We're Recreation Ready

The 2023 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan identified new aquatic and arena facilities as top priorities for Maple Ridge as the community continues to grow.

A Recreation Facility Feasibility Study launched in December 2023 to assess the potential for an aquatics facility at Hammond Community Park. Initial findings confirmed that Hammond Community Park could support a new aquatics and recreation facility, but not a twin-sheet arena. As a result, the City began planning for two new ice sheets at Albion Fairgrounds and two replacement baseball diamonds on the 40-acres of parkland currently leased to the Maple Ridge Golf Course.

In December 2025, Council received the final facility feasibility study and directed staff to move forward with schematic design, costing, and a funding strategy for the three projects that aimed at delivering critical amenities while minimizing impacts to taxpayers.

Extensive community engagement was done to inform the Recreation Facility Feasibility Study. Visit the Recreation Facility Feasibility Study engagement page for details, including engagement results from the two phases of engagement, and to sign up to receive project updates.

Why is the City proposing these projects?
Maple Ridge is one of the region’s fastest-growing communities, with a population of about 106,000 that is expected to rise almost 40 per cent over the next 25 years. Currently, recreation access relies heavily on the 45-year-old Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and 28-year-old Planet Ice arena complex that are both beyond capacity, with waitlists for popular activities such as swim lessons and ice time. The 63-year-old Hammond Pool is also at the end of its useful life, requiring significant costly annual maintenance. The city’s signature parks also face heavy summer demand that can exceed the capacity of amenities and parking. These projects are intended to provide more recreation opportunities for current residents and future generations.

How were these projects developed?
These projects are based on:

• The 2023 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan
• Two years of technical studies and planning work
• Extensive public engagement over two phases

How was the community consulted on these proposals?
Extensive engagement with the public occurred during the recreation facility feasibility study in 2024 and 2025, with feedback from participants of public surveys, user group meetings and open houses. The public was informed through online, print and outdoor promotion, including civic facility advertisements, signage in parks and local businesses, bus shelter ads, a postcard mailout to all households, newspaper ads and website updates, regular social media updates, email notices to E-Connect and Engage page subscribers and through the city’s recreation registration database.   

Are the renderings showing the final designs?
The renderings show the current concept designs and are intended to help residents visualize what the projects could look like. Details may change as the projects move through detailed design. 
Residents will have more opportunities to provide feedback before final designs are completed.

When would construction begin for these projects? 
Pending the results of the assent vote and Council passing the bylaw enabling the City to borrow funds, the construction delivery will be confirmed and construction timelines determined. Early assumptions estimate groundbreaking for the multi-use park in 2027, the arena in 2028 and in 2029 for the aquatics facility. Large recreation facility projects generally take 3–5 years to complete from detailed design to construction completion depending on complexity and other factors. 

Since Maple Ridge property owners would pay additional property tax to build these projects, will they get preferential access to the facilities once they open?
It is possible for the City to provide priority access, registration preference and resident membership benefits to Maple Ridge residents. These details will be determined through decisions of Council once we are ready to operationalize the facilities. 

Why was Hammond Community Park selected as the site? 
City staff reviewed multiple potential privately and publicly owned locations around the community for a new aquatics and arena facility. The 13-acre Hammond Community Park was selected due to its size, proximity to current and future Lougheed Highway Transit corridor densification and transit, and is city-owned, saving in land purchase costs.   

Why not just renovate the Hammond Outdoor Pool? 
The Hammond Outdoor Pool is at the end of its service life and is no longer a sustainable long-term investment. It requires significant repairs annually. A new indoor aquatics facility would provide year-round access, more amenities and greater value for residents, while better meeting the community's current and future recreation needs.

What is the size of the pool?
The proposed design includes a 37.5-metre, eight-lane pool as well as a leisure pool. Leisure aquatic amenities were prioritized in the concept development to meet a broad range of community needs, based on technical studies and community engagement.

Are there plans to build a new outdoor pool in Maple Ridge?
The City is moving forward with plans for a new Aquatics and Recreation Centre at Hammond Community Park, which would replace the existing Hammond Outdoor Pool based on the needs identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.  The new facility is envisioned as a year-round hub for swimming, fitness and recreation. Proposed amenities include an accessible 37.5-metre, eight-lane pool, leisure pool with a lazy river, a fitness centre and studios, gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, arts and culture room, café and above and below-ground parking.  

Why are the baseball fields being relocated?
The new aquatics and recreation centre is proposed for the current location of Larry Walker Field and Hammond Stadium. The baseball fields are proposed to be relocated to the new multi-use community park creating a stronger overall player and spectator experience by enabling the fields to be designed as a coordinated sport venue with expanded spectator seating areas, lighting for both fields, accessible washrooms and amenities, concession space, and improved parking buffered from adjacent neighbours. The new site also provides room for tournament operations that cannot be achieved in the existing location. The goal is to build the new fields before removing the existing ones.

