Welcome to the Future of Ritchie Hall

Where Community, Sustainability and Innovation Come Together

The Ritchie Community League (RCL), one of Edmonton’s oldest inner-city leagues, has been a cornerstone of connection and advocacy since 1922. For over a century, RCL has nurtured a small-town sense of belonging, fostering a community where people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities come together to care for and support one another.

The original Ritchie Hall was built in 1960, with a small hall added in the early 1990s. However, decades of use have taken their toll. The large hall's floor structure has failed, impacting essential areas like the kitchen and washrooms, with effects that extend to the small hall as well.

Today, Ritchie Hall is at the center of an exciting transformation. This project reimagines the hall as a modern, inclusive space that honors its rich history while addressing the needs of a diverse and growing community. With a strong focus on sustainability, accessibility, and fostering connections, the revitalized Ritchie Hall will become a vibrant hub for programs, events, and gatherings that inspire creativity and strengthen bonds for generations to come.

Vision and Mission

Vision: A destination where people gather to celebrate the arts, foster creativity, and connect in a sustainable, inclusive space that exemplifies the highest standards of accessibility and community-focused innovation.

Mission: To create a state-of-the-art, net-zero facility that meets the highest standards of accessibility and serves as a dynamic venue for artists, musicians, and cultural events. Our revitalized hall will provide a welcoming environment for programs, private functions, and community connections, inspiring sustainable development and enriching the cultural fabric of our community and our city.

Why Replacing With A New Hall Matters 

The new Ritchie Hall will be more than just a building—it will be a beacon of community spirit, sustainability, and inclusivity. Whether you’re a resident, artist, business owner, or visitor, the hall will offer something for everyone, enriching lives and strengthening connections across Edmonton.

Strengthening Community Bonds: Ritchie Hall is a place where connections are made, ideas are shared, and lives are enriched. The new hall will continue this tradition by providing an inviting space for all.

Supporting the Arts: A vital venue for Edmonton’s artists and musicians, the hall will bring cultural vibrancy to the city.

A Green Standard: Designed to net-zero standards, the hall will model sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

Accessible to All: The revitalized hall will set a new benchmark for accessibility, ensuring every person feels welcome.

A Hub for Advocacy and Growth: As Ritchie grows, the hall will remain a place where diverse voices are heard, celebrated, and supported.

Project Information for Residents, Businesses & Members

For Members & Residents:

• Reconnect with your neighbors in a welcoming, inclusive space designed for everyone.

• Enjoy expanded programming, from family-friendly events to cultural performances.

• Celebrate milestones in a modern venue that reflects Ritchie’s warmth and history.

For Businesses:

• Partner with a historic community league and build lasting relationships.

• Showcase your business through sponsorship opportunities that align with sustainability and inclusivity.

• Benefit from increased visibility as the hall draws visitors from across Edmonton.

For League Members:

• Multiple spaces will be available for family events and rentals, helping sustain hall operations.. 

• Support members in continuing Ritchie Community League’s legacy and support like-minded leagues who share a passion for bringing people together. 

• The arts initiative for this project intends to go beyond our league’s borders and will bring arts from across the City. 

Current Project Status

As of January 1, 2025:

Funding Progress:

• Secured $400,000 from the City of Edmonton’s Community League Infrastructure Program Grant—the maximum available.

• The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) federal grant application (for ~60% of costs or $4M) is under review for the 2025 year.

• Unfortunately, RCL was not invited to apply for the provincial Community Facility Enhancement Program grant or submit a business case for the Alberta Capital Plan.

Support from Partner Organizations:

• The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has offered general support but not for a submission for additional City of Edmonton. They recommend focusing on the City’s 2026-2031 Capital Plan.

• We are exploring partnerships with other non-profit organizations interested in long term collaboration.

Upcoming Fundraising Campaign:

• A fundraising campaign is planned to launch in 2025. The Ritchie Community League Board  is seeking help with coordinating donors, securing sponsors, and tracking grant opportunities.

• The league is looking to commission grant writing for 2025.

Design Highlights:

• Curtainwall windows for natural light and connection to adjacent park space. 

• Net zero means minimal operating costs and does not require natural gas.

• Accessibility is based on Rick Hensen certification.

• The innovative accessibility, energy efficiency, pretty design and other key features depend on successful grant applications.

• Final floor layout has 3 spaces for programs and social gatherings. Two can combine for a 300 person event..

