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NEWS & EVENTS

The Saskatoon Heritage Society Invites you to attend
2pm Sunday, April 27th, 2025
Luther Heights Theatre, 1802 Alexandra Avenue.
“Saskatoon a Century of Change”
How photographs have documented the changes of many historic sites in Saskatoon….. A presentation by Local Author, Photographer and Historian John Waddington
 

 

 

 



Friends of 114 Seminary Crescent Re-emphasize Vision Amid University’s Decision to Decline Expressions of Interest
Official Statement by committee established to save the building April 17 2025
We have put together a 71 page PDF file – if you would like a copy please email Hoknes@hotmail.com 

SASKATOON, SK — The Friends of 114 Seminary Crescent acknowledge the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors’ April 15 decision to decline all Expressions of Interest (EOIs) related to the repurposing of the historic Lutheran Seminary Complex and to proceed with demolition plans.
 
While this decision does not reflect what so many in the community have wanted nor anticipated, we remain committed to the possibilities that still exist. The conversation continues — as does the opportunity.
 
The building designed by renowned architect, John Holliday-Scott, at 114 Seminary Crescent, has inspired a growing movement of organizations, institutions and individuals committed to imagining a future rooted in partnership, reconciliation, and public benefit. Over these last months, local residents, building science professionals, heritage advocates, alumni, and international voices such as ICOMOS Canada have come together to offer meaningful and viable support for alternatives to demolition of the building and many were grateful for the Seminary’s incredible gesture to gift the building to a new owner should the University support a renewed purpose and vision for the structure and land. 
 
Despite limited timelines and other constraints, five expressions of interest were submitted in response to the University’s call and two that we are aware of are notable in their depth, clarity, responsiveness to safety concerns, financial viability (based on costs verified by a well-known local cost estimator), and alignment with the university’s mission and broader public goals.  The Saskatoon Tribal Council, with the permission of Chief Arcand, has graciously allowed their proposal to be shared publicly (see attached), outlining an Indigenous Student Centre of Excellence—a space for belonging, learning, and leadership grounded in reconciliation. The second, submitted by the Saskatchewan Awāsisak Ka-Sīhtoskāhcihk Child Advocacy Centre, proposed a co-located hub offering critical wraparound supports for vulnerable children, youth, and families.
 
These proposals reflect a collective desire to build something more—something future-focused, inclusive, and deeply meaningful to Saskatchewan’s evolving story. We remain committed to continuing these conversations—with the University, with the wider community, and with all who have stepped forward with a positive vision and spirit of collaboration.  We believe that proposals like these align with values of innovation, inclusion, and collaboration—values that define great institutions and resilient communities.
The Friends of 114 Seminary Crescent is a volunteer collective of architectural and planning professionals, concerned Lutherans, community and business leaders, alumni, heritage advocates, and citizens committed to the preservation and adaptive reuse of this significant piece of Saskatchewan’s built heritage. We believe in the power of partnerships, purpose-driven planning, and respectful dialogue to reimagine spaces in ways that honour the past while building a vibrant, inclusive future. 
 
We believe the University’s decision matters and that viable, community-driven alternatives exist. The path forward must build on collaboration, care, and creativity. While we deeply regret both the decision to demolish the building and the rejection of proposals and partnerships poised to move our communities forward in reconciliation, we look to continue our dialogue and support around the vision and leadership of those who have been working tirelessly to strengthen our communities while giving new life for this outstanding heritage building. 


We invite and welcome collaboration and support from all who share this vision. Together our voices can make a difference.
 
Members of the Friends of 114 Seminary Crescent will be available for media comment on Monday, April 21 at 10:30 am via Zoom (Link below)
Please contact us to arrange interviews or request additional information.
 
Media Contact:
Colin Tennent
Friends of 114 Seminary Crescent
 
Warm regards,
Rev. Richard Engel, BA, M.Div., Lutheran Chaplain
Monica Kreuger, MBA, ICD.D
Megan Krueger, Principal Architect, Wallace Krueger Architects, SAA
Michael Molaro, Principal, Higher Groundwork Horticulture, LEED AP, GRP
Luke Ryalls, Registered Architect, Wallace Krueger Architects, SAA
Peggy Schmeiser, PhD, Adjunct Professor 
Lenore Swystun, Director and Principal Partner Prairie Wild Consulting Co., RPP, MCIP, President Saskatoon Heritage Society
Colin Tennent, Architect (Retired) SAA, FRAIC
Andrew Wallace, Principal Architect, Wallace Krueger Architects, SAA
We acknowledge that 114 Seminary Crescent stands on Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis. We honour the land and the diverse Indigenous peoples whose presence and stewardship continue to shape this place.