According to the site plan, the new facility is positioned on only one of the existing fields. Why can’t the Hammond Stadium field remain as is?
The baseball fields are proposed to be relocated to the new multi-use community park creating a stronger overall player and spectator experience by enabling the fields to be designed as a coordinated sport venue with expanded spectator seating areas, lighting for both fields, accessible washrooms and amenities, concession space, and improved parking buffered from adjacent neighbours. The new site provides room for tournament operations that cannot be achieved in the existing location. 

What will happen to the existing baseball fields at Hammond Community Park?
The City plans to keep one smaller baseball field at Hammond Community Park. Larry Walker Field and Hammond Stadium would be relocated to a new multi-use community park at the Maple Ridge Golf Course site.

Why is the City proposing a multi-use community park at the current golf course?
The Maple Ridge Golf Course sits on 40 acres of City-owned land that is designated as park space in the Official Community Plan. Maple Ridge’s major parks are already very busy, especially in summer, and parking and amenities can be stretched beyond capacity. Unlike a golf course, a multi-use community park would support a wider range of activities and would be accessible to residents of all ages year round. It would also expand recreation opportunities on the west side of Maple Ridge without purchasing new land. 

Did the City look at other locations for the baseball fields?
Yes. The City looked at other large sites, but the Maple Ridge Golf Course site was the best option because of its size, location and because it is already City-owned land designated as park space. Keeping the baseball facilities in Hammond was also an important consideration because of the area’s long baseball history.

How much of the golf course site would be used for baseball fields?
About 16 per cent of the 40-acre park site is planned for baseball fields, spectator seating areas, and fieldhouse/washroom building. 

Will the new fields be built before the old ones are removed?
Yes. The goal is to build the new fields first so baseball programs can continue with as little disruption as possible.

How will Larry Walker’s legacy be recognized?
The City is committed to honouring Larry Walker’s contributions to baseball in Maple Ridge. The new stadium-style fields are intended to carry that legacy forward. The City will also work closely with local baseball groups to help make sure the new facility meets their needs.

Why is baseball being chosen over golf?
This is about making the best use of City-owned land so it can serve the greatest number of residents in a fair and cost-effective way.  A new multi-use community park will provide park space for more than 100,000 residents year-round.

What else could be included in the multi-use community park?
Future amenities could include: more walking/jogging/accessible trails, picnic areas, play spaces, water spray park, youth amenities, toboggan hill, gardens, sports courts/activities, youth activity spaces and scenic viewpoints of Fraser River. These amenities have not been finalized and will be shaped through future public engagement.

What is the timing for Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 of the multi-use park, and will the community get to have a say? 
Development of Phase 1 of the Multi-use Community Park is anticipated to begin in 2027, if the borrowing is supported and Council approves the borrowing bylaw. The engagement process for the Phase 2 park amenities is anticipated to begin once the Phase 1 portion of the park is completed.

When will the golf course close?
The golf course will remain open for the 2026 season. The closure will be timed to the construction schedule for the Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre. Early assumptions estimate groundbreaking for the multi-use park in 2027 however a closure date is still to be determined.  

What about the trees and environment on the golf course site?    
Tree preservation is important. Future planning will involve arborist assessments and recommendations for retention or replanting in line with the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan. The transition of the site to a multi-use community park will maintain green space and improve public access to nature.   

How many new rinks are planned? 
Two new rinks (ice/dry floor) are proposed at Albion Fairgrounds, increasing the total number of rinks at the complex to five. The expansion will provide more ice/dry floor time and more space for tournaments and events, with a fitness centre, walking track and other amenities.

What is happening with the City’s application to the Agricultural Land Commission?
The Albion Fairgrounds site is designated as agricultural land, so the City must receive approval of the provincial Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to build the twin-rink expansion. The City received approval for one additional rink in 2024. An application for the second additional ice sheet was not approved in 2025 because of drainage concerns affecting privately owned neighbouring properties and the broader Albion Flats area. The decision was not based on the concept of additional ice capacity itself, but on regional drainage concerns that extend beyond City-owned property. The City has submitted a revised application, which details our plans to fully address drainage on-site as part of the proposal for the arena expansion, and we are awaiting a decision from the ALC. 
 

How much will these projects cost?
The total preliminary cost estimate is $393 million. Estimated costs for each project are:

• Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre: $227 million
• Multi-Use Community Park Phase 1: $23 million
• Albion Twin-Rink Arena Expansion: $143 million

If borrowing is approved how/when does it need to be repaid? 
Council directed staff to develop a funding strategy that limits the impact on taxpayers. Approximately 60 per cent of the long-term borrowing (from the Municipal Financing Authority) would be repaid through property tax increases and about 40 percent through Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) on new development. Senior government grants, sponsorships, and partnerships will and continue to be actively pursued to reduce the borrowed amount and potentially reduce the annual percentage tax increases.  

