Fall 2026
DESIGN • RENovatIoN • laNDScapING • BuIlDING • DÉcoR
SaSkatoon
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Collected acter r a h C
What
Kitchen Style are You?
opening Up
to the artS
+
Maureen’S Kitchen Snackatizers
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INSIDE 4
HOME FRONT A Greeting from the Publisher
7
COLLECTED CHARACTER
A Century Home Thoughtfully Reimagined ~ Photo: Scott Prokop
ON THE COVER COLLECTED CHARACTER PAGE 7 This character-rich Nutana heritage home was destined for demo. But then grandparents with motivation and a vision moved to Saskatoon and revitalized the property. ~ Photo Scott Prokop
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29
41
From Timeless to Trendsetting
Hosts Make Artists Feel at Home
Doggy Companions
~ Photo: Amy Thorp
37
WHAT KITCHEN STYLE ARE YOU?
OPENING UP TO THE ARTS
HOMETOWN REFLECTIONS
~ Photo Local History Room Saskatoon Public Library PH 93-126-39
MAUREEN’S KITCHEN Snackatizers
~ Photo: Maureen Haddock
SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 |
3
HOME FRONT Well, the dog days of summer are behind us and here we are into Autumn renovation, design and inspiration with this issue of HOME magazine. We offer you local stories brought to life by our talented team of writers, designers, photographers and editors. We all love Saskatoon as much as you do, and we’re happy to bring you stories that showcase what it means to call Saskatoon our home. Let’s launch right into the heart of every Saskatoon home—the kitchen. Pairing aesthetics and functionality is a delicate balance, and a misstep can make or break this important space. But if we do it right, as our story shows, the results are bliss. And once you have your perfect kitchen just the way you’ve always dreamed, give it a trial run by diving into our snackatizer recipes from Maureen’s Kitchen. Then, what better way to share your well-designed home than with visiting friends and family? If you’re so inclined to think a bit beyond that circle, you can open your home and heart to others. Actors, artists, musicians and other talented people often need a home away from home while they’re in town making our city one of the most vibrant artistic meccas in the country. Your guest room might be the start of a wonderful new friendship. Come with us and tour behind the scenes of a classic renovation in the heart of Nutana, one of Saskatoon’s historic neighbourhoods. And speaking of those dog days of summer, our local historian Jeff O’Brien looks at the history of humans’ best canine friend in our city. So many great stories to enjoy, and many more yet to come. Thanks for reading!
Amanda Soulodre OWNER & PUBLISHER
Issue 75, Fall 2026 ISSN 1916-2324 info@saskatoon-home.ca
Publishers Amanda Soulodre Rob Soulodre
Editor Karin Melberg Schwier
Contributors Julie Barnes Ashlyn George Maureen Haddock Jeff O’Brien Scott Prokop Karin Melberg Schwier Amy Thorp
The booking deadline for advertising in the Winter 2026 issue is October 23, 2026. Contact Amanda for more information. Email: amanda@saskatoon-home.ca Phone: 306-373-1833 Text: 306-717-0663 Saskatoon HOME is printed four times a year. Subscribe to receive every issue direct to your mailbox for $20/year. Visit www.gethomemagazine.ca.
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4 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
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BY: JULIE BARNES PHOTOS: SCOTT PROKOP
COLLECTED CHARACTER A Century Home Thoughtfully Reimagined Ask Jack and Trisha about almost any item in their Nutana home and there’s a good chance there’s a story behind it. The walls are layered with Trisha’s colourful artwork— made in a variety of mediums.
They hang alongside pieces by the couple’s daughter, Jack’s sister, local artists, and fun thrift store finds. Several antiques—including a glassfronted cabinet that has made its way through the homes of Jack’s siblings—carry their
own family history. Even the architecture tells a story. Throughout the extensively renovated home, the original 100-year-old solid fir doors have been carefully restored and reinstalled, preserving
a tangible connection to the house’s past. The meticulous restoration was completed by the owner of Rebel Restorations, a young craftswoman whose work has given these historic doors a new lease on life. SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 |
7
After
The original ground-level entry opened into a split-level foyer (top right). By raising the front door to the main level, the homeowners created a more welcoming arrival. New stucco, along with the addition of a front porch and roof, completed the home’s refreshed façade.
After
A new gas fireplace replaced the original and was finished in Venetian plaster.
8 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
Before
Before
Jack crafted the built-ins for the main-floor office, while Trisha completed the space with a rich green wall paint.
A Return to Saskatoon Jack and Trisha raised their family in Saskatoon before moving to Victoria after their children had grown and moved away. After seven years on the west coast, they decided to move back when their daughter returned to the city and started a family of her own. After two years of house hunting, their realtor, Jillian Moore, showed them a property most buyers would have dismissed. Built in 1922, the house had been divided into three rental suites. It had fallen into disrepair and was subsequently condemned. “Jillian took a bit of a risk showing us this house,” says Trisha. “But she knew us well enough to know we could see the potential of what it could become,” says Trisha. Jack adds that they were open to buying “a bit of a wreck” so they could put their own stamp on it. Having renovated previous homes, they felt prepared for the challenge, but, Jack says, “our friends and family thought we were reaching a bit far with this project."
