Building
- STF file photo
When the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation opened its first office in 1934–two small rooms in Saskatoon’s Canada Building rented for $15 a month–teacher support was overwhelming. Just 13 months after the STF was created, nearly three quarters of the 7,250 teachers in the province had chosen to become STF members.
Through the years, providing more and better services to a growing membership has made the need for more space a consistent fact of life for the STF. After outgrowing a series of rented premises during the next 21 years, the membership decided in 1955 that it made sense for the STF to own its own home.
In 1958, the STF building at the corner of Spadina Crescent and 24th Street was officially opened.
The 9,500 square foot facility was heralded as the permanent home of the STF. Yet, with changing times and growing responsibilities, the Federation had outgrown the space in less than a decade.
In 1967, member representatives voted to construct a larger facility.
The current building at 2317 Arlington Avenue was completed in late 1969. The new facility provided more than just working space for staff. Flexible meeting spaces, including the Eamer Auditorium, allowed the organization to holds member gatherings, meetings, professional development sessions and social events under its own roof.
The Stewart Resources Centre (SRC), one of Canada’s leading information sources for teachers and education professionals, was also located in the building. Both the building and the SRC were officially opened in March 1970.
In 1988, the building underwent a major renovation. While no new space was added, offices were reconfigured to accommodate a growing staff. Mechanical systems and facilities were also updated.
By 2000, changing times had brought changing demands for Federation office space. With more than 80 employees and growing pension and benefit plans to accommodate, the STF devised a unique and creative solution to expand the STF building.
While the STF would continue to own the original building, the Saskatchewan Teachers Retirement Plan (STRP) financed and now owns two floors that were added to the structure. The STRP, which requires 35 per cent of the new space for its own use, leases the balance to the STF at fair market rates.
Currently, the STF building is home to over 95 staff and hosts hundreds of events, meetings and workshops every year. The uniquely inspiring structure is complemented by visually stunning artwork inside and out. To learn more about the STF collection, please see: