Saskatoon organization seeks heritage designation for Third Avenue United Church

A group in Saskatoon concerned about the future of downtown's Third Avenue United Church is looking to get the building approved for a heritage designation.

"This building is highly valued, not only by Saskatoon's faith community, but also by the community at large, for it's architectural and historical significance and as a community gathering place," wrote Peggy Sarjeant in a letter to city council. 

We just want to bring this forward so that the issue can be addressed.-  Peggy Sarjeant

Sarjeant is the president of the Saskatoon Heritage Society, a non-profit organization which advocates for the preservation of heritage buildings and historic landscapes.

She presented the request for designation Monday morning to Saskatoon's standing policy committee on planning, development, and community services.

She said the committee has agreed to take a report to city council.

"This is positive that they're asking for a report," she added. "Two councillors did express their desire that priority should be given to this, given the fact that the building could change hands more than once within this year."

According to Sarjeant there was no time frame given, but councillors did encourage it to be done as quickly as possible.

The church is currently owned by a non-profit corporation headed by John Orr.

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Sarjeant said the heritage organization has not been in conversation with the owners.

"We just want to bring this forward so that the issue can be addressed because it has never been out in the public domain as a request of designation," she said.