Montgomery Place Memorial Cairn

Description of the Historic Place

The Montgomery Place Memorial Cairn is a stone structure that features a plaque dedicated to the war veterans who settled in the area. Built in 1989, the monument is located in Montgomery Park in the neighbourhood of Montgomery Place.

Heritage Value

In 1945, 230 acres of land were purchased from the RM of Cory west of Saskatoon under the Veterans Land Act. The land was subdivided into half acre lots to provide housing sites for the returning World War II veterans. This remained a rural area until 1955 when it became part of the City of Saskatoon.

The neighbourhood was named for Bernard Montgomery, Commander in Chief of the 21st Army Group from 1944 to 1945. War Veterans settled in Montgomery until 1977 when the Land Titles Act officially ended. To commemorate the veterans of World War II, and the history of the Montgomery Place community, a Memorial Cairn was erected. The plaque on the Montgomery Place Cairn reads:

“This Monument Commemorates the Canadian Forces Veterans Who Built Their Homes Here During the Years 1946-77. Montgomery Place Was Established With Small Land Holdings Under the Federal Governments ‘Veterans Land Act’ For Men and Women Returning From World War II and the Korean War. Dedicated Sept. 16th, 1989”

The dedication ceremony was attended by a number of notable municipal, provincial and national dignitaries and officials, including William McKnight, Minister of National Defence. The Montgomery Place Memorial Cairn continues to be a neighbourhood touchstone for paying tribute to war veterans and remembering the history and formation of Montgomery Place.

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 the monument's historical significance including its stone structure, plaque, and its location within the Montgomery Place neighbourhood.