A striking statue at the intersection of First Avenue South and 21st Street East in Saskatoon depicts a young John Diefenbaker—who would later become Canada’s 13th prime minister—selling a newspaper to then sitting Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier.
On July 29, 1910, a fabled meeting between these two leaders supposedly took place when a 14-year-old Diefenbaker, working as a newsboy, delivered a copy of the Saskatoon Phoenix to Laurier. The premier reportedly struck up a conversation with the young boy. After 10 minutes of talking, Diefenbaker reportedly told Laurier, "I can't waste any more time on you, Prime Minister. I must get about my work," after which the two went their separate ways.
Today, this moment is commemorated by a statue on that exact spot, courtesy the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, one of the country’s oldest newspapers that had commissioned the sculpture, titled Chance Encounter, created by artist Bill Epp, installed in 1990. Founded as a weekly in 1902 – Saskatoon Phoenix transitioned to a daily in 1909, and merged with the Saskatoon Daily Star in 1928.
John Diefenbaker waited many years before revealing this chance meeting, which has naturally fueled skepticism regarding its authenticity. He first mentioned the interaction during a 1963 election campaign. However, this historical debate has only made the monument all the more legendary.
On July 29, 2019—exactly 109 years after that debated yet famous interaction between Diefenbaker and Laurier — I had the opportunity to visit the sculpture. The date must be a coincidence.
That summer, I was traveling through the Canadian wheat belt of Saskatchewan and staying at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Saskatoon. After finishing my business for the day, I was leisurely strolling along First Avenue near my hotel when I stumbled upon Chance Encounter, quite literally living up to its name.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's 7th prime minister, was in Saskatoon on that July day in 1910 to lay the cornerstone for the University of Saskatchewan's first building. While some historians still argue whether their 10-minute conversation actually occurred or if it was an embellished story popularized later in Diefenbaker's life, the statue remains a fascinating piece of local lore.
During my summer stay, I passed that intersection several times. Beyond Chance Encounter, I discovered many other beautiful sculptures scattered throughout Saskatoon—a city blessed with vibrant parks, wide avenues, scenic waterfronts, and the South Saskatchewan River flowing gracefully beneath its many bridges.
Anyone visiting this corner of Western Canada, right in the heart of the central prairie region, cannot miss the artistic touches that shape Saskatoon's public areas. One prominent historical landmark that caught my eye in downtown Saskatoon was the Founders Statue, located at the intersection of Spadina Crescent and 3rd Avenue. Unveiled in 2008 and crafted by sculptor Hans Holtkamp, this bronze monument commemorates an 1882 meeting that reshaped local history and led to the establishment of the city.
The monument features two core historical figures: a standing figure with a raised arm pointing toward the landscape, and a seated figure listening attentively. I learned from local hosts that the standing man represents Chief Whitecap, leader of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, while the seated man is John Neilson Lake, leader of the Toronto-based Temperance Colonization Society.
According to historical accounts, the Whitecap Dakota First Nation is a self-governing Indigenous community located 26 kilometers south of Saskatoon. The Temperance Colonization Society was a group of 19th-century non-Indigenous settlers led by John Lake, who founded the initial colony. Chief Whitecap guided John Lake to this ideal location along the South Saskatchewan River, cementing their shared legacy as the founding fathers of the city.
Later, while walking along the scenic Meewasin Trail, I encountered another beautiful sculpture in Kiwanis Memorial Park. Titled Tribute to Youth (also known as the Spirit of Youth), this life-sized bronze piece is another handiwork of artist Bill Epp. It depicts five adolescent figures performing acrobatics, their interlocked limbs forming a dynamic, energetic sphere.
The numerous structures crossing the river have earned Saskatoon the nickname "The City of Bridges." One day, as I approached the University Bridge at Spadina Crescent, I noticed a bronze statue of a jogging figure. This monument honors Denny Carr, a beloved local radio host, passionate community volunteer, and recipient of the Order of Canada. An avid runner who frequently jogged the streets of Saskatoon, Carr passed away from cancer in 1999 at the age of 60.
At the western entrance to the University Bridge at the intersection of 25th Street East and Spadina Crescent, I stumbled upon another beauty – Unfurled. A large, ribbon-like monument – Unfurled – is a prominent piece of public art, created by renowned local Canadian abstract sculptor Douglas Bentham. It is a monumental stainless steel sculpture consisting of a rigid central column topped with loose, flowing, organic metal shapes that twist into the sky. The loops are completely hollow, allowing prairie wind, light, and changing skies to pass seamlessly through the gaps. Unfurled mimics a tree rooted to the ground that ascends and blossoms. It was built to capture Saskatoon’s cultural expansion, optimism, and progressive future.
Finally, while walking down 2nd Avenue South, I encountered a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the bustling corner of 21st Street East. This larger-than-life bronze bust, crafted by Indian sculptor Ram Sutar and installed in 2000, was the very first monument of an international figure erected in Saskatoon.
A short business trip never provides enough time to truly do justice to Saskatoon’s rich sculptural landscape. Despite my best intentions, I could not manage to see every monument the city has to offer. Some I saw firsthand, while others I only heard about, but I admired them all deeply for their artistic richness and historical value.