USask set to demolish two historic buildings after failed restoration bids
Author: Brody Langager    Published in Star Phoenix April 17 2025

Two historic buildings on USask grounds are being demolished after attempts to find restoration bids.

Two historic buildings on the University of Saskatchewan grounds will be demolished after failed attempts to find alternate uses for them.

Community feedback had paused the demolition of the buildings at 113 and 114 Seminary Crescent back in December 2024, but the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors said none of the five job bids to restore the 114 Seminary Crescent building were financially viable, adding that a consulting firm estimated $55 to $60 million would be required to restore it.

The board added that the fire department’s order for the 113 Seminary Crescent building required it to be repaired and operational by May, and that demolition was the only practical and financially-viable option.

USask said the 113 Seminary Crescent building would have required significant investment, noting issues around flooding and an electrical transformer failure.

The Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) has owned the 114 Seminary building since 1967, but it hasn’t been used in the past five years.

“While the board appreciates the historical significance of the Lutheran Theological Seminary building, this does not outweigh the very real and immediate risk to public safety posed by these vacant and deteriorating buildings, nor does it supersede the board’s fiduciary responsibility,” the board said in a statement.

The LTS buildings were the work of Saskatoon architect John Holliday-Scott, and USask said while the building was considered an affiliated asset in the university’s heritage register, it didn’t have heritage status that was recognized federally, provincially or municipally.

USask said it will consider ways to commemorate the 60-year old buildings.

It added that the space is best suited for a recreational or open space for the university community, and that the area is part of a proposed national urban park.

Building demolitions are set to proceed within the next few months.


SASKATOON HERITAGE SOCIETY – AUCTION 2025 – PLEASE DONATE ITEMS !
 
Our annual auctions ran Mar 29 to April 12 2025.  The items are all on a special auction page on Facebook.com so just go to this link and you can place bids on any of the 165 amazing items all at unbelievable prices.
Saskatoon Heritage Society is a non-profit charitable organization that, for close to 50 years, has provided an independent voice for the preservation of Saskatoon’s heritage, adhering to its mandate of encouraging an appreciation of our historic places and cultural heritage, and advocating for their protection. The Society receives absolutely no government funding and relies, almost entirely, on the proceeds of an Annual Auction to finance its educational and advocacy activities.

Become a member of the Saskatoon Heritage Society!

Keep up to date on issues and have a voice in decisions that affect our heritage. Your membership fee also includes a yearly subscription to our newsletter.Heritage Society Memberships for One Year
• Senior Citizen $10.00
• Student $8.00
• Individual $15.00
• Family $20.00
• Corporate $30.00
You can purchase your yearly membership three ways:
a) Via credit card online through www.paypal.com
Send payment to saskatoonheritagesociety@gmail.com
b) Via e-transfer to saskatoonheritagetreasurer@gmail.com . Please include the membership type you are purchasing, along with your name, address, email address and phone number in the message box.
c) Or by sending your name, address, email address, phone number, and payment to: Saskatoon Heritage Society, P.O. Box 7051, Saskatoon, SK S7K 4J1.
You can also become involved by attending a Board Meeting. The Saskatoon Heritage Society meets the third Wednesday of each month.
For further information: 306 652-9801.


 
SAVE THE LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY – MEETING – JAN 9 2025
There will be a meeting to discuss saving from demolition the Lutheran Theological Seminary space.
On Jan 9th, we will gather to chat about the most recent Expression of Interest sent along from the USASK Senior Leadership Team and approaches going forward.  This meeting is scheduled for 430 pm at WallStreet Common, 310 Wall Street.  Look for parking alongside the building, on the street, or in the paid lot corner of 25th at Pacific Ave.
PLEASE SHARE !!

SHS – SASKATOON HERITAGE SOCIETY – DECEMBER 2024 – NEWSLETTER – Read latest heritage news & other history articles

The Saskatoon Heritage Society Invites you to it’s Annual New Year’s Social!
 
