Third Avenue United Church on Path to Heritage Property Status

At its September 7, 2016 meeting, the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) resolved to indicate their support to City Council for the City Administration to begin the process of designating Third Avenue United Church a Municipal Heritage Property.

“The Westside Methodist Congregation began construction of its church in 1911,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.  “The church represents a legacy of buildings in Saskatoon that reflect the aspirations of the city’s early citizens and it played a central role in Canada’s cultural, social and political life.”

The church played host to an influential gathering in 1923, which laid the foundation for the eventual formation of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool; the University of Saskatchewan, the Normal School and City Hospital held graduation ceremonies there.  In its early years during the 1920’s, CFQC radio broadcast concerts offering the entire community and rural Saskatchewan the opportunity to experience music performances like never before.

“With its many community uses over the years, Third Avenue United Church has remained a landmark in the city and, in many ways, is a symbol of Saskatoon’s development,” Anderson says.

Favourable heritage evaluations were conducted by civic staff in both 2003 and 2013.

The MHAC asked for any heritage designation to include the exterior and interior elements, such as the hammer-beam rafters, Cassavant organ and acoustic functionality of the structure.

“While the property owner isn’t pursuing a designation of the church at this time, the building has and does face changes in ownership,” Anderson says.  “This reality poses a potential risk to its character-defining elements, its future use and viability.”

The Heritage Property Act does not require the property owner’s permission to file either the Notice of Intention to Designate or for City Council to pass the bylaw to designate the property.

The Civic Heritage Policy provides grants for 50% of the restoration costs related to heritage architectural elements to meet building code requirements, up to a maximum of $150,000 over a ten-year period.

With the approval of City Council, the City Solicitor will be asked to bring forward a bylaw to designate the property at 304 3rd Avenue North as a Municipal Heritage Property under the provisions of The Heritage Property Act.