December 2024 Civics Update: West Ritchie Garden Rezoning

Community Update: West Ritchie

A good news story from 79 Ave and 101 St! Our community-led initiative to transform an abandoned road right of way (RROW) has reached council, and the decision was made to approve road closure and rezoning.

HISTORY

West Ritchie is home to an L-shaped road right of way (RROW), unused since 2009 when several large condominiums were constructed. No infrastructure changes have taken place on this RROW since then. At the same time, West Ritchie has undergone massive population changes and is the most densely populated area of Ritchie. West Ritchie is home to about 10 large-scale condominium developments across only three streets and three avenues, with another build near 99 St pitched to add hundreds of residents. What hasn’t kept pace with the development and densification of this hotspot is the availability of public green space for residents. With the loss of the last public park to the Station Park building, on the corner of Whyte Avenue and Gateway, West Ritchie officially has no public parks left for residents, who now have to cross busy 99 St or Whyte Avenue to find a place to access green space. As a result, neighbours have taken to utilizing the RROW at 79 Ave and 101 St as their “green space”.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

This land was in very poor condition when a group of volunteers started tending to it in 2020. Volunteers cleaned up encampments, needles, noxious weeds, and more, over several clean up events. Then came the community garden, which today has picnic tables, garden plots, water barrels, composters, and more. The hard work of tenacious volunteers have transformed this space into much more than a road allowance. However, the zoning of this lot poses issues to the current use of the space. For example, there are no city garbage cans allowed on a “road”, and so garbage accumulates on the lot. Or, although a gravel path was laid down, there is no ability to install an accessible pathway as the lot has no curbs or connecting sidewalks. We’ve done a lot of work installing what we can, but there were major limitations posed by its designation as a road.

WHAT’S Next?

RCL is extremely pleased to see that council approved road closure and rezoning of the 79 Avenue portion of the space to Park. Council was receptive and applauded the work of our League and volunteers to not stop at a “policy no”. This change aligns with the “West Ritchie Greenway” proposal to stretch from Whyte Ave to the 79 Ave park along the rail tracks. 

What we do know about this rezoning is that it will give the space an address for emergency calls, and it will place the lot into Parks Management, potentially receiving funding in a future budget cycle. We hope that we can work with the city to secure garbage cans, plant trees, and more, and will continue our advocacy in that respect. As of today, there will be no major management changes to the space, and the rehab of the lot will continue to be community-led. We have asked the city to consult with RCL about naming the park and installing more permanent signage. 

Stay Informed

For more updates about this project, please reach out to West@ritchie-league.com. If you have any further questions about other civic projects in Ritchie, visit our Civics Updates page.

Long-term volunteer opportunity

ONGOING VOLUNTEER POSITION TAKING APPLICATIONS NOW

Position Title: Grant and Business Donation Tracker

Project: Ritchie League's Hall Replacement Project

Time Commitment: ~3 hours per week

Duration: Ideally for a year to support fundraising

Position Overview:
The Hall Replacement Project is a transformative initiative aimed at creating a new community hub that will serve the vibrant and growing Ritchie neighborhood and adjacent neighbourhoods. This new hall will not only be a centerpiece for the community but also a beacon of art, accessibility, social connection, sustainability, and community pride. We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized volunteer to assist in tracking and managing grants and business donations, ensuring that the board meets deadlines, that sources are researched and that financial contributions are properly recorded.

About the Hall Replacement Project:
This project is more than just a building; it is a cornerstone for the future of the Ritchie community:

1. Art Hub: The new hall will serve as an art hub for emerging artists in Edmonton, providing a creative space for workshops and dance, music, and theatre performances.

2. Accessibility: Designed with full accessibility in mind, the hall (especially the kitchen) will support all members and residents, including those who will benefit from an inclusive space today and as they age into their senior years.

3. Social Gathering Space: The hall will be an incredibly social gathering space, adaptable for both large and small events, helping to keep the community connected, active, and healthy.

4. Sustainability: We are aiming to be the first net-zero public facility in Alberta- we want to lead the way! With sustainability at its core, the building will be designed for minimal heat and power costs and will serve as a safe haven during extreme heat or cold, poor air, and unpredictable events. 

