Yorkton This Week 2023-03-29

Few things remind more of the Canadian North than the shimmering and dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis. While we don’t exactly live in the north of the country we do get to see northern lights on occasion but rarely are they as

Water park access improvement

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Access to the water park in the Gallagher Centre is getting a major boost in part due to a federal grant, followed by matching support from the city.

“Our project “Increase Accessibility at the Gallagher Centre” was recently awarded $100,000,” explained Lisa Washington – Manager of Culture, Community & Heritage with the city at the regular meeting of Council Monday.

The grant dollars are to “ensure barrier free travel from an outside entrance through to the pool deck by installing three automatic door operators at an estimated cost of $55,000,” she continued.

“The funding also

includes the installation of two pool lifts in the water park at an estimated cost of $145,000. One lift will be installed for access to the lap pool and a second lift will be installed for access to the hot tub.

“These lifts will

enable persons with disabilities to participate in community activity within the pool area.”

However, to access the awarded grant the municipality is required to provide matching dollars.

Resources to support

this project are available in the Gallagher Centre Reserve account, however Council approval is required to access this funding, explained Washington. Council was unanimous in approving the suggested funds.

Kozushka signs with CFL Elks

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Peter Kozushka is now an Edmonton Elk.

Kozushka who hails from Yorkton and most recently from the University of Alberta Golden Bears program was selected in the sixth round, 51st overall by the Montreal Alouettes in the 2022 CFL draft.

But, after attending the Als training camp did not make the roster, although Montreal held his rights until late this January when Kozushka was

released.

Soon after the 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive lineman signed with the Elks.

The new deal essentially takes Kozushka home.

“Edmonton has become a second home,” he told Yorkton This Week, noting he has been in the Alberta city through his college career. “. . . I’ve come to love the city.”

While not making the Alouette roster, Kozushka did play football in 2022.

After his release in Montreal Kozushka returned

to Edmonton and played with the University of Alberta playing out his final year of col-

lege eligibility while keeping his options open in terms of the CFL.

“I knew I wanted to keep playing. If an opportunity came up I’d take it,” he told Yorkton

This Week

After the Golden Bears season ended Kozushka stayed in the gym training, waiting for a chance, which finally came with the Elks deal. Kozushka said he feels better prepared for a CFL camp this time.

“I now know what a pro training camp looks like . . .

There is a step up from university to pro,” he said, adding he now knows what to expect.

“It’s just knowing the mental fortitude needed to go through training camp.”

This time around there will be no awe in just being in a CFL camp, but rather Kozushka said he heads in with a single goal, do his best to show he can contribute.

“I’m going into camp with the mindset to show what I can do,” he said, adding he feels if he does that, he can earn a roster spot in Edmonton.

City recognizes long-running film festival

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The Yorkton Film Festival has received some added recognition from the city it has called home for more than 75 years. At the recommendation from

the city’s Civic Recognition Awards Committee that the Yorkton Film Festival be presented the City of Yorkton Certificate of Achievement for international, national, and provincial recognition for excellence in the arts and culture industry.

In addition, the city offered special congratulations and recognition for the Festival’s 75th anniversary in 2022, being the longest running continuous film festival in North America, explained Jessica MatsallaCity Clerk with the city at the regular meeting of Yorkton

Council Monday. “The Certification of Achievement is developed to provide the Mayor and City Council with a meaningful and enduring way to recognize citizens of extraordinary achievement,” explained Matsalla as background to the award.

Yorkton residents who achieve international, national or provincial excellence in business, education, academics, science and technology, community service, the arts, or sports may be considered for this very special honour.

Submitted

Photo by Hanna Yokozawa-Farquharson

Aurora awe!

bright and expansive as last week. Photographer Hanna Yokozawa Farquharson captured this image of the lights in Yorkton.

Peter Kozushka

Sask. posts $1 billion surplus budget

By John Cairns, SASKTODAY.ca

REGINA - Strong economic numbers and resource revenues is allowing Saskatchewan to post a $1 billion surplus budget for 2022-23.

Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Donna Harpauer delivered the budget in the legislature Wednesday afternoon. As expected, it contains no new taxes or tax increases, as well as increases across the board to health care, education, social services, public safety and the justice system, municipal revenue sharing and capital projects.

There is also a record $3.7 billion in capital investments, a reduction of up to $1 billion in operating debt, and a net debt-to-GDP projected to be 14.1 percent as of March 31. It is also projected to drop to 13.2 per cent by the end of 2023-24.

The theme of the budget is the government’s familiar slogan “Growth that Works for Everyone.” In a media conference with reporters prior to her address in the legislature, Harpauer pointed to figures released that day showing Saskatchewan grew by over 25,000 in 2022. Harpauer also pointed to the Saskatchewan economy leading all provinces in growth in 2022, with private sector forecasts projecting the second highest growth in the nation in 2023.

She said the goal of the budget is to ensure that growth continues.

“Saskatchewan’s population is growing at its fastest pace in 108 years,” Harpauer said. “More people, more jobs, more opportunities. More doctors, more nurses, and more surgeries. More students, more schools, and more affordable child care. Safer families and safer communities. Strong fiscal management, a brighter future, and better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people, and that is what this budget is about. That is growth that works for everyone.”

Financials

On the financial side, the province is forecasting revenues of $19.7 billion, up $2.5 billion from last year’s budget, powered by $9.6 billion in taxation revenue from Corporate Income, Personal Income and Provincial Sales Tax revenue which is a $1.5 billion increase over last year. Non-renewable resource revenue is forecast at $3.3 billion,

up $435 million over last year, driven mainly by solid potash and oil price expectations.

On the flip side, expenses are forecast at $18.7 billion, up $1 billion or 5.9 per cent, from last year’s budget. The net debt to GDP ratio is second lowest among provinces at 14.1 per cent.

Harpauer was noted debt retirement and lower borrowing generated $117 million in annual interest savings, which is “money that will be reinvested in people, programs and projects.”

Here are highlights of what the various ministries will be spending money on in the 2023-24 budget: Health Care

As expected, health education and social services will make up the lions share of the budget at 70 per cent.

The 2023-24 budget calls for a 6.7 per cent increase to the Ministry of Health budget up to $6.9 billion. It includes $98.8 million— “an increase of $82.7 million over last year’s budget for the Health Human Resources Action Plan,” said Harpauer.

$55.5 million is going towards recruiting 250 full-time positions and expanding part-time positions in rural and remote areas around the province, an increase of $44.9 million.

The budget also includes support for recruiting internationally educated health care workers and for the College of Medicine in new academic and research positions, special residency seats and family medicine seats.

The budget includes a $42.5 million increase to the surgical wait time strategy. Harpauer said it will fund the largest volume of surgical procedures in history: 6,000 more surgeries this year for a total of 103,000. It will also reduce the waitlist to its pre-pandemic level a year ahead of schedule, by March 2024.

Mental health and addictions programs and services are getting $518 million including a targeted investment of $12.4 million over last year, with the province touting it as the highest investment ever in Saskatchewan for these programs and services.

Advanced Education

In Advanced Education, $25.2 million in new funding goes to expanding training programs, with around 550 seats to be added across 18 training programs. $10 million will support the 150-seat expansion in nursing programs

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and $2.4 million to train internationally educated health care providers. $539,000 goes to support five new veterinary training seats for Saskatchewan students.

Immigration and Career Training is also putting in $5.2 million to support expansion of post-secondary seats, as well as initiatives to fill current vacancies through the licensing of internationally educated health care workers already in Saskatchewan.

The 2023-24 Budget will see post-secondary institutions receive over $697.4 million in operating and capital grants.

It includes $431.8 million to the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina and federated and affiliated colleges. $171.1 million goes to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and Dumont Technical Institute; and $35.6 million goes to Regional Colleges.

Seniors Care

The province is putting an additional $39 million to seniors care, with $17.6 million to 133 long-term care beds in Regina and $9.3 million for third-party long-term care providers. $5.5 million is set aside to hire 75 continuing care assistants, fulfilling the last phase of the government’s three year commitment to hire 300 CCAs to deliver home care and support services for seniors in longterm care facilities.

As well, to reduce wait times, there are increases of $7 million for more medical imaging, primarily CT and MRI scans, and $2.6 million more for more endoscopy procedures.

Social Services

As was confirmed in the House by Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky this week, more money is going to social services. The budget for social services and assistance is a record $1.7 billion, up $41.2 million, including an additional $26.6 million to support those with low incomes, families and seniors.

Increases are coming to benefits for Saskatchewan Income Support, Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, the Senior’s Income Plan, and the Personal Care Home Benefit.

There is a $30 a month increase for each of SIS basic, shelter and alternative heating benefit and the SAID basic benefit. SIS and SAID clients are to receiving six per cent more in monthly benefits.

