SASKATOON — A primarily residential neighborhood near the centre of Saskatoon has a storied history, full of natural accents, and charming additions which make the Nutana area a desirable place to live, and visit.
The trendy, quirky and popular Broadway Avenue is included in Nutana. It’s compilation of local business blended with unique offerings is attractive for those who prefer strolling and shopping and also includes businesses often referred to often as go-to or must visits.
Parks, cafes, schools, the arts as well as an abundance of green spaces and mature trees are all part of what makes Nutana attractive. Endless cultural infusions blended with well varied shops and restaurants make it a visitor’s paradise and a place that residents want to showcase.
First established in 1993, Nutana lays claim to the original settlement of what now makes up the city of Saskatoon. In fact, Saskatoon’s oldest home, now a historical site, is located in Nutana.
Bounded by 8th Street to the south, Clarence Avenue to the east and the South Saskatchewan River to the west, with some of the roads close to the river laid out in rough parallel to the riverbank, adding to the essence of the scenic neighborhood.
Nutana neighborhood includes a storied history
Historically, it is fascinating to note that the first agricultural fair, later to become know as the Saskatoon Ex, was held on the Louise Grounds, which is now Nutana Collegiate’s school yard, and staged there from 1886-1903. It was moved to City Park neighborhood and late the city’s exhibitions grounds where it still lives today.
Another historical fact is that the original Victoria School, 1888, was dismantled and reassembled on the site at the University of Saskatchewan campus in 1911, now referred to as the Little Stone Schoolhouse.
A number of stone markers, cairns and signs are part of the Nutana neighborhood pointing out historical places, spaces and facts, desirable additions for community walking tours.
The Marr Residence built in 1884 is the oldest building in Saskatoon and still stands on its original site. There are several other houses in the neighborhood built in the late 1800s of interest, including the Garrison House built entirely of fieldstone. Nutana Collegiate’s exterior architecture was designed in French Renaissance style and is as admired of a structure today as it was when it was first built in 1910.
Fire Hall #3, a two-storey structure once serving as a location of Saskatoon protective services, it is now a bar and restaurant filled with mementos. Arrand Block is a neo-classical style apartment block now designated as a municipal heritage property.
A number of Nutana’s landmark buildings were built between 1910 and 1912. The establishment of the Broadway Business Improvement District in 1986 helped revitalize and refurbish the character and ambience of Nutana while serving to reintroduce the area’s historic identity.
Six parks covering multiple acres play host to the Nutana Community Association’s leisure, social and recreational programs as well as community activities. Poplar Crescent Park, Albert Rec. Unity, Idywyld Park, Massey Park, Rotary Park and Cosmopolitan Park all serve both as green space and activity space for both neighborhood residents and the city’s residents.
The Nutana Community Association is a group of community minded people who meet to discuss neighbourhood issues, plan neighbourhood events and consider ways to make the neighbourhood a great place to live. You can read about all that they represent on their website at www.nutana.ca
Nutana has several schools including Oskayak High School, Nutana Collegiate, which served as Saskatoon’s first public secondary school as well as Ecole Victoria School.
Culture, character attractive in Nutana community
Arts and culture are part of Nutana’s neighborhood thanks in part of a designated municipal heritage property know as the Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon’s only community owned and operated cinema and live performance venue.
The Refinery Arts & Spirit Centre is a multi purpose facility that hosts arts and wellness classes and workshops, meetings, conferences and live performances.
Broadway Avenue is full of activity, especially in the summer. The famed Fringe Festival takes part in various venues around Broadway Avenue. Growing more popular each year, the Broadway Avenue Street Festival is another annual event attraction.
Nutana appeals to residents, professionals, visitors and Saskatoon citizens due to its blend of culture and character. There’s always something happening on Broadway, which serves as a cultural hub and host to several annual festivals and activities, drawing in locals and visitors alike.
