Riversdale, Saskatoon
Encyclopedia
Riversdale is an older inner city
neighbourhood located near the center of Saskatoon
, Saskatchewan
, Canada
. It includes the business district of 20th Street. It consists 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%. Incorporated as a town in 1905, Riversdale was one of the three original settlements that merged to form the city of Saskatoon in 1906.
area, some remained behind as permanent residents of a new settlement. The village of Riversdale was incorporated on January 16, 1905. The village plan (originally called "Riverdale") had narrower streets, smaller lots, and no public reserve land. 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.
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. 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 moved when the city acquired the land to build the Saskatoon Technical 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. Vietnamese and Hong Kong Chinese immigrants also began arriving at this time.
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. However, by 2009 there was evidence of gentrification
occurring of the area; the River Landing
development and the demolition of the historic but run-down Barry Hotel are cited as examples of the neighbourhood's changing nature.
of the Conservative Party of Canada
, first elected in 2008.
Provincially, the area overlaps two constituencies. The west part is within the constituency of Saskatoon Riversdale
. It is currently represented by Danielle Chartier
of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party
(NDP), first elected in a 2009 by-election. 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 and 2007.
In Saskatoon's non-partisan municipal politics, Riversdale lies within ward 2. It is currently represented by Councillor Pat Lorje. She was first elected in 1979, and was re-elected in 1982, 1985, and 1988. After a period of time as a NDP member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
, Lorje was again elected as Ward 2 councillor in 2006 and re-elected in 2009.
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.
, 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.
bus routes #1, #2, #3, #50 and #60. Route #5 also runs along 23rd Street, a block north of the neighbourhood boundary.
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.
Inner city
The inner city is the central area of a major city or metropolis. In the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland, the term is often applied to the lower-income residential districts in the city centre and nearby areas...
neighbourhood located near the center of Saskatoon
Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan, Canada, on the South Saskatchewan River. Residents of the city of Saskatoon are called Saskatonians. The city is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Corman Park No. 344....
, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of . Saskatchewan is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, and on the south by the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It includes the business district of 20th Street. It consists 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%. Incorporated as a town in 1905, Riversdale was one of the three original settlements that merged to form the city of Saskatoon in 1906.
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. 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 LloydminsterLloydminster
Lloydminster is a Canadian city which has the unusual geographic distinction of straddling the provincial border between Alberta and Saskatchewan...
area, some remained behind as permanent residents of a new settlement. The village of Riversdale was incorporated on January 16, 1905. The village plan (originally called "Riverdale") had narrower streets, smaller lots, and no public reserve land. Faced with a heavy influx of settlers, Riversdale joined with the towns of Saskatoon and Nutana
Nutana, Saskatoon
Nutana is a primarily residential neighbourhood located near the center of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It includes the business district of Broadway Avenue. It comprises a nearly even mixture of low-density, single detached dwellings and apartment-style multiple unit dwellings. As of 2009,...
to become the City of Saskatoon on July 1, 1906.
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
Canadian Northern Railway
The Canadian Northern Railway is a historic Canadian transcontinental railway. At its demise in 1923, when it was merged into the Canadian National Railway , the CNoR owned a main line between Quebec City and Vancouver via Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton.-Manitoba beginnings:CNoR had its start in...
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. 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 moved when the city acquired the land to build the Saskatoon Technical 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
Idylwyld Drive
Idylwyld Drive is an arterial road in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is one of the main roads in and out of the downtown area of the city.On the south side of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge, it is a freeway and is known as the Idylwyld Freeway. It eventually turns into Circle Drive, just east of...
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
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
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. Vietnamese and Hong Kong Chinese immigrants also began arriving at this time.
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. However, by 2009 there was evidence of gentrification
Gentrification
Gentrification and urban gentrification refer to the changes that result when wealthier people acquire or rent property in low income and working class communities. Urban gentrification is associated with movement. Consequent to gentrification, the average income increases and average family size...
occurring of the area; the River Landing
River Landing
River Landing is an ongoing redevelopment district in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan that will create a commercial/cultural development along the bank of the South Saskatchewan River in downtown Saskatoon.River Landing is divided into two phases...
development and the demolition of the historic but run-down Barry Hotel are cited as examples of the neighbourhood's changing nature.
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. Since 2000 it has served as a halfway house for federal offenders, under the name of Meewasinota Community Residence.
- Adilman BuildingAdilman's Department StoreThe Adilman's Department Store Building is a historic building in the Riversdale, district of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Adilman's Department Store was a cornerstone of the 20th Street shopping district from its opening in 1921 until it closed in 1974...
(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 ModerneStreamline ModerneStreamline Moderne, sometimes referred to by either name alone or as Art Moderne, was a late type of the Art Deco design style which emerged during the 1930s...
architecture. Since the department store closed, it has been home to an antique store, farmer's market, and bingo hall. - Landa HouseLanda ResidenceThe Landa Residence is a designated Municipal Heritage Property located in the Riversdale, neighborhood of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Thomas E. Heath, Saskatoon's Early Fire Chief lived in the home from 1913-1915. In 1921, the house became the family residence of William and Fanny Landa,...
(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. - 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. The wood and stucco bell tower was removed in 2008 after falling into disrepair.
- Little Chief Service StationLittle Chief Service StationThe Little Chief Service Station is a designated Municipal Heritage Property located in the Riversdale, neighborhood of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Originally build as a gas service station for Texaco Oil Company of Canada. Cars and farm vehicles were often service at the station while...