There is also a $13.5 million increase allocated for Social Services community-based ser-

vice delivery partners. The increase for Child and Family Services is $10.5 million, and there is a $3 million increase in the Seniors Income Plan with maximum monthly benefit increases by $30/ month to a maximum of $360 or nine per cent. There is a $2.9 million increase in the Personal Care Home Benefit, for an increase of up to $400 per month or 20 per cent.

Education

The budget for prekindergarten to grade 12 and post secondary education is over $4 billion, up 6.2 percent. A record $3.1 billion, an increase of $192.8 million, is going to schools, early learning, child care and libraries.

The 27 school divisions are to receive $2.04 billion in operating funding, an increase of $49.4 million. The province is also providing $7 million to school divisions to retain over 200 Educational Assistants hired since Sept. 2021.

Distance learning is also getting funding. $23 million is going to support startup and operation of the new Saskatchewan Distance Learning CorporationSask DLC - offering flexibility to students and a wide variety of online courses.

Early learning and child care is seeing an increase of $72.1 million to $382.4 million. As of April 1 child care fees for families of children up to age six will go to $10 per day, on the heels of the recent federalprovincial announcement to that effect.

Police and law enforcement

The budget is calling for $968.5 million to go to protection of persons and property. This includes $7 million towards establishing the new Saskatchewan Marshals Service, a commitment announced during the fall sitting of the Legislature.

There is also $3.1 million being added to expand the Warrant Suppression Team in Prince Albert and the Crime Reduction Team in North Battleford.

As was indicated by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre earlier this month, operational funding is coming to second stage shelters with a new investment of $876,000 over three years to support expansion of counseling services for clients living in second stage housing, with $292,000 this year. Over $27.5 million in interpersonal violence supports and services are in the budget.

Municipal revenue sharing

As was announced by Premier Scott Moe at SARM, the 2023-24

23035DD0 23035DD1

Budget includes the highest level ever of Municipal Revenue Sharing at $297.9 million, an increase of $35.3 million or 13.4 per cent. The budget includes $503 million of direct provincial support to municipalities for an increase of $54.5 million or 12.2 per cent over last year.

There is also $249.1 million in targeted funding coming for Indigenous and Métis people and organizations, an increase of 6.8 per cent.

Agriculture

The ag budget is $548.2 million, a 19 per cent increase. It includes $89.8 million for strategic initiatives under the federalprovincial Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, $1 million to target invasive weed control on agricultural Crown land pastures, and $408 million to fund a suite of federalprovincial risk management programs including Crop Insurance and AgriStability.

Investments in trade

The budget includes a $1.4 million increase to open a trade office in Germany, part of the province’s $19.3 million International Trade and Investment Strategy to advance the province’s economic interests abroad.

The budget also provides up to $2.2 million in a Minimum Revenue Guarantee to Saskatoon Airport Authority to support a US direct flight. This was the amount previously announced in connection to WestJet’s new direct flights to Minneapolis. Similar resources are also available to Regina’s Airport Authority for their efforts to attract a direct flight to a US hub.

Other expenses

Economic development is seeing $367.4 million allocated, up $39.7 million. It includes a $5 million increase for newcomer settlement and increased immigration, $4 million funding for the expanded Targeted Mineral Exploration Initiative, and an additional $2 million to the Film and TV Production grant bringing it up to $12 million.

Capital projects funding

The provincial budget includes a record $3.7 billion for capital and $15.2 billion in planned capital investment over the next four years.

It includes the following:

$337.6 million is going to health care capital, an increase of $181 million, for projects including major ongoing construction at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital and the Weyburn General Hospital replacement.

$442.9 million is going to transportation capital including over 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways improvements. Among the projects are twinning near Rowatt and Corinne on Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and Weyburn, completing passing lanes and widening on Hwy 5 from Saskatoon to Hwy 2, and planning for construction to extend twinning east of Saskatoon on Hwy 5.

$147.3 million goes to education capital, in particular five new school capital projects, and support for ongoing planning and construction of 15 new schools and the renovation of five existing schools.

$4.4 million is being allocated to begin planning on five new school capital projects including: the new K-12 school to replace and consolidate the elementary and high school in Carlyle; a new K-12 Francophone school to replace Ecole Valois in Prince Albert; new Francophone elementary school in Saskatoon; renovations and expansion of Greenall High School in Balgonie; and renovations to Campbell Collegiate in Regina.

This is in addition to $115.7 million to build 15 new schools and renovate five existing schools in Blaine Lake, Carrot River, La Loche, Lanigan, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Regina, Saskatoon, Wilcox, and Yorkton.

$348.1 million is going to municipal infrastructure, coming from various programs such as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Canada CommunityBuilding Fund, the New Building Canada Fund and other programs.

$973.1 million is to be invested to support municipal infrastructure projects over the next four years as part of the Capital Plan.

Finally, Crown corporations will invest $2.1 billion into major capital in 2023-24, largely through SaskPower, SaskEnergy and SaskTel for electricity generation, gas transmission and distribution and communication network projects.

Minister Harpauer’s reaction

While there is plenty of spending in the 202324 budget, the budget will not please everyone. The question Harpauer faced from reporters was one they anticipated would be asked by the public: why there wasn’t more spending on targeted programs with a $1 billion surplus.

“We have to be very careful as a government not to take one time revenue and incorporate it and bake it into our year over year operational costs,” said Harpauer.

“Because what happens when that one time revenue falls, and you’ve seen that time and again, because we are fortunate to have resource revenue… but they’re volatile. And if you’ve lived through the downturns of revenues and if you’ve baked it into operational costs the following year, where do you find that money to continue a program or the expenditure.”

She said since becoming Finance Minister she was committed to restraining the use of resource revenues to cover operational costs.

“I like to keep it to 10 or 15 per cent of expenses covered by resource revenue. This budget accomplishes that,” said Harpauer, saying in the budget 12.5 per cent of operational costs was covered by resource revenue.

Saskatchewan bison industry

‘exciting & bright’ says SBA director

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The bison industry remains vibrant in the province, with an even brighter future.

At least that is the view of Denver Johnson a member of the Saskatchewan Bison Association’s Board of Director in an interview with Yorkton This Week on the weekend.

“I’m really excited about the state of our industry,” said Johnson who was in Yorkton for the SBA AGM and breeding stock sale.

Like all farm sectors the bison industry has seen it’s ups and downs, said the Prince Albert area farmer, but he added the bison business is in good shape at present.

“I see a brighter future ahead too,” he said.

Johnson said it’s often a case of meeting challenges head on to find solutions.

For example, at one point most bison were exported live for processing, most to the United States.

While export remains

a significant part of the Saskatchewan industry, some producers are now processing their own animals – Johnson included – and marketing directly to consumers.

Even COVID was one of those things which was both good and bad for the industry depending how one approached it.

The negative was the closing of restaurants, with high end establishments a key market for bison, noted Johnson.

But the pandemic also had people staying home and looking for local food options.

“And we have this amazing product right here,” Johnson said of bison.

The AGM is another indication the industry is doing well right now.

“We’re really excited about the weekend,” said Johnson he estimated representatives about 50 of the province’s bison ranches were in attendance. He added there are about 300 production units in Saskatchewan, about half of those members of the SBA.

While the AGM was in-part about the business of the SBA, it is also

an opportunity to bring speakers in to inform and educate, offered Johnson. This year that included;

*Meat sale regulations

- Chris Smith (Ministry of Agriculture), Kelsie Dale (Ministry of Health)

*Whit Hibbard, Stockmanship Journal - an introduction to low stress bison handling

There was also a speaker from Farm Food Care Saskatchewan on how to build consumer trust, said Johnson.

In that area Johnson said bison are well situated to earn such trust.

“They are very natural,” he said, adding as naturally as possible makes sense for the animals, “. . . That’s when bison do best. They don’t do well being locked up for long.”

A number of the big beasts – 40 – were stabled at the AgriArena for the weekend ready to go under the auction gavel.

The sale is a chance to add new genetics to the herd, and Johnson said there a lot of fine animals among the 14 bulls, and pens of heifers.

The Saskatchewan Bison Association held its AGM and breeding stock sale in Yorkton last week.

Massive budget surplus will bring out critics

MURRAY MANDRYK

Politics

One gets why government sometimes feel they can’t get much of anything right.

Consider the 2023-24 budget released last week under throne speech theme of “Growth that that has works for everyone” that offers a billion-dollar surplus and still pays down a billion dollars in debt.

What could there be to complain about?

Presuming the numbers presented by Finance Minister Donna Harpauer last week hold up, this will be one of the best fiscal years in the province’s history that follows a surprise $1.5-billion surplus according to this budget year’s third-quarter update released alongside the 2022-24 budget last week.