For the proposed borrowing, what is the cost per household? 
Based on current cost estimates and proposed funding strategy, the annual property tax impact for homeowners is estimated at three per cent per year for four years (2027-2030). The rate would then remain at that same level until the debt is repaid. For example, a home assessed at $650,000 would pay an additional $55 in 2027 until it reaches $238 annually in 2030. A home assessed at $1 million would pay an additional $90 in 2027, until it reaches $385 in 2030. Commercial property owners would also see a three per cent per year increase for four years. 

Why borrow the full amount ($393 million) if the City anticipates getting funds from other sources like government grants? 
Borrowing the maximum amount provides certainty that the projects will have the funds necessary to complete the project within the identified timeline while the City continues to pursue other funding sources that could reduce the amount ultimately borrowed. The City has applied for the federal Build Strong Communities Fund and continues to prioritize applying for government grants. However, grant funding is not guaranteed nor is the amount allocated by the funding source. Should grant funding be secured, the amount borrowed will be reduced. 

How accurate are the cost estimates?
These are Class C estimates, which are standard at this stage of planning. They are generally accurate within plus or minus 20 to 25 per cent and provide a reliable basis for budgeting and decision-making. The estimates factor in inflation and anticipated escalation of construction costs. 

How much funding from the provincial or federal governments do you anticipate contributing to these projects? 
The City has applied to the federal Build Strong Communities Fund and will prioritize applications to both federal and provincial government grants as they arise and as there is a fit. Senior governments share in the responsibility for delivering community infrastructure such as recreation facilities. The City of Maple Ridge is meeting the legislated requirements for adding new housing in our community, and we are calling on the provincial and federal governments to do their part to support this new housing by helping to fund infrastructure projects that keep our community livable.

What is assent voting? 
Assent voting (also called referendum) is when residents vote “Yes” or “No” on a specific question, usually about long-term borrowing for a major project.

What will the assent vote question ask? 
Once approved by Council, the question(s) will clearly describe the proposed recreation infrastructure program and ask whether you support the City borrowing money to fund the project(s). It will be written in a standardized format required by legislation.

How is the Assent vote decided?  
The outcome is based on the majority of valid votes cast: 

• If more than 50% vote “Yes,” the proposal is approved 
• If more than 50% vote “No,” the proposal is not approved 

What happens after the vote?  
If successful, Council will consider adoption of the loan authorization bylaw(s), which will enable the City to borrow funds to begin detailed design and construction of the projects.

What will the questions be? 
Council is required to authorize the assent voting questions. The public can see them on June 23 Committee of the Whole agenda for discussion but may not be accurate if Council makes changes to the questions prior to approving on June 30.

Why are we voting on the borrowing instead of voting on whether the projects move forward?
Under provincial legislation, the public vote is on the borrowing authority. Council is responsible for making decisions on projects, land use and capital planning, while voters decide whether to approve the proposed long-term borrowing.

What happens if voters do not approve the borrowing? Are the projects cancelled? 
The projects require funding to proceed, and should the assent vote result in less than a majority approval for the loan authorization bylaw(s), the projects would require another funding source as they would remain unfunded.  Should this occur, staff will assess alternative options in recreation facility development and provide recommendations for Council’s consideration. 

What happens if voters approve one borrowing question but not the other?
If voters approve one borrowing question but not the other, only the project or projects tied to the approved question could move forward under that borrowing authority. In that case, staff would review other options and bring recommendations back to Council for consideration, which could include alternative funding approaches, changes to project scope or timing, or other recreation facility options. 

What is the City doing to support all the growth planned and the impacts to neighbourhoods?  
The City is investing in plans to deliver critical community infrastructure as we build new housing and jobs for thousands of new residents that we will welcome in the coming decades. Along with much-needed expansion of recreational facilities and accessible green spaces, Maple Ridge is implementing new transportation infrastructure to accommodate rapid transit, including roadworks to ensure convenient connections between employment lands, housing, and recreational areas.  

How is the City meeting needs in east Maple Ridge?  
The City recognizes the continued residential growth in east Maple Ridge and has invested in neighbourhoods through the development of the Silver Valley Gathering Place, the significant renovation at Maple Ridge Park, the Albion Community Centre, Tsuyuki Park at 241A  Street and 112 Avenue, the opening of the Albion Sports Complex outdoor beach volleyball courts, and the planning for two new ice sheets at the existing arena complex at the Albion Fairgrounds.  

How will environmental and heritage impacts be managed?  
All projects will undergo environmental, archaeological and technical review. Designs will incorporate energy-efficient standards, tree preservation where feasible, accessible and inclusive features, and appropriate cultural and environmental protections. 

How will parking and traffic impacts of the new facilities be addressed? 
A traffic impact assessment (TIA) was undertaken to assess the impacts of the proposed projects in the Hammond area. The TIA recommended monitoring and consideration of potential road and intersection improvements to Golf Lane, 207 St. and 114 Ave, to be reviewed in context with the recommendations of the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan. Site access to the multi-use park is proposed to be split between 114 Ave (primary access) and Golf Lane (existing access). Some improvements will be considered as part of the implementation phase of this project and will be reassessed as design progresses and cost estimates get further refined. These will be aligned with the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan.