RYCROFT

Located just 64 km north of Grande Prairie, Alberta, is the Village of Rycroft, known as "The Hub Of The Peace". Rycroft has a population of 609 people. (2006 stats)

The Rycroft Co-op located on the main street has supplied the village as well as the surrounding community with groceries for countless years. In May 2003 it was announced a new 7,200 sq ft Co-op Grocery Store would be built located on the corner of 51 Street and 48 Avenue and on November 25, 2003 the new facility was officially opened. The old Co-op (shown above) was torn down in the fall of 2004. The Rycroft Co-op has more than 3.700 members and the association started in 1937. Located at the junction of Highway 2 and 49, Rycroft is situated on the crossroads that takes you north to Fairview and Peace River, or west to Spirit River and into British Columbia, or east to Wanham, Eaglesham and McLennan.

The Mission is located between Rycroft and Spirit River and a few kilometers south. This cemetery was started by local natives in the early 1900's and was later served by priests from Dunvegan until that mission closed in 1903. the Spirit River/Rycroft Mission was then established at this site. The church was moved to Spirit River in 1941 and now the cemetery continues to serve the Rycroft parish.

The original town sight was the old mission located between Rycroft and Spirit River. Because the railroad missed this location, Those early settlers decided to move and it split into two communities, one to the west (Now Spirit River) and one to the east. (Now Rycroft). Rycroft became the railroad centre of the area. So how did the name "Rycroft" originate. In the early 1900's (around 1920) 3 settlers by the names of Doc Calkin, R.H. Rycroft and Bill English put their last names in a hat and Rycroft was the winner. Rycroft was incorporated as a village in March 14, 1944. The Old Mission Cemetery is administered by the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Rycroft.

Today, Rycroft is a quiet friendly village with many residents growing up in this small community and preferring that lifestyle. They have always called this home. The main street has changed a bit over the years, with a few new buildings being built including the Treasury Branch and Rycroft Building Supplies. Once was a favorite hang out for young people was the well known Joe's Cafe, is still today's favorite place for seniors. It is now the Seniors Centre. Also on main street was the Old Rogagenski Pool Hall. That location has changed its image over the years many times, from a Grocery Store, to Insurance Office, Co-op Furniture store and now, the Rycroft Municipal Library. (780) 765-3973. At the rear of the Library is the Rycroft Capsite/Adult Learning Centre and Peace Adult Learning Society. (780) 765-2500.

There were 2 fires that had done extensive damage to the downtown area back in the 40's. The Rycroft Hotel, which missed those disasters, was build in 1921 (Johnson resident) and still stands today. The Co-op was rebuilt after the 1940's fire and was used until 2004 when it was finally torn down to make way for a new building.	Bahry's Store, owned by Joe Bahry and his family sold groceries, clothing and dry goods until the 70's and only dry goods and clothing for many years after. The Central Peace Signal, a community newspaper started operation in Rycroft in 1980 and is published every Tuesday, and is situated in part of Bahry's store along with a Dollar Store.	The Rycroft Community Memorial Hall is still kept busy with many social events, including weddings and funerals. The Hall was built as a Movie Theater in 1955 and later renovated with a new kitchen, dining wing, bathrooms and culture room in 1989. (780) 765-3942

The top 5 industries of Rycroft include Agriculture at number one, followed by Retail, Oil, Transportation, and Education. It serves a trading area of about 5,500 people.

The age group with the highest population of Rycroft is the under 14 at 1320. The second highest age group is the 45-64 with 1250. All other age groups are about the same and range from 665 to 770.

Since there is no hospital in Rycroft, residents travel to Spirit River a few kilometers to the west for health care.

(Downtown Rycroft looking north, summer of 2004)

Village of Rycroft Council Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month commencing at 6:30pm in the Village Office Council Chambers. Village of Rycroft. (780) 765-3652

Community Service Organizations:

Rycroft Order of Royal Purple #137 phone (780) 765-3070
Rycroft & District Lions phone (780) 765-3070
Rycroft Branch Royal Canadian Legion (780) 765-3901
Rycroft Ag Society (780) 694-2344
Rycroft Beautification Assoc. (780) 765-3045
Rycroft Merry Pioneers Drop In Center is located on Main Street (780) 765-3060
Rycroft Municipal Library (780) 765-3973
Rycroft Capsite/Adult Learning Center and Peace Adult Learning Society (780) 765-2500
(public computer access)

2009 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Rycroft is a strong grain farming community. The Peace River Seed Co-operative now owns the Alberta Wheat Pool, UGG and Cargil elevators.

At the junction of Highway 49 and 2, stands a Giant Teepee. It was originally erected for the purpose of a tourist information centre and served that purpose for many years. Next to it is Alexander's Restaurant formerly known as Courtesy Corner. (780) 765-3870.

The Train Caboose, located at the entrance of Rycroft, was donated by Northern Alberta Railroad to the town and used as a tourist information booth for years. The Caboose with its old wood stove, was kept in the original condition as it was in its earlier years. The Caboose was designated A Historic Resource. "A reminder of the Railway history." A replica miniature train station was built and placed where the original train station stood for years. (The original train station was sold by the NAR for $100. and now is the Clubhouse at the Golf Course, near the small town of Eaglesham, located east of Rycroft.

This house was built in 1919 at the original townsite and lived in by the early settler, Bill English. It was moved in the 1940's to the Village of Rycroft and still stands today. It is lived in by long time residents Orvel and Sandy Isaac. (picture submitted by Sandy Isaac)

The Rycroft Elementary School still is very active with Grades one to nine. Kindergarten to grade 9, about 180 students attend. The Rycroft High School was torn down after the Class of 1970 graduated. High school students were then bussed to Spirit River, 8 km west of Rycroft. (780) 765-3830.
school website

Village of Rycroft. (780) 765-3652.

Chamber of Commerce. Phone Denis 780-765-3957 to join or to inquire.

Central Peace Signal. (780) 765-3604.