Marching for Iran, Learning for Home: The marches through Richmond Hill did more than call attention to human rights abuses abroad. They highlighted a deeper lesson for everyone who lives here—the importance of showing up, staying informed, and participating in civic life.
For the second consecutive week, members of the Iranian community in Richmond Hill gathered in large numbers—some estimates place attendance at more than 100,000—to express solidarity with the ongoing uprising in Iran. The demonstrations were held in support of compatriots who, protesters say, are being killed brutally and in cold blood for demanding the most basic rights that Canadians often take for granted.
The Richmond Hill protest was organized in full compliance with local bylaws, with police planning in advance for traffic management and public safety. Several local elected officials were visibly present, including Mayor David West and Ward 5 Councillor Karen Cilevitz. Images and videos from the demonstration were striking and deeply inspiring, particularly as snowfall intensified and participants continued their march undeterred.
The question is whether we care with the same intensity and passion about what happens locally, in the city where we live our daily lives.
There were some quiet complaints from motorists inconvenienced by temporary road closures and detours from Yonge Street. These concerns, however, miss the larger point. As argued in a previous piece, Richmond Hill lacks a true civic space where residents can gather for protest, solidarity, or celebration. Such moments of collective expression are an essential part of a healthy democracy.
In this article, however, it is worth examining the protests from another perspective: civic engagement. It takes remarkable selflessness for members of the Iranian community to brave Richmond Hill’s bone-crushing subzero temperatures to speak out about events unfolding halfway around the world. Many have close family members still living in Iran, yet their actions are motivated not only by personal ties, but by solidarity with those who continue to live under repression.
This dedication offers a teachable moment for all Richmond Hill residents, including members of the Iranian community itself. The question is whether we care with the same intensity and passion about what happens locally, in the city where we live our daily lives. Our homes are here. We walk, bike, take transit, and drive on these streets. Do we stay informed about decisions made at council and in municipal offices? Do we contact our councillors to ask questions or raise concerns? Do we know which ward we live in, when municipal elections are held, or when we last participated in one?
If Richmond Hill is to become a strong town—safe, welcoming, and prosperous—it will require engaged citizens who take ownership of their community. That means overcoming cynicism and working with the officials we elect to address local challenges. One can only hope that the spirit and resolve demonstrated in these recent protests will help move Richmond Hill closer to that goal.