Project Phases & Milestones

• Strategy Phase: Completed (2016-2018)

• Concept Phase: Completed (2019-2020)

• Design Phase: Completed (2021-2023)

• Schematic designs: Complete

• Construction drawings: Completed September 2023

• City Permit Applications: Approved January 2024

Next Steps:

• Await GICB federal grant decision (2023-2025).We have submitted two applications in two separate intakes and both are still under review.

• Prepare tender and agreement package to begin hall construction in 2025 (pending federal and provincial funding).

• Site and Rink Phase: Planned for 2027 or later, contingent on additional funding.

Upcoming Features of the New Hall

• Final Floor Layout:

• Winter warm-up area with concession.

• Three rentable spaces with accessibility-focused amenities.

• Two smaller spaces that can join into 275-seated space with a stage.

• Outdoor washrooms and skate locker room.

• Lots of storage for current partners such as Men’s Shed, Girl Guides and SCONA.

• Site Plan Phases:

• Phase 1: Hall construction and resurfaced parking lot.

• Phase 2: Demolition of old hall and rink/court reconstruction.

• Phase 3: Rebuild of tennis courts at old hall location.

Stay Connected:  Take a 5 minute survey to share your thoughts and excitement as we work together to build the future of Ritchie Hall!

How You Can Help

Be Part of Ritchie’s Legacy

1. Join the League: Membership in the Ritchie Community League connects you to the heart of the project.

2. Volunteer Your Time: Share your talents and energy to support events, fundraising, and community engagement.

3. Donate: Every contribution moves us closer to realizing this vision. Donations are recognized on our donor wall and through naming opportunities.

4. Spread the Word: Share the story of Ritchie Hall with your network to inspire others to join the cause. 

Have an idea or want to collaborate? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at newhall@ritchie-league.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a new hall needed?
The current hall no longer meets the needs of our growing community. By building a new hall, we can ensure it is sustainable, accessible, and adaptable for future generations.

What will the new hall offer?
The new Ritchie Hall is designed to meet the needs of a modern, diverse, and growing community while preserving its rich history. Here’s what you can expect:

1. A Hub for Community Connection

• Flexible Spaces: Designed for versatility, the hall will host everything from community meetings and workshops to social events and celebrations.

• Indoor-Outdoor Integration: Seamless connections between the building and surrounding park space, enabling year-round community use.

• Drop-In Lounge: A welcoming space where seniors, families, and individuals can gather informally to build connections.

2. Support for Arts and Culture

• Performance Venue: A stage and acoustically designed space for music, theater, and other performances will make the hall a vital cultural destination.

• Creative Programming: Spaces dedicated to workshops, rehearsals, and exhibitions to support local artists and cultural groups.

3. Enhanced Accessibility

• Universal Design: The hall will exceed Canadian accessibility standards, ensuring it is fully inclusive for individuals of all abilities.

• Accessible Outdoor Spaces: Paved pathways, at-grade transitions, and power-operated doors will make the site welcoming for all.

• Inclusive Restrooms: Gender-neutral, accessible bathrooms will feature shared sinks, change tables, and exterior-accessible facilities for outdoor events.

4. Sustainability and Net-Zero Design

• Energy Efficiency: A high-performance building envelope, renewable energy generation, and electrified heating systems will ensure the hall operates at net-zero carbon emissions.

• Resilient Design: Features like rainwater capture, stormwater management, and air filtration systems will address climate challenges and provide a safe space during extreme weather.

5. A Space for Diverse Community Programs

• Youth and Family Activities: Camps, classes, and programs tailored to young families and teens, from cooking and art to music and sports.

• Cultural Gatherings: Affordable spaces for cultural celebrations, including weddings, anniversaries, and heritage events.

• Workshops and Education: Spaces for educational forums, sustainability workshops, and skills-building sessions for all ages.

6. Enhanced Amenities

• Community Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen designed for communal meals, culinary programs, and catering events.

• Outdoor Recreation: Improved access to the skating rink, tennis courts, and park spaces to support fitness and recreation programs.

• Emergency Support: Facilities that can serve as a muster point during local emergencies or extreme weather events, providing warmth, shelter, and basic services.

7. Capacity for Growth

• Larger Gatherings: A capacity to host up to 350 attendees, ensuring no one is left out during large community events like pancake breakfasts or town halls.

• Multiple Events Simultaneously: Soundproofed, flexible spaces allow for concurrent programming, making the hall more dynamic and versatile.

Why build a new hall instead of renovating the existing one?
The current hall, built over 60 years ago, has reached the end of its lifespan. While renovations were carried out in the 1970s and 1990s, the structure now has significant deficiencies:

• Outdated Systems: The kitchen, HVAC, fire safety system, bathrooms, and meeting spaces are not only outdated but also energy inefficient.

