Saskatoon’s city archives is in the process of moving thousands of photos, maps, and records to its new permanent location across the street from city hall. The archives have been housed at the Cardinal Crescent location near the airport since 2010 but will now be relocating to the old post office building at 202 Fourth Ave. N. The move to the new space is seen as a positive step as it offers more room, better organization, and increased security compared to the current location. City archivist Jeff O’Brien expressed excitement about the move, noting that the current space has been outgrown due to the vast archival collection.
The move will involve transporting approximately 3,500 boxes of records, including 450,000 photographs, 4,000 feet of shelves, 3,000 linear feet of records, thousands of maps, plans, and blueprints, along with various other materials. The new location is expected to facilitate better resource sharing with the local history room and increase accessibility for city staff and residents, as it will be conveniently located across the street from city hall. The move preparations began in January 2024, and construction of the new space is slated for completion in May. The archives will be closed to the public starting in June to facilitate the careful pack-up and ensure a smooth transition to the new location.
With the new space offering more organizational possibilities and improved security, the city archives will be able to provide better services to civic departments and residents. The move to the old post office building is seen as a strategic decision to support the archives in fulfilling its role as a valuable resource for the community. The archives staff will be working diligently to pack up the extensive collection of records and materials in a meticulous manner to ensure that everything is safely transferred to the new location. The closure of the archives during the move period will allow for a focused and efficient relocation process.
The city archives plays a crucial role in preserving Saskatoon’s history and providing access to a wealth of information and resources for researchers, historians, and residents. The move to the new location is an important step in ensuring that the archives can continue to fulfill its mandate effectively. By relocating to a larger, more organized, and secure space, the archives will be better equipped to serve the community and support the preservation of the city’s heritage for future generations. The move is expected to enhance the accessibility, visibility, and functionality of the archives, making it a more valuable resource for all stakeholders.
The archival collection, which includes a vast array of photographs, maps, records, and other materials, represents a significant part of Saskatoon’s cultural heritage. The meticulous packing and relocation process will ensure that these valuable resources are carefully transferred to the new location without any loss or damage. The involvement of city staff, archivists, and historians in the move demonstrates the commitment to preserving and promoting Saskatoon’s history through the city archives. The closure of the archives during the relocation period is a necessary step to ensure the safety and integrity of the collection during the transition.
In conclusion, the relocation of Saskatoon’s city archives to the new permanent location represents an exciting development that will enhance the accessibility, organization, and security of the archival collection. The move is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and coordination to ensure the successful transfer of thousands of records and materials to the new space. The new location is expected to support the archives in providing better services to city departments, residents, and researchers, while also strengthening its role as a vital repository of Saskatoon’s history. The closure of the archives during the move period is a temporary inconvenience that will ultimately lead to a more efficient and effective operation in the new space.
