What We're Doing
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Here are some things the District is doing to preserve and protect our environment. For more information on completed, ongoing, and upcoming projects and initiatives please see the Sustainability Action Plan [PDF, 1MB] or the Evolve page.
Buy Local
- Proud supporters of the Haney Farmers Market
- Marketing of Maple Ridge
Planning
- Managing growth and potential sprawl through a sustainable Smart Growth on the Ground Strategy for the Town Centre core
Protect Natural Resources
- Encouraging partnerships with senior agencies and land trusts to help us protect and acquire sensitive habitat
- Creating new environmental development permit areas to help us protect significant natural features and encourage more sensitive site design, green infrastructure, and building forms that work with the natural landscape
- Carrying out various enhancement and restoration programs for watersheds, reforestation, and wildlife habitat creation
Resource Conservation
- Energy efficiency improvements at the Leisure Centre have decreased natural gas consumption by 47% and are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 368 tonnes from 2008 levels
- Renovations at Fire Hall No. 1 are estimated to decrease natural gas consumption by 25% and greenhouse gas emissions by 16%. These reductions have been achieved despite the building being over doubled in size
- Energy awareness sessions are being held with District of Maple Ridge staff to educate about consumption patterns and look for areas where consumption can be decreased
- The District of Maple Ridge has partnered with BC Hydro to increase management of corporate energy consumption
- Municipal buildings are being retrofitted with more energy efficient technology - including T8 fluorescent bulbs, motion sensors and additional controls
Transportation
- Implementing a transportation plan that promotes higher density, improved transit access, and less reliance on automobiles
- Supporter of Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition that encourages residents to bike to work or just for fun!
Waste & Recycling
- In partnership with the District of Maple Ridge, the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is actively diverting materials from the waste stream with a weekly bluebox curbside collection program, an apartment toter collection service, a commercial recycling collection service and a full service drop-off depot and processing centre. By combining these services with promotion of backyard composting and a community education program, we will continue to conserve resources and reduce garbage