Council paves way for new residential development between Saskatoon heritage churches

Saskatoon city council has passed third reading of a bylaw to remove the heritage status of a parking lot next to the 108-year-old Knox United Church in downtown Saskatoon.

That paves the way for a 19-storey residential development to be built next door by Meridian Development.

Church treasurer Art Postle says income from parking spaces in the tower will help the church maintain its building.

“What it will do is allow us to continue to receive revenue from 40 stalls that is part of the purchase by Meridian …,” he said. “One anticipates it will be at least as much as we’re getting now if not more, because it will be enclosed parking, heated and so on — and more valuable.”

Heritage advocates and some local residents have been opposed to the new building’s construction, but Postle believes the building will fit in.

“It’s always a matter of opinion as to what people think will be complementary to the character of the area now,” he said. “On a personal basis, I think it will be complementary. I think the design of it will be such that it will enhance the view of Knox and it will enhance the view of St. John’s (Anglican Cathedral).”

During a council debate in early 2021, Saskatoon Heritage Society president Peggy Sarjeant argued if the parking lot was subdivided, members of the public would not have any additional input into the future project.

She added the group wasn’t against development of the parking lot per se, but objected to the type of development proposed for that piece of land.

There hasn’t been any word on when construction may begin.