Maple Ridge, B.C., January 7, 2026 — The City of Maple Ridge is advancing the proposed North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan, a long-term planning initiative designed to support economic growth, job creation, tax base enhancement, and sustainable industrial development in the community.
On January 6, Council gave first and second readings to the proposed Area Plan, along with associated amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP). A public hearing is scheduled for January 20. Council will then consider third reading of the bylaw and a referral to Metro Vancouver for the necessary regional approvals following a third phase of public engagement.
“The North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan is a critical step in securing Maple Ridge’s economic future,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “By planning thoughtfully for industrial growth, we are creating space for local jobs, attracting investment, and ensuring development happens in a way that respects our environment and community. This plan helps position Maple Ridge as a strong contributor to the regional economy while supporting a liveable city for residents today and into the future.”
The proposed area plan reflects technical analysis and input gathered through two earlier phases of community and interest holder engagement and is now advancing into the formal Council review and approval process.
As part of the third phase of engagement to inform the community of the proposed area plan, the City is hosting two online information sessions:
- Online Information Session #1: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
- Online Information session #2: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
To register for a session, visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/256AreaPlan.
Supporting a Diversified, Thriving Local Economy
The North 256 Street Industrial Lands, located north of 128 Avenue at the end of 256 Street, are currently home to industrial businesses and institutional buildings and have long been identified for future expansion of industrial uses. The new Area Plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide the further development of a modern, light industrial employment area while recognizing the existing institutional uses, environmental features, and recreational activities.
If implemented, the area plan will:
- Increase the supply of industrial land in Maple Ridge
- Support business investment and employment growth
- Strengthen the City’s property tax base to help fund services and amenities
- Align local land use planning with regional and provincial economic objectives
- Be supported by transportation and infrastructure investments
The Area Plan was prepared in response to the well-documented shortage of industrial land across Metro Vancouver, and it will position Maple Ridge to play a larger role in supporting the regional economy.
What the Area Plan Includes
The draft North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan outlines:
- A land use framework for industrial, institutional, conservation, and supportive commercial uses
- A transportation and road network strategy, including future connections such as with the extension of Abernethy Way
- Planning for water, sewer, and storm infrastructure investments to support development
- Environmental protection measures and trails
- Urban design guidelines and development policies to guide high-quality, low-impact industrial uses and buildings
The Area Plan proposes amendments to the City’s OCP, Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy (Metro 2050), and the Fraser Sewerage Service Area, which together would allow for the coordinated development of the area. The plan also includes the retention of environmentally sensitive lands, with further site-specific technical reviews and approvals required as development happens.
Community and Interest Holder Engagement
Development of the Area Plan included multiple phases of engagement to invite input and feedback from area landowners, residents, businesses, agencies, and the broader public. Engagement activities included in-person and online meetings, public information events, and regular updates through the City’s website, newsletters, and social media. Feedback from these engagement phases helped shape the plan’s vision, land use approach, infrastructure planning, and environmental considerations.
During the first two phases of engagement, the community reviewed draft concept area plan options, and supported local job creation and tax base diversification, while raising concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Top priorities were road safety (particularly on 256 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road), the need for infrastructure upgrades before development, and the protection of natural areas.
Next Steps
- January 6: Council gave first and second readings of Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 8087-2026
- January 14 and 15: Public Information Sessions (online)
- January 20: A public hearing is scheduled for 7pm at City Hall to provide the opportunity for residents and interest holders to provide feedback directly to Council.
- January 27: Council is scheduled to consider third reading of Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 8087-2026
- Regional Review: Following Council’s third reading, the proposed amendments will be referred to Metro Vancouver for consideration and approval
- Final Adoption: Subject to regional approvals, Council may consider final adoption of the bylaw, anticipated in mid-2026
For more information, visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/256AreaPlan or contact Eric Aderneck, Industrial Lands Program Manager, at EAderneck@MapleRidge.ca or 604-721-5528.
About the North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan
Located in northern Maple Ridge, the North 256 Street Industrial Lands are one of the City’s last major areas for new industrial development. The area plan aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection, infrastructure needs, and compatibility. It includes land use plan, transportation network, servicing strategy, development policies, and design guidelines. In terms of process timeline, it is expected to be completed in mid-2026 along with required Official Community Plan and Regional Growth Strategy amendments.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E Media@MapleRidge.ca