Financially, demolition may have been the better choice, says Jack. But preserving the home mattered more. “It was important to us to renovate and keep the house,” says Trisha. “We like to be able to keep the character of the neighbourhood instead of filling up the landfill.” The couple hired All Square Developments to oversee the renovation while taking an active role in both the design and finishes. Post move-in, Jack crafted built-in shelving in the office and Trisha painted the office, sun room and the living room walls flanking the fireplace. Character Over Perfection “We wanted a house with character, but with all the modern features you would expect today” says Trisha. “We didn’t want it to look like a new grey house without any personality.” Arched doorways and wall niches inject that soughtafter character, as does thoughtful material sourcing for wallpapers, tile and light fixtures. Trisha found a pair of timeless vintage SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 |
9
After
Jade green tile creates a jewel-toned backdrop in the ensuite.
Before
pendants for the stairwell and main floor hallway at Past & Present, a Saskatoon antique store. It’s a home that feels more collected than curated. As a fan of thrifting, Trisha says her best finds are often discovered off the beaten path. “When we go camping, we drive down the back roads through small towns and rummage through rural thrift stores. That’s where we often find treasures.” That appreciation for the
past comes through clearly in the powder room, where a retro floral wallpaper takes visitors back in time. Although new, guests often assume it’s original to the house. “They tell us how glad they are that we kept the original wallpaper,’ Trisha says. A matching fabric sink skirt completes the nostalgic look, offering a fresh take on the charms of “grandma’s house.” “If I had my way, things would be a little more formal
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and a little more grandma-y,” says Trisha. “A few more antique furniture items.” Jack gravitates towards a more bohemian style. “He likes more colour and appreciated an old ragged chair here and there,” says Trisha. “But together, we wanted the house to feel comfortable and welcoming—not so formal that you can’t put your feet on the couch.” That philosophy extends beyond aesthetics. As regular caregivers for their grandchildren, the couple wanted a home that encouraged play as much as relaxation. A charming playhouse tucked beneath the basement stairs includes a tiny bed, kitchen and sofa behind a shingled exterior. Another whimsical touch
is a built-in bookshelf that doubles as a secret door. “It’s a little bit of fun,” says Trisha. “At first, it looks like an ordinary bookshelf at the end of the hallway. But when you pull it open, it reveals a hidden washroom.” Spaces They Love The sunroom in the home’s northwest corner is the space Trisha and Jack gravitate to most often. Filled with plants, thrift store finds, mid-century furnishings and colourful artwork, the room is bright and airy thanks to windows on two sides that echo the proportions and mullion pattern of the original home. The nearby kitchen is equally light-filled and airy, with a thoughtful layout and smart bespoke features. “It was really
The dining area’s table and chairs inject a mid-century feel in the open-concept space.
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A custom bookshelf (top left) opens to reveal a small powder room, clad in a retro floral wallpaper complete with matching sink skirt.
Before After
The homeowners opted to forgo upper cabinetry to maximize the verdant views into the backyard garden. The range hood was finished in the same Venetian plaster as the living room fireplace, creating a subtle connection between the two spaces.
12 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
Trisha’s art studio includes space for the couple’s grandchildren to get creative.
important to us to have the kitchen sink overlooking the backyard,” says Trisha. Instead of upper cabinets, they opted for an expansive wall of windows framing mature spruce trees and the garden beyond. Maple cabinetry and warm brass hardware is welcome counterpoint to the all-white kitchens they’ve had in the past. Hidden appliance storage, a panel-ready dishwasher and clever double drawers (layering a deep lower drawer and a shallow upper drawer) keep the space streamlined and functional. Upstairs, the primary bedroom provides a calming space to unwind, while the ensuite packs a verdant punch thanks to a bold, jade-green tile that wraps the shower walls and continues behind the freestanding tub.
With overnight guests comfortably accommodated in the finished basement, the second floor became an opportunity to prioritize their own interests, with a music room for Jack and an art studio for Trisha. “This is what you can do when you’re retired and your kids are gone,” says Jack with a laugh. “We can make the home how we want it and indulge our own interests and needs a little bit more.” Their home is a testament that you can have it both ways. It’s possible to create one’s own artistic enclave and still ensure it’s welcoming to family and friends.
EXPERIENCE THE NEWEST IN BRIGHTON Saturday, September 12 Join us in Brighton for the official Parade Grand Opening and experience Brighton Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes is the easiest and most convenient way to find your new home in Brighton. Explore top-quality showhomes and get inspired by the latest in home design and innovation.
