Saskatoon history

The history of Saskatoon began with a unique concept — the creation of a "dry" settlement in the Canadian prairies. The city, whose name is derived from the Cree word for the local sweet saskatoon berry, has evolved from a small colony into a vital economic and cultural hub of the province of Saskatchewan. Officially, its history began in 1882, when John Neilson Lake, a representative of the "Temperance Colonization Society" from Toronto, selected this site on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River to found a new colony. The first settlers arrived here in 1883 with the goal of creating a community free from alcohol. Although their initial plan did not succeed entirely, the settlement was established, and in 1906, having merged with the neighbouring communities of Riversdale and Nutana, it received city status with a population of about 4,500 residents.

Several key factors defined the development of Saskatoon, transforming it into what is known as the "Hub City". Its strategic geographical location in the centre of the province and on the riverbanks played a crucial role. A powerful impetus for growth was the arrival of the railway in 1890 and the city's subsequent transformation into a major junction for large railway companies in the early 20th century. Furthermore, the surrounding fertile lands fostered the development of agriculture, and the discovery of vast deposits of potash salts made Saskatoon a global centre for fertilizer production.

From the very beginning, Saskatoon was formed as a multifaceted centre. As early as 1885, during the North-West Resistance, some city buildings were used as military hospitals. In 1888, the first school opened, the building of which is now a historical monument. The founding of the University of Saskatchewan in 1907 secured the city's status as an important educational and scientific centre. The city's economy, initially focused on agriculture, quickly transformed thanks to its location and the development of the transport network, making Saskatoon a key logistics and trade hub, which determined its future prosperity.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1882 — John Neilson Lake, on behalf of the "Temperance Colonization Society", selects the site for the future settlement on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
• 1883 — The first settlers arrive and found the colony, which is named Saskatoon after the local berry.
• 1890 — The railway reaches Saskatoon, connecting it with the city of Regina, which becomes a powerful catalyst for the settlement's development.
• 1905 — Saskatchewan receives the status of a province within Canada.
• 1906 — Saskatoon, having merged with the neighbouring settlements of Nutana and Riversdale, officially receives city status.
• 1907 — The University of Saskatchewan is founded, soon becoming one of the country's leading research centres.
• 1912 — Construction begins on iconic buildings in the Neo-Gothic style, such as the Anglican Cathedral of St. John and Knox United Church, shaping the city's architectural appearance.
• 1940s — During the Second World War, the city becomes an important military-industrial and training centre.
• 1951 — The Ukrainian Museum of Canada opens, reflecting the significant contribution of the Ukrainian community to the province's culture.
• 1958 — Huge deposits of potash salts are discovered in the vicinity of Saskatoon, transforming the city into one of the world's centres for fertilizer production.
• 1964 — The Mendel Art Gallery opens, becoming a vital cultural institution of the city (later transformed into Remai Modern).
• 1980 — Innovation Place research park is founded, which today brings together more than 150 high-tech companies.
• 2017 — The new contemporary art museum, Remai Modern, opens, replacing the Mendel Gallery and becoming the city's new cultural landmark.

Key Milestones in Saskatoon's Development

Saskatoon's development has been defined by its strategic location, natural resources, and focus on education and innovation. Below are the main stages that have shaped the modern appearance of the city.

• Arrival of the Railway (1890): The construction of the railway line connecting Saskatoon to Regina provided the first powerful impulse for growth. This turned an isolated settlement into a transport hub, facilitating an influx of new residents and the development of trade.
• Founding of the University of Saskatchewan (1907): The establishment of the university secured the city's status as the educational and scientific centre of the province. The university campus, with its unique architecture, became one of the city's calling cards, and the institution itself became an engine of innovation and cultural life.
• Status as the "City of Bridges" (Early 20th Century): The construction of bridges across the South Saskatchewan River, such as the Victoria Bridge (1907), not only connected disparate parts of the city but also formed its unique urban landscape. Today, Saskatoon is known as the "City of Bridges", highlighting the importance of the river in its layout.
• Discovery of Potash Deposits (1958): The discovery of vast potash reserves in the city's vicinity fundamentally changed its economy. Saskatoon became a global leader in the production of potash fertilizers, attracting significant investment and creating thousands of jobs.
• Creation of Innovation Place Research Park (1980): The founding of this park next to the university was a major step towards economic diversification. Innovation Place brought together over 150 companies in biotechnology, agriculture, and IT, strengthening Saskatoon's reputation as a high-tech hub.
• Cultural Renaissance (2017): The opening of the Remai Modern contemporary art museum, which replaced the Mendel Gallery, marked a new stage in the city's cultural life. With its extensive collection, including works by Picasso, the museum has become a cultural landmark and a point of attraction for tourists and art connoisseurs.

The architectural appearance of Saskatoon is a visual history of its development: from a modest settlement in the prairies to a dynamic modern city. Its urban fabric harmoniously intertwines historical buildings from the early 20th century, monumental structures, and bold examples of modern architecture, reflecting key stages of growth and prosperity.

Early 20th Century: Collegiate Gothic and the Birth of the Centre

The founding of the University of Saskatchewan in 1907 had a defining influence on Saskatoon's architecture. The university campus, built primarily in the Collegiate Gothic style, became the city's hallmark. This style is characterized by majestic buildings made of local greystone, pointed arches, and towers, creating the atmosphere of ancient European universities. The Peter MacKinnon Building is the brightest example of this trend. At the same time, the first commercial and public buildings began to appear in the city centre, forming the historic warehouse district, where examples of utilitarian brick architecture from the beginning of the century, such as the Arthur Cook Building (1928), can still be seen today.

The Art Deco Era and "Railway Castles"

In the 1920s and 1930s, during a period of economic growth, iconic structures appeared in Saskatoon reflecting the popular styles of the time. The most recognizable building of this era became the Delta Bessborough hotel (1932), built in the "Château" or "railway castle" style characteristic of Canada. Its fairytale appearance with turrets and a copper roof still dominates the city skyline. Elements of the Art Deco style also appeared in architecture during this period, which can be seen in the design of some old cinemas and commercial buildings in the city centre.

Post-War Modernism and Contemporary Times

The post-war boom led to the expansion of the city and the emergence of modernist architecture — with its simple lines, functionality, and use of new materials such as glass and concrete. This style found reflection in public buildings, schools, and residential areas built in the mid-20th century.

In the 21st century, Saskatoon's architectural landscape has been enriched with ultra-modern objects. The undisputed landmark is the Remai Modern art museum, opened in 2017. Its building, designed by architect Bruce Kuwabara, is a composition of four horizontal volumes clad in copper mesh. The museum's architecture is inspired by the prairie landscape and references the region's agrarian structures, as well as the historic Bessborough Hotel. This building has not only become the new cultural heart of the city but also a symbol of a modern, future-oriented Saskatoon.

Notable Personalities Associated with Saskatoon

Saskatoon has been home or a significant life stage for many prominent Canadians who have left a notable mark in sports, arts, science, and politics.

• Gordie Howe (1928–2016) — legend of world ice hockey. Although born in nearby Floral, Howe grew up in Saskatoon, where he began his hockey journey. Known as "Mr. Hockey", he played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. The Gordie Howe Sports Complex in the city is named in his honour.
• Joni Mitchell (born 1943) — world-renowned singer and songwriter. She moved to Saskatoon at the age of 11 and considers it her hometown. It was here that she began performing in local coffee shops, laying the foundation for her unique musical career. The Joni Mitchell Promenade along the South Saskatchewan River is named in her honour.
• John Diefenbaker (1895–1979) — 13th Prime Minister of Canada. His family moved to Saskatchewan in 1903, and to Saskatoon in 1910 so he could receive a better education. Diefenbaker graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned three degrees, including law. His legacy is immortalized at the Diefenbaker Canada Centre, located on the university campus.
• Sylvia Fedoruk (1927–2012) — physicist, medical scientist, and stateswoman. She was a key figure in the University of Saskatchewan team that developed the world's first cobalt-60 radiation therapy unit for cancer treatment. Fedoruk also became the first female Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan and the first woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of the province. The Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation is named in her honour.
• Ethel Catherwood (1908–1987) — Olympic champion in athletics. Moving to Saskatoon in 1925, she quickly became a sports star. At the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam, Catherwood won the gold medal in the high jump, becoming the first Canadian woman to win individual gold in Olympic athletics. For her beauty and grace, she received the nickname "The Saskatoon Lily".
• Kim Coates (born 1958) — famous Canadian-American actor. He was born in Saskatoon and studied at the University of Saskatchewan, where he developed a passion for theatre. He gained his greatest fame for his role in the popular television series "Sons of Anarchy".