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SASKATOON — Eighty years of history, fellowship and community pride came together in Montgomery Place as hundreds gathered to celebrate one of Saskatoon's most distinctive neighbourhoods.
Past, present and future came together May 30 as Saskatoon's historic Montgomery Place community celebrated its 80th anniversary with a day filled with heritage, fellowship, food and family fun.
The organizing committee has since had a chance to catch its breath and reflect on the memorable celebration.
The milestone event attracted hundreds of residents, former residents and visitors who gathered to honour the neighbourhood's unique history and the generations who have called it home.
"It was fantastic seeing so many people of all ages come together to recognize the history of the area and share the love for Montgomery Place as a community," stated the Montgomery Place Community Association in a post-event newsletter. Organizers estimated that more than 500 hamburgers and 500 hot dogs were served throughout the day.
The festivities began with an opening ceremony at the Memorial Cairn at 10 a.m., followed by a full schedule of activities, including a car show, bike parade, cake cutting, barbecue, concession, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, games and old-fashioned field races such as sack races and wheelbarrow races. The celebration concluded with a community dance in the Montgomery School gymnasium.
Longtime resident and organizer Gwen Will said the event offered something for everyone. She spent much of the day at St. David's Trinity United Church, where historical displays, presentations and coffee brought together current and former residents eager to reconnect and share memories.
More than 150 visitors toured the church displays, which included a veterans PowerPoint presentation and a video of Sentimental Journey, a community play created in 2007.
The event highlighted the strong role local schools continue to play in community life. Grade 8 students from Montgomery School and St. Dominic School operated the barbecue and concession, while younger students researched and presented facts about Montgomery Place and wrote about their favourite neighbourhood landmarks.
Several dignitaries attended the celebration, including Mayor Cynthia Block, Saskatoon Coun. Senos Timon, MLA Kim Breckner and MP Brad Redekopp. Each paid tribute to Montgomery Place and its unique heritage.
On social media, Block described the event as a powerful reminder of what makes Montgomery Place special.
"From the piping in of dignitaries to the generations of families gathering together, today was a reminder of what makes Montgomery Place so special," Block wrote. "Built by returning veterans and their families after the Second World War, Montgomery Place has grown into a close-knit community where history is honoured, traditions are celebrated, and neighbours continue to look out for one another."
She added, "The pride was palpable. Thank you to everyone who helped organize a day filled with activities, stories, culture and connections. Here's to 80 years of Montgomery Place—and to the generations who will continue to call it home."
Among the honoured guests was 96-year-old Korean War veteran Jim Dockstader, whose name appears on the community monument. Montgomery resident Emilee Kowaliuk performed O Canada, while Linda Lyon Walls, daughter-in-law of veterans Norma and Bert Walls, piped dignitaries into the ceremony while dressed in Canadian tartan.
Also attending were stonemasons Rocco Giocoli and Jim Savino, who helped construct the Montgomery Cairn in 1989, a project inspired and spearheaded by veterans Bernie Newman and Lewis Winger.
Organizers were especially proud to unveil two memorial benches in time for the anniversary celebration. One was donated by the family of the late Sgt. John Bradley, a veteran and peacekeeper who regularly laid wreaths at Montgomery's Remembrance Day services. The second bench was installed as a tribute to veterans by the Montgomery Place Community Association.
Notable guests also included 98-year-old Olive Genereux, widow of veteran Phil Genereux, and 91-year-old Ron Fisher, a longtime community member now enjoying life as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Another special guest was Arnold Mainland, Montgomery's longest-serving resident. At age 79, Mainland represents one of the neighbourhood's founding families. His parents, veteran Tom Mainland and Esther Mainland, were among the first four families to build homes in Montgomery Place in 1946. Arnold later served the community as a member of the Saskatoon Police Service.
The celebration was made possible through the efforts of the Montgomery Place Community Association's organizing committee, including Tasha Metzler, Bill Davenport, Mitchell Newman, Cory Fisher, Amber Antymniuk, Allison Graham and Gwen Will. Community historians Barb Biddle and Leslee Newman also played key roles, along with numerous volunteers and sponsors.
Designated a national historic site in 2016, Montgomery Place remains one of Canada's most unique neighbourhoods. Established for returning veterans following the Second World War, it is the only community in the country to maintain its original streetscape and building design as part of its heritage character.
Eighty years after its founding, Montgomery Place continues to honour its roots while building a strong future — proving that community spirit remains its greatest legacy.