5. Pride in the Community: This hall will be a space that the entire Ritchie community can be proud of, reflecting the spirit and values of the neighborhood.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research & Identification: Identify potential grants and business donors who may be interested in supporting the hall replacement project. With support of board members, identify and hire a campaign manager for fundraising and securing donors.

• Fund Tracking: Monitor and track the status of grant applications and donations, ensuring that deadlines are met for grants and follow-ups are conducted with donors, as needed.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of all grants and donations received, including donor details, amounts, and any specific conditions or stipulations attached to the funds.

• Communication: Liaise with the board regarding deadlines, needs, and reporting. Liaise with a hired campaign manager to assist with donors.

• Reporting: Prepare a report for executive meetings, at meetings or in writing, on the progress of grants and donations.

• Collaboration: Work closely with executive and finance teams to ensure proper allocation and utilization of funds.

Qualifications:

• You're a good human - we think that's always a good start.

• Organizational skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Proficiency in google office (email account and training provided).

• Ability to work independently and contribute to a team.

• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Awareness of grant writing and fundraising is an asset.

• Member in good standing of Ritchie Community League

Benefits:

• Contribute to a meaningful and impactful community project.

• Gain experience in grant tracking, fundraising, and business relations.

• Develop skills in project management and donor relations.

• Network with other community leaders.

• Receive recognition and references for your volunteer contribution.

How to Participate:

Please submit an email to president@ritchie-league.com by Friday, November 15.

If you’re interested, but have questions, consider attending a brainstorming meeting on Wednesday, November 13. Email if you'd like to join!

Join us in shaping the future of Ritchie by helping to secure the funds needed for a hall that will serve as the heart of our community!

BBQ Raffle

Win a TraegervPro 780 Wi-Fi enabled Wood Pellet Grill

*Valued at $1350

Tickets:

• 10 FOR $50.00

• 50 FOR $100.00

• 1 FOR $10.00

• 3 FOR $20.00

Ritchie Community League is excited to announce our new hall fundraiser! - Grab your tickets now and enter to win a Traeger Pro 780 wi-fi enable wood pellet grill BBQ!

Ritchie Community League exists to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all Ritchie residents through advocacy, activities, programs, and supporting each other with opportunities to get to know our neighbours and have a sense of belonging within the community. We are based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Funds raised by this raffle will support our long journey to build a new hall! This community need was identified many years ago through direct consultation with Ritchie residents.

The winner will be contacted to claim their prize.

Thank you for your support!

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Rules

1. Players must be 18 years of age or older, and use a major credit card, Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit.

2. Tickets will be available online and sold at a rate of:

1 FOR $10.00 * 3 FOR $20.00 * 10 FOR $50.00 * 50 FOR $100.00

3. Ticket sales will end on September 22, 2024 at 3:00pm with the draw taking place at the Ritchie Community League Hall 7727 98 STREET NORTHWEST, EDMONTON, AB, T6E 5C9 on September 22, 2024 at 6pm.

4. The winner will receive a Traeger Pro 780 wi-fi enable wood pellet grill BBQ *valued at $1349.99 retail

5. All ticket numbers will be emailed to ticket purchasers by the registered Electronic Raffle Supplier (ERS) (Rafflebox). A physical ticket will not be mailed out for this draw.

6. The winner will be determined by a random draw using a registered Electronic Raffle Supplier (ERS) Random Number Generator (RNG).

7. The winner will be contacted by phone and email. The winner has 7 days to claim their prize, a second draw from the same numbers will occur after 7 days if the prize goes unclaimed.

8. By playing you consent to having your name and winning numbers published.

PRIZE DESCRIPTION

TraegervPro 780 Wi-Fi enabled Wood Pellet Grill

All-natural hardwood pellets fuel the fire and add incredible flavor. Pick the temperature you want, then Set It & Forget It®. 

• 780 sq. inch grilling area - Enjoy enough grilling space to hold up to 24 burgers or 9 racks of ribs.

• WiFIRE® Controller - Adjust temperatures and monitor food on your smartphone with the WiFIRE® controller and Traeger App.

• Porcelain Grill Grates - These grates are non-stick and easy to clean no matter what you cook

• 18 lbs. hopper capacity - Enjoy hours of cooking without needing a refill thanks to this spacious hopper size.

