods remains its top draw. While still holding the title as Western Canada’s fastest growing city – with thousands more expected to call Martensville home in the coming years – Mayor Kent Muench says its core foundation can only be assured through efficient community and economic development. This means, he says, maintaining an even keel between the increasing industrial and commercial sectors with mindful residential design. “It’s very inclusive, and everyone feels welcome when they come to our community,” Muench attests. “The key is balancing that growth, making sure things are effectively planned now and moving forward.” One of the more significant future population drivers is North Ridge Developments’ Lake Vista residential subdivision. The project is the broadest in scale for the company, and Martensville’s single largest subdivision to date. Fully serviced and ready for construction, the community will include approximately 1,100 lots. Once complete, Lake Vista is expected to attract an additional 3,000 residents to the urban centre. Martensville Economic Development manager Dillon Shewchuk says the City has accepted building permits featuring a variety of home styles within the development, including single family housing, townhouses and multi-family projects – with plenty of dedicated green space to maintain the municipality’s outdoor recreation advantages. “In my opinion, what we’ve done is careful planning of neighbourhoods. We don’t have the densities that larger cities have and there’s still that connectivity between residences and parks,” he explains. Located in the south-east corner of the city, Lake Vista will also feature a joint use elementary school as well as a 16-acre commercial area that will house anything from restaurants and grocery stores to professional services and more. Located nearby, D&S Developments’ Martens Estates also has lots available, with housing construction currently taking place. Though City planners are wary of developing too much, too fast, they are also aware of the benefits a more self-sufficient community can offer local and area residents. Martensville’s Centennial Drive, parallel to the bustling Highway 12 corridor, boasts a growing hub of retail, service and

commercial properties in the Sunset Ridge sites. Businesses that will soon open along Centennial Drive include a Canadian Tire, Dollarama and Great Canadian Oil Change. These are in addition to other recently opened ventures, including the 84-room Canalta Hotel, McDonald’s Restaurant, Tim Horton’s, Dairy Queen, a Co-op gas bar, Pharmasave, a dental office and more. “Lots of amenities have opened in Martensville that are improving the quality of life in our city and transforming it from the traditional bedroom feel to a city that offers a wide variety of services,” says Muench, noting the additional tax base contributes to local service, infrastructure and leisure programming. Providing “attractive incentive packages” to potential investors – including an up to five-year tax abatement on any construction improvements – has helped the city receive recognition from the CFIB as a “very fair tax environment,” Shewchuck adds. “It helps retain people and present plenty of local job options. It also makes Martensville a commercial point for people and other communities to the north of us,” he says, highlighting the recent establishment of Martensville’s first chamber of commerce in its 76-year history. Up to the end of March of this year, Martensville’s residential and commercial construction builds had amounted to $5.378 million – with exponentially more production expected throughout the summer months. Construction totals in 2013 and 2014 amounted to $51.4 million and $47.2 million, respectively. Shewchuk notes City administration is working to ensure that local infrastructure will be able to accommodate the population influx and industrial growth. One such upgrade includes the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s recent announcement to build a new overpass into the city’s southeast corner. The announcement came as part of a four-year, $7.5 million project that will also include a new overpass into Warman. “It will help disperse traffic by having two viable entrances in Martensville,” Shewchuk enthuses. Additionally, Muench says with the creation of a capital asset replacement program, the growing centre’s roads and sidewalks as well as safety considerations are given priority status. For instance, the 4th Street South roadway is in the early stages of a three-year complete rebuild to its surface and subsurface. Further, last year the provincial government lowered the speed limit from 100 km/hour to 90 km/hour and installed speed cameras along Highway 12 between Martensville’s north and south boundaries. By working cooperatively with the

The City of Martensville celebrated the opening of its new Athletic Pavilion in December. (SP file photo)

ABOUT THIS CONTENT: These stories were produced by The StarPhoenix Special Projects department to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. The StarPhoenix editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

surrounding communities of Warman, Osler, Saskatoon and the RM of Corman Park through the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G), Shewchuk says City administration has further committed to smart development. “As everyone is growing together, we need to find relationships and synergies that can take place to make everything more efficient,” Shewchuk stresses, noting the partnership has led to an agreement extending a water and wastewater line from Saskatoon to Martensville. “This area is getting denser with municipalities getting closer and closer, so it might not make sense for one community to build something and duplicate things already available nearby.” For Muench’s money though, it’s the world-class recreation and lifestyle amenities

