According to USask Vice-President of Finance and Resources Greg Fowler, restoration to bring the two buildings up to required standards is not economically feasible or environmentally sustainable.
“Part of our responsibility as an institution is to manage resources in a way that allows our learning and discovery mission to thrive,” said Fowler. “Unfortunately, in cases like these, we have buildings that cannot be repurposed.”
Given the historic nature of the PSB and seed barn, a stakeholder consultation was held on Sept. 17, 2019, to obtain feedback and suggestions on a process for divestment. The session was attended by representatives of various organizations, including the Saskatoon Heritage Society, the City of Saskatoon’s Heritage Advisory Committee, and the Government of Saskatchewan’s Heritage Conservation Branch.
“After examining possible repurposing options, the university has decided to explore choices outside of the university,” said Fowler. “There is no specific price tag. We are looking for offers from proponents that have a new use in mind at an off-campus location. We are committed to finding a new home for these buildings.”
Future plans for the PSB site includes a proposed Innovation, Design, Engineering & Applied Sciences (IDEAS) building that would add teaching and research capacity in the applied sciences on campus.
All USask buildings, including heritage buildings, are presently included in a professional building condition assessment which began in 2019 and will be completed by June 2021. The buildings will also be subject to more regular condition assessments that will assist in managing their usage. In recent years, the university has had success preserving heritage buildings such as the Peter MacKinnon Building and the original Medical College Building on campus.
For buyer information in regards to the sale or relocation of the PSB or seed barn, please contact Jared Totland at jared.totland@usask.ca.