Remember: We were supposed to have a $463-million deficit in 2022-23 when Harpauer presented her numbers last year. In fact, while running for re-election in 2020, Premier Scott Moe and his Saskatchewan Party were not predicting a balanced budget (let alone, a massive surplus) for this entire four-year term.

Yet what we saw in the 2023-24 budget presented last week is the kind of surplus we haven’t seen since first-elected days of Brad Wall when we had $150 US a barrel oil.

Oil for the 2023-24 budget is expected to be around $80 US a barrel this year (less than what it averaged in 2022-23). However, the on-going war in Ukraine caused by the brutal Russian invasion is expected to result in on-going, massive potash royal revenues (although, again, slightly less than we experienced last year).

The Sask. Party government has been blessed with a substantial windfall producing $2.5 billion in expected surplus in two years.

And it is somewhat difficult to argue that they are doing the wrong things with what money.

Government debt in Saskatchewan was soaring past $30 billion in total. However, debt will fall by a billion dollars this year and $2 billion over two years. The windfall will further allow government to reduce its all-important financing charge to government (what it owes to the banks for past accumulated deficits that’s the equivalent of the interest you pay on your credit card bill) to around $812 million a year.

Just by comparison, the annual Saskatchewan budget 30 years ago in 1993-94 projected financial servicing costs of the public debt was $847.5 million a year on a general revenue fund budget when total expenses were $4.9 billion and total revenue of $4.9 billion.

This coming fiscal year, that $812 million in equivalent financial servicing charges will be revenue at nearly $19.7 billion, which is down from the $20.3 billion Saskatchewan now expected in 2022-23. However, 2023-24 revenue will have increased $2.5 billion from the $17.2 billion the Sask. Party expected a year ago.)

Spending? It’s an overall 5.9-per-cent increase in 2023-24 to $18.7 billion from the $17.6 billion projected spending a year ago when the 2022-23 budget was released. (It should be noted that the Sask. Party government is spending $19.1 billion in 2022-23, according to the most recent numbers from the third-quarter update.)

The Sask. Party administration is also spending a record $3.7 billion in capital.

In education, it’s a 6.2-per-cent increase or $235 million to deal with the highest enrolment the province has seen in 20 years.

The health budget surpasses $7 billion in and hiked financing for the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program, the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disabilities (SAID) and the Seniors Income Plan.

So what’s there to complain about? Well, expectations were high.

Rural communities and cities alike are struggling to find doctors and nurses. The $235-million education hike falls well short of the $400 million requested by the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation.

And that SAID increase amounts to a dollar a day at a time when MLAs just gave themselves a three-per-cent or $8.5-a-day raise.

Yes, even with great budgets, it’s hard to satisfy everyone.

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

◆Editorial◆ Budget missed direct help to residents

The Saskatchewan budget came down last week and while a billion dollar surplus is good news for the province in general, there was less joy for the people of the province who have generally seen their cost of living go up in recent years.

When it comes to household costs utilities have climbed, property tax has climbed, food cost has climbed, and that has put pressures on family budgets.

That is especially true given that through the pandemic hours were often trimmed, or lay-offs made and there certainly weren’t a great many workers who saw a raise in wages.

So yes, this provincial budget wasn’t one where taxes were raised – given the surplus that was almost a given –but there weren’t the cuts that might have put a few dollars back in taxpayer pockets.

That means we need to look to see what all those surplus dollars mean locally.

To start, there are dollars to design a new regional hospital here. Given other regional facilities are recent builds it might have been anticipated blueprints already existed somewhere, but the idea of cookie cutter designs to save dollars has never apparently caught hold in government.

When the hospital here is officially announced is likely dependent on when the province next goes to the polls when the facility will get a much-anticipated go ahead nod.

That will be great news locally as the existing facility is showing its age.

It will also mean local taxpayers are going to get a new bill too.

The City of Yorkton will be on the hook for a sizeable chunk of the hospital costs – depending on what the final costs are. That will mean the city has two choices, raise taxes to make the payments on its share, or institute a levy to accomplish the same thing. In either scenario the cost to taxpayers is going to be ongoing for several years.

Also in the recent budget was more dollars into the provincial revenue sharing program for municipalities.

The new dollars are not massive when you consider they are spread over more than 700 municipalities and are per capita and the provincial population is growing.

And of course let’s not forget the dollars used to be based on one per cent of PST, but when the province’s finances tightened it was trimmed to .75 per cent. Apparently a $1 billion surplus is not quite enough to return the level to one per cent.

Also mixed in there is the province changing rules whereby municipalities now pay PST on their construction problems, essentially meaning there are some grant dollars to spend, but we will be taking some of those right back in PST.

So whether the added dollars are going to be as impactful as we might like – a few more potholes repairs would at least be something the average resident might benefit from – is questionable.

Attacking the debt and its interest draw on provincial coffers is of course a good thing, but just maybe a little less paydown, and a bit more for the people of Saskatchewan directly would have been a more balanced approach.

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Wordy Wednesday

Welcome to ‘Wordy Wednesday’ brought to you by our friends at Yorkton Public Library, (including Slo the friendly sloth), and appearing here courtesy of Yorkton This Week. Happy Wordy Wednesday! Gallivant is the word of the week, which means to go or travel to many different places for pleasure or diversion. In the old days, gallivant once meant to go about, usually ostentatiously or indiscreetly, with members of the opposite sex, which didn't have an entirely positive connotation. However, today, gallivant is more likely to describe pleasurable wandering than romancing. For example, she spent her gap year gallivanting around Europe with her best friend. (Merriam-Webster. com) Life is short and the world is wide. The pandemic finally ended after three long years. I would love to start traveling around our beautiful world again!

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FESTIVAL

Continued from Page A1

“Although the Yorkton Film Festival is not an individual, it has put this city on the map for arts and culture by its claim to be the longest continuous film festival in North America,” offered Matsalla.

“In 1940, the National Film Board implemented a film distribution network with an aim to bolster the spirit of Canadians during World War II. After the war, the NFB saw funding cuts, and so other solutions were sought. Starting as the ‘Yorkton Film Council’ in 1947, the Festival has an extensive rich history which has been thoroughly captured by historian Kathleen Morrell. In fact, it had its premier showing at the old City Hall auditorium and an opening address by former Mayor Charles A. Peaker.”

In addition, “the Yorkton Film Festival is also known for awarding the prestigious Gold Sheaf Award -- first given in 1958. The history according to the YFF website, is that in 1956, Winnipeg

Free Press Film Critic Frank Morris suggested that the festival needed an award to call its own. Recalling his travel from Winnipeg to Yorkton, his suggestion to the film council was based on the golden fields of wheat he drove by. The Golden Sheaf Award remains a “staple of the festival and has truly become the unique and respected image of the festival”,” said Matsalla.

Tom Seeley, a member of the city committee said the Film Festival has made an outstanding contribution to the city through the years and was certainly worthy of the recognition.

Ron Irving, co-chair of the festival noted the event “would not be here without the support of the city,” adding he had to thank the city “for the amazing support the past 76 years.”

City Councillor and festival executive director Randy Goulden added it would be remiss not to thank “all the volunteers who make the festival every year.”

Grandstand support

While the new grandstand on the Yorkton Exhibition Grounds has been in use for more than a year, fundraising continues to cover its construction costs. Recently NL Construction, which did the work to

refurbish

PUBLIC NOTICE Assessment Roll

As per subsection 187(1) of The Cities Act, the assessment roll for the City of Yorkton for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the Assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: March 28, 2023 to April 28, 2023.

Bylaw No. 17/2003 required under section 184(2) of The Cities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment or classification to the Board of Revision is required to file his or her appeal with: City of Yorkton Secretary to the Board of Revision

Box 400 37 – Third Ave. N. Yorkton, Saskatchewan

For more information, please contact the City of Yorkton Finance DepartmentAssessment and Taxation at (306) 786-1723 or 306-786-1736.

Raelyn Knudson – Assessor City of Yorkton

Request for Proposals

Name of Proposal: Gallagher Centre Ride-On Floor Scrubber

Proposal must be received before 2:00 p.m. on March 31, 2023

Proposals will be received through the City of Yorkton’s e-bidding system at www.biddingo.com/yorkton

Details of Proposal:

The City of Yorkton is requesting proposals for the supply and delivery of a ride-on floor scrubber to the Gallagher Centre, located at 455 Broadway Street West in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

Specifications are available at: Online at www.biddingo.com/yorkton

Proposal shall remain open for acceptance by the City and irrevocable for thirty (30) calendar days following the date specified for closing.

Proposals received after the date and time specified for closing will be marked late and returned unopened.