• D2® Direct Drive - The D2® Direct Drive drivetrain features more power, precision and durability for better wood-fired flavor.

• Pro D2 Direct Drive improves searing and allows low and slow cooking with broader temp ranges

• TurboTemp allows ultra fast startup and rapid temperature changes

• Exterior storage hooks for extra grill rack

• Traeger's easy-to-use controls make wood-fired cooking simple. Just set your grill temperature like you would your oven and let your Traeger do the work for you.

• Consistency - Get consistent results thanks to consistent temperatures every single time. Traeger makes mastering your BBQ easy and reliable.

• Taste - Traeger grills are fueled by 100% all-natural hardwood pellets that infuse amazing wood-fired flavor into everything you cook.

• 6-in-1 Versatility - Traegers aren't just for grilling, you can smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food too, from ribs to apple pie.

Traeger's all-natural hardwood pellets ensure you get only the highest-quality pure hardwood flavour, and nothing else. Whether you're grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, braising, or barbecuing your food, the Traeger hardwood pellets got you covered. Note: Pellets sold separately

West Ritchie Garden Perspective

I write this to help clarify a bit of what the West Ritchie community faces with the homelessness situation and to explain how complex this issue really is. 

My motivation to create a community garden didn't stem from my love of gardening; I have a bit of a black thumb. Instead, my drive came from my observation of the land: overlooking it from my balcony and witnessing first-hand how neglected, dirty, and under-utilized it was. No one had cared for it in a long time, that was evident. I watched pickup trucks back in and dump mattresses, TVs—you name it. I watched homeless camps pop up, get looted, and/or burn down. Even the City was on the hook; garbage from construction projects, utility poles, and exposed wires could be found across the property. Even more concerning was others’ apparent obliviousness to the dangers of this space. Off-leash dogs ran through the lot, their owners unaware of the broken glass, disposed needles, and other hazards. Teens came by at night, not knowing that they were drinking near a bike chop shop. It went on and on. So I took it upon myself to do something. 

First, it was just calling around. The City said any garbage near the fenceline is CP Rail's jurisdiction. CP argued that side of the fence was city land. This went on and on for months while real people were still trying to use the green space. Large dumped items were removed, but the real hazards—the abandoned encampments—remained. So a few good neighbours chose a day to go down there and haul trash. 

Now, this was not easy. We pulled around 50 needles from the site on the first day. We didn't know what to do with these needles—we ended up putting them pointy side down in a coffee can that we found. We didn't have cut-proof gloves, safety training, or really any good reason to be out there, other than the fact that no one else would help. I look back and realize that we should've stopped as soon as the needles began piling up. But we continued. We hauled a huge amount of trash to the road and called 311 to come get it, since they wouldn't if the trash was located on the fenceline. Seeing how the green space looked after a little TLC was hugely motivating and the garden idea bloomed. 

Throughout my time building this garden project, homeless encampments have been the absolute biggest issue. There have been massive fires both in the garden and directly adjacent on CP land, and the fire department comes several times a year to put out small and large blazes. Needles have been an ongoing issue, popping up in the grass, on the picnic tables, and once thrown into our compost piles, which can be extremely dangerous for gardeners. Open drug use happens all the time, often with paraphernalia left on the picnic tables. We've had gardeners approached by campers asking if they are alone and if they brought anyone with them. We've had human feces directly beside the path. We have had full-scale bike chop shops, with multiple men dismantling dozens of bikes per day within view of my balcony. But we've had many good campers too. I go down and speak to most campers that set up, letting them know that they are in a community garden, and I usually offer them some garbage bags and water. We've had campers apologize for using our space, some saying that they truly didn't know where they could legally stay the night. I’ve had laughs with campers, had campers help me pick up garbage, and had campers help me repair the compost lids. I've seen their camps looted by people—homeless or well-off—while the campers were away. We had Paul, who dubbed himself the garden guardian and protected the produce. I didn't exactly believe him, but alas, after he moved on, the gardeners began to complain that their produce had been picked. I know that campers are not the issue, it's the lack of support we have in managing the ones who are being bad neighbours. 