Still Evolving Like many creative homes, this one continues to evolve. There are still wallpapers to be hung, custom
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SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 13
The space under the basement stairs was cleverly transformed into a charming playhouse, complete with faux turf, shingle siding and pineapple string lights.
shelving planned for either side of the living room fireplace and more plants to be added in the garden. Trisha is currently working on an enchanting nature mural beside the basement playhouse for the grandkids to enjoy. Just as every thrift-store find, family antique and personal artwork reflects a chapter in Jack and Trisha’s lives, each new project adds another layer to a home that’s continually shaped by creativity, family connections and memories made. Some houses are designed to impress. This one was designed to express.
Julie Barnes
14 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
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WHAT KITCHEN STYLE ARE YOU?
BY: ASHLYN GEORGE PHOTOS: AMY THORP
From Timeless to Trendsetting
Walk into six different homes and there will likely be six very different kitchens. Some feel bright and timeless while others embrace bold colour, warm natural wood or dramatic modern finishes. Before homeowners start choosing cabinet hardware or countertop materials, they first need to identify the overall style they’re trying to achieve. Having a clear design direction makes every other decision easier. Form and Function Style is only part of the equation. The most successful kitchens are designed around the way each homeowner
uses the space. “Everyone can have a kitchen that looks beautiful, but if it doesn’t function for them, they’re not going to be happy,” explains Josie Anderson, a former cabinet builder and current cabinet design consultant at Majestic Cabinets in Saskatoon. While kitchen trends continue to evolve, Josie says homeowners are increasingly choosing styles that feel timeless and functional rather than simply following what’s popular. Thoughtful storage has become just as important as appearance. Functionality often drives the design
process. Josie says nearly every kitchen now includes pull-out garbage and recycling bins, with an increasing request to incorporate compost bins. Josie’s clients tend to prefer generous drawer storage and cabinetry that extends to the ceiling. Before finalizing a design, she encourages clients to think about how they actually cook and live. “After I send them their first set of drawings, I tell them to take their drawings home, label where they want everything in their kitchen so that we can make sure we have empty and
extra space,” she explains. She also cautions against adding every organizational accessory available simply because it’s an option. Simple solutions that work well often age much better. Whether a preferred style is timeless, contemporary, boldly colourful or somewhere in between, we selected six kitchen styles to showcase how thoughtful design can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. More importantly, they can help identify a general aesthetic that speaks to a homeowner and provides inspiration as they begin planning a kitchen that’s uniquely their own.
SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 17
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Kitchen Style 1
BRIGHT & CLASSIC A bright and classic kitchen is defined by clean and simple lines. This interpretation mixes a traditional feel with a modern twist due to the open shelf design. The carefully selected wood accents add warmth alongside softer white cabinetry. Two-step crown moulding, mullioned glass panes and a decorative hood fan add extra detail without feeling overly formal. The layout is equally practical. A prep sink in the island compliments the main sink along the perimeter, allowing multiple work zones. A pot filler above the gas range, paired with spice and utensil pullouts on either side, keeps everyday cooking efficient. Fo r homeowners who appreciate classic design but want a lighter, updated feel, this design style is proof that traditional doesn't have to mean dated.
The panel-ready fridge is integrated into the cabinetry, and makes the kitchen look organized while entertaining.
Kitchen Design: Majestic Cabinets
SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 19
Kitchen Style 2
MID-TONE CONTEMPORARY
Kitchen Design: Majestic Cabinets Photo: Josie Anderson
Walnut cabinetry, curved detailing and a dark and moody range hood give this mid-tone contemporary Firstwhile Last Name kitchen Photo: warmth maximizing storage through carefully planned cabinetry.
Mid-tone contemporary design strikes a balance between warmth and simplicity. This kitchen softens clean modern lines through rich walnut cabinetry, rounded detailing and carefully balanced textures. The Italian-inspired aesthetic highlights the natural beauty of the wood, allowing every cabinet door to showcase its unique grain. Rounded fluted details on the island subtly complement the curved metal range hood, creating visual continuity throughout the space. Storage is carefully prioritized and simplified. Deep drawers maximize space and accessibility, while the galleystyle cabinet layout demonstrates that custom planning can deliver more usable space than simply adding more cabinetry. This design works well for someone looking for a kitchen space that is understated, inviting and comfortably livable.
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Kitchen Style 3
DARK & MODERN Texture takes the spotlight in this dark modern kitchen, where fluted details, a hidden walk-through pantry and layered materials create a bold look without sacrificing practicality. Sophisticated without feeling cold, this kitchen layers texture instead of relying solely on colour contrast. A full-height backsplash draws the eye upward, while a waterfall island with striking quartz veining provides additional attractive features. The integrated wood ceiling beams brings warmth into the darker palette. Illuminated shelving, fluted detailing and warm wood accents work well for those who prefer a dramatic yet inviting space.
One of Josie’s favourite elements is the fluted detailing repeated on both the hood and back side of the island, introducing texture that subtly ties the entire room together.
Kitchen Design: Majestic Cabinets
SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 21
Kitchen Style 4
RUSTIC AND EARTHY Natural materials take centre stage in this warm and welcoming kitchen. Hickory cabinetry, with its distinctive knots, rich grain patterns and natural texture, creates the rustic character that defines this kitchens rustic-inspired design. Soft neutral finishes and subtle texture such as the herringbone backsplash allow the organic wood details to become the focal point. Open shelving creates opportunities to display meaningful pieces while simple black hardware keeps the overall aesthetic grounded. Smart storage solutions are integrated throughout the design, ensuring the kitchen functions just as well for busy family life as it does for quiet mornings over coffee. Features like the double stacked cabinets on the stove wall provide a visual break from the variation in door sizing. For homeowners who feel most at home surrounded by natural materials, this style is ideal for those who appreciate the beauty of wood and its natural grains.
22 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
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Kitchen Style 5
COLOUR-CURATED Not every homeowner dreams of a neutral kitchen. For some, colour is the focal point. Designed for those seeking a zen, beachinspired atmosphere, this colour-curated kitchen showcases a distinct per sonality through carefully selected cabinetry and customized details. Rather than overwhelming the space, colour is balanced with clean lines and natural materials that keep the room feeling calm and inviting. For creative homeowners willing to step outside traditional palettes, colour becomes another design material rather than simply a finishing touch. These bold choices remain timeless when they're tied to personal taste instead of the current trends.
A carefully chosen colour palette transforms this kitchen into a reflection of its homeowner, proving that bold design choices can feel timeless when they're personal.
Kitchen Design: Majestic Cabinets
SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 25
Kitchen Style 6
F RENCH P ROVINCIAL
Kitchen Design: Majestic Cabinets
Inspired by classic European design, this French Provincial kitchen layers rich colour, decorative millwork, wooden countertops and custom detailing to create a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
26 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
If one kitchen embraces personality without an apology, it's French Provincial. Bright red tile, ornate gold detailing, a food-safe butcher block countertop and custom millwork create a space that feels elegant, dramatic and personal. Rather than following trends, the design and finishes reflect the homeowner's vision. Decorative appliqués, raised panel doors, custom range hood detailing and chandelier lighting create a layered design inspired by a classic European Rococo aesthetic. Yet beneath the ornate finishes lies a functional workspace with integrated appliances including a wine fridge, an undermount sink, generous storage and a built-in dining nook that encourages gathering. This is a kitchen for homeowners who enjoy entertaining and aren't afraid to make a bold design statement.
What Speaks? Perhaps you've already recognized your own kitchen style among these six, or maybe your vision blends elements from several designs—or something entirely your own. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of Bright and Classic, the warmth of Rustic and Earthy, or the bold sophistication of Dark and Modern, the best kitchen is one that reflects the people who live in it. Understanding what inspires you—and how you want your kitchen to function day after day—is the first step toward creating a space that feels both beautiful and deeply personal. When thoughtful design is paired with the way you live, the result is more than just a well-designed kitchen; it becomes the true heart of the home.
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Left to right: Alexandra Lainfiesta (Tania del Valle) and Ed Mendez (Pablo del Valle). Photo by Danielle Stasiuk Photography
Native Gardens by Karen Zacarìas Director - Heather Cant Set Designer - Ken Mackenzie Lighting Designer - Jeremy Smith Sound Designer - respectfulchild Costume Designer - Beverley Kobelsky
BY: KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER
OPENING UP TO THE ARTS Hosts Make Artists Feel at Home The late Madelyn Davis, veteran television and film writer most noted for I Love Lucy, had concise counsel for reporters, paparazzi and gawkers who would lie in wait for celebrities. “They’re stars,” she said. “Leave those poor people alone.” Saskatoon is an arts-
abundant city with as many as 15 theatre companies, dozens of music venues and festivals, and a plethora of arts organizations. With each, a cast and crew of dozens put heart and soul into the theatrical, musical and cultural magic. It’s good to remember Madelyn’s advice. Those stars and behind-the-
scenes artists need, quite literally, a place in peace to lay their heads and recharge their batteries. A Home Away from Home For most artists, life on the road can mean hotel rooms and restaurant meals. In an effort to create a more welcoming experience
during a performance run, visiting cast and crew are sometimes offered a chance to live with a local. Heather Cant, Artistic Director with Persephone Theatre, says people in Saskatoon support the arts in a number of ways. Some buy tickets, some donate money. Others extend SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 29
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a useful and intimate gesture by offering space in their home to a visiting artist. It’s a very “local” way for an artist to have comfortable and inexpensive accommodation. “Our billets come from a generous place, knowing they are helping somebody feel welcome here,” says Heather. “There needs to be a bit of flexibility, understanding and respect for each other’s needs. It’s also a fun way to meet some new and fascinating people.” Olivia Swerhone-Wick, Associate Producer with Per sephone, manages those arrangements. Akin to procuring arranged marriages, Olivia continually develops possibilities, then makes matches she believes will be successful. Artists with Persephone’s September to May season are given a small stipend for accommodation expenses and they can choose from the slate of vetted billets that best match their needs. “My role is to curate the relationships,” says Olivia. “I work at managing expectations of both the billet and the artist so everyone knows what’s involved, what is needed— and not needed—to make for a comfortable stay.”
her entire home. “They have a bedroom overlooking the back yard and we share a bathroom. They have full access to the kitchen, other rooms in house, the backyard and front veranda.” Arla’s home is within easy walking distance to Persephone Theatre, and to Broadway Avenue for the Fringe “so it’s easy to get to work.”