Contact Person

Enquiries regarding the proposal procedure and particulars can be directed to:

Taylor Morrison

Gallagher Centre General Manager Recreation & Community Services City of Yorkton

Phone: 306-786-1750

Email: parksandrec@yorkton.ca

The City reserves the right to reject any or all tender. Lowest or any proposal not necessarily accepted.

the aging structure, also made a significant donation of $25,000 toward funding the project. Pictured YEA’s Lori Walsh, and Dustin Nehring from NL.

Submitted Photo

Hands-on energy education

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

For the 10th year Yorkton and Saskatchewan students are learning about energy efficiency first hand through the Smarter Science Better Buildings program.

From March 23 to April 6, the Western Development Museum - Yorkton is hosting Grade 7 students from eight classes for a half day of learning about energy efficiency in homes.

Smarter Science Better Buildings (SSBB) combines six interactive displays specific to energy efficiency in today’s buildings with exploration of the Museum galleries and buildings.

Throughout the day, students will be asked to consider energy efficiency and sustainable building methods used in the past.

SaskEnergy has been involved in the program for about five years, said Joey Werapitiya, a customer solutions leader in attendance Friday morning for the first session with students from Columbia School in the city.

Werapitiya said the program is designed to

provide students with a hands-on learning experience focused on energy efficiency and energy saving. “It’s nice to be able

to share with the kids,” said Werapitiya.

Werapitiya said having the students come out to such an event is certainly a positive in his mind.

“As a kid we didn’t do a lot of this sort of thing,” he said, adding he feels students learn by doing.

Teacher Denise Lovas said the program fits well with the Grade 7 curriculum.

“First of all, it’s part of our unit,” she said, adding they are delving into energy and conservation. “. . . It’s part of their studies.”

Attending the program is a way of reinforcing the classroom instruction, added Lovas.

“It’s a real hands-on opportunity for them,” she said.

So what is one thing students might take home to their parents that could be most beneficial in the home?

“I think there are several things,” said Werapitiya before settling on the idea of upgrading the home.

“Retrofitting is a big thing for us right now, to get more efficient equipment into the home.”

Werapitiya said the more efficient homes are, the better it is for the province in terms of energy consumption.

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Firefighting program back in Melville

Saskatchewan residents can soon train to become certified firefighters in their home province.

Applications are now open for National Fire Protection Association training starting in July, thanks to a new Government of Saskatchewan investment in Parkland College’s provincial firefighting training site in Melville.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training will

make a combined investment of $1.8 million in the college’s firefighting training program in 202324.

“The collaboration between Parkland College and the Province of Saskatchewan will address the demand for all types of firefighters, including professional, industrial and volunteer,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell said.

Firefighting training was previously available at the college’s provincial firefighting training site until 2021 when it

was placed on hold due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, those who were seeking to become professional firefighters needed to go outside the province for training.

“Our government is committed to ensuring people can train for and build a rewarding firefighting career right here in Saskatchewan. I encourage residents to consider applying and spread the word about this great opportunity,” Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. “This combined investment will sup-

port Parkland College in delivering quality education and training, ultimately ensuring a supply of firefighters to help keep our communities safe.”

The funding includes investments of:

• $1.33 million in one-time funding from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency for the purchase of training equipment.

• Up to $250,000 in annual funding from the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training to deliver firefighter training programs.

• Up to $210,000 in

Capital Grant funding in 2023-24 from the Ministry of Advanced Education for fixed, on-location capital assets.

“Parkland College is pleased to receive endorsement from the provincial government as Saskatchewan’s firefighting training centre,” Parkland and Cumberland Colleges Interim President and CEO Alison Dubreuil said. “This investment and strategic partnership with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency will provide sustainability in delivering emergency

services training to meet community and industry needs across this province.”

The provincial firefighting training centre in Melville will accommodate between 18 and 24 students per cohort for those interested in becoming professional firefighters. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1001 program will be the first training offered. Additional professional, industrial and volunteer firefighting training will begin this fall.

— Submitted

Bluechip Realty moves to downtown

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – RE/MAX

Bluechip Realty has purchased and moved to a new location in the city’s downtown at 32 Smith Street.

Yorkton This Week spoke with Rob Kozak, owner of RE/MAX Bluechip Realty, about the move.

“We didn’t own that building...we bought the business but not the building,” said Kozak, noting they’d been renting the space.

“It was nice to be able to invest in real estate and own our own building,” said Kozak, adding, “we’ve renovated it – we have about 4,000 square feet here along with a couple tenants as well –we just moved in today (March 27) and it’s pretty much ready to go.”

The move sets the business in the heart of downtown Yorkton and Kozak said RE/MAX Bluechip Realty is excited about it.

“We’re really happy to be downtown — a lot of traffic where we are — it’s really nice to be part of the downtown community honestly,” said Kozak.

“It was nice to find an existing building — cost of construction is quite high these days — so this was really kind of something that popped up on our radar and actually worked out perfectly because it was set up perfectly for an office setting,” said Kozak noting there are plans for construction to redo the exterior in the spring.

“We kind of got lucky in that regard,” said Kozak, “it’s really nice to have your own asset to work with.”

SHA mourns the loss of Yorkton physician

SHA mourns the loss of Yorkton physician

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is mourning the loss of Dr. Peter Groenewald, a family physician from

Yorkton who unexpectedly passed away during the evening on Monday, March 20.

The SHA would like to express sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Groenewald as well as his physician colleagues and friends, all of the staff members he has worked with in Yorkton and Lestock over the years, and all of his patients.

“On behalf of the SHA, I would like to express our sorrow at the passing of our long-time friend and colleague,” stated Dr. Johann Roodt, Physician Executive, Integrated Rural Health. “Dr. Groenewald was a highly valued and wellrespected member of the Yorkton healthcare team and a beloved family physician to

patients in Yorkton and Lestock. He was an incredibly intelligent and hard-working family physician who dedicated his life to serving the health and well-being of the patients, residents, and families of Yorkton, Lestock, and area. His sudden passing leaves a significant void in the hearts of his colleagues and the communities he served. We extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone who was fortunate to know him.”

Dr. Groenewald practiced as a family physician in Lestock since 1997, in Yorkton at the Broadway Medical Clinic and Yorkton Regional Health Centre since 2007, and most recently, at the Alliance

Health Clinic in Yorkton. Dr. Groenewald’s physician colleagues and the SHA will work together to meet the needs of the patients and families he served. The patience and understanding of Dr. Groenewald’s patients as well as the residents of Yorkton and area is sincerely appreciated as his colleagues, clinic, and fellow staff members work through this difficult time.

Patients of Dr. Groenewald’s who need to see a physician are encouraged to contact the City Medical Centre –Walk-In Clinic in Yorkton at 306-782-1122 or the Living Spring Medical Centre and Walk-In Clinic in Yorkton at 306890-0405.

— Submitted

2023 Yorkton Film Festival first round nominees announced

The Yorkton Film Festival juries have completed the first round of selections for the 2023 Golden Sheaf Awards.

“We had a large number of submissions again this year, which made reviewing all the films no easy task for our juries,” said YFF Executive Director Randy Goulden. “But our juries have completed their work and have selected the nominees who will be going forward for this year’s Golden Sheaf

Awards.”

Over the last 76 years, the Yorkton Film Festival has become the premiere event for Canadian filmmakers to showcase their work, with the most rigorous adjudication process of any festival.

“Our thanks to these dedicated industry professionals for volunteering their time and expertise in making this year’s Golden Sheaf Awards, and every Golden Sheaf Awards, possible,” Ms.

Goulden stated.

The festival has nominees in 17 main categories, along with 5 accompanying categories, which concludes the first-round selections. The second round, at which craft nominees and special awards winners will be selected, will start shortly. A listing of the 2023 first round nominees is available on the festival website, www.yorktonfilm.com. —

The building at 32 Smith Street is set for exterior upgrades in the spring.

Submitted Photo

File Photo

Sp orts

16U Men Booster Juice Sask Cup #2 held in city

The 16U Men Booster Juice Sask Cup #2 was held in Yorkton on the weekend featuring 18 volleyball teams from across the province.

The Prince Albert Volleyball Club (PAVC) Smashing Bananas 16U defeated the Yorkton Bongo 16U by the score of 25-17, 19-25, 15-7 to take Gold in the Division 1 final.

The Warman CVVC Stingers took Bronze after a 25-17, 25-20 win over the Regina Volleyball Club (RVC) Green 16U.

In Division 2, the Saskatoon Huskies VC Premier 15U were first in Tier 1 after a 25-19, 24-26, 15-11 victory over the Saskatoon Huskies VC Elite 16U, while the Humboldt Chaos 16U

topped the Yorkton Bongos 15U in the third place match 25-18, 25-20.

