Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, population 202,000, is the largest city in the province. Known as "Bridge City", it is situated on the South Saskatchewan River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits. The name comes from a Cree noun which refers to a type of edible berry that grows in the area. The first permanent settlers were Methodists from Toronto, Ontario, who had formed the Temperance Colonization Society, and wished to establish a new community which would prohibit the liquor trade. These settlers arrived in 1883, and early growth was assured by the arrival of three railways. The settlement was incorporated as a city in 1906. Saskatoon is home to the University of Saskatchewan.

Kindly written and contributed by Mrs M J Ujimoto © 2009