Saskatoon’s Third Avenue United Church named heritage site

Third Avenue United Church. Dan Shingoose/CTV Saskatoon

Saskatoon’s Third Avenue United Church has officially been designated a heritage site leaving a bid to redevelop the building in jeopardy.

City council approved the designation Monday in a unanimous vote. The move protects the church from demolition and changes seen as unsympathetic to the building.

“Third Avenue United Church is one of the most prominent heritage structures in the city, and has significant historical, architectural, aesthetic and cultural value,” Lesley Anderson the city’s planning and development director said.

The decision follows a recommendation made by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation’s Review and Appeals Committee. The designation includes protecting the exterior of the building, the hammer-beam rafters and the organ.

The church’s former owner, John Orr, is hoping to repurpose the site, adding a multi-story glass tower. He has said a heritage designation could prevent those plans.