In Tier 2, RVC White 15U edged RVC Black 16U for first, 25-22, 25-23.

In the third place match, the Lloydminster Rustlers VC 15U were 25-22, 25-22 victors over the Warman CVVC Black 16U.

The next action for 16U Men is the

Provincial Volleyball Championships April 15-16, in Saskatoon and Warman.

Below are the complete final standings;

16U Men Final Standings Division 1

1st- PAVC Smashing

U11 AA Core Real Estate Terriers wrap-up

It was the ‘perfect’ ending to the perfect story that was the 20222023 Yorkton U11 AA Core Real Estate Terriers season.

It was the cheque presentation day for the three local businesses that were part of the ‘Hockey Fights Hunger’ campaign with Yorkton’s Soup Haven. Team sponsor, Core Real Estate, and two additional businesses - Hometown

Source for Sports and NL

Construction agreed to donate $1.00 to Yorkton’s Soup Haven for every goal the U11 AA Terriers scored throughout the entire season.

Over the 45 games the Terriers played, the team scored a whopping 427 goals. The Soup Haven was able to collect $1281.00 on Wednesday

for their community service.

“I’m so proud about what our hockey club was able to collectively achieve throughout the season, and this final day provides me with some additional great emotions,” stated head coach Mark Schendel.

The U11 AA Terriers would have a very successful hockey season in addition to the partnership with the Soup Haven.

The team would play a total of 45 games and end with a record of 42-1-2. They would complete the South East Minor Hockey League regular season with a perfect record of 24-0-0 and recently they experienced another perfect weekend at the league play-off tournament capturing the

league title in Estevan.

In addition to the league championship, the U11 AA team would be the first Yorkton team to win the prestigious George Watson Tournament in Regina at the end of January. Teams throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba attend the tournament.

“That was certainly

a highlight for everyone associated with this club,” stated Schendel.

In the 32-team tournament final, the Terriers would trail the Lumsden Lions 4-1 with about 10 minutes remaining. The team would score three, including the tieing goal with two seconds remaining. Cason Nagy of the AA Terriers would score the winner in overtime so

the team could claim the A-side championship.

“One of our mantras for us was when things are difficult, it’s just right for us,” mentioned Schendel. “The confidence, hockey understanding, skill level and overall execution by these youngsters was incredible,” added Schendel. “They are an amazing group of 17 special players.”

In addition to the fundraiser, the team also did a very successful food collection during one of their weekend home games. The team collected an incredible amount of food items that the Soup Haven was able to use. Many people in the community assisted with the food collection, and the two visiting teams (Northeast Wolfpack and Weyburn Red Wings) brought items as well.

“It was certainly a privilege to be part of this hockey team for the past four plus months, it truly is a mixture of emotions for me. I’m so pleased that we were able to accomplish so much this year, but I’m so sad that our time together is over,” Schendel closed. — Submitted

Rush add veteran at NLL trade deadline

The newest member of the Saskatchewan Rush is veteran Rhys Duch.

Duch, who began his NLL career back in 2009 with the long-gone San Jose Stealth, was a trade deadline acquisition coming over from the Colorado Mammoth in exchange for a thirdround pick in 2023, which would become a second-round pick if Saskatchewan makes the playoffs.

Duch’s time in Colorado was short. It was in December 2022 the Mammoth signed Duch to the team’s active roster. At the time Duch most recently had logged four points (3g, 1a) and 17 loose balls in two regular season games with the Halifax Thunderbirds during the 2021-22 campaign before missing the rest of the season due to injury.

The trade was one that was not exactly unexpected, said Duch.

“I’m not surprised by the move. I knew Colorado needed to free up some space,” he said.

What was a surprise was he was the odd-man out with the Mammoth.

“I didn’t see it coming for me,” he told Yorkton This Week, adding when the Mammoth GM called on deadline day, he knew he was on the move.

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports

As for a trade landing spot, Duch said the Rush is a good one.

“The talent pool is just incredible,” he said.

And Duch said he is excited to be playing in front of the Rush faithful too.

“The whole league knows the Rush fans are a unique group. I’m super excited,” he said.

Duch will be expected to help the Rush find a way into the playoffs. As he arrives in Saskatchewan the team sits in fifth place in the NLL West with a 5-7 record, trailing the Mammoth at 6-6, Panther City at 8-5, Calgary at 9-4 and front-running San Diego at 9-2.

Certainly Duch should add some offence to the Rush whose 141 goals is less than every team ahead of them in the standings with the exception of Colorado.

With the Mammoth this season Duch had 10 goals and 33 points in

just eight games. Across the 36-year-olds 14 season career, he’s amassed 452 goals and 1107 points, while going to four championships and winning two NLL titles.

Duch said he knows the Rush want him contributing on offence, whether scoring directly, or just giving others such as Mark Matthews and Robert Church a bit more room to get off their shots.

In talking to the Rush brass the message was rather clear.

“They want me to shoot the ball,” he said, adding a role on the powerplay is also anticipated, both things suiting his general approach to the game perfectly.

Duch said it will be a case of filling whatever role the Rush need him to play and focusing “on getting us over the top” and into a playoff berth.

Certainly, Duch has done it before.

The Victoria prod-

uct scored the overtime winner in 2019 to give Calgary their first championship in 10 years, he won his first with the

Washington Stealth back in 2010.

While not having played with most of the Rush before Duch said

Whiskers & Tails

he expects to slot into the mix rather smoothly. “I don’t anticipate any issues assimilating,” he said.

How do cats see?

If you’d like to see the world the way your cat does, say goodbye to hues of scarlet, crimson and pink. Felines are believed to be a dichromate colour-blind species, which means their retinas contain only two types of cones (colour-detecting cells). Some of a cat’s cones are thought to be sensitive to blue and others to green. In contrast, most humans have three types of cones and can see a wider range of colours.

Nocturnal performance

Thanks to the large number of rods (lightdetecting cells) in their retinas, a feline’s eyes are perfectly adapted to hunting at night. This is why it’s easy for cats to track their prey by the faint glow of the stars. However, their hyper-reactivity to light makes their eyes less efficient during the day. As protection, their pupils narrow into thin slits when the light is too strong.

In addition, cats have a broader field of vision and greater peripheral vision than humans. However, they’re nearsighted

and unable to distinguish nearby prey if it isn’t moving.

Our Monthly Feature

...For Seniors and about Seniors

Kinsmen member reflects on 57 years of volunteer work

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – George

Flunder has been volunteering as a member of the Kinsmen Club of Yorkton since 1966.

Flunder accumulated multiple recognitions for his 57 years of volunteer work with the club, but was most recently

honoured with the Kin Canada Life Membership Award on March 18 at the Perogy Cup Cabaret.

“It’s quite an honour,” said Flunder in an interview with Yorkton This Week, later adding, “it was quite a surprise – I didn’t know a thing about it.”

Flunder said he was living and working

in Esterhazy when he joined the service organization.

“I was a partsman at that time running a parts department,” said Flunder, later adding, “one of the Kinsmen [in Esterhazy] sponsored me.”

“He was my brother’s boss – I kind of felt I should listen to him,”

said Flunder with a laugh. In 1971 Flunder moved back to Yorkton and began volunteer work for projects and events like the Perogy Cup and TeleMiracle.

“This past weekend we had our 46-year Perogy Cup – should have been 48 but with COVID we had to cancel

a couple of years,” said Flunder.

Flunder said the honour came by way of his fellow club members and thinks they took into consideration the time he’s been with the club and the funds he’s helped raise over the years.

“I was always there taking part — I never missed a meeting — my attendance was good... it’s so important,” said Flunder.

“The Kinsmen of Yorkton got together with the head office in Ontario and decided they were going to give me a Life Membership Award,” said Flunder, addingg, “Kinsmen started in Yorkton in 1945 and there has been 16 Kinsmen from Yorkton that have got Life Membership Awards since then.”

Flunder is the 17th

member of the Yorkton Kinsmen to receive the award. Prior to the prestigious award he’d been recognized as Kinsmen of the Year for Yorkton in 2014-2015 as well as district plaques and a 100 per cent pin for attending club meetings for 12 years without missing one.

Flunder said his favourite past times with the Kinsmen involved attending conventions, both national and district, and noted it was the fellowship with Kin around the country that he cherished.

“I wanted to be involved with the Kinsmen,” said Flunder, adding, “I enjoy every bit of it because I love Telemiracle and Perogy Cup and all of these different events that we have.”

Continued on Page A11

Conveniently located at Royal Ford  81 Dracup Ave, Yorkton, SK

A cartoon drawn of Flunder by a fellow Kinsmen Club member.

