Riversdale, Saskatoon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Riversdale | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Saskatchewan |
| City | Saskatoon |
| Suburban Development Area | Core Neighbourhoods |
| Neighbourhood | Riversdale |
| Settled | 1890 (as Richville) |
| Incorporated (village) | 1905 (as Riversdale) |
| Incorporated (city) | 1906 (as Saskatoon) |
| Government | |
| - Type | Municipal (Ward 2) |
| - Administrative body | Saskatoon City Council |
| - Councillor | Pat Lorje |
| Area | |
| - Total | 0.87 km² (0.3 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | |
| - Total | 2,335 |
| - Average Income | $29,441 |
| Time zone | UTC (UTC-6) |
| City of Saskatoon Neighborhoods | |
| Website: Riversdale Community Association | |
Riversdale is an older inner city neighbourhood located near the center of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It includes the business district of 20th Street. It is comprised mostly of low-density, single detached dwellings. As of 2006, the area is home to 2,335 residents. The neighbourhood is considered a lower-income area, with an average family income of $29,441, an average dwelling value of $121,082 and a home ownership rate of 41.7%.[1] Incorporated as a town in 1905, Riversdale was one of the three original settlements that merged to form the city of Saskatoon in 1906.[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
The first record of settlement in the Riversdale area was in the 1890s, when the area was homesteaded. It was dubbed "Richville" after one of the original settlers.[3] In April 1903, over 1500 Barr Colonists arrived and made camp just west of the railway tracks beside Saskatoon. While most of the colonists moved on to the Lloydminster area, some remained behind as permanent residents of a new settlement.[4] The village of Riversdale was incorporated on January 16, 1905.[2] The village plan (originally called "Riverdale") had narrower streets, smaller lots, and no public reserve land.[5] Faced with a heavy influx of settlers, Riversdale joined with the towns of Saskatoon and Nutana to become the City of Saskatoon on July 1, 1906.[6]
Immigration from central and eastern Europe brought new and ethnically diverse peoples to Riversdale around 1908. Many British, German, Ukrainian and Chinese families took up residence. Separated from the downtown by the Canadian Northern Railway yards, vehicular access to Riversdale was limited to underpasses at 19th and 23rd Streets. In 1910, a pedestrian walkway was built over the train tracks at 20th Street so the public could safely cross the tracks on foot.[7] Saskatoon's Chinatown moved into the Riversdale district in early 1930s. Originally, Chinese immigrants set up businesses along 19th Street east of the CN tracks, in what is now the south downtown. However, they were forced out when the city expropriated the land to build Riverview Collegiate (later the Gathercole Building, now demolished).
The mid-1960s marked a change in the traffic patterns of the area, as the CN tracks were relocated out of downtown. 20th and 22nd Streets were connected to the downtown, and Idylwyld Drive became Riversdale's eastern boundary. The 23rd Street underpass was levelled quickly, while the 19th Street overpass remained until 2006. The mid-60s also saw First Nations people moving off of reserves and into Riversdale - the most recent statistics show that 43% of the population identifies as being of First Nations origin.[1] Vietnamese and Hong Kong Chinese immigrants also began arriving at this time.[2]
Riversdale has struggled in its recent history, with a sizeable portion of the population living below the poverty line. The social ills that accompany poverty - substance abuse, violent crime and dilapidated housing - have often cast the area in a negative light.[8] However, new development from the River Landing project has the potential to spur gentrification of the area.
Books written about Riversdale include:
- Arlean McPherson. Riversdale Businesses: an Historical Sampler, 1992.
- Riversdale Neighbourhood Improvement Office. City of Saskatoon Saskatchewan Report on the Riversdale Neighbourhood Improvement Program, 1976.