(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. - Roxy TheatreRoxy Theatre (Saskatoon)The Roxy Theatre is a movie theatre located in the Riversdale neighborhood of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 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...
(1930) - Built during the onset of the Great DepressionGreat DepressionThe Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
. 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. - 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.
- 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.
Government and politics
Riversdale exists within the federal electoral district of Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar. It is currently represented by Kelly BlockKelly Block
Kelly Block is a Canadian politician, who was elected to represent the electoral district of Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar in the 2008 Canadian federal election. She is a member of the Conservative Party. Block was appointed to the Procedure and House Affairs Committee and the Access to Information,...
of the Conservative Party of Canada
Conservative Party of Canada
The Conservative Party of Canada , is a political party in Canada which was formed by the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 2003. It is positioned on the right of the Canadian political spectrum...
, first elected in 2008.
Provincially, the area overlaps two constituencies. The west part is within the constituency of Saskatoon Riversdale
Saskatoon Riversdale
Saskatoon Riversdale is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, Canada. It has been held by the Premier of Saskatchewan from 1991 to 2007...
. It is currently represented by Danielle Chartier
Danielle Chartier
Danielle Chartier is a Canadian politician. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan in a by-election on September 21, 2009, representing the electoral district of Saskatoon Riversdale as a member of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party....
of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party
Saskatchewan New Democratic Party
The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party is a social-democratic political party in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It currently forms the official opposition, but has been a dominant force in Saskatchewan politics since the 1940s...
(NDP), first elected in a 2009 by-election. The east part lies within the constituency of Saskatoon Centre
Saskatoon Centre
Saskatoon Centre is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, Canada. It is one of 12 districts covering the province's largest city, Saskatoon.-Members of the Legislative Assembly:-Electoral history:...
. It is currently represented by David Forbes
David Forbes (politician)
David Forbes is a Canadian provincial politician. He is currently the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan for the constituency of Saskatoon Centre.He serrves as the Opposition critic for Social Services, Disabilities, Housing and the CBO...
of the NDP, first elected in a 2001 by-election and re-elected in 2003 and 2007.
In Saskatoon's non-partisan municipal politics, Riversdale lies within ward 2. It is currently represented by Councillor Pat Lorje. She was first elected in 1979, and was re-elected in 1982, 1985, and 1988. After a period of time as a NDP member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
The 25th Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan was in power from 2003 until November 20, 2007. It was controlled by the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party under premier Lorne Calvert.-Members:-By-elections:...
, Lorje was again elected as Ward 2 councillor in 2006 and re-elected in 2009.
Education
- Princess Alexandra School - public elementary school, part of the Saskatoon Public School DivisionSaskatoon Public School DivisionSaskatoon Public Schools is the largest school system in Saskatoon and is the second largest in Saskatchewan.Saskatoon Public Schools has approximately 22,000 students with 44 elementary schools and 9 high schools. The offices of the Saskatoon School Board are housed in the Eaton's Building. ...
. The school first opened in 1906. 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. 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.
Public safety
- Fire Hall No. 1 - fire station and headquarters of Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services
- Little Chief Community Police Station - community police station
Other
- Riversdale House - seniors housing complex
- 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.
- 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 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.
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.
- La Troupe du Jour - Formed in 1985, La Troupe du Jour is Saskatchewan's only professional francophone theatre company.
- PAVED ArtsPAVED ArtsPAVED Arts is a new media art Artist run centre located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada that focuses on what it calls the 'PAVED Arts' arts: photography, audio, video, electronic and digital...
- 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. - 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.
- Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company - Launched in 1999, the SNTC creates, develops and produces artistic presentations by Canadian Aboriginal artists.
Parks and recreation
- Victoria Park (7.0 acres) - named for Queen VictoriaVictoria of the United KingdomVictoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
, 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 GeorgeKing George, SaskatoonKing George is an older inner city neighbourhood located near the center of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It consists mostly of low-density, single detached dwellings. As of 2006, the area is home to 1,885 residents...
neighbourhood to the south. - Optimist Park (7.1 acres)
- Isinger Park (2.5 acres (1 ha)) - built as part of Phase II of the River LandingRiver LandingRiver Landing is an ongoing redevelopment district in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan that will create a commercial/cultural development along the bank of the South Saskatchewan River in downtown Saskatoon.River Landing is divided into two phases...
development, opened in August 2009
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.
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 Street22nd Street (Saskatoon)
22nd Street is an arterial road in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It starts out as 22nd Street East in the Central Business District. Going west it passes the Midtown Plaza and TCU Place. At the intersection with Idylwyld Drive, it becomes 22nd Street West...
, 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
Saskatoon Farmers' Market
The Saskatoon Farmers' Market is a public Farmers' market housed in a former electrical warehouse and garage in the Riversdale, district of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The building was renovated and a outdoor market plaza created as part of the River Landing redevelopment. The market and...
, founded in 1975, moved into its present location at 19th Street and Avenue B in 2007.
Transportation
Riversdale is served by Saskatoon TransitSaskatoon Transit
Saskatoon Transit is the public transport arm of the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It operates a fleet of diesel buses. A total of 23 bus routes serve every area of the city, carrying approximately 11 million passengers in 2008...
bus routes #1, #2, #3, #50 and #60. Route #5 also runs along 23rd Street, a block north of the neighbourhood boundary.
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 RiverSouth Saskatchewan River
The South Saskatchewan River is a major river in Canada that flows through the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan....
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.
Further reading
- 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.