A Welcoming Home
Making Miracle Memories
Arla Gustafson has lived in her Nutana home for 15 years. As of this year, she’s been a billet for probably 15 performers and crew. Many are repeat visitors. She remains in touch with most of them. Arla abides by the ‘mi casa es tu casa’ credo. “My home becomes theirs for their time here,” she says. While some people offer a separate selfcontained suite, she shares
Arla counts some of her interactions with artists as sweetly memorable occasions that sometimes include her friends and neighbours. Two years ago, she hosted Hal Kerbes who played Kris Kringle in Persephone’s Miracle on 34th Street during the theatre’s 50th season. The show was held over so he was a house guest for nearly two months.
Actor Hal Kerbes who starred as Kris Kringle in Persephone’s Miracle on 34th Street was keen to participate in his billet’s holiday traditions, like caroling at the home of Sheldon and Margi Corbett. Photo by Rob Sykes
Jesse Windels and Hal Kerbes look forward to brunch at Living Sky Cafe in downtown Saskatoon. Jesse’s mother Arla Gustafson has been billeting artists for 15 years. SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 31
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Left to right: Hal Kerbes (Kris Kringle) and Jonathon Pickrell (Alfred). Photo by Danielle Stasiuk Photography
Miracle on 34th Street Adapted by Caleb Marshall and Erin Keating From the classic story by Valentine Davies Director: Heather Cant Set Designer: Brooklynn Bitner Costume Designer: Anna Yaworski Lighting Designer: Judith Schulz
“He looked very much like Santa Claus, even without his makeup and costume,” says Arla, “and my neighbour’s granddaughters and others on the block were quite excited to see him coming and going.” Great Expectations Persephone’s Heather Cant says often the biggest surprise for a host is the atypical work schedule for artists and crew, something “foreign” to people not familiar with theatre productions. “The work hours vary so artists may transition from a regular work day to being gone until very late, leaving again very early in the morning,” she says. “The host may literally not see them for days. Part of Olivia’s job in cultivating these relationships is to
juggle a lot of elements, helping people understand the demands on the artist.” Some hosts find that giving an artist a little advance invitation for a meal or activity is welcome. An artist’s schedule is not entirely their own given the foibles of rehearsals, technical checks, run-throughs and promotional duties. Performers need the down time ‘at home’ to decompress, rehearse and think about the next day’s work. Some artists prefer a less sociable stay, often concentrating not just on the current show but other projects underway. Being respectful of the artist—they are working, after all—is the key. In short, no matter how star struck and curious one might be, it’s important not to pester.
Arla offers a few pointers about respite and rejuvenation. “Ensure the billet has a comfortable room to sleep and relax in,” she suggests. “Provide a thorough orientation to the house or their space. I find time to give them a tour of Saskatoon and invite them to share in what’s happening in my neighbourhood in case they are interested.They know they are welcome to have a cup of coffee in the morning before they take off for the day.” The Basics “The space might be shared or a separate suite, but the billet must provide a private room, bedding, towels, access to the kitchen and bathroom,” says Olivia. “The length of time required varies depending on the production.” For
most productions, stage managers need a stay of six weeks. Actors stay five, unless a show is held over. Directors and designers stay four weeks. A home within walking distance of the theatre and privacy are often the top considerations for Olivia when she’s making billetartist matches. But she finds the perks make a difference, too. For one artist, a regular fitness routine was important and Olivia was able to find a billet with a home gym. Another billet happily looked after an artist’s cat when she was called back home for brief television work. The Saskatoon Fringe Festival is also a matchmaker between local billets and visiting performers. This event runs late July to early August each summer. Fringe Festival Production SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 33
Manager Drew Mantyka manages their billeting needs. “It’s such a great way for locals to meet new, interesting people, some from around the world,” Drew says. “Billets are not required to provide food, entertainment, or travel to artists, although we are deeply appreciative of anything they share to make it as welcoming as possible.” Drew agrees a big ‘must have’ is private space for sleeping and relaxing. “Sometimes this is a spare bedroom, a basement suite, or even a whole house or condo if someone is on holiday,” he says. “We like to see working smoke detectors. Access to a fridge with the use of a kitchen and
a generally clean home is all that’s really needed.” If the warm fuzzy feeling of supporting the arts isn’t enough, the Fringe shows their gratitude to hosts by giving them a coveted thank you. “One Golden Ticket they could redeem for one ticket to every show at the festival,” says Drew. Persephone, too, offers complimentary tickets. A Tangible Show of Support Skye Brandon, the Artistic Director at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan (SOTS), and producer of Persephone’s Blithe Spirit last year, says this SOTS season features artists based in Saskatoon. Others may have family or friends here, but sometimes the company
Persephone Theatre’s Olivia Swerhone-Wick, Associate Producer, and Heather Cant, Artistic Director, say local billets open themselves to interesting connections and often long-lasting friendships with visiting artists.
