Town Centre Area Plan
The Town Centre Area Plan, first adopted in November 2008, set a vision for a denser, mixed-use, and pedestrian-friendly downtown supported by enhanced green space. At the time, the area was home to just over 8,000 residents. By 2021, the population had nearly doubled, to approximately 12,430 residents and 6,520 households (Census Canada). Since the plan’s inception, the housing market has undergone significant shifts, provincial legislation has evolved, and numerous major development applications have been approved or are underway.
2025 Update to the Town Centre Area Plan
The Town Centre Area Plan, Section 10.4 of the Official Community Plan, was updated on November 25, 2025. Key changes included:
- Expanded boundaries, now incorporating River Bend.
- Consolidation of land‑use designations, reduced from 11 to 7 for improved clarity.
- Introduction of a Town Centre Core designation, supporting higher densities in a walkable, transit‑oriented downtown anchored by the Haney Transit Exchange and Port Haney Station.
- Alignment with recent provincial housing legislation, ensuring the plan reflects current regulatory requirements.
- Focused growth around transit hubs, reinforcing transit‑oriented development principles.
A Public Hearing for the updated Area Plan was held on November 19, 2025. Staff presented the update for First Reading at the September 9, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, with Council granting First Reading on September 16, 2025. Second Reading was approved on November 4, 2025. Additional details are available in the November 4, 2025, Regular Council meeting agenda package and video.
Transit-Oriented Area Designation (2024)
At the June 4, 2024, Committee of the Whole Meeting, Council introduced the Maple Ridge Transit-Oriented Area Designation Bylaw No. 8001-2024 to designate three areas as ‘Transit-Oriented Areas’ (TOAs) as required by Provincial regulation. Council adopted the City’s Transit-Oriented Area Designation Bylaw on June 25, 2024. Two of these TOAs, the Haney Transit Exchange and the Port Haney Station, fall within the Town Centre Area Plan.
Earlier Concepts
The Town Centre Area Plan builds on the foundation of the Town Centre Concept Plan, developed through extensive community engagement and collaboration with external partners involved in the Smart Growth on the Ground initiative. Maple Ridge was the first community in British Columbia to participate in this program, which promotes development that:
- Provides transportation options beyond the car
- Works in harmony with natural systems
- Encourages greener, smarter buildings
- Supports diverse housing needs
- Brings jobs closer to home
- Creates a vibrant, attractive town core
Why does this work matter?
Maple Ridge Council recognizes the rapid growth and ongoing change within the Town Centre. Updating the plan ensures that this evolution contributes to a more vibrant, livable, and sustainable downtown for current and future residents.
Past Work
On February 23, 2021, an outcomes report of the public engagement was presented at Council Workshop. Ultimately, the Town Centre Visioning engagement process reaffirmed that the direction of the Town Centre Area Plan continues to resonate with Maple Ridge residents. The report also offered possible next steps.
- To read the full February 23, 2021 report, click here.
- To watch the February 23, 2021 Council Workshop meeting, click here.
Want to stay in touch?
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