Mayor Kent Meunch says effective planning is crucial to managing Martensville’s growth. (SP file photo) that truly make Martensville the jewel of the prairies. In particular, he cites the newly opened 50,000 square-foot wood structured Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) – which includes three full-sized hardwood courts, a 200-metre curved running track, multipurpose and fitness areas and more – as well as the 60-acre Kinsmen Park with its great variety of outdoor activity opportunities. “When thinking about Martensville I think about the quality of life and the people. It’s still a great place to raise a family in a safe community,” he says.

New Chamber of Commerce will encourage growth by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of SP Special Projects “Things in Martensville are changing so fast here. It’s hard to keep up with what’s going on,” says Trent Ens, owner of The Smokhaus and president of the brand new Martensville Chamber of Commerce. Ens doesn’t have to go far to see the neverending expansion of the business sector in Martensville. Right across the street from his meat shop construction equipment continues to make room for retailers like Canadian Tire, Dollarama and the Great Canadian Oil Change. Even still keeping up with what’s going on in the Trent Ens, owner of bustling city is even more difficult for business The Smokhaus, has been owners who are often working extra-long hours. chosen as the president of “For us business people we’re so concerned the brand new Martensville with what’s going in within our own property lines Chamber of Commerce. and inside our own buildings we don’t get out (Jeff Lyons/The StarPhoenix) much as a rule,” adds Ens. Several attempts have been made to create a business association or some other type of organization for business owners. Those efforts failed. Two years ago, concerned business owners realized a Chamber of Commerce would provide the structure to make it feasible. “What we were looking for was a way to have the businesses organized into some sort of association that would increase the benefits and decrease the paperwork,” explains Ens. “We found that a Chamber of Commerce was a perfect solution for that.” Ens credits the helpful prodding of Martensville resident Brad Blixt with getting the Chamber up and running this time around. As well, lawyer Stephen Nicholson of the W Law Group in Saskatoon has been a huge help as the legalities are hammered out and the Chamber officially incorporates. Of course, the biggest benefit for Chamber members will be the collective voice they gain. “That means you don’t have to speak for your business alone. It means other businesses will speak with you,” says Ens. A member of the Chamber will sit in on City Council meetings and report back to the Chamber. Any Chamber member will know what’s happening at City Council and how it affects their business. This is especially important with the number of businesses that will be opening in the next few months. The Chamber can also offer members other benefits like employee benefit plans or competitive rate plans for POS systems. One key bonus for members is the opportunity to network with other local business owners. Being a business owner can be a lonely endeavour. Connecting with like-minded individuals facing the same challenges can make being an entrepreneur a little less solitary. “Ideally, your neighbours should be your first customers and your first suppliers. That’s how local economies work. So the Chamber will help facilitate those things,” Ens says. For now, the Chamber will be housed at the Martensville Community Access Centre. The Centre will also provide administrative assistance for the Chamber. Member chose the first term executive at a recent election meeting. They are Ens as president, Tracey Fesiuk (vice president) from Martensville Plumbing and Heating, Tracy Cocks (treasurer) from Infinity Salon and Sherisse Sametts (secretary) with CanAlta Hotel. Directors for the first term are Rob Nicholls from Off Road Exteriors, Stephen Nicholson from W Law Group, and Anthony Neinhuis with Neinhuis Contracting. Ens was relieved to have the support of so many qualified and committed people working with him. “When I started other people came on board right away. Other people started doing the heavy lifting and volunteering with things that needed to be done. There was a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of dedication.”