More support is needed for grassroots projects like this. For years, the City fought with both us and CPR about jurisdiction, and in that time no one would clean up the space, regardless of hazards. This is an issue, especially with the garden being the closest green space to homelessness supports in Ritchie. Of course people will want to shelter there. But we need help with encampment cleanup and proper needle response, regardless of jurisdiction. The City added a needle drop-off box a block away from the garden, on the corner of an intersection with no sidewalk—this kind of response is laughable, in my opinion. I hope that the supervised consumption site in Ritchie that will open will offer more comprehensive supports than the City has for the issues we are facing. Related to this, we also need prompt City response when citizens take it upon themselves to clean up on their behalf. We have 311 bags, which the city advertises citizens can use for community cleanups, but the full bags sit there for days or weeks, attracting attention and getting rooted through. I understand that this comes down to budget, as litter and encampment cleanup costs around the city have skyrocketed, but it still impacts the quality of the garden and our neighbourhood. One group that I don't have complaints about is EPS and the beat cops that we call when campers pose a risk to gardeners. Our beat cops are extremely friendly to us, understanding of our situation, and always ensure that they're clear on what we need before they talk to the campers. They only ever evict campers if we provide cause (ie, threats, needles), and otherwise just coordinate with us and the campers' social workers. 

Overall, the garden has become what it is because of volunteer support and community vision. The number of hours put into improving this space by people who simply want nicer neighbourhoods is amazing, and something that all neighbours benefit from. I hope to see the City supporting these citizen-led efforts with more funding and less red tape, because people-led projects are the lifeblood of the neighbourhood.

A community volunteer’s perspective

Hanna Davidson, West Ritchie Director

Hall Replacement Update

UPDATE ON THE EFFORTS TO REPLACE RITCHIE’S HALL AND REVITALIZE THE SITE.

First, we have reached a significant milestone - I am proud to announce that we have finalized the construction drawings for the replacement of the Ritchie hall. The site and building plans represent a vision of accessibility, energy efficiency, and forward-thinking  - a design that we can be incredibly proud of.

In February, we successfully obtained approval from the City for our development permit, marking a big step forward in the Ritchie Hall Revitalization Committee efforts. We couldn't be more thrilled with this achievement, and we invite you to learn more about the design and site plan on May 5, from 12 pm to 2 pm. Volunteers who have worked on the project will be on hand to display the building plans, provide information about the 10-year process, and provide details on how the site will change parking, trees, rink and court area. 

However, with this good news we must also address some setbacks that we've encountered. Unfortunately, we did not receive the federal grant we had applied for, which would have covered 60% of the project’s cost. Despite our best efforts and meeting all qualifications, we were left disappointed to learn we were not awarded the grant and disheartened by the lack of explanation provided. These funds, along with available City and Provincial grants would have had us starting the construction in January 2025. We also learned in March that our project was not selected for funding under the Alberta Capital Plan, despite aligning with several Ministerial provincial mandates and important targets for the Government of Alberta, such as the Carbon 2050 plan.

In moving forward, we recognize the need for a different approach. We are exploring alternative avenues for funding with private trusts and foundations as well as partnerships with charities and organizations that align with Ritchie values. We are exploring creative ways to acquire capital funds.

As we explore new models, I welcome your expertise for input into this process or in building marketing products. If your expertise can bring forward ideas, suggestions or advice, I encourage you to reach out to me directly at president@rithcie-league.com to participate in ‘meeting of the minds’. We are just in the beginning stages to overcome the funding challenges - there’s lots to explore 

The league remains committed to delivering affordable recreation, socials, and services to our community and to build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Thank you for participating in this great community.

Sincerely,

Carly Steiger

President

Ritchie Community League

ACTIVE MOVEMENT VOLUNTEER NEEDED

The board of directors is looking for a volunteer to lead sports and active movement programs on behalf of the league and members. This commitment includes attending a monthly board meeting, ensure the league’s sports equipment is solid, and coordinating with the individual program leads (Freeplay, Skateboard Club, etc.) on their needs.

The board is not pursuing new programs or sports as part of this role and does not expect the sports lead to deliver programs but instead looking for someone interested in maintaining the current collaborations and programs.

You will need to be a good communicator, align with Ritchie league values, and be a kind human.

If you are a university student looking for experience in this field or high school student looking for volunteer credits, we can work with you on your goals.

Contact: Volunteers@Ritchie-League.com if interested.