Definition of Heritage:
Heritage comprises three elements of history which, when interwoven, identify individuals and communities:

1. Material history - the conservation and interpretation of physical objects and sites such as buildings, landscapes, streetscapes, archaeological sites, artifacts, and document;



2. Natural history - the conservation and interpretation of nature (for example, individual species of birds, fish, and trees, or entire ecosystems) and palaeontological sites (study of life in the geological past, e.g. fossils); and,



3. Human history - the research, conservation, and interpretation of past human activities from the time of first human habitation to the present day. These activities include those in the social, cultural, political, and economic spheres, which create the historic background to individuals and communities.

The words "conservation" and "interpretation" are key elements in the definition used above. They are not intended to be taken in a narrow, technical sense as they relate to one or more specific aspects of heritage. Rather, they denote acknowledgment that:

1. conservation: A community is not a museum. While not every vestige of the community's heritage could or should be saved, it is important to identify and protect the key elements of the past, in Saskatoon's material, natural and human history; and,



2. interpretation: Telling the story of our past is essential. Conserving heritage is of limited value if the public is unaware of it; heritage is made by the community and belongs to the community.

Outcome Statement
"Material, natural and human heritage in the community of Saskatoon will be conserved and interpreted in a planned, selective, and cost-feasible manner to the benefit of current and future generations of Saskatoon citizens and visitors."

The City's Role in the Heritage Process
Overall, the City has a key role to play in ensuring that Saskatoon's heritage is conserved and interpreted in a planned, selective, and cost-feasible manner for Saskatoon citizens and visitors.

The extent and depth of this role vary according to the type of heritage involved:

1. In the portion of material heritage dealing with buildings, landscapes, and streetscapes, the City will play a key role, facilitating the identification and research of key heritage resources by the community, recognizing heritage property through its legislative powers, and developing incentives to encourage owners to conserve heritage properties and other properties of heritage merit. The City's involvement is appropriate since it is the only agency with both a city-wide mandate and the skills to undertake the task.



2. For archaeological and palaeontological sites, the City will take a lead role in the identification and listing of these sites and the development of policies related to growth management and land use controls to be established within the City's Official Community Plan.



3. As a property owner, the City will develop a pro-active heritage review and evaluation process which will identify City-owned heritage property at a time when the structure is still in use.



4. The City will interpret its own history as a municipal government and the history of City-owned heritage properties.



5. The City will develop and implement a program for the identification, conservation, and interpretation of artifacts that relate to its own history as a municipal government.



6. The City's Official Community Plan incorporates policies for the identification and potential preservation of natural areas through collaboration among stakeholders, to help guide the land development process in the City and the Region.


7. Matters related to City Archives are dealt with through the records management component of the City Clerk's Office. The relevant policies will be cross-referenced to ensure a comprehensive approach.



8. The City's Public Recreation Policy states that the Community Services Department will help external delivery agencies to attain self-sufficiency in the delivery of programs; this includes and group that might with to collect artifacts of community interest, establish a museum, research and interpret local history, archaeology, palaeontology, or other leisure-focused aspects of Saskatoon's heritage not otherwise covered in this policy.

Approved by City Council
December 16, 1996

For information contact:
Heritage Coordinator
Planning and Development Branch
City of Saskatoon
222 -3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
Phone: (306) 975-2993
Fax: (306) 975-7712
Email: heritage.conservation@saskatoon.ca