‘Be Downtown’ Initiative Returns for 2025 Building Safety, Pride and Vibrancy

Maple Ridge, B.C., May 12, 2025—Starting May 21 and alternating Wednesdays over the summer, residents and businesses can stop by the pop-up booths in downtown Maple Ridge to connect, share feedback, and enter to win local prizes as part of the Be Downtown initiative.  

After a successful pilot last year, the City of Maple Ridge is relaunching Be Downtown—a collaborative effort developed with the Ridge Meadows RCMP, Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA) and local business associations to enhance community safety, support local businesses, and create a welcoming, thriving downtown for everyone.  

“Maple Ridge is full of great neighbourhoods, and our downtown is the heart of it all,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Be Downtown is about supporting our local businesses by bringing people out, investing in safety and beautification, and showing pride in the community. Whether you’re grabbing coffee, shopping, or attending an event, we want you to love being in our downtown.” 

Enhanced Investments in Community Safety 

This year’s Be Downtown builds on the City’s increased investment in public safety, including adding new RCMP members and more Community Safety Officer hours. The initiative complements successful ongoing efforts like Project Dovetail and Project Sentinel to support vulnerable populations and reduce nuisance behaviour through a combination of enforcement, outreach, and services. 

“Community safety is a shared responsibility and Be Downtown brings a wide range of partners together to help create a safe, connected and welcoming environment,” said Superintendent Adam Gander, Ridge Meadows RCMP. “Our members will be out at pop-up booths and on foot throughout the summer, answering questions, offering support, and listening to the community.” 

Stop By a Pop-Up Community Safety Booth 

Pop-up community safety booths offer residents and businesses a convenient way to connect with Bylaw Officers, Community Safety Officers, RCMP, Fire Services, DMRBIA, and partner agencies to: 

• Make it easy to report safety concerns or problem properties 
• Provide information and direct access to support services and outreach teams 
• Offer a friendly, visible presence in public spaces to foster trust and safety 
• Share resources and invite feedback to improve the downtown experience 

Visitors to the booths can also enter a grand prize draw for two tickets to the City’s Our Neck of the Woods event, along with City swag and gift cards to local restaurants and shops. 

Dates and Locations (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) 

• May 21 – Memorial Peace Park (South Plaza) 
• June 4 – Lougheed Hwy at 224 Street 
• June 18 – Haney Place Mall 
• July 2 – Lougheed & 223 Street 
• July 16 – Brickwater Plaza 
• July 30 – Selkirk Town Centre Mall 
• August 13 – Valley Fair Mall 
• August 27 – Maple Ridge Square (near Shoppers Drug Mart,) 
• September 10 – Memorial Peace Park 

Participation of first responder staff is contingent upon any emerging incidents. 

Other key community safety features include: 

• Increased foot and bike patrols by uniformed Bylaw, Community Safety and RCMP officers 
• Outreach coordination with Fraser Health and the RCMP Mental Health and Community Policing Unit 
• Support services through the Integrated Safety Ambassador Team (ISAT) and Ridge FYRST youth support team 
• Problem property monitoring: a coordinated City-led response to vacant/nuisance locations 

Beautification and Downtown Pride 

As part of the initiative, City crews are also rolling out seasonal beautification efforts—power washing sidewalks, sprucing up street furniture, and installing hundreds of hanging baskets and floral displays. More than 200 street banners are now up for the Choose Maple Ridge campaign, highlighting local businesses and encouraging residents to explore downtown. 

Events and Local Promotions 

Be Downtown supports a variety of community events and promotions, including the return of the Social Saturdays summer series and free weekend parking at the City-owned underground lot at the Maple Ridge Business Centre from April through October. 

“Downtown Maple Ridge has so much to offer—from unique shops and restaurants to community events and gathering spaces,” said Nicole Archer, Executive Director of the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association. “We’re excited to be part of Be Downtown and invite everyone to come downtown this summer and throughout the year and support our local businesses." 

To plan your visit and explore downtown events, visit MapleRidge.ca/Explore. To learn more about local businesses and promotions, visit MapleRidge.ca/BeDowntown. For more information, contact Chad Cowles, City’s Manager of Community Safety and Wellbeing at CCowles@mapleridge.ca