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED & POSTPONED FOR LATER IN 2025
Cliff Wright Library Auditorium – 1635 McKercher Drive
Join us for our Annual New Year’s Social, and enjoy an interactive afternoon with fellow heritage enthusiasts – Light refreshments available. Free admission – All are welcome!
ALAN MORTON gives a presentation on the history of Steamboats on the Saskatchewan River


Many of you will have heard about the proposed demolition of the former Lutheran Seminary, which sits on the northern edge of the U of S campus, overlooking the riverbank. A beautiful location and a beautiful building. This is a fine example of late modern architecture. It was designed by well-regarded local architect, John Holliday-Scott, who also designed the Law College building and the Dental College, as well as several municipal buildings. The Seminary building is listed as an ‘A’ building in the USask Heritage Register. Unfortunately, the Seminary at 114 Seminary Crescent has been empty for several years and has suffered from neglect and vandalism. The university feels it does not have a use for the building and, despite its ‘A’ listing status, is proposing demolition. In response to pressure from architects, members of the Lutheran community, heritage advocates, such as the Saskatoon Heritage Society, Canadian Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS Canada) and other concerned citizens, the university has agreed to run a USask led expression of interest (EOI) process to determine if there is interest in leasing and re-purposing the building. The deadline for response is February 19th. A very short time frame indeed! The Lutheran Seminary is a remarkable building, a gem from the 1960’s. Members of the Society and others are doing their best to raise awareness of the situation and of the possibilities for the building’s re-use. They will be meeting in early January to discuss further strategy. If you are interested in the building and want to know more, please contact Lenore Swystun: Lenore.swystun@prairiewildconsulting.ca. 306 222-8481
In the meantime, enjoy the holidays!
Best wishes, Peggy Sarjeant, Saskatoon Heritage Society

 

Become a member of the Saskatoon Heritage Society!

Keep up to date on issues and have a voice in decisions that affect our heritage. Your membership fee also includes a yearly subscription to our newsletter.Heritage Society Memberships for One Year
• Senior Citizen $10.00
• Student $8.00
• Individual $15.00
• Family $20.00
• Corporate $30.00
You can purchase your yearly membership three ways:
a) Via credit card online through www.paypal.com
Send payment to saskatoonheritagesociety@gmail.com
b) Via e-transfer to saskatoonheritagetreasurer@gmail.com . Please include the membership type you are purchasing, along with your name, address, email address and phone number in the message box.
c) Or by sending your name, address, email address, phone number, and payment to: Saskatoon Heritage Society, P.O. Box 7051, Saskatoon, SK S7K 4J1.
You can also become involved by attending a Board Meeting. The Saskatoon Heritage Society meets the third Wednesday of each month.
For further information: 306 652-9801.


 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS – CHRISTMAS DOWNTOWN IN 1965 !   2ND AVENUE SOUTH 
Folks Finer Furs – Royal Bank – Tivoli Theatre (library PH-2002-14-102)
 
 

RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF YOUR HOUSE and/or FAMILY IN SASKATOON

A guide and index compiled by Terry Hoknes
Use all the following links, resources and websites to collect and find data on your family or your home
Click on the link at the top of your screen!
 

SASKATOON HERITAGE REGISTRY
learn more about the 62 protected and heritage designated properties in Saskatoon

SHS – SASKATOON HERITAGE SOCIETY – JUNE 2024 – NEWSLETTER – Read latest heritage news & other history articles

http://saskatoonheritage.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Heritage-Connections-Jun-2024-Newsletter.pdf


HERITAGE FESTIVAL OF SASKATOON 2025
The 2025 Heritage Festival of Saskatoon will be on Sunday, Feb 2nd at the Western Development Museum.
Registration is NOW OPEN for groups and organizations to exhibit in the Heritage Festival of Saskatoon! For more information and to register, follow this link: https://forms.gle/uZjmYKBuSzHVHuAx8
We hope you’ll join us for our 37th annual festival!
 

Saskatoon History Review #33 is now available

McNally Robinson – September 27th 2024 – 7pm
City Archivist, Jeff O’Brien, will be our MC for the evening
Authors of the latest articles will be in attendance to speak about the book
All are welcome to this event!
 
Articles cover fascinating Saskatoon topics such as:  Historic Ice Palaces, construction of the Idylwyld Freeway and removal of 50 houses, HMCS Unicorn 100th anniversary, Next of Kin Memorial Avenue 100th anniversary and Saskatoon on film in 1921.
Authors include: Terry Hoknes, Alan Morton, Brock Silversides, Peggy Sarjeant, Jeff O’Brien, John Dalzell.
 