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

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WESTERN CANADA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY

www.martensville.ca

Lake Vista newest master-planned community

Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth has big plans for region

by Jeannie Armstrong SP Special Projects Editor When the master-planned community of Lake Vista is completely built out, the new neighbourhood will increase Martensville’s current population of 9,000 by 30 per cent. David Calyniuk, vice-president of acquisitions and real estate with North Ridge Development Corporation, says that the 160-acre subdivision of Lake Vista is the company’s largest development project to date. “It’s the first masterplanned community we’ve done in Martensville,” says Calyniuk. “It’s a ‘complete’ neighbourhood, meaning it will have a mix of residential housing types, commercial amenities and an approved

“Our vision for the future is a vibrant, prosperous, and internationally competitive region.” by Hilary Klassen of SP Special Projects Not every city is necessarily inclined to chat with its neighbours about how to accommodate a mushrooming population. But unprecedented growth in the Saskatoon North region has become a powerful incentive for area stakeholders to put their heads together. The Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) was formed last year to design solutions of collective benefit to the area. P4G is a collaborative involving Martensville, Warman, Osler, Saskatoon and the R.M. of Corman Park, who have committed their own resources to develop and help facilitate the plan. “We want to make sure there are balanced growth opportunities for everyone, and that we can all enjoy the benefits of growth,” says Alex Fallon, independent chair of the P4G. “To do this, we need to plan for land use and servicing in a regional way, with a long term view.” The group has hired Calgary Firm, 02 Planning + Design, to formulate and present a completed regional plan by June 2016. The plan will address land use, transportation, infrastructure and services as they impact on the physical, social and economic circumstances of the region. According to Statistics Canada, the Saskatoon region is one of the fastest growing areas in Canada. “Recent estimates indicate that over the past year, the population of the region grew by approximately four per cent,” says Fallon. In twenty years it could reach 500,000. “The area contains some of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, such as Martensville, which grew by 55 per cent between 2006 and 2011, and Warman, which grew by 48.5 per cent over the same time period.” Two open houses are planned for June 2 and 3 - one in Saskatoon and one in Warman. These events invite the partnering communities to get

engaged in the plan and will provide updated information on the status of the regional plan. Local businesses and residents can submit their ideas on what they would like to see for the region, how they would like to see the The Saskatoon North region has been in accelerated growth mode in recent years. The regional plan process welcomes local businesses and residents to submit their ideas. Two open houses will take place June 2 and 3 – one in Warman and one in Saskatoon.

The Partnership for Growth (P4G) is developing a regional plan for Saskatoon North. It is anticipated Calgary firm, 02 Planning + Design, working with the P4G, will formulate and present a completed regional plan by June 2016. (Photos: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix) economic growth, but also the desire for healthy and connected ecosystems. It acknowledges the aesthetic beauty of the region with the South Saskatchewan River and prairie landscapes as contributors to the quality of life. The expectation is that 20 years down the road, enhanced quality of life will be built in, infrastructure will be streamlined, the population will continue to increase, and the region will continue to attract the eyes of new stakeholders. “By working together, we can offer consistency and certainty for investors, businesses, and residents. This provides the best opportunity for a prosperous and sustainable quality of life, for everyone in the region,” says Fallon. “Because of the plan, people will know ‘this is where we’re going,’ the development makes sense and it’s sustainable in the long run,” says Muench. “Hopefully people will look back and say, ‘those people actually thought about this stuff’.” For more information visit partnershipforgrowth.ca

land-use map, an exciting piece that everyone will want to see, providing visual representation of how their community may look in the future as well as how that may impact their own properties. Collaborating in various current or future projects, whether it’s wastewater management, a possible regional college or recreational facility, brings in new efficiencies, the ability to leverage these partnerships and reduce costs, and helps the region avoid duplication of services. An interim solution has been drafted to address development projects that wish to move forward during the two-year regional plan process. “The Interim Development Strategy is in final review with final approval anticipated for the end of this month. The intention is to share the Interim Development Strategy at the open houses on June 2 Helen Hyde 306-229-8787 and 3,” says Fallon. hhyde@sasktel.net The Partnership for Growth published a vision statement earlier #5-3012 Louise Street, Saskatoon SK this month which references not only

partnership address growth, and what needs to be looked at to handle that growth. Martensville mayor Kent Muench welcomes the new opportunities and enhanced quality of life the regional plan will bring. “The partnership is a not only a benefit to the region, but to Martensville as well. Not only are you getting development in Martensville as the RM develops, you get opportunities for employment with the RM which then makes it attractive for people to live in Martensville. The same is true for Saskatoon, Warman or Osler.” Muench says the plan will include a

