Economic Drivers
Multi-Sector Strength
Maple Ridge's secret to success is the diversity of the industries that drive our economy coupled with our undeniable quality of life. Maple Ridge recognizes that the key to capitalizing on diversity is to encourage collaboration between the City and complementary industries. We have cutting-edge firms in many strategic sectors. Take a closer look at the different economic sectors:
Strong Agricultural Roots Promotes Opportunities
Rich Agricultural Land
Maple Ridge boasts some of the richest agricultural land in Canada, generating substantial value from blueberries, dairy, nurseries and greenhouses. Maple Ridge has many opportunities — from small start-up farms to larger operations. — and we are committed to maintaining our agricultural roots by growing our agri-food opportunities.
Agriculture has been an economic driver in Maple Ridge for decades. Since the late 1800's, generations have been harvesting the bounty of our rich land. Maple Ridge ranks high among British Columbia's municipalities in terms of agricultural production value and our total land area in the Agricultural Land Reserve is 3,782 hectares or approximately 15% of Maple Ridge's total area.
Maple Ridge is home to some of the largest blueberry and cranberry farms in the province, and also produces high-quality raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. We're also home to a local artisan cheese maker who showcases a great selection of cheeses made on the farm from their grass-fed jersey cows. Other notable contributors to the Maple Ridge agricultural diversity are: vegetable and herb nurseries; manure and topsoil farms; Christmas tree farms and an 18-acre pumpkin patch. Agri-tourism is also playing an increasingly important role in producing revenue.
If you're interested in local food processing, Maple Ridge is within close proximity to local ports and the US border, providing access to consumers in North America and world-wide.
Check out Maple Ridge and find the new home for your agri-food business.
Commercial & Retail Investment on the Rise in Maple Ridge
Commercial & Retail Hub
Maple Ridge is an established commercial and retail hub, providing services not only to our residents, but also to the surrounding communities. We are a favourite area for the communities north of the Fraser River for shopping, dining and other commercial and retail services. Regional and national companies from a variety of industries are attracted to Maple Ridge because of our positive and stable business climate, population growth, and investment incentive programs. There are several prime commercial and retail areas in Maple Ridge located near major residential developments.
In the town centre, both Haney Place Mall and Valley Fair Mall, as well as in west Maple Ridge: Westridge Centre and Westgate Shopping Centre; are all located off Lougheed Highway and all offer local residents and businesses all the services and products they need to complete their personal business transactions right here in Maple Ridge. Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) and Dewdney Trunk Road each carry on average over 20,000 cars that pass by these retail centres daily.
Economic Growth Driven by Construction Industry
Promoting Sustainable Growth and Development
The construction industry is a major contributor to the overall success of the Maple Ridge economy. We are home to over 1,000 businesses involved in the construction industry—from general contractors and developers to architects and engineers. Maple Ridge also boasts a large pool of skilled trades including plumbers, electricians, framers, painters, gas fitters and more.
Maple Ridge is a proven market for high-quality developers and builders focused on creating quality and lasting value for their clients. Maple Ridge continues to see sustained growth, and demand for residential, commercial and industrial construction is at an all-time high. This is the place to bring your ideas, your enthusiasm, and your passion for excellence.
Why Film in Maple Ridge?
Ideal Location
With its natural beauty, friendly neighbourhoods, maximized tax credits, and close proximity to Vancouver, Maple Ridge is a filmmaker's dream! From a dynamic urban core to rustic farmhouses, from unique turn-of-the-century heritage buildings to opulent mansions, the versatility of our city is limited only by the imagination. Situated on the north shore of the Fraser River and with an abundance of parks, stretches of picturesque dykes, winding rural roads, and diverse commercial and residential buildings, Maple Ridge has been used as a backdrop for regions as divergent as New York to the Scottish Highlands. We are a film-friendly community where residents and businesses have embraced the industry, welcoming filming into their neighbourhoods and homes.
Inspirational Food and Beverage Culture
Breweries, Distilleries & Farm to Table on a New Level
Maple Ridge has a thriving food and beverage culture, which is evident with the number of establishments and variety of cuisines available. Maple Ridge has been cultivating a cuisine craze which is attracting foodies from all over the lower mainland.
With tourism on the rise, so will the demand for bistros, gastropubs, breweries, food trucks and cafes. There are a growing number of food and beer festivals held year round in Maple Ridge, and it makes sense because Maple Ridge is home to some of Canada's best agricultural land and BC boasts Canada's longest growing climate. We are also among some of the first to eat local and organic, taking “Farm to Table” to the next level.
The food cart industry is expanding and food carts have positive impacts on street vitality and neighbourhood life in lower density residential neighbourhoods as well as in the high density downtown area.
Microbreweries are also popping up everywhere and joining in on the “Tap Tours”. Maple Ridge also houses a local luxury liquor distributor.
The food and beverage community is a big family here in Maple Ridge, where everyone helps each other. Food trucks buy homemade bread from local bakeries and artisan cheese from local farmers. The Fraser North Farmer's Market helps to nurture up and coming farmers, providing a venue to buy and sell local fruits, vegetables and herbs. Restaurants like Big Feast pride themselves on their 100 mile menu, so much so that they have been awarded global recognition from the Food Network.
For more information about our local establishments, please check out our Food & Drinks page.
Growing Number of Manufacturing & Processing Companies
Emerging Hot Spot for Manufacturers
Maple Ridge is the obvious place to invest in advanced manufacturing, processing and high technology businesses. We offer affordable and available land, proximity to markets and a large skilled workforce. Our high quality lifestyle will also help you attract and retain the skilled and specialized workforce your business depends on.
Maple Ridge is attracting a growing number of cutting-edge manufacturers, research and development companies and the service companies and supply chain they rely on. Some of these business include:
- research and development facilities
- bio-energy companies
- injection molding, custom fabrication and CNC machining services
- equipment manufacturing
- roofing materials and milling
- marine and industrial manufacturing
- custom lumber manufacturing
- and software development
With over 300 hectares of industrial and employment land available, Maple Ridge is a draw for manufacturing businesses of all sizes. Whether you are looking to grow your operations with a new location or start up a new business, Maple Ridge has the space for you.
High Demand for Growing Technology Sector
High-Tech ... High Demand
The high-tech sector in Maple Ridge is diverse with many high-tech firms located in the area providing a number of job opportunities in the industry. Maple Ridge is home to data centres, software providers, technology support services and telecommunications service providers. As an example, Maple Ridge-based RST Instruments makes sensors that measure the stability of large structures like the Golden Ears and Pitt River bridges and the Ruskin Dam.
The BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) expanded its successful Centre4Growth acceleration program which has proven to be a successful delivery model in the growth and acceleration of BC technology companies. Companies receiving capacity building support through Centre4Growth grow faster, strengthen the local economy and support other industries throughout the region with locally developed innovative business solutions.
Steady population growth in Maple Ridge has resulted in a rapid increase in innovative companies in the area and the demand is growing.