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."

• Awakening Through Crisis
  In early 2024, Richmond residents attended a public hearing on a proposed supervised injection site, where more than 120 people registered to speak and nearly 100 voiced opposition. Despite this turnout, the City Council voted 7–2 to explore the site's feasibility—revealing a stark disconnect between public input and policymaking.

• From Collective Concern to Initial Organization
  This experience served as a turning point. A loosely connected group of residents realized that mere protest—no matter how energized—was not enough. They began organizing more formally, hosting small gatherings and discussions to plan how to better influence future decisions. This was the initial organization phase of what would become ARCA.

• Nameless Coalition (through early 2025)
  From this awakening period until early 2025, the group functioned as a nameless coalition of concerned citizens. Though they organized around shared issues like the injection site and hasty housing proposals, they remained without a formal name or structure.

• Formalization & Elector Organization (mid‑2025)
  By mid‑2025, the group formally adopted the name Advance Richmond Community Association (ARCA) and registered as an elector organization with Elections BC. This allowed ARC to endorse municipal candidates, accept campaign contributions, and participate formally in local elections.

Mission Statement 

Leading Richmond Forward 

Advance Richmond 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.

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 stand for:

• Standing firm against toxic drugs and unsafe social experiments that harm families and youth.

• Creating prosperity and promoting a healthy local economy so ordinary residents and small businesses can thrive.

• Strengthening unity across communities, cultures, and generations, instead of letting politics divide us.

• Improving public safety and restoring accountability in our streets, schools, and neighbourhoods.

• Taking responsibility and offering constructive solutions on housing, youth support, and social policy—not just saying “no,” but building better options.
  
  

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.