Its featured on almost every postcard of Saskatoon, and its celebrating 75 years - The Bessborough. The iconic hotel welcomed its first guest on December 10th, 1935.
Events will be held throughout the year to mark the Bessborough's diamond anniversary. The hotel will hold numerous fundraisers to benefit the charity Habitat for Humanity. The first is a gala dinner set for May 8th, with more scheduled later in the year. The goal is to raise $75,000.
Many people in Saskatoon have personal stories about the hotel, including Mayor Don Atchison. He says he worked at the hotel one summer "washing pots and pans" and eventually worked his way up to the position of breakfast chef.
General Manager Andrew Turnbull says the hotel seems to be a bellwether for the city.
"So, when the city of Saskatoon has gone through hard times, the Bessborough has gone through hard times. As we stand here today, in perhaps some of the best of times, the same holds true for the Bessborough," Turnbull said.
Turnbull says extensive renovations are planned over the next few years.
