The Saskatoon Heritage Society celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday with a brunch and an afternoon of discussions about Saskatoon’s past and future. “I think it’s just the fact that when you think about a place and you think about going to a place, what attracts you to that place...is the stories and the buildings and the places that make its identity,” Lenore Swystun, president of the Saskatoon Heritage Society, said. Founded in 1976, the group was founded after public concern regarding the demolition of the Standard Trust Building in Saskatoon’s downtown. For the past five decades, the non-profit has advocated for the preservation of historical buildings and neighbourhoods in Saskatoon. This includes an annual journal titled “The Saskatoon History Review” in addition to walking tours, and other educational projects intended to share the city’s history. “That’s the interesting thing about heritage is if you don’t have somebody there telling those stories, having those publications like we do with the History Review, having those programs that talk about those local stories, those local builders and those local places, then you don’t have that continuity,” Swystun said. Swystun shared that throughout the life of the SHS, Saskatoon has seen a lot of change. The organization’s president shared that the city’s downtown has been one of the most significant areas in terms of change. “There’s all these places in Saskatoon, and some of those places, sadly, have gone away....we have to think about growth as part of heritage, and heritage is part of growth,” Swystun said. Many buildings, like the Standard Trust Building, are no longer standing after playing a role in the architectural and historical landscape of Saskatoon. Swystun explained that while most people aren’t happy to see the demolition or significant change to pieces of the city’s history, these events can be part of growth, and highlight the importance of the SHS. “It’s not sadness, it’s around really wanting to ensure that we keep those memories and as we change to understand that change is part of who we are. Growth and development is part of who we are, but heritage is part of that growth and development,” Swystun said. A series of speakers and panellists addressed the crowd at the event, to share stories and insights about Saskatoon’s history. One of the panels included a discussion about what the next 50 years will look like for Saskatoon. Swystun explained that SHS members don’t know what the next five decades will bring, but it is an interesting topic to explore. “Imagine what our Heritage Society will be? So, we’re joking that we might be advocating for saving the first drive-thru or the Tim Hortons of the time or something like that. You never know, right? Because each of those are markers of that time and define the generations,” Swystun said. As the SHS moves into its fifth decade of existence, Swystun emphasized that the SHS is always welcoming new members. Anyone seeking more information about becoming a member is encouraged to visit the organization’s website. “If you have an interest in heritage in Saskatoon, join the Saskatoon Heritage Society,” Swystun said.
