Photos by: Laura Nichol, Stantec, Heritage Forward

Demolition update

Three signs were salvaged as Old Ritchie came down this week: “Girls," “Boys," and the “1913" crest. Discussions are underway to have them donated to and stored by the community league. The demolition process is expected to take five to eight weeks. Here’s what to expect:

• At least another week to remove the rubble.

• Three more weeks after that to bring down the 1954, 1956 and 1961 wings of the school and clear the site. 

• Paving, pouring sidewalks and landscaping to follow. May exceed the eight-week window.

That means several more weeks of disruption as heavy equipment and dump trucks service the area. Needless to say, such an active site is dangerous. Watch from a distance. 

Asbestos abatement took place before demolition began. Also, learning resources from École Joseph-Moreau had been moved into its new building in anticipation of classes beginning there after spring break. Like all other schools, its students are learning from home for now. 

The 1970s gymnasium on 98 Street will remain standing. "It will be revamped and renovated in the coming months.,”  says Marc Potvin, principal of École Joseph-Moreau. That work is not part of the current contract with Stantec.

Recapping 100+ years

1912: Edmonton Public School Board begins construction to serve Edmonton's booming population.
1913: First students welcomed.
1914: The first of ongoing problems with basement flooding due to location of building on marshy land.
1954, 1956, 1961: Additions.
1970s: Gymnasium added. Old Ritchie sealed off from “new” additions. Demolition plans shelved due to lack of funds to move heating system from basement of old building to additions.
2007: EPSB estimates restoration and conversion of school to a K-9 would cost $14 million. Idea dies on paper when the board votes to leave nearby Mill Creek Elementary school open. 
2008: EPSB votes to close Ritchie Junior High.
2009: EPSB rents property to Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord for its Francophone junior high program.
2016: Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord buys the school.
2018: Construction begins on new school. Estimated project cost: $21.6 million.