The name Saskatoon comes from the Cree inanimate noun “misâskwatômina”, which refers to the sweet, violet-coloured berry that grows in the area.
Saskatoon was incorporated as a city on May 26, 1906.
Saskatoon is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, and records an average of 2381 hours of sunlight annually.
The world’s largest uranium company Cameco and the world’s largest potash company Potash Corp have their corporate headquarters in Saskatoon.
The University of Saskatchewan campus is home to the Canadian Light Source, which is the largest scientific project completed in Canada in over 50 years. The 179 million dollar project resulted in a national synchrotron radiation facility that is used for a wide range of world-class scientific research. The campus also houses the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), which is a global leader in researching the diseases that afflict animal and human health
The world’s first successful cancer treatment with a Colbalt-60 Unit occurred at the Saskatoon University Hospital in 1951.
John Diefenbaker, the thirteenth Prime Minister of Canada moved to Saskatoon in 1910, and received his BA, and MA in political science and economics at the University of Saskatchewan.
Four people are buried on the University of Saskatchewan grounds: John and Olive Diefenbaker, Sir Frederick Haultain (the last Premiere of the Northwest Territories before Saskatchewan and Alberta were formed in 1905), and Saskatoon plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Henry Dale.
The Hugh Cairns memorial in Kiwanis Park in Saskatoon is believed to be the only war memorial in the world dedicated to the players of football (soccer) who died in World War I.
The weir on the South Saskatchewan and located near Spadina Crescent and 33rd Street was completed in 1940. The purpose of the weir is to provide an adequate water level for the water treatment plant making it easier to pump into the water works and power plant, as well as making the river better suited for boating, and the use of float planes. The weir, constructed in the 1930s, not only beautified this area of the Meewasin Valley, but as importantly this construction project provided jobs for unemployed workers.
Saskatoon has been used in lyrics by many famous artists/bands including Tragically Hip, The Guess Who, Johnny Cash and Wide Mouth Mason.
Many famous people hail from Saskatoon including singers rock and roll hall of famer Joni Mitchell and Susan Jacks, actress Janet Wright, former model and reality TV star Shannon Tweed, NHL coach Mike Babcock and Olympic medalist Catriona LeMay Doan.
Saskatoon has hosted many notable major events including the CIS Vanier Cup (2006), JUNO Awards (2007), IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship (1991 and 2010) and will host the Canadian Country Music Awards in 2012.
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