34 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
Mary Jane Coomber, composer and sound designer, with hosts Rick and Jim, says the right balance of privacy and interaction with their billet made for “a well rounded and memorable stay, and I’m so thankful.”
needs to reach out. “Many theatre companies across the country are dependent on patrons and supporters to billet visiting artists from out of town, and Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is no different,” he says. “Having a place for those artists to call home while in Saskatoon can be a challenging aspect of bringing in artists, even those who may have grown up or trained here. Offering space is a generous way to support theatre companies.” Vancouver composer and sound designer Mary Jane Coomber spent two weeks in Saskatoon for Rubaboo: A Métis Cabaret last season. Their host was within walking distance of the theatre. A selfcontained guest room with a private entrance, their own bed, bathroom, small fridge, microwave and tea kettle were much appreciated. “My usual billet is a private space where I can process the artistic feats and challenges of the day,” they said. “In Saskatoon, what I so appreciated was the coffee convos, little
note exchanges, must-have neighbourhood tips, a few delicious meals, a sprinkling of connections full of story, laughter and belonging.” Ultimately, hosting a visiting artist is a fun and practical way to support the local arts community. It not only reinforces Saskatoon’s reputation as a welcoming and hospitable city, it also offers some long lasting benefits on a more personal level. “At Persephone, we’ve seen so many billets and artists really hit it off and enjoy each other’s company,” says Heather. “And not just while they’re here for the production. Some have manifested into long-term connections. Hosting an artist could very well be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
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BY: MAUREEN HADDOCK
MAUREEN’S KITCHEN Recipes for appetizers, hor s d’oeuvres, and canapés abound in my older cookbooks, and one of my newer books has a section for Snackatizers. I love this new term as it has an informal
Snackatizers
vibe. The bite before the meal changes everything for your guests. There is magic in serving the right food at the right time. An appetizer is a small amount of food or drink
that stimulates the appetite before a meal. My Luscious Lemon Rice Soup is light and soothing, and pairs beautifully with a glass of wine. I often garnish this soup with my Buttermilk
Pastry circles, adding a little extra sustenance. Hors d’oeuvres are assorted small servings of food, often served at a cocktail reception, without a dinner to follow. Serving SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 37
Herbed Spinach Balls assorted easy-to-eat food helps prevent inebriation on these occasions. The recipes here could be added to an hors d’oeuvres table. H i s t o r i c a l l y, canapés consisted of tasty shapes cut from bread and topped with savoury items such as anchovies, sardines, caviar, or minced cooked meats. Canapés offer protein and are often filling; I would enjoy a canapé lunch any day. As a home cook steering grandkids away from the dessert tray, I prefer to serve Toast Cups or Scoop Salad Bites before the meal. When my grandchildren were small, they devoured these treats quickly. Another favourite at my home is Yellow Split Pea Dip, which can be added to corn scoops and topped with salsa. Recently, I set a large pan of Crudité Salad (featured in Saskatoon HOME , Summer 2026) on the table, along with low-sided bowls and forks and realized a serving of vegetables can stimulate the appetite as well as stave off hunger pangs. I hope you try a few of my favourite vintage pre-dinner bites. Visit www.getabiggerwagon.com for recipes mentioned but not included here.
Maureen Haddock
INGREDIENTS
1 package frozen chopped spinach (10 oz.), thawed, drained, and squeezed lightly ½ cup finely chopped onion 1 egg, beaten 2 ½ tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup plain dried breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, onion, egg, and butter. Mix well. Add remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Make 16 equal-sized balls using rounded teaspoons of the mixture as a guide. I often make these balls smaller, resulting in 24. Arrange spinach balls on a greased or parchment-lined pan. Bake until balls are cooked through and beginning to lightly brown. This will take 18 to 20 minutes.
Scoop Salad Bites INGREDIENTS
1 bag Tostitos Baked Corn Scoops
Red bell pepper, finely chopped
Crisp iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
One jar of your favourite salsa Cheddar cheese, grated
DIRECTIONS
Arrange corn scoops on a serving platter. Half-fill each scoop with finely chopped lettuce. Place a small amount of salsa on each lettuce mound. Sprinkle each scoop with grated cheese. Top each scoop with a piece of red pepper.