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money back to those service groups by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith who volunteer to help their programs of SP Special Projects in the community, so it’s a win-win for It’s time to fly at Buster Days in everybody.” Martensville. For over thirty years, the A slow pitch tournament also takes community has gathered every June for place throughout Buster Days. Space several days of fantastic fun. This year’s is limited so register early. Register event takes place from June 5 to 7 and your team by calling 306-683-5577. Or includes an exciting new demonstration email recprograms@martensville.ca for – Flyboarding. more information on the tournament The latest in watersports makes a or volunteering. If you’re interested in splash at Buster Days with four shows attending Buster Days can also be found on Saturday and three on Sunday. A on Facebook for up-to-date information. Flyboard is a type of water jetpack worn “I would say it’s Martensville’s biggest like boots that utilizes water propulsion community event. We just want people to lift the user out of the water to to come out and have a good time and basically fly. Controlling the jetpack enjoy some sunshine, hopefully,” says with their feet, the user can perform Reddekopp. hair-raising acrobatics – from loops and summersaults high above the waves to diving right into water. The 10 p.m. show on Saturday includes lights and glow-in-the-dark features and promises to be a spectacular treat for audiences. For those who’d like to do more than just watch, there is also an opportunity to try Flyboarding yourself. Registration beforehand is required at www. albertaflyboard.com/ rentals/bookings. Aside from Flyboarding there is plenty to see and do for all ages at Buster Days, according to organizer Angie Reddekopp. Friday night features a Family Night Out at the North Ridge Community Centre. The night consists of pizza and carnival games followed by a screening of Big Hero Adult Condominiums in Martensville 6. Everything kicks off at 6 p.m. Cost is $20 per family or $5 per person. For ages 10 through 18 there is a youth swim night for $5 per person and includes a pizza supper. The entire evening is capped off with fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday is jam-packed with lots of excitement. Events kick off with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by yoga at 135 Beaudry Crescent in Lake Vista, Martensville, SK 9 a.m. and a parade at 11 a.m. Sunday starts with a community church service Exclusively sold through at 11 a.m. and a family picnic with hot dogs and watermelon. Throughout the weekend food trucks will be onsite www.realestatesk.ca for refreshment and good rob.friesen@century21.ca eats. Other entertainment includes Astro Jump, a Ferris wheel, and horse wagon rides. There will also be appearances by Lala the Clown, Super Ron Magician, Kenni the SHOW SUITE Clown, Princesses and OPEN HOUSE HOURS Superheroes and a fire performer. All outdoor Sunday 2-4pm events are held in Kinsmen Park. or By Appointment If you or your service group want to get more & '*&) "$'% *(+!$#% involved Reddekopp says they’re always looking for volunteers. “The Buster Days organization gives

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joint use school set to open in 2017.” Lake Vista will be the foundation of Martensville’s growth over the next 20 years, adds Calyniuk. “It’s the first of three neighborhoods that will be developed on Martensville’s east side.” North Ridge Development Corporation began acquiring and developing land in Martensville in the mid-1990s. An estimated 2,000 people in Martensville currently live in properties that have been built by North Ridge over the past two decades. “We developed and built on streetscapes and small groups of lots in the past,” says Calyniuk. “The next logical sequence for us was a development planned at the neighbourhood level.” The community has been designed

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Lake Vista is North Ridge Development’s largest development project to date. The master-planned community features a mix of housing types, commercial amenities and a new joint use school set to open in 2017. (Supplied image) around two man-made lakes, each approximately 10 acres in size. “The central lake is a major focal point, surrounded by walking paths and green space. Residential lots back onto that feature lake,” says Calyniuk. The second lake will be adjacent to property zoned for multi-family developments and commercial properties. “We envision multi-family developments that would be able to offer views of the lake, as well as restaurants with lake-front patios,” he adds. Linear parks and walking trails will ensure the connectivity and walkability of the neighbourhood, says Calyniuk. “Residents in every corner of the community will be able to easily access those central features.” With an entire spectrum of housing products on offer, Lake Vista is attractive to home buyers of every demographic, from first-time buyers to retirees looking to downsize. “We have single family lots ranging from $70,000 up to $200,000, including walkouts backing onto the park. There are a variety of multi-family projects that have been proposed by several builders. Those will probably take shape over the next six to 12 months,” says Calyniuk. “We’ve also sold land parcels that are conducive to the seniors’ market. For example, Bridge Road Developments is doing a seniors’ apartment-style rental project in Lake Vista.” The confirmation that a joint use school