Flunder, pictured here with members of the Yorkton Kinsmen Club after accepting the award at the Perogy Cup Cabaret.

Continued from Page A10

Flunder said it’s getting harder to recruit new members to the club and attributes the decline in membership to young people not wanting to get too involved.

“They’re busy with families and their jobs,” said Flunder.

In fact, Flunder actually re-joined the club in 2009, as at one point in history members over the age of 40 belonged to the K40 Club and the Kinsmen Club was reserved for adults under that age.

“I was very glad they did that – I was never in favour of the K40 thing because I wasn’t ready to retire the Kinsmen,” said Flunder, adding, “I just enjoy it too much — any age can take part — whatever you can do.”

Along with volunteering his time to the Kinsmen, Flunder could often be found at local nursing homes entertaining residents with his guitar skills.

“I played in a band for many years – when I got older I started playing care homes,” said Flunder, noting he’d been

playing in homes for seniors since the 1960s.

“Bentley or Aspen Bluffs or the Nursing Home or wherever,” said Flunder.

Throughout the year Flunder collects donations for TeleMiracle on behalf of the Yorkton Kinsmen Club and is a top fundraiser for the club. Flunder said the Yorkton Kinsmen make as much as $40,000 in Telemiracle donations of which he has contributed anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 in a year.

Flunder is humble about his contributions and explained that the other club members are working and have less time to fundraise, whereas he has been fully retired since 2016.

“I have more time – I can spend more time raising money.”

Flunder, now retired, was a partsman in garages and travelled for 18 years selling parts and tools “on the road.”

“The last 20 years of my life I worked at Superstore as a greeter,” said Flunder, noting he started a bed-and-breakfast business 27 years ago

and spends time helping his wife with it these days. When asked how many years he had left volun-

teering with the group, Flunder said he would keep going until he was unable to.

“Thank you to the Kinsmen Club of Yorkton and the Kinnettes for making this award pos-

sible for me and for helping with knowledge and past experience – thank you so much.”

How to help a loved one who’s suffered a stroke

ficiently stable. It includes tasks and exercises recommended by the various health care professionals overseeing their recovery. Join in on those activities to make it a little more fun and keep your loved one motivated.

Take care of yourself

from another family member or community organization. Even spending time on a hobby can be restorative.

Visit heartandstroke.ca to learn more about stroke, join a support group for caregivers and get more self-care tips.

Has a loved one of yours suffered a stroke? You may feel at a loss for how to support their rehabilitation. Here are some suggestions for helping them regain their autonomy.

Learn about strokes

Document the physical and emotional changes that may be affecting your loved one so you can bet -

ter understand their needs. It’s possible they may suffer subsequent strokes. Therefore, knowing how to intervene quickly will help both of you. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms, like speech difficulties or weak-

ness on one side of the body, so you’ll be prepared if the need arises.

Go with them to rehab

Your loved one’s rehabilitation begins as soon as their condition becomes suf -

Helping a stroke survivor can take its toll on your wellbeing. It may even become a physical, emotional and financial burden. Although your role in your loved one’s rehabilitation is essential, it’s also crucial that you not neglect yourself. You can unburden yourself of some worries simply by confiding in a friend. Seek extra help

George Flunder received a Kin Canada Life Membership Award from the Kinsmen Club of Yorkton.

Climate change concerns continue

A report released recently by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) did not paint a particularly rosie vision of our future.

The report, which seems somehow to have failed to make a major news splash, suggests the world is likely to surpass its climate target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures by the early 2030s.

The tick up in average temperature does not seem like a lot, but ecosystems are fragile, and changes in climate can have dire circum-

stances. Scientists – to be fair not all -- suggest climate disasters will become so extreme that people will not be able to adapt. That admittedly seems highly dramatic given how humans have learned to adapt to live in just about every environment on earth. Of course, we as a species adapted over centuries, where the impact of climate change; heat waves and famines and similar major disasters are expected to happen soon if climate change is not curbed.

Now there are some issues moving forward in terms of dealing with climate change starting

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels

with how the issue is viewed by ‘voters’.

There is a noticeable growing reluctance to believe science. Whether that is because we can no longer understand it, or simply we don’t like what is being said, so we discount it – the ostrich head in the sand approach -- but many question

the validity of climate change.

Now if the naysayers are correct and nature is doing what nature does then all will be well, and if those who doubted the science want to taunt they were right a century from now that’s fine because all would be well.

But, if the current

science is correct, we address things now, or the world will be irrevocably changed.

The question is can the world come together to make the necessary changes?

The answer is likely no.

The United States might have the will to build a wall between itself and Mexico, or to ban books in school, but to really clamp down on greenhouse emissions –impacting big business and their political donations, don’t expect massive movement quickly.

Is warmongering

Vladimir Putin contemplating greenhouse gas emissions in Russia as

he announces moving nuclear weapons into Belarus? Of course he isn’t?

Are greenhouse emissions at the top of the list in populace China, a country still very much dedicated to growing its economy? Are the poor nations thinking greenhouse gas emissions? Or, is feeding the populace the main concern?

To bring the various nations together on any issue is hard. Even consensus of banning landmines has proven impossible. Fixing things to impact climate change may sadly be beyond what our species can manage.

New UFA location expects to become integral part of the community

By Sabrina Kraft, SASKTODAY.ca

The new UFA Petroleum Expansion into Saskatchewan is ‘super exciting’, according to Don Smith, VP of Petroleum and Innovation for UFA.

“We are excited about our continued expansion into Saskatchewan, and adding value to our customers and clients. We hope that many new

customers will consider becoming members of our co-operative,” said Smith.

“We look forward to supporting our agricultural members with differential products and services, to help them with their effectiveness on the farm. There are also many benefits to fueling up with UFA such as our highly valued membership program, exceptional service

with bulk fuel delivery, our highly coveted premium Dieselex Gold, and high-speed satellite fuel pumps,” added Smith. With a UFA location now open in Weyburn, at 2 Cossette Lane with easy access to Highway 39 northwest, “we expect to become an integral part of the community,” said Smith. “We will strive to add value back to our customers and clients.”

Smith noted that Weyburn hits everything that UFA could ask for, as one of their next locations in the province.

“Weyburn is a vibrant community, rooted in agriculture, and one of those central places that will help us expand our offering in the province.” The other UFA location based in Yorkton is very similar in importance. “Yorkton is a central hub, and trade area.”

Overall,Saskatchewan as a province has been very welcoming to UFA and to the agents at the new locations. “We hired people who are very active in their community, and who have a strong work ethic,” said Smith. “These agents understand what UFA is trying to achieve, and will help us establish relationships in these communities.”

In some of the other

UFA locations, there are second and thirdgeneration agents who are now working for the co-operative. “We have been around for over 100 years, and expect to be around for another 100 years,” said Smith. “We are excited to have the opportunity to expand, and provide new customers with access to one of the largest cardlock fuel networks in Western Canada.”

Canada’s food and beverage manufacturers experience sales growth: FCC report

Canada’s food and beverage manufacturers experience sales growth:

FCC report

Regina – Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector saw strong sales growth in 2022 despite a challenging environment according to the latest FCC Food and Beverage Report.

Food and beverage manufacturing sales increased 10.6 per cent to $156 billion in 2022, with gains predominately coming from higher export values and strength in the grain and oilseed milling industry. Modest sales growth is

expected in 2023 at 2.2 per cent, with the major protein industries of dairy, meat and seafood expected to outperform that forecast. Margins were tighter last year as manufacturers navigated increases in prices of raw materials, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions.

“It is difficult for food and beverage manufacturers to pass on those increased labour and material costs,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist. “Gross margins as a percent of sales fell to their lowest level in over 20 years in 2022. While margin trends

vary based on industry, we do anticipate an overall improvement to gross margins in the coming year.”

“Consumers cut back on discretionary spending last year as they faced higher inflation, depleted savings and higher costs of servicing debt,” Gervais notes. “Inflation led to changes in food consumption decisions which resulted in fewer purchases of locally made or highervalue foods that consumers supported in mass during pandemic lockdowns.

Shifts in consumer spending resulted in a

decline in the market share of domestic-made foods, reverting to the consumption mix of domestic vs foreign foods observed prior to the pandemic. That statistic also reflects an increasingly diverse Canadian population who is looking to put different kinds of food on their tables.

“We all know money doesn’t have the same buying power it once did, and consumers are being careful with their grocery budgets. Despite inflationary pressures, we continue to see Canada’s food and beverage sector adapt and innovate to meet the changing market demands,” said Gervais. “The sector remains healthy and has a positive long-term outlook.”

