AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 22, 2026
Modern Deck at Saskatoon Heritage House Sparks Debate
A recent alteration to a landmark heritage house in Saskatoon's Nutana neighbourhood has drawn the attention of the city’s municipal heritage advisory committee. The owners of the 1917 house demolished an existing white wraparound deck and constructed a new cedar deck on the side of the property. However, this replacement occurred without the required permissions or building permit from city hall, raising concerns about the process and the compatibility of the new construction with the home's historic character.
Efforts to Navigate City Process Cited by Homeowner
Rebecca Cormack, who owns the house with her husband Josh, appeared before the heritage advisory committee to address the situation. Cormack explained that she had attempted to consult city officials about removing and rebuilding the deck, which is officially considered a veranda in city documents. According to Cormack, efforts were hampered by conflicting advice and delays related to personnel changes within the city’s administration.
“You can just see that with the effort along the way, that we aren’t trying to avoid a process or just go forward and beg for forgiveness after,” Cormack told the committee. She emphasized that the family was not seeking to circumvent regulations.
Safety, Heritage Designation, and Retrospective Appeals
Cormack, who also serves as chief of staff to Mayor Cynthia Block, said she had since applied retroactively for permission to alter the property and for a building permit. She noted that the previous deck, reconstructed in 2008, was not explicitly identified as a protected feature when the house was honoured with heritage designation in 2023. Cormack cited deterioration as a reason for the work, pointing to growing safety, privacy, and security concerns for her family.
“The reality is we couldn’t leave the deck up as it was with three young kids and a dog that could escape at any moment,” she said, explaining the urgency that led to proceeding prior to formal approval.
Panel Discusses Compatibility with Historic Character
The city’s development review manager, Darryl Dawson, acknowledged that the municipal heritage bylaw offers limited clarity when it comes to deck replacement or similar modifications. He said the administration did not seek a decision on whether the demolition was appropriate, but instead on whether the new deck blends with the home’s historic architecture.
The three-storey, 3,183-square-foot brick house reflects the Queen Anne Revival style, featuring distinctive columns and previously a turret. Over its long history, it has housed figures such as Supreme Court justice Emmett Hall.
Opinions among committee members were mixed. Architect Louis Assant commented, “Otherwise it’s a beautiful property. I’m struggling with the deck, the cedar and the overall aesthetic of that.” Another member, Michelle Loi, agreed the deck stands out but questioned the committee’s options since the construction is already complete. Cormack responded by noting plans for landscaping to conceal the new deck from street view.
Praise for Heritage Protection Amid Concerns
Despite some criticism of the appearance, committee members commended Cormack for seeking heritage protection for the home. Cormack said she and her husband pursued designation after witnessing several nearby houses being demolished for redevelopment and infill projects.
Councillor Scott Ford emphasized the need for flexibility in enforcement, suggesting that accommodating homeowners' concerns may encourage more residents to obtain heritage designation for their historic homes.
Source: cbc.ca.