- Mark Hunter. Things in Your Neighbourhood: Riversdale Photographic Survey, 1991.[9]
[edit] Historic buildings
- Albany Hotel (1906) - Originally named the Iroquois Hotel, the business was renamed the Albany Hotel in 1912 after an extensive enlargement and alteration. Over the decades, the Albany gained a reputation as a "seedy" hotel and was the scene of many violent crimes. It closed in the late 1990s, and was acquired by Corrections Canada. It now serves as a halfway house for federal offenders.[10]
- Adilman Building (1912/1949) - Adilman's Department Store was a cornerstone of the 20th Street shopping district from its opening in 1921 until it closed in 1974. The present structure is the result of a 1949 renovation, though the building's core dates to 1912. It is one of Saskatoon's finest examples of Streamline Moderne architecture. Since the department store closed, it has been home to an antique store, farmer's market, and bingo hall.[11]
- Landa House (1912) - An attractive example of the Prairie Vernacular style, the house was first occupied by Saskatoon fire chief Thomas E. Heath. In 1921, the house was acquired by William and Fanny Landa, who were Jewish immigrants from Russia. William had opened a blacksmith shop in 1908, then expanded his business to manufacture buggies and wagons, which became Landa Auto Body Works. The business operates to this day at its original location on Avenue C. The house was designated a municipal heritage property on November 28, 2005.[12]
- St. Thomas Wesley United Church (1912) - Built on the corner of Avenue H and 20th Street in 1912, it was originally St. Thomas Presbyterian Church, named in honour of Thomas Copland, a civic and church leader. This red brick structure with Romanesque windows and a square bell tower, is topped with a stucco and wood belfry. In 1930 an agreement was reached between St. Thomas Presbyterian and Wesley Methodist to worship in the St. Thomas building under joint ministry - they formed St. Thomas Wesley United Church in 1934.[13]
- Barry Hotel (1913) - In 1911, the Butler Hotel was lifted and moved down the street to make room for a newer, more prestigious hotel. The Barry Hotel opened on August 1, 1913 and was named after its owner, Robert J. Barry. During the recession of 1915, Barry lost his hotel to the bank. A deadly fire gutted the interior of the building in 1946, after which the hotel was restored. The hotel was managed by a variety of owners, and eventually became lodging for long-term, low income tenants.[10] In recent history, it gained a reputation as a focal point for many of the area's social problems and criminal activity. The municipal government planned to purchase the hotel in 2007 so that it could be demolished or rehabilitated, but backed out when the property had an unsatisfactory environmental assessment.[14] A private investor purchased the property in 2008, and the building is now slated for demolition..[15]
- Little Chief Service Station (1929) - Built as a Texaco service station in the 1920s, this building was built in the Spanish Colonial style. It features white stucco walls, rounded roof tiles, decorative brick, heavy tiled cornices, roof parapets, iron windows and copper gutters. It was named the West Side Service Station until 1943, when the name was changed to the Little Chief Service Station. After it ceased to be a service station, the Saskatoon Police Service obtained and renovated the building for use as a community police station. It was designated a municipal heritage property on January 11, 1982.[16]
- Roxy Theatre (1930) - Built during the onset of the Great Depression. The interior was decorated in a Spanish Villa style with the walls covered with small balconies, windows and towers that gave the impression of quaint Spanish village. The ceiling was painted dark blue and had twinkling lights set in the plaster to give the impression of the night sky. The Roxy was for a time called the Towne Cinema, then closed in 1995. It was purchased and restored by Magic Lantern Theatres, and reopened under its original name in 2005.[10]
- Ukrainian National Federation Hall (1932) - This hall, with its distinctive entryway lions, featured ornate interior decorations that ranged from busts of famous artists, musicians, and leaders, through to a stage flanked with castle-like walls. The building was used mainly for weddings, banquets, concerts and other public gatherings.[17]
- Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (1952) - This church features an eight-sided dome which depicts the major feasts of the Church and Saints. 22-karat gold was used to decorate the church's icons. In 1988 the front of the cathedral gained a bronze statue of St. Volodymyr, the Baptizer of the Ukraine.[13]
[edit] Government and politics
Riversdale exists within the federal electoral district of Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar. It is currently represented by Carol Skelton of the Conservative Party of Canada, first elected in 2000 and re-elected in 2004 and 2006.
Provincially, the area overlaps two constituencies. The west part is within the constituency of Saskatoon Riversdale. It is currently represented by Lorne Calvert of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP), first elected in a 2001 by-election and re-elected 2003. Previously, Calvert had been the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Moose Jaw Wakamow since 1986. The east part lies within the constituency of Saskatoon Centre. It is currently represented by David Forbes of the NDP, first elected in a 2001 by-election and re-elected in 2003.