Copies are now available directly from the Saskatoon Heritage Society or at McNally Robinson or the WDM
 

Welcome to the Saskatoon Heritage Society – please watch the following video which tells you more about our organization. We also have an extensive collection of local history videos on the links above as well as 33 issues of our annual Saskatoon History Review magazine available for purchase.

Welcome to the Saskatoon Heritage Society – please watch the following video which tells you more about our organization.
We also have an extensive collection of local history videos on the links above as well as 33 issues of our annual Saskatoon History Review magazine available for purchase.

 
EVENT POSTPONED
“Saskatoon a Century of Change” How photographs have documented the changes of many historic sites in Saskatoon….. A presentation by Local Author, Photographer and Historian John Waddington Light refreshments will be provided; Admission is free and everybody is welcome, however, any small donations to help defray costs, are always appreciated. Please park on the street. – Parking is NOT available on-site!
 

SASKATOON WALKING TOURS – SUMMER 2024 hosted by Saskatoon Heritage Society

Sunday July 14 – 2 p.m. – Historic Downtown Tour. Learn of the settlement, and
development, of Saskatoon’s historic downtown district, with local historian, Terry Hoknes. Tour to last
approx. 1 ½ hours. Assemble outside of the Bessborough Hotel at 2: p.m. – A Saskatoon Heritage Society
(SHS) programme: Donations welcome!
Sunday July 28 – 1.30 p.m. – Forestry Farm Park Walking Tour and Open House.
Superintendent’s Residence Open House 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m., followed by a tour of the park at 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the history of the park and its impressive collection of various trees and shrubs. – A Friends of
the Forestry Farm House (FFFH) Programme – www.fffh.ca
Sunday August 11 – 2 p.m. – Saskatoon’s Early History- Broadway Avenue Tour.
Assemble at the Pioneer Memorial Cairn (top of Broadway Bridge & Saskatchewan Cres) and learn about the early history of Saskatoon’s settlement from your tour guide, local historian Terry Hoknes. The tour duration, will be approximately 1 ½ hours. – A Saskatoon Heritage Society (SHS) programme: Donations welcome!
Sunday August 25 – 1.30 p.m. – Forestry Farm Park Walking Tour and Open House.
Superintendent’s Residence Open House 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m., followed by a tour of the park at 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the history of the park and its impressive collection of various trees and shrubs. – A Friends of the Forestry Farm House (FFFH) Programme – www.fffh.ca
Sunday September 22 – 2 p.m. – Nutana Pioneer Cemetery Tour (1.5hrs).
Led by local historian, Dianne Wilson – Meet at corner of Ruth Street W & St. Henry Avenue.
Saskatoon’s original cemetery (1884-1948) commemorates those intrepid members of the settlement
and homesteading community of the early days of the Temperance Colony. Come and hear some of
their stories- A Saskatoon Heritage Society (SHS) programme: Donations welcome!


SHS – SASKATOON HERITAGE SOCIETY – DECEMBER 2023 – NEWSLETTER – Read latest heritage news & other history articles

http://saskatoonheritage.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Heritage-Connections-Dec-2023-Newsletter.pdf


SASKATOON HISTORY REVIEW IS PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY THE SASKATOON HERITAGE SOCIETY.
Each issue is full of fascinating articles and photographs of Saskatoon’s past. There are 33 issues available. We have most copies still available for sale for only $5.00 each on behalf of the Saskatoon Heritage Society
SASKATOON HISTORY REVIEW COMPREHENSIVE LIST issues #1-33 compiled by Linda Dietz
Find a complete list of all 200 in depth articles at this link
 
 
 

Saskatoon Heritage Society Annual AGM July 4th 2024 7pm Queens Retreat (601 Taylor St West)

Following the official AGM Meeting Patti McGillivray will give a brief presentation on the ‘History of the Queen’s House Retreat and Renewal Centre’
A tour of the building and grounds, will also be conducted by the Facilities Manager.
Take advantage of the opportunity to visit this long-standing Saskatoon facility and its wonderful surroundings, before it’s permanent closure!
 

 

Welcome to the SHS – Saskatoon Heritage Society – Watch video to learn more !

Welcome to the Saskatoon Heritage Society – please watch the following video which tells you more about our organization.

We also have an extensive collection of local history videos on the links above as well as 33 issues of our annual Saskatoon History Review magazine available for purchase.