38 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
More Recipes Found at:
www.getabiggerwagon.com
Sweet and Sour Sausage Appetizer INGREDIENTS
1 pound cocktail sausages or meatballs ½ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon cornstarch ½ cup water ½ cup white vinegar
1 can (10 oz.) pineapple chunks, drained, reserving juice ½ cup reserved pineapple juice ½ of a green or yellow pepper, cut into ¾ inch squares ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained
DIRECTIONS
Lightly brown the sausages or meatballs in a skillet. Remove meat to a bowl. Drain excess drippings from the pan. In the same skillet, mix sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Stir in vinegar, juice, and water. Boil for five minutes. Add fruit, vegetables, and sausage to the sauce. Simmer for five minutes on the stove until the meat is fully cooked. Serve hot with picks.
Maureen’s Cheese Raisin Nibblers INGREDIENTS
½ cup butter, room temperature
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup sugar
1½ cups rolled oats, not quick oats
2 eggs ¾ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups grated cheddar ¾ cup raisins
DIRECTIONS
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Combine flour and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture and stir until blended. Fold in remaining ingredients. This dough is very stiff. Drop by tablespoon or scoop onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F until lightly browned. Baking takes from 12 to 15 minutes. This recipe makes 30 savoury cookies using a 1-tablespoon scoop. SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 39
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Curlers are joined by a companionable dog, ca. 1890s. Photo: City of Saskatoon Archives, Acc. 2022-003-125
HOMEtown Reflections
BY: JEFF O’BRIEN
DOGGY COMPANIONS Dogs and people have been pals for a long time. Exactly how long is still under discussion, but at least 14-16,000 years, based on archaeological and DNA evidence, and possibly more than 20,000 years. Dogs are the first animal—and the only large carnivore—to be domesticated by prehistoric humans. The exact process by which dogs transitioned from snarling predator to “Man’s
Best Friend” is unknown, although it probably wasn’t a single, discrete event but a long process occurring over many years, and it likely stemmed from a recognition on both sides of the benefits to be had. The wolves from whom dogs are descended are among the most gregarious and cooperative animals on the planet. It’s not hard to see how they’d recognize the
value of a strategic alliance with humans. In fact, there is some question as to who domesticated whom. But however it happened, it happened, and dogs have been our companions, our co-workers, our guards, protectors and beloved friends ever since. Dogs in Saskatoon is
In North America there clear evidence of
domesticated dogs going back at least 10,000 years. Dogs were an integral part of First Nations communities in what is now Saskatchewan, used for hunting, as guard dogs and for transportation, carrying loads strapped to their backs or pulling sleds or travois. When settlers began coming here in large numbers in the late 19th century, they brought their own dogs, along
SASKATOON HOME FALL 2026 | 41
with a new way of thinking about them. Up until then, dogs were usually (albeit not always) working animals, earning their places in our households by their skills and hard work. But in 19th century England, the dog moved into the home and joined the family. We still had working dogs, of course, but now we had house pets, too: “precious, rather than productive,” in the words of one writer. Like small, furry children. But not everyone liked dogs. One writer to the Saskatoon newspaper in 1903 complained bitterly about packs of “curs of every sort and description” roaming the streets, nipping at passing horses and “annoying every team and teamster [such as himself] who has the misfortune to meet them.” Another writer, complaining about dogs in the nearby town of Hanley, pleaded for someone to go out and “shoot a few dozen of these worthless poodles and bulldogs.”
“Must be kind to dogs”—new arrivals in Saskatoon make their demands known, 1907.
Running at Large Roaming dogs were perhaps an inevitable consequence of a growing community. In 1907, City Council passed a bylaw requiring dogs to be licensed, to wear a collar and tags, and when out in public, to be at all times “accompanied by and under the immediate charge and control of some competent person” (either leashed or able to be called to heel.) A dog pound was established, a dog catcher hired and fines were levied, split evenly between the City and whoever reported the dog. Strays were to be held for 72 hours, after which time they could be sold. Any
42 | FALL 2026 SASKATOON HOME
The Albert Paddling Pool merry-go-round is enjoyed by at least one canine playmate, 1948. Photos: (top) Local History Room - Saskatoon Public Library - LH 3348; (bottom) City of Saskatoon Archives, 1048-0069
animals not claimed or sold were to be put down after seven days. But dogs running at large remained a problem in Saskatoon, and the dog catcher was kept busy. Also, licensing was never very popular. In 1923 they had to
string up barbed wire to keep irate owners from breaking into the pound to rescue their pets. As late as 1973, less than a third of Saskatoon’s dogs were licensed. Major educational campaigns at various times since then have helped increase this
percentage significantly. Homeless dogs also had their defenders. One newspaper account from January of 1912 bemoaned the pitiable state of Saskatoon’s many homeless strays in the cold weather. But for the most part, such
animals were considered a nuisance. And sometimes worse. In the spring of 1916, a dog that had been seen roaming downtown and behaving strangely, bit a local veterinarian. After it was put down, it was found to be suffering from rabies.This was serious stuff. Left untreated, rabies is invariably fatal. City Council immediately issued an emergency quarantine order, with all dogs to be kept penned up unless wearing a tight-fitting muzzle. Stray dogs were to be shot on sight. Thankfully, no other infected dog was found, and a month later the quarantine order was lifted. The veterinarian, fortunately, survi ved, although it meant traveling all the way to Chicago for the “Pasteur Cure”—a series of injections with a vaccine made from the spinal tissues of infected rabbits.
