19th Street Subway

Description of the Historic Place

The 19th Street Subway is a roadway that was constructed in the 1930s as a means to pass underneath the rail lines. The remnant subway now stands in the shadow of two freeway approaches. This historic resource, located at the 100 Block of 19th Street East, was built in 1931 in the City’s downtown. 

Heritage Value

As early as 1906, Saskatoon citizens have had difficulty connecting between the west side of the city and its downtown.  The multitude of railway tracks made crossing not only difficult but exceedingly dangerous.  Construction of the first 19th Street Subway started in 1911. It was located 60 metres southeast of the 19th Street Subway's present location. Concerns about the new subway began almost as soon as it was built - it was dangerous, the approaches made it difficult to enter and exit, and it was narrow.  Construction of the new 19th Street Subway was undertaken as an unemployment relief measure in December, 1930.  Much of the work was done by hand and it took six and a-half months to complete.  Today, the 19th Street Subway no longer has a centre pier, roof or retaining walls. However, the site continues to stand as a reminder of early Saskatoon underpasses.

Source:  City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

Key elements which contribute to the heritage value of this historic resource include:

• Those features that relate to its historic value such as its original site.