Maple Ridge, B.C., April 27, 2026 — The City of Maple Ridge is celebrating the completion of its 1,000 Trees project, exceeding its goal by planting 1,500 new trees on boulevards and in parks across the community. The City is also advancing updates to the City’s Tree Protection and Management Bylaw.
Funded through the Government of Canada’s $2 billion Trees Program and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, the 1000 Trees project was also supported by the City of Maple Ridge. It focuses on expanding the urban tree canopy in neighbourhoods identified as priorities for increased tree cover.
“We set out to plant 1,000 trees and ended up planting 1,500 and are grateful for the federal funding to support the work,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “We focused on neighbourhoods with less tree cover and tree species, so more people can benefit from shade, cleaner air, and greener streets.”
The project supports the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan, a 20-year strategy to protect and expand Maple Ridge’s urban forest and achieve a 40 per cent tree canopy target in urban areas by 2050. The newly planted trees will provide long-term benefits including urban cooling, air and water filtration, stormwater interception, and improved habitat for biodiversity.
Tree Types and Locations
The City planted 1,500 trees representing 80 different tree species, including ornamental, shade, flowering, and evergreen trees. Staff arborists strategically selected tree species and locations based on local infrastructure, existing vegetation, and boulevard design to support long-term health and neighbourhood fit. Priority was given to boulevards with sidewalks, curb and gutter, and street lighting, where trees are less likely to be affected by future frontage upgrades.
Planting focused on neighbourhoods with lower overall tree canopy, including Hammond, West Maple Ridge, the Town Centre, and Central Maple Ridge, as well as replacement trees in other parts of the city where street trees had previously been removed. Many trees were also added to parks, improving canopy cover and increasing access to shade for more residents throughout Maple Ridge.
Community Engagement
In June 2025, the City notified residents near planned planting locations by mail, invited them to an open house to learn more and ask questions, and later distributed reminder door hangers once exact planting locations were marked.
Throughout the project, the City shared regular updates and responded to inquiries from residents regarding potential impacts to their property.
Tree Bylaw Update Underway
As part of its ongoing commitment to urban forest management, the City is updating its Tree Protection and Management Bylaw. The proposed changes reflect community feedback and aim to better protect mature trees