In the final episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, host Lydia Neufeld is joined by members of the Ritchie Community League Board to reflect on the past, present, and future of this dynamic neighbourhood. Community members share their perspectives on what makes Ritchie unique and explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the neighbourhood. Throughout the series, A Little Bit Ritchie has delved into the stories and experiences that define Ritchie. Join us for this celebratory finale as we bid farewell to the Centennial Celebration and look forward to the next chapter in Ritchie's vibrant history.

On September 17th, 2022—Edmonton’s Community League Day—Ritchie celebrated its centennial anniversary with live music, food trucks, and historical walking tours. On this special episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we’ll introduce you to 13 of Ritchie’s historical hotspots. Tie on some walking shoes, grab a pair of headphones, and join us on a two-hour adventure to Wander ‘Round Ritchie. 

In this episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we look at three community transitions, each shaped by the community’s needs and desires and marked by a collection of buildings: the shantytown of Ross Acreage, Wartime Housing Limited homes, and Redeemer Lutheran Church. A key theme throughout is the movement towards modernization, which so often occurs after periods of upheaval. This episode was produced in collaboration with local popular historian Dane Ryksen, who shares the history of a Redeemer Lutheran Church.

In the early days of the twentieth century, city dwellers across Canada and the United States learned of a new phenomenon that pledged to reduce crime, increase morality, and improve public health—playgrounds. In this episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we uncover how and why playgrounds and park spaces became essential to the health of our neighbourhoods, children, and society.

Tune into the fifth episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, to learn about the history of Gainers Meatpacking Plant, guts and all! The site of the 96th street condos, which overlook Mill Creek Ravine, was once home to the gigantic Gainers slaughterhouse—a keystone of Ritchie’s economic and social landscape. In this episode, We discuss Gainers success within the greater context of meatpacking and in relation to the Ritchie community. Further, we delve into the infamous 1986 Gainers strike. The story of Gainers is a tale of business, community, and the tensions that can arise when greed obscures ethics.

Today on a Little Bit Ritchie, we dive into the secrets of Mill Creek Ravine. The ravine, a routine escape in many of our lives, holds tightly to vital stories of Edmonton’s industrial past and perhaps is to thank for the city's early economy. Mill Creek Ravine, and the overgrowth below, conceal one of Alberta's most polluted creeks and green spaces. This episode addresses how the history of Mill Creek, as told in the popular past, contradicts itself. Additionally, we question the value of environmental activism when viewed through a colonial lens. This episode explores the stories told within the context of Mill Creek Ravine and the public perception of these stories. What voices have shaped the area as we know it today? Through this discussion, we ask: how can the community interact with these places in ways that promote reconciliation?

In the third episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we’re talking transportation! This episode includes a quick overview of the famous railway that connected Canadians across the nation—the Canadian Pacific Railway—and we address the displacement left in the train's wake. This section discusses historical sources that use derogatory language towards Indigenous peoples. To skip this section, jump to 13:47. Next, we look into Sleeping Car Porters’ lives, working conditions, and activism. Then we chat about the Edmonton Yukon Railway, one of the lesser-known railways in the region. To conclude, we discuss how the rail lines shaped the contours of modern-day Ritchie, and we finish with a tale of early immigration and settlement that hits close to home.

In the second episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we trace the history of the Community League Movement in Edmonton. This discussion involves a few of Edmonton’s early hardships. We touch on the Social Center Movement and two notable Edmontonians, Jessie F. Montgomery and George M. Hall. Then, the conversation moves to Edmonton’s first League—the Crestwood Community League. This discussion includes a brief segment on the Vacant Lot Gardening Movement. We quickly touch on the formation of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. Finally, we focus on the Ritchie Community League and some of its early endeavours and recreational activities, including Whist, Winter Carnivals, and Bingo.

On the debut episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we discuss the early settler history of Strathcona, Edmonton, including the namesake of our neighbourhood—Robert Ritchie—and many of his endeavours. We introduce the early food politics of the area, which includes a discussion about Treaty 6 and the Home Farms Program. Then we touch on the evolution of South Edmonton, to Strathcona, to the City of Edmonton, followed by a look into the formation of Ritchie.

A Little Bit Ritchie shares the past 100 years of the Ritchie Community League. We aspire to challenge and reassess notions of place, community, and public space, bridging a gap in historical knowledge of our neighbourhood. By sharing lesser-known stories to nourish our community’s spirit of belonging, unity, and respect.

We hope to reflect on the history of Ritchie to kindle a brighter future. This podcast is brought to you by Erin Fraser, Seghan MacDonald, Linnea Bell, Lydia Neufeld, and Elyse Colville.