Global demand for Canadian-produced food is growing rapidly. Promising innovations and technology in food manufacturing can position Canada favourably to expand its reach into

new, growing and profitable food industries. There is also opportunity to grow the sector by meeting the consumer demand for affordable, convenient, and sustainably produced foods.

“How businesses adapt to changing consumer needs and economic conditions will determine their success going forward,” Gervais said. “There have been many tests of resiliency and adaptability in recent years and the strength of the sector proves that despite challenges, there are opportunities Canadian food and beverage manufacturers are eager to take advantage of.”

The annual FCC Food and Beverage Report features insights and analysis on grain and oilseed milling; dairy, meat, sugar, confectionery, bakery and tortilla products; seafood preparation; and fruit, vegetable and specialty foods, as well as soft drinks and

alcoholic beverages. By sharing agriculture economic knowledge and forecasts, FCC provides solid insights and expertise to help those in the business of agriculture and food achieve their goals. For more economic insights and analysis, visit FCC Economics at fcc.ca/Economics. FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $47 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. We provide flexible financing, AgExpert management software, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and food industry. As a Crown corporation, we provide an appropriate return to our shareholder, and reinvest our profits back into the industry and communities we serve. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

— Submitted

Obituaries Obituaries

GROENEWALD - The family of Dr. Peter “Pete” Groenewald, beloved husband of Carla, sadly announce his sudden passing at home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. He was 63 years of age. Dr. Groenewald was born on June 19, 1959, in Zambia. He was schooled and obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree in Pretoria, South Africa. After a brief stint in Johannesburg, he immigrated to Canada where he obtained the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada and Certification in the College of Family Physicians. He was a singer, painter, and sculptor with a keen appreciation of the opera. Dr. Groenewald is survived by his loving wife, Carla and her son, Tristen; his brother Daniel; his three children: Nikola, Pierre and Jéani. A private family funeral took place in the Chapel of Bailey’s Funeral Home with Crystal Bailey, certified celebrant, officiating. Words of remembrance were shared by Pierre, Daniel, Dr. Roodt and Carla. Memorial contributions may be made to Companion Animal Hospital for pets in need (308 Broadway St. W. Yorkton, SK S3N 0N6, Phone: 306-783-3349) in remembrance of Dr. Groenewald and his love of animals. Messages of condolence may be shared at baileysfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton.

RONN - With sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Ted on March 20, 2023 with his family at his side. He was a loving husband of 64 years to Anna Marie (nee Worobetz). He was dad to Brian (Karen), Jan (Tim), & Dean (Jennifer). Gedo to Kara (David), Jacob & Elsa, Tanner, Matthew (Darcy) & Robyn, Jon, Kelsey & Jayden. Ted was born in the Preeceville area to John and Mary Ron. Brother to Anne, Walter, Stella, Lena, Bill and Alice. As a young man, Ted worked at the Nickel Mine in Yellowknife, NWT. He then worked as a Grain Buyer for Searle, Federal, and the Sask. Wheat Pool. Ted enjoyed serving many communities. These included Selkirk, Runnymede, Endeavour, Preeceville, Hudson Bay, and Gorlitz. He took time off from buying grain, after serving in Endeavour, to pursue a career with the family and owned the Invermay Café for a year. When serving in Gorlitz, Ted and Ann took pride in building their retirement house in Yorkton. They enjoyed the community for many years. Ted’s happy place was playing ball, curling, cards, coffee row, casino, and craft sales, along with camping at numerous lakes in Saskatchewan. His love of camping lead to settling down at Good Spirit Lake. They had a full-time spot for their trailer at Good Spirit Acres. Due to Ted’s dementia progressing, they made a difficult decision to move from Yorkton to Saskatoon in 2018. The Funeral Service was held on March 24, 2023 in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens

Family Centre with Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac of the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church in Preeceville presiding. The cross bearer was Jacob Firman. Words of remembrance were shared by Jan Frain and Brian Ronn. The interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Matthew Ronn, Jon Ronn, Kelsey Ronn, Jayden Ronn, Tanner Frain and Kara Firman serving as casket bearers. Memorial donations may be made to the Telemiracle Foundation (2217C Hanselman Court Saskatoon SK S7L 6A8) as gifts of remembrance. Messages of condolence may be shared at baileysfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton.

TRETIAK-SASS - It is with great sadness that the family of Angeline Tretiak-Sass announce her sudden passing on March 18, 2023 at the age of 83 years, at Yorkton, SK. Angeline will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband, Joseph Sass, sons William (Doreen) and Charles (Chyrill) Misouri, granddaughters, Jennifer (Darren) Shulba and Nicole Misouri, sister Beverly Moss, sister-in-law Deanna Faucom, as well as many other extended family members and cherished friends. Angeline was predeceased by her parents, Camille “Bill” Faucom and Sedonie Haberman, and by her former husband, Terry Tretiak in 2011. Angeline was truly a kind, generous and caring person. Her warm and outgoing personality drew others in readily and friends were easily made. Angeline was a deeply religious and spiritual person, who prayed the rosary daily, attended Divine Liturgy faithfully, and was a long-time active member of St. Mary’s Church. Angeline was a gifted artist, whose paintings and needlepoint works along with her treasured icons, figurines, keepsakes and flowers adorned her home, reflecting her talents and beautiful spirit. Angeline “Angie” as she was known by her many friends, was a very industrious and energetic lady. She was an accomplished cook and gracious hostess, entertaining all who visited with delicious and plentiful meals. Angie was an excellent homemaker, and an avid gardener, who especially loved flowers, which she planted and nurtured in every available spot in her well-kept yard and garden. Angie led a very active lifestyle, enjoying her daily walks, tending her garden and preserving the bountiful harvest it yielded. Angeline and Joseph were united in marriage on May 7, 2016 at St. Mary’s Church, at Yorkton, SK. Angeline and Joseph especially enjoyed spending time at the cabin, travelling and camping in their motorhome, gardening and routinely joining their group of friends for coffee at A&W and Soup ‘n Such. Angeline was a dear wife, friend and beautiful soul, and an overall lovely lady, who will be dearly missed and remembered by many. A public visitation was held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from the Chapel of Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton, SK. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Friday, March 24, 2023 from St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Leonid Malkov, C.Ss.R. as Celebrant. The cross bearer was Fran Dmyterko and Gloria Rhinas read the Epistle. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Robbie Sass, George Flunder, Derek Rhinas, Jerry Holowatuik, Eugene Holowatuik and Curtis Rhinas serving as casket bearers. In remembrance of Angeline’s life, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Building Fund as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

Vichnaya Pamyat - Eternal Memory

LOZINSKI - Randy Allan Lozinski passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the age of 69 years. Randy was born on January 2, 1954, a son to Albin and Pauline Lozinski. He grew up on the family farm in the Hyas district. Randy attended school in Sturgis where he obtained his grade 12. He helped his dad on the farm until he decided to pursue work in different locations over the next few years. This took him to the far north for a brief time. His love of farming brought him back to his farming roots in Saskatchewan. During this time he took a job in Neepawa, MB where he met his wife Beverley Freeman. During their time together they relocated to Calgary until they were married in Neepawa on May 22, 1976. A short time later Randy took a job with Yorkton Concrete and they relocated back to Yorkton to be closer to family. Their daughter Kristin Dawn was born on October 17, 1981. Randy enjoyed snowmobiling with his cousin Rick and riding his motorcycle. Randy spent many years working and farming until Bev’s passing in 2005. He continued working at Yorkton Concrete during which time he met Sheila Drozda. The two were married on Sept. 1, 2012. Randy is predeceased by his first wife Bev, his parents Albin and Pauline Lozinski, as well as his grandparents and a number of aunts and uncles. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Sheila, daughter Kristin (Chris Jordens), step-daughter Regan (Craig Rodgers), step-grandchildren Carter, Jayha and Mckinley, brother Wayne (Leila), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his Yorkton Concrete family of 40+ years. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Doreen Day, Certified Celebrant officiating. Words of remembrance was given by Jayha. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Rick Strykowski, Dale Lozinski, Dylan Lozinski, Dana Lozinski, Carter Rodgers and Keith Gattinger serving as casket bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Randy may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

Adeline Sharon Kolodziejak

May 7, 1948 - April 2, 2015

Eight years have passed since we said goodbye to a special woman who’s

Easter Colouring Contest Drop Off to Win a Bunny

Showcase

It was a big day for members of Skate Yorkton. The young skaters took to the Westland Insurance Arena ice Saturday afternoon to perform in the club’s annual ‘Showcase’. The program included 17 different perform-

ances, some by skaters as young as three, while others were far more seasoned with Saskatchewan Winter Games and Manitoba StarSkate Championships on their skating resumes.

Staff Photo by Calvin Daniels

What is that in your hand? God can use it.

