Design Council of Saskatchewan

Architecture

Community Planning

Graphic Design

Interior Design

Landscape Architecture

Collaborative

Premier's Awards for Excellence in Design

Landscape Architecture Category

Award of Excellence

Market Square
Stantec Consulting
Cam Patterson

Design Statement
In conjunction with a new Farmers’ Market, a concept plan was initiated for Market Square, a public space which provides a gateway to the Riversdale Community and the west sector of the River Landing urban redevelopment.

The concept plan was the product of extensive consultation with the City of Saskatoon, Riversdale Community Association, Riversdale Business Improvement District, and Riversdale Local Area Planning Committee. After enthusiastic public response to the Preliminary Master Plan, Market Square was designed, constructed and opened to the public in 2007.

Market Square now serves as an extension of the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market on market days, a fourseason venue for special events throughout the year, and incorporates interpretive features highlighting the historical significance of Saskatoon’s first federal building, the Immigration Hall circa 1903.

The site of the Immigration Hall is commemorated by:

• Old cobblestones, which were recently excavated nearby on 19th Street, were used to delineate the footprint of Immigration Hall; and
• Storytelling Chairs, which reinforce the domestic scale of Immigration Hall, and provide an interactive storytelling place.

Market Square also serves as the western terminus of Market Walk along 19th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A. The form of the entry gate is based on the façade of the old Market building.

The shelter, with its heavy timber construction, makes reference to the industrial heritage of the site. The decorative fence, lights, pavers, and site furniture used within the Market Square reinforce the heritage theme.