By Ryan Flaherty for Sask Lotteries
As Saskatoon continues to evolve in its second century, one local group is doing what it can to ensure that the city’s history doesn’t get forgotten along the way.
For the last fifty years, the Saskatoon Heritage Society (SHS) has worked to preserve numerous buildings, neighbourhoods and other sites of historical and aesthetic significance in the community that was first established as a Temperance colony in 1883 before being incorporated as a city in 1906.
“Preserving and showcasing Saskatoon’s heritage provides the key to understanding the Saskatoon story,” SHS past president Peggy Sarjeant explained.
“The buildings and special places, unique to Saskatoon, give the city its own special identity and provide a context within which we can appreciate the city’s history and trace its development over the years.”
Founded in 1976 amidst public concern over the demolition of the Standard Trust building on the corner of 22nd St and 3rd Ave, the SHS has spent the last five decades advocating for heritage issues, promoting heritage awareness and providing a forum for residents to share their own heritage concerns. Its work takes on many forms including research projects, public lectures and workshops, walking tours of historic Saskatoon sites, a quarterly newsletter and an annual journal, the Saskatoon History Review.
For many years, the Review’s publication was supported by funding from Sask Lotteries through the City of Saskatoon’s Community Grant program. Back issues are still available for purchase on the SHS website.
“We are proud of our journal, which provides an avenue for local historians to reach the wider public with their research work,” Sarjeant said.
Grant funding has also gone toward the Doors Open program, an annual public event that provides behind-the-scenes access to various historic landmarks and heritage architecture.
This summer, Sask Lotteries funds helped the SHS celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special event at River Landing that showcased Saskatoon’s natural, cultural and built heritage with guided tours, guest speakers, art, music, dance and food.
“The sun shone and the crowds came out,” Sarjeant said.
The anniversary celebrations aren’t over yet. The SHS will mark 50 years of advocacy, preservation and community leadership with a special brunch event at Louis’ Loft on the University of Saskatchewan campus on November 14. Ticket information is available on the group’s website.
Much has changed in the nearly 150 years since the first Temperance colonists took up residence on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. As time continues to march, the Saskatoon Heritage Society continues to ensure that the city’s past remains an important part of its story.