In Saskatoon's non-partisan municipal politics, Riversdale lies within ward 2. It is currently represented by Councillor Pat Lorje. She first elected in 1979, and was re-elected in 1982, 1985, and 1988. Lorje then moved into provincial politics; she ran for the NDP and was elected in 1991, and re-elected in 1995 and 1999. She left politics in 2003 and moved to San Francisco with her husband. She returned to Saskatoon after a couple of years, and was again elected as Ward 2 councillor in 2006.
[edit] Institutions
[edit] Education
| Princess Alexandra School | |
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| Address | |
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| 210 Avenue H South Riversdale Subdivision Core Neighbourhoods SDA Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7M 1W2, |
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| Information | |
| School board | Saskatoon Public School Division |
| Principal | Shane Skjerven |
| Vice principal | Shane Armstrong |
| School type | public |
| Education System | elementary |
| Established | 1906 |
| Original building opened | 1907 |
| Original building demolished | 1961 |
| Present building opened | 1962 |
| Homepage | Princess Alexandra School |
- Princess Alexandra School is a public elementary school which is a part of the Saskatoon Public School Division.[18] The school first opened in 1906.[19] Construction began in 1906/07 of 'Riversdale School which was re-named Alexandra School; a four room school house was erected, and doubled in size by 1908.[20] In 1922 there were both Princess and Alexandra schools in operation on the same land allotment. Princess school was sold and torn down in 1961. In 1962 a new school building was erected on the same property site, and re-opened.[21]
[edit] Public Safety
- Fire Hall No. 1 - fire station and headquarters of Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services
- Little Chief Community Police Station - community police station
[edit] Other
- Riversdale House - seniors housing complex[22]
- White Buffalo Youth Lodge - Opened in 2000, this integrated service facility provides programming for Aboriginal youth. Health, recreation, life skills, vocational training and counselling programs are available.[23]
- Salvation Army Community Centre - In 1926 the Salvation Army opened what was then known as the "Relief Office" at 335 Avenue C South. By 1932 it was known as the The Salvation Army Men's Hostel and Industrial Store where by 1943, had room for 40 men. In 1962 the Centre had moved next door to its current location at 339 Avenue C South. Over the next several decades a chapel, half-way house, rehab unit, and more property was added until the Centre took its current form.[24]
[edit] Arts and culture
- AKA Artist Run Centre - AKA evolved from the Shoestring Gallery, initiated in 1971. In 1982 the transition from a member-based visual arts and crafts co-operative to a non-profit artist run centre yielded AKA Gallery.[25]
- La Troupe du Jour - Formed in 1985, La Troupe du Jour is Saskatchewan's only professional francophone theatre company.[26]
- PAVED Arts - PAVED Arts came into official existence on March 31, 2003 with the legal amalgamation of The Photographers Gallery (TPG) and Video Vérité (VV), the former a photography resource and exhibition centre, the latter a media access centre.[27]
- Roxy Theatre - Restored and re-opened in 2005, the Roxy Theatre shows movies Thursday through Sunday, weekend matinees and hosts several live and musical events & promotions throughout the year.[28]
- Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company - Launched in 1999, the SNTC creates, develops and produces artistic presentations by Canadian Aboriginal artists.[29]
[edit] Parks and recreation
- Victoria Park (7.0 acres) - named for Queen Victoria, this public park houses many facilities. However, only a small portion of the park lies within Riversdale; the majority of the park is in the King George neighbourhood to the south.
- Optimist Park (7.1 acres)
- Isinger Park - proposed 2.5 acre public park as part of Phase II of the River Landing development.[30]
The Riversdale Community Association coordinates educational, recreational, and social programs for residents, maintains the outdoor rink at Princess Alexandra Community School, stages fundraising events, and works to address issues of local concern.[31]
[edit] Commercial
Riversdale's main commercial corridor is 20th Street, which was the main street in its early days as a village. Today, 20th Street is home to mainly independently-owned local businesses. Other businesses are located on 22nd Street, the major arterial road that makes up the northern boundary of Riversdale. Other commercial and light industrial businesses occupy some of the blocks between 19th and 22nd Streets, concentrated on the eastern side closer to Idylwyld Drive. The Saskatoon Farmers' Market, founded in 1975, moved into its present location at 19th Street and Avenue B in 2007.
