The Al Ritchie Community Association (ARCA) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that has been actively advocating on behalf of the Al Ritchie community since 1987. We began as a small organization who managed recreational programming for the residents of Al Ritchie. After 30 years, we have grown to include social programming, services, food security initiatives, community events and referrals to other agencies and organizations in Regina.
The neighborhood was named in recognition of Alvin (Al) Ritchie, one of Regina’s most important sportsmen. Al Ritchie was a booster of amateur sports in the city. He has been inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, the CFL Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Plaza of Honour. A street and a number of facilities within the neighborhood have been named in recognition of Al Ritchie.
ARCA works hard to find funding, including grants, sponsorships, partnership and local business involvement to be able to provide and meet the demands of the Al Ritchie community. Priorities, goals and activities are determined through interaction with the community at meetings, established programs, events and direct contact with our staff and volunteer board. ARCA operates with the philosophy that residents know what kind of programming they need and want.
A number of community resources, services and amenities in close proximity to each other serve as the primary gathering place and hub of the community. This neighbourhood hub is made up of the Core Ritchie Neighbourhood Centre, the Regina Public Library Prince of Wales Branch, the Al Ritchie Family Wellness Centre, the Al Ritchie Community Association, the Al Ritchie Arena, the Casino Regina & Moose Jaw Second Chance Community Shop, the Free MOSAIC Community Pantry, tennis courts, a boarded skating rink, and the accessible playground and spray park. This spring we will also soon have a “story walk” through the park in partnership with RPL and the United Way!
The Al Ritchie Community Association also operates the Al Ritchie Family Wellness Centre, the Second Chance Community Shop, the Free Community Pantry, manages two community gardens and provides hours of daily programming out of their space in the neighbourhood hub.
