International Peace Plaza

Description of the Historic Place

The International Peace Plaza features a stone and metal structure that honours recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Constructed in 1998, the monument is located in Rotary Park in the neighbourhood of Nutana.

Heritage Value

Since its dedication in 1967, Rotary Park has been a popular riverbank site along the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon. Collaborating with the Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon, Nutana Community Association and SaskEnergy, Meewasin officially opened the International Peace Plaza on May 27, 1998, at the base of the Eastlake Hill. On August 11, 1999, a riverbank slump threatened the stability of the plaza and it was rebuilt at its present location. It was rededicated on June 22, 2002 by the Rotary Clubs, and in September of that same year it was the site of the “SaskEnergy Hear the Children Peace Day”.

The Peace Plaza has the names of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize engraved in its paving bricks. Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded annually to individuals and organizations. Each year more Peace Laureate bricks are added to the Saskatoon plaza, the only place in the world that the Peace Laureates are recognized in such a manner. Sponsored privately by organizations and individuals, Peace Laureates already recognized in Rotary Park include: Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Lester B. Pearson, Desmond Tutu, and the Red Cross of 1917. 

Source: Meewasin Valley Authority

Character Defining Elements

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

• Those features that relate to the monument's cultural significance including its engraved bricks and its stone and metal structure with the inscription 'May Peace Prevail on Earth'.