The Few Bad Apples Following a spate of dog attacks in 1935, the bylaw was amended to specifically require certain breeds of dogs to be kept in their own yards at all times except when under the complete control of a competent person. These were all larger dogs, which had been responsible for the attacks, including Collies, Alsatians, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Huskies and “Police Dogs.” But the rules regarding smaller dogs were significantly relaxed. During daylight hours (but not before 6:00 a.m. in the summer) they were allowed to roam freely. Wander around, hang out downtown with their pals, go to the store and buy cigarettes, whatever they felt like, as long as they were in by dark. We treated our children much the same way in those days.
At centre, Saskatoon City Librarian Angus Mowat in 1936 with Mutt, a puppy Mrs. Mowat bought for four cents. The dog inspired son Farley to write the 1957 classic, “The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be.” Photo: Local History Room - Saskatoon Public Library - LH 4055
This is a complete aboutface from the way the bylaw was written prior to then, and it’s not at all clear why the change was made. But in
reading the accounts of dog attacks in the newspaper, it seems like the anomaly being reported wasn’t that dogs were running around
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A pet owner takes her German Shepherd out for a walk on a leash, late 1930s. Photo: Local History Room - Saskatoon Public Library - PH 93-126-39
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unattended, but that larger dogs were attacking people. And so perhaps the changes were a way to tighten the rules for the dogs that were actually causing problems while acknowledging the reality of dogs running at large. The bylaw also included separate provisions for nuisance dogs—ones that barked incessantly, chased cars or bit—dangerous dogs, and female dogs in heat, which were strictly controlled. Sadly, these carefree days for smaller dogs came to an end in 1956, when the bylaw was amended to again require all dogs venturing out into the public to be attended and under control. To Leash or Not to Leash Today, when we take the dog for a walk, the
first thing we grab is the leash. But leashes only became mandatory in 19 8 0 , following recommendations made by the city’s four-year-old Advisory Committee on Animal Control. The bylaw that was passed that year toughened up enforcement on dogs running at large, banned dogs from certain city parks, and for the first time ever, explicitly required all dogs to be leashed in public. It also addressed another contentious issue: the stuff that came out the other end. Today when we pick up after our dogs as a matter of habit. But this was not the case back in the day, and the tendency of dogs to leave little presents in parks and playgrounds, and on other people’s
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This fall, reflect on the legacy you’re building. The greatest wealth transfer isn’t �inancial. A small dog does tricks, ca. 1955. Photo: City of Saskatoon Archives, HST-099-03-002
lawns was not appreciated. A survey done in March of 1973 estimated the “visible accumulation” of dog poop on Saskatoon’s streets and lanes to be 29,299 pounds— about enough to fill ten 20’ shipping containers. So this was an important and longoverdue improvement. But there was considerable pushback to mandatory leash laws, and complaints that responsible owners with properly-trained dogs were paying the price for all those other, less responsible ones. Still, the language of the 1980 bylaw was a little bit ambiguous, and people continued to run their dogs off leash, often in unofficial dog parks up by the Psychiatric Centre, for example, in Chief Whitecap Park, and at “Power Pole Park” which was by the river at the end of Cartwright Street.
Following a couple of high-profile court cases on the matter, the City brought out new legislation in 1989, clarifying the language regarding dogs at large and ensuring that henceforth, leashes would absolutely be required.
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Off-Leash Dog Parks There was also a call for sanctioned dog parks, places where they could run off-leash. There was considerable discussion about this throughout the 1980s, with compelling evidence produced both for and against, including a City of Burnaby report warning that: “Just one [female dog] in season in an off-leash area would create mayhem.” Despite this possibility, the City opened three off-leash areas in
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1990: in Avalon, off Junor Avenue north of 37th Street, and in Montgomery. There were complaints, however, that these were out-of-the-way and i n c o nv e n i e n t , l a ck e d amenities and had other deficiencies. The Avalon park, for example, was sneeringly referred to as the “Avalon Swamp.” Presumably, this was before the wetland there was fenced off. But improvements were made, services expanded, and nowadays there are thirteen dog parks in Saskatoon, providing people in all parts of the city with a place for their dogs to run and play, freely and safely. Dogs have cemented their places in our cities, our societies, our hearts and our homes. For many, life without them would be unimaginable. An early
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It was clear at the Forestry Farm Park in 1983—“No dogs allowed!” Photo: Local History Room - Saskatoon Public Library - SM 282-7
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