Martensville City Council met for their final meeting of the month on Tuesday, May 21, with a full agenda that included public hearings, subdivision approvals, zoning bylaw updates, and key departmental reports.
The meeting began with a public hearing regarding a discretionary use application to develop a 90-seat licensed daycare at 100 Main Street West, located in the front commercial rental space of the Martensville Recreation Centre. This facility, once approved, will offer essential childcare services to the growing community.
The daycare project has already received provincial approval and is backed by a $1.3 million investment through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. These funds will be used for base building upgrades; including flooring, electrical, and mechanical systems, as well as tenant improvements necessary to meet daycare standards.
The facility is expected to create over 20 full-time positions, with additional part-time and casual roles, contributing to Martensville’s local economy. It will operate Monday through Friday, from 7:00am to 6:00pm, with designated parking and drop-off areas.
City Council’s approval is required to finalize the lease agreement and proceed with development. Without it, the daycare cannot legally operate at this location.
A presentation was made to Council by Alan Wallace of Wallace Insights, who provided Council with information on a long-term plan for Martensville’s Main Street. Inspired by models such as Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon and First Avenue in Ladysmith, BC, the project explores how zoning, design, and long-term policy can build a welcoming and robust Main Street in Martensville, an amenity the community currently lacks. The initiative is in its early stages, with public engagement and planning sessions expected in the near future.
Council also reviewed and approved two subdivision motions. One for 501 2nd Street South to subdivide one lot into two, supporting low to medium-density residential development, and the other for parcel QQ in Lake Vista, which is a proposal for the development of a 20-unit bareland condominium.
Council also discussed proposed amendments to the zoning regulations for care homes in R1 (residential) districts. Key elements of the proposed bylaw included adding Residential Care Homes Type II (up to 15 residents) as a discretionary use in R1 zones, reducing parking requirements for care facilities and expanding the definition of Custodial Care Facilities to include services governed under the Mental Health Services Act.
The new framework simplifies classifications into two main categories—Residential Care (e.g., group homes, senior residences, hospice care) and Custodial Care (e.g., facilities involving the justice system). This approach aims to increase flexibility and reduce ambiguity in care housing definitions.
Administration has returned with an updated version of the zoning bylaw amendment for Care Homes in R1 districts. Administration determined that rather than listing every type of care housing model, which was very problematic, the bylaw would focus on two categories: Residential Care and Custodial Care. Based on interpretations of the Mental Health Services Act, administration is also proposing that care providers for those who need assistance would also be placed under the Custodial Care definition of the bylaw. Residential care homes could include hospice, personal care homes, child care, group homes for adults with disabilities, and senior group homes. Custodial care homes would be for those involved with the justice system. This type could be looked at in the future if proposed.
Several reports were provided to Council, including from the Martensville Fire Department, and several administration departments within the City of Martensville.
The report from the MFD noted that they have responded to 185 emergency calls from January 1st to May 12th, which is an increase of 37 from last year. During this time, the MFD responded to four overdose incidents, with one fatality occurring within a rural area. Six new recruits that are currently undergoing training were hired.
The Infrastructure and Planning department updated Council on their pothole repairs, street sweeping and dust control, as well as the seasonal maintenance with lagoon discharge and hydrant flushing.
Within the Recreation & Community Services department, it was noted that the Aquatic Centre is slated to open June 1st, with the Spray Park scheduled for the end of May.
Economic Development and Communications noted that there has been business development interest from a variety of people looking for more information on developing a medical clinic, construction business, car wash, storage facility, a transportation-related business and more. Additionally, a review of the Economic Development Business Incentive Bylaw is currently underway in hopes of updating it to better align with current priorities and opportunities.
In Planning and Bylaw Enforcement, an update was provided regarding the agreement with Saskatoon’s SPCA with the boarding and care of found animals. With the recent closure of Paws Republic Centre for Pets, which had been providing temporary support when lost animals were located in the community, the City explored other local options, none of which were feasible due to operational limitations.
Under the SPCA agreement, residents or the City’s part-time Bylaw Officer, who works three days a week, can transport found animals directly to the SPCA. Licensed pets will be returned to owners when possible, while unclaimed animals are held for three days before becoming eligible for adoption. The report noted that the SPCA offers professional care, vaccinations, and sterilization for animals before rehoming. A new FAQ is now available online to help guide residents through the process, and pet licensing reminders are being circulated.
For more information about this meeting, or about Martensville City Council, visit www.martensville.ca.