The stories that come from our most difficult experiences have significance far beyond their endings.

Like Chantelle’s story, included in our book, West Nile Diary.

Chantelle shared the Preacher’s ward during his last weeks recovering at Wascana Rehab Centre in 2008. Stunted in growth and horribly disabled from birth by cerebral palsy, the twenty-two year old frequently wailed like an abandoned kitten. She had no other way to communicate her loneliness and frustration.

When he heard that awful keening, the Preacher often picked up his recorder and instructed me to roll his chair to Chantelle’s

room. Once there, he began playing songs and hymns, often The Friendly Giant and Jesus Loves Me.

Chantelle listened. Stilled. Slept. A few months after leaving Wascana, we received a message. Chantelle’s mother, Edwina, wanted to meet my husband.

The Preacher made the two-hour drive. Chantelle, home now, greeted him with jerks and grunts—more exuberance than her mother had ever seen her display.

“Thank you for saving Chantelle’s life,” said Edwina.

“I beg your pardon?”

Edwina explained that Chantelle seldom left her care for

Sunny Side Up

more than a few hours at a time. When circumstances forced them apart for longer, Chantelle became so distraught her body would seizure. She’d already had two heart attacks caused by separation trauma.

When Edwina’s own health forced her into hospital, Chantelle entered Wascana. No one, not even her mother, expected her

to live past the first few days. But based on staff reports, Edwina believed those visits from Chantelle’s own “friendly giant” had saved her daughter’s life—multiple times.

Months later, the Preacher and I visited Chantelle’s mother again. “Edwina, do you mind if we pray for you?” I asked.

“Not at all,” she said. “I need all the prayers

I can get!” We linked hands and I prayed simply that God would assure her of his love, draw close, and give her strength for each day, and hope for each tomorrow. And that she would strongly sense him walking with her in her valley of ill health.

Then we left. I can still see her small face, tired and tear-stained, peering through the screen door. She leaned over as she waved goodbye. Her condition made it too painful to stand.

Edwina died two weeks later. Five weeks after that, on Easter Sunday, Chantelle died too.

At his little friend’s funeral, the Preacher told those gathered that no life is unimportant to

God or too small to make a difference. He picked up his recorder. He played “The Friendly Giant.” People chuckled. He played, “Jesus Loves Me.” People cried. Some sang. Perhaps Chantelle and Edwina sang too.

I don’t believe in coincidences—only God-incidents. Our contact with Chantelle led us to her mother and prepared the way for that prayer at the door.

Why does God allow illness or disability? I don’t know. But I know this: He can redeem it. And if we’re listening, he’ll link us with others who need precisely the thing in our hands. A disability, a voice, a recorder, a prayer...

What’s that in your hand?

“Eat your vegetables!”

We have come a long way with veggies in our meal-planning; there are vegetables from far away lands, available in our grocery stores twelve months of the year! Gone are the days when the main choices were carrots, cabbage, iceberg lettuce, celery, and radishes. Yummy as these are, there are now so many choices like peppers of all shapes and colors, fresh herbs, exotic treats like eggplant, okra, lettuces and cabbage of every description, and so much more!

Many veggies to chose from Gardener’s Notebook

Last time we had tea, we chatted about growing mushrooms, an interesting adventure for gardeners who may not have a traditional garden. Here’s another possible possibility: microgreens.

What are microgreens? As the name suggests, they are little greens…tiny plants that are harvested to enjoy one to two weeks after germination. We might

think that these are the gourmet garnishes in a nice restaurant…but they can be the next new thing that gardeners can try to grow at home!

Maybe you’re wondering right now, what’s the difference between growing sprouts and growing microgreens?

Microgreens are just sprouts that have been allowed to grow a little while longer, so that we can actually see miniature leaves.

Microgreens have a lot of punch in a small package: they are high in nutrients, containing all the minerals and vitamins of their adult counterparts, but with perhaps more visual appeal. They are easy to grow. They’re easy to add to sandwiches and salads. And there’s such variety! We can grow microgreens using kale seeds, arugula, mustard, peas, radishes, chia, buckwheat, beets, or Swiss chard. I read that broccoli microgreens are real power-

houses of vitamins.

So where do we begin?

The first thing to consider is our growing medium. We can use small containers with a light soil mix, or there are special mats that we can purchase. These mats are made from hemp or cotton. But just for today, let’s assume that we are using the light soil mix.

Because the roots of our crop will be small, we don’t need big or deep containers: flatter containers are preferable, with drainage holes. I read that before planting, we should water these containers from the bottom by placing them in a tray and adding water, letting the soil soak it up. After the soil is damp,

St. Andrew’s United Church

SECOND AVENUE AND SMITH STREET OFFICE 306-783-4157

MINISTER REV. JEN DRESSER

Website: http://www.standrewsyorkton.ca

Facebook: St. Andrew’s United Church

Join us Sunday, April 2nd at 10:30 am Online (Zoom/Facebook/Youtube) and in person!

we sprinkle our seeds of choice on the surface of the soil; there is no need to cover the seeds. ( It was suggested that seeds with a hard outer shell, or larger seeds, can be soaked for a few hours or overnight before planting.) Then we cover the seeds so that are in the dark until they germinate. When that happens, we uncover them and bring then into the sunlight.

Depending on the seeds, we can probably start our harvest in a couple weeks, using scissors to snip the microgreens. Rinse them gently before use. After that, we just need to maintain even moisture. Some microgreens will come

back and give us a few more harvests, especially if we leave the lowest leaf on the stem while harvesting.

It sounds like an easy and fascinating project, doesn’t it! It would be fun to try in these days before we can get out into the garden. And delicious! We grew pea shoots last year, and my, they were tasty! Even the aroma of them made us think of the garden! Maybe you might want to give this project a try!

See what’s happening with the Yorkton horticultural society by visiting our website at www. yorktonhort.ca Thank you to our friends at YTW for their great work. Have a nice week!

Westview United Church

355 Bradbrooke Dr. 306-783-3063 westviewuc.ca

Worship Sundays @ 10:30am

Minister : The Rev. Deborah Smith

Everyone is welcome!

St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church 155 CATHERINE STREET 306-783-4594

Conducted by Ukrainian Redemptorist Fathers Phone 306-783-4594 or 306-783-7778

Saturday - 5 p.m. (English)

Sunday - 9:00am (Ukrainian) 11:00am (English)

SICK CALLS ANYTIME—BAPTISM AND MARRIAGE BY APPOINTMENT

St. Mark The Evangelist Orthodox Church

160 Betts Ave., Yorkton, Sask

“Services In English”

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”

CAMP EASTER SEAL is the only completely barrier-free camp facility of its kind in Saskatchewan and offers campers a true camping experience. Campers enjoy horseback riding, arts and crafts, sports, campfires, boating, and swimming, often for the first time. Through corporate and public donations and the efforts of countless volunteers, we are able to subsidize our weekly summer camps, allowing campers to attend free of charge. The average cost to send an individual to Camp Easter Seal is $1,955.

SUMMER FUN is a recreational day camping program, operated during July and August, for children and youth aged 6 to 22. The program fosters community inclusion, social skill development, and increases confidence and self-esteem in program participants. The rewards of laughter, play, and learning are immeasurable!

From voice-activated software to eye gaze technology, ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES is dedicated to applying electronics and computers to aid in communication, improve quality of life, and increase independence for individuals. Adaptive Technology has a life-changing effect on the lives of people experiencing disability.

A HUGE thank you to all 160 riders of the 2023 Easter Seals Snowarama!

TOP 10 PLEDGE RAISER CLUB

Top pledge raiser: Kenn Propp of Yorkton - $30,497

2nd top pledge raiser: Rudy Flaman of Southey - $27,468

3rd top pledge raiser: Kevin Hruska of Gerald - $15,474

4th top pledge raiser: Larry Hilworth of Yorkton - $8227

5th top pledge raiser: Lynn Schmidt of Langenburg - $7330

6th top pledge raiser: Giles Norek of Gerald - $6075

7th top pledge raiser: Brent Clark of Spy Hill - $4450

8th top pledge raiser: Richard Purves of Rhein - $2785

9th top pledge raiser: David Harris of Yorkton - $2621

10th top pledge raiser: Rick Bilous of Yorkton - $2157

Barry Bradshaw-Chairperson

Rick Bradshaw-Chairperson

Aleks Hoeber

Glen Spilak

Brian Spilak

Jodi Onda Inglis

Don Bielinsk

Evan Labas

Tracy Bielinski

Dan Kirkham

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Richard Burym

OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS

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The funds raised at Snowarama will provide individuals experiencing disability the opportunity to participate in Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services.

Easter Seals is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, self-esteem, and self-determination of individuals experiencing disability through Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services.