will be built in Lake Vista was welcome news to North Ridge’s management team. “The school will attract a lot of families to the neighbourhood, not only first-time buyers but also move-up buyers from within Martensville as well as Saskatoon,” says Calyniuk. With young families in mind, North Ridge is constructing a number of single family homes in Lake Vista, with prices starting just under $300,000. The same houses constructed in Saskatoon would be priced significantly higher, because of the difference in lot prices. “A major driver in Martensville’s growth is the ability for purchasers to save on the cost of housing,” says Calyniuk. However, Martensville’s appeal extends beyond lower housing prices. “Some people don’t want to live in a big city, but they don’t want to live in a rural setting. Martensville still has that small town feel to it, while offering many big city amenities,” says Calyniuk. North Ridge currently has two show homes open for viewing in Lake Vista, located at 1085 Parr Hill Road and 101 Beaudry Crescent. Show home hours are Monday to Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Lots in Lake Vista are being sold to all builders, as well as individuals. For more information on lot availability and pricing, visit www.lakevista.ca or www.northridgeland.com.

PROFILE MARTENSVILLE BUSINESS Sponsored Content

Geransky Bros. Construction celebrates 40 years of success It’s been four decades since Ed and Irvin Geransky joined forces to establish Geransky Brothers Construction in Martensville.Two years later, brother Dennis Geransky joined the family business. Today, Dennis Geransky leads the company as the proud owner and CEO. Geransky Bros. Construction is a licensed, experienced contractor, specializing in residential foundations.“Our success is based on honesty, integrity and Christian values. Our team of experienced, loyal employees are ready and able to serve new and loyal customers alike,” says Dennis. A second generation joined the family business over a decade ago: Dennis’ sons Corey and Ryan. Corey is involved with the equipment side, while Ryan focuses on concrete operations. When it comes to residential foundation, Geransky Bros. Construction offers the whole package − from survey to backfill – and all the steps in-between, including footings excavation, walls, weeping tile and damp-proofing, water and sewer connection, backfill, garage foundations, deck pilings and all of the slab work. Geransky Bros. will even coordinate the inspections and work together with the local inspection firm. A large staff of over 45 skilled, experienced employees operates an enviable fleet of equipment, including cat crawlers, cat hoes and skid steers.Whether customers require small or large orders of aggregate, sand, gravel or topsoil, Geransky’s has the right size of tandem trucks and tridem end dumps to do the job. Geransky Bros. prides itself in always setting new goals and working hard to achieve them. One change implemented

by the company is the use of a new waterprooﬁng system when doing basement foundations.After careful research, Geransky’s selected the SuperPro coatings product, a highly advanced instant set water-based spray on membrane.The product comes with a 10-year waterproof warranty. Since the fall of 2012, Geransky Bros. has successfully waterproofed over 1,800 basements! Other innovations introduced by Geransky Bros. recently include the installation of Helical Screw Piles, designed for foundations in sandy and/or wet soil conditions. This spring, Geransky Bros. began sealing all garage ﬂoors with a special hardener sealer product, designed to reduce the risk of concrete peeling and shaling caused by our harsh winters. By remaining innovative and forwardthinking, Geransky Bros. Construction continues to lead the way in offering its customers the very best foundations in Saskatoon and area.“When your home is resting on a foundation built by Geransky Bros., you have peace of mind,” says Dennis. With his senior management team at his side, Dennis is optimistic that Geransky Bros. Construction will not only remain successful, it will continue to thrive in an ever-growing community. For more details, visit www.geranskybros.ca or call (306) 931-2211. ABOUT THIS CONTENT:This story was produced by StarPhoenix Special Projects on behalf of Geransky Bros. Construction for commercial purposes.The StarPhoenix editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content. SAS00318843_1_1