The Advance Richmond Community Association (ARCA) is a grassroots civic organization of Richmond residents who came together out of concern for unsafe drug and housing policies, and grew into a long-term movement to protect our city's future.
We started as a group of regular Richmond residents who stood up when we saw things happening — like the injection site and rushed housing plans — that didn't reflect the will of the community. Initially, we were primarily concerned with protecting our neighbourhoods. But soon we realized that protesting isn't enough. If we want long-term change, we need a strong and organized voice.
That's why we started the Advance Richmond Community Association — to make sure everyday people have a say in what happens in our city. Our mission is to lead Richmond forward in a way that is responsible, respectful, and truly community-driven.
At a public hearing on a proposed supervised injection site, more than 120 people registered to speak and nearly 100 voiced opposition, with thousands gathering outside City Hall and over 20,000 signing petitions. Despite this, Council voted 7–2 to explore the site's feasibility — revealing a stark disconnect between public input and policymaking.
Residents self-organized the "No Drugs in Richmond" rally at City Hall and Minoru Park — the largest resident-led gathering in Richmond's history, with no political party or large organization behind it.
A loosely connected group of concerned citizens organized around shared issues — the injection site, hasty housing proposals — hosting gatherings and discussions to plan how to better influence future decisions.
The group formally adopted the name Advance Richmond Community Association (ARCA) and registered as an elector organization with Elections BC — able to endorse municipal candidates, accept campaign contributions, and participate formally in local elections.
ARCA endorses candidates for City Council and School Trustee whose names appear alongside our organization on the ballot — and keeps building bridges between voters and their representatives through forums and town halls.
Our mission is to build organized civic power rooted in community voice, so that decisions in Richmond are made with residents, not imposed on them.
We advance our mission by endorsing municipal candidates who reflect local priorities, organizing town halls and forums, supporting parents and families, and mobilizing voters to speak through democratic action. From opposing unsafe injection sites and poorly planned projects, to hosting vigils, rallies, and community dialogues, Advance Richmond exists so that Richmond's residents — not distant politicians — lead Richmond forward.
Make a donation, become a member, or volunteer — every action strengthens the community's voice at City Hall and the School Board.