• Structural Issues: The building has no insulation (R2 rating), the main hall floor has caved in, and the ‘70s addition has sunk, creating separation from the main hall.

• Unrepairable Drainage: The drainage system is beyond repair, and the building requires three furnaces just to remain functional.

• Capacity Challenges: The hall cannot meet the growing demands of our user groups, and the current design restricts expansion.

Renovations only make sense when the foundation is solid—unfortunately, that’s no longer the case for Ritchie Hall. Rebuilding is a more cost-effective and future-proof solution to meet the community’s needs. It is an estimated $2.3M in next few years just to make the structural repairs and don't include energy efficiency and would require loss of programming space. 

Why can’t the new hall be built on the existing site?
The new design, tailored to meet modern program and capacity requirements, cannot fit within the footprint of the current hall. The most viable location is where the rink currently resides.

• The rink will be moved to the current tennis court area.

• The old hall site will be repurposed into a new tennis court area, ensuring all community amenities are retained and improved.

This approach minimizes disruptions and ensures continuity of programs and services during construction.

Isn’t this a city issue? Shouldn’t the City of Edmonton cover the costs?
The Ritchie Community League (RCL) owns the hall, parking lot, and rink assets, while the land itself is City of Edmonton parkland leased to RCL for $1.

• All developments within the “licensed area” require city approval and compliance with municipal standards.

• However, funding and responsibility for the hall rest entirely with the Ritchie Community League.

By taking the lead, RCL ensures the hall meets the specific needs of our community while adhering to city guidelines.

Can we afford to build a new hall?
Thanks to prudent financial planning and fundraising by past boards, RCL is in a strong financial position compared to many other leagues. However, funding a major project like this still requires additional support.

• Savings and Grants: Significant funds have already been secured, including grants from the City of Edmonton and other sources.

• Full Funding Before Construction: Current rules prevent RCL from applying for loans, so all funding must be secured before applying for a development permit. This includes cash in the bank and committed grants.

• Community Support: Ongoing fundraising efforts, including individual and business contributions, will ensure we meet our financial goals.

With your support, we can build a hall that benefits Ritchie and the broader Edmonton community for generations to come.

Stay Updated

Visit our website regularly for the latest updates, events, and progress on the Ritchie Hall Revitalization Project. 

Want to help, donate or collaborate? We would love to hear from you!

Email us at newhall@ritchie-league.com

Join us in building a hall that honors the past, embraces the present, and inspires the future.

In early 2015, we contracted a community engagement expert, who reached out to Ritchie community members of all ages as well as local and city-wide user groups. This work helped identify the following priorities, ranked in order of importance and used in developing the new hall:

1. indoor/outdoor connection between the building and the city park space and community rink;

2. sustainability in construction material, energy efficiencies and operational cost;

3. community kitchen enhanced for gathering and conversation;

4. large space - flexible and engaged community space;

5. support to the arts and fitness, but not necessarily organised sports;

6. an enhanced skate shack that enables winter recreation;

7. a lounge Area that is available for community gathering;

8. usable exterior spaces that enable coming together in natural surroundings;

9. better storage for programming opportunities; and,

10. front desk / reception that is welcoming and functional for community events.

With that list, we issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select an architect to design concepts. 

In 2019, we presented those concepts, collected community feedback and after consulting with two architect firms, we are now on the third for building the actual construction drawings.

Prudent savings and fundraising by previous boards of directors has left us in a very good financial position compared with many other leagues. As a recent article highlights, it is simply impossible for community leagues to save enough money to adequately fund major renovations or re-builds, despite decades of adequate maintenance.

Although we have a good idea of what a new hall and revised site will cost, being able to build depends on receiving grants, stable service and material costs, City decisions on grandfathering site requirements, and fundraising amounts in the bank.

Currently, RCL cannot apply for loans so before we proceed with city development permit application, all funding must be secured. This means that the all the grant commitments plus the cash in RCL bank must equal total cost of construction.

The RHRC’s dedicated volunteer members include:

• Carly Steiger (ex-officio member as league President)

• Jeff Ollis - (RHRC Chair)

• Jeff Yu - (RHRC Vice-chair)

• Yetayale Tekle - (RHRC Treasurer)

• David Woo - (Member-at-Large)

• Stuart Fix - (Member-at-Large)

• Genevieve Montomurro- (Member-at-Large)

For more information or to get involved please email us at: hall-revitalisation@ritchie-league.com