[edit] Location
Riversdale is located within the Core Neighbourhoods Suburban Development Area. It is bounded by 22nd Street to the north and Idylwyld Drive to the east. The southern boundary starts at the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge, follows the South Saskatchewan River west until where it intersects an imaginary extension of 18th Street; it follows 18th Street west with a few turns until roughly Avenue K. The western boundary comprises the CPR tracks in the northwest until Avenue K, then a few turns until roughly 18th Street. Roads are laid out in a grid fashion; streets run east-west, avenues run north-south.
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Pleasant Hill | Caswell Hill | Central Business District |
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Central Business District | |||||
 Riversdale  |
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| West Industrial | King George | South Saskatchewan River Nutana |
[edit] References
- ^ a b Riversdale neighbourhood profile. City of Saskatoon - City Planning Branch (2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ a b c Jeff, O'Brien (July 2005). A History of Saskatoon to 1914. City of Saskatoon - Archives. Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ A View from Above - Key to Landmarks. City of Saskatoon.
- ^ The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan - Saskatoon. Plains Research Center (2006).
- ^ Delainey, William P. (April 23, 2007). The South Saskatchewan River and the Development of Early Saskatoon 1881 – 1908: A Historical Narrative. City of Saskatoon - Community Development Branch. Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
- ^ Jeff, O'Brien (July 2005). A History of Saskatoon to 1914. City of Saskatoon - Archives. Retrieved on 2008-02-08.
- ^ Celebrate Saskatoon!. City of Saskatoon (2006). Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
- ^ Exploring the Link between Crime and Socio-Economic Status in Ottawa and Saskatoon: A Small-Area Geographical Analysis. Government of Canada - Department of Justice (2006). Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ How to research a subdivision - Local History Pathfinder. Saskatoon Public Library. Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
- ^ a b c Riversdale Walking Tours. Riversdale BID (2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ Exploring the Wonder City - Driving Tour (2006). Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ Municipal Heritage Properties - Landa House. City of Saskatoon - Development Services Branch (2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ a b Exploring the Wonder City - Driving Tour (2006). Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ Coolican, Lori (December 17, 2007). Change of plans; city not buying Barry Hotel after all. The StarPhoenix. Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ Bernhardt, Darren; Stephanie Classen (2008-03-13). Barry to be torn down; residents must move out. The StarPhoenix. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
- ^ Municipal Heritage Properties - Little Chief Service Station. City of Saskatoon - Development Services Branch (2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ Exploring the Wonder City - Driving Tour (2006). Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
- ^ Princess Alexandra - Saskatoon Public Schools. Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
- ^ Saskatoon Gen Web Project - Narratives of Saskatoon 1882-1912. Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
- ^ Saskatoon Gen Web Narratives of SaskatoonURL accessed February 2, 2007
- ^ Blashill, Lorraine (1982), from a little stone school...History of Saskatoon Public Schools. page 117., Saskatoon, SK: Modern press Ltd.
- ^ Riversdale House (Seniors' Directory - Saskatoon Public Library). Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
- ^ White Buffalo Youth Lodge. Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
- ^ Salvation Army Community Centre. Retrieved on 2008-04-12.
- ^ AKA Gallery. Retrieved on 2007-10-17.
- ^ La Troupe du Jour. Retrieved on 2007-10-17.
- ^ Paved Arts. Retrieved on 2007-10-17.
- ^ Rainbow Cinemas and Magic Lantern Theatres - About Roxy Theatre. Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
- ^ Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company. Retrieved on 2007-10-17.
- ^ River Landing - Project Update - Isinger Park. Retrieved on 2007-10-20.
- ^ Riversdale Community Association. City of Saskatoon - Community Services Department. Retrieved on 2007-10-16.
[edit] External links
- Riversdale neighbourhood profile - 2006
- City of Saskatoon City of Saskatoon · Departments · Community Services · City Planning · ZAM Maps
- Populace Spring 2006
- Local Area Planning
- Narratives of Saskaton 1882-1912
- Riversdale Community Association
- Saskatoon Neighborhoods Word Search Puzzle
- Riversdale Business Improvement District
