Sheradan D.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon Regional Heritage Fair

The Biz At The Bezz

My project is about how The Bessborough has shaped Saskatoon heritage and Canadian history. It has done so in many ways, including being a part of the great depression and how it gave hope to people that there was going to be better times ahead or how it is apart of nine amazing railway hotels in Canada. The main reason why I did this project is that I drive by and walk around The Bessborough and I wanted to know more about this beautiful hotel also known as “The Castle On The River”.The Bessborough is important to Canadian history because it was built to house railway workers when they had nowhere to stay and for the public in Saskatoon. It also supplied jobs when there were not very many jobs. So I hope you enjoy learning about The Bessborough and the next time you see The Bessborough just remember the history is not a mystery.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned is that to heat The Bessborough they still use the four original steam engines that have been there since it opened. They have been recently converted to natural gas.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The lessons that I have learned include: that in hard times they could build such a huge hotel in under 3 years, and how this huge hotel brought so much hope to people that there was going to be better times ahead. This is a good reminder to always stay positive when things get hard and remember that it will get better.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

I would compare myself to the people in The Great Depression now because I am always hoping that Covid-19 will be over soon and that there will be better times ahead.