Automotive Retailers Association

The ARA was founded in 1951 (officially chartered as a Society in March 1952) and proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2012. The Association was first conceived by a group of B.C. service station garage operators who came together to identify and address the issues they were facing. Issues at the time included their lack of control over profit margins associated with gas prices and harsh treatment from oil suppliers. As time progressed, the role of this representative body significantly expanded. The association grew to include hundreds of members seeking representation, information, and support across automotive areas such as towing, collision repair, mechanical, recycling, and more.