City Lifts Pause on Lougheed Corridor Development Following BRT Planning

Maple Ridge, B.C., January 17, 2025 – The City of Maple Ridge is announcing the end of the temporary moratorium on processing in-stream development applications adjacent to Lougheed Highway, effective January 23, 2025. This milestone highlights the City’s ongoing efforts to enable responsible growth along the Lougheed Corridor, align with provincial housing targets and foster a vibrant, transit-oriented community.

The moratorium, which began on July 23, 2024, was put in place to allow for essential planning of the Langley-Haney Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in collaboration with TransLink and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT). The pause ensured that necessary review and further concept design regarding station locations, road alignments, and setback requirements could be made with input from all project partners, creating greater development certainty, reducing future disruptions, and maximizing benefits for the community and developers.

“Allowing for the due diligence to properly plan with all parties involved in the BRT project ensures that we can move forward strategically,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “The BRT is essential for enhancing our city’s connection to the rest of the lower mainland and we can now continue supporting our development partners to leverage the new transit-oriented environment for their unique projects.”

Development Benefits

With the lifting of the moratorium, the City is resuming the processing of development applications along Lougheed Highway Corridor. Progressing the new BRT planning will open the potential for higher density, more cost-effective, and more transit-oriented development projects than what was conceived prior to the moratorium.

City staff will work closely with developers to ensure their projects comply with new building requirements, including setback and road dedication standards.

The City is committed to:

• Engaging directly with each impacted developer to provide guidance and support.
• Offering programs like our new Certified Professional Program and the upcoming Concierge Program to expedite application reviews.
• Continuing current work to streamline and accelerate the development approval process.

The BRT system is a key component of Maple Ridge’s long-term community planning, enabling transit-oriented development that supports higher-density housing and enhanced access to transportation. By advancing this project in a strategic way, Council and the City have laid the groundwork for new and optimized housing opportunities, improved transit infrastructure, and a more sustainable future.

How Residents Can Engage with the BRT Project

TransLink is inviting residents and interest holders to participate in a public survey to rank which proposed Bus Rapid Transit features are the most important to them. The community is also invited to attend in-person open houses between January 25 and February 4. More details at TransLink.ca.

These consultations are a vital opportunity for the community to provide input and shape the future of transit and growth in Maple Ridge. The engagement will run from January 16, 2025, until February 9, 2025. Residents are encouraged to have their say and help guide this transformative project.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is just one of several key initiatives within the Maple Ridge Moves plan, including the 4-lane expansion of Abernethy Way. For more information visit: MapleRidge.ca/MapleRidgeMoves

The City of Maple Ridge is committed to building a connected and sustainable community along the Lougheed Highway Corridor. Together, we can shape a future that meets the needs of our growing population while preserving the character and vibrancy of our city.