Toxicology Research Centre (Saskatoon)

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The building known today as the Toxicology Centre was originally constructed in 1958 for the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). Designed to accommodate research in the fields of water supply, mineral resources, agriculture, secondary industry and transportation, it is located on the Campus Drive south-east of the Heating Plant.

The original two-storey structure was 130 feet long by 50 feet wide and contained a pilot plant area at the rear of the building used to test new processes or equipment developed in the laboratories and design offices.

In 1961 a second building was erected by the SRC to house its Geology Division, as well as to provide space for a machine shop, a carpenter shop, vehicle servicing and general storage. In 1963 a third storey was added to the original building.

In an increasing progression of expansion the SRC purchased a small factory building on Quebec Avenue in 1966 to be used for large scale pilot projects. In 1979 plans were made to relocate to a major new facility at the Uiversity's research park, Innovation Place. The SRC made the move in 1984 offering to sell the University of Saskatchewan the vacated building for $1.00.

A Toxicology Centre was first proposed to the National Research Council in 1971 by D. L. T. Smith, first Dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, but funding was denied. In 1979-80 a comprehensive proposal to establish a Toxicology Centre was submitted to the Provincial and Federal Governments by the Saskatoon Toxicology Group. On the basis of that proposal the Government of Saskatchewan and the University entered into an agreement to establish the Centre.

The Toxicology Centre was formed 1982 with the core of the Centre’s offices located on the fourth floor of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The original intent was to construct a $6.5 million facility for the Centre. However, these plans were curtailed due to lack of funding support on the part of the Provincial Government.

In 1984 the Federal Government approved the payment of $2 million for a new Toxicology Research Centre in Saskatoon, which was used to renovate the old SRC Building. The renovations were completed in 1986 by Stuart Olson Industries for $1,145,440 under a design by Akin Olfert. The Toxicology Research Centre moved into the building on December 8, 1986.

The renovations provided 500 square metres of space for the Centre, with mechanical and electrical systems being contained in the penthouse of the building. Renovations included the improvement of the thermal efficiency of the exterior walls, the refinishing of the interior and the provision of new mechanical and electrical systems for the three floors at the east end of the building. Further renovations to the building were completed by PCL-Maxam in 1989 for $341,906, again designed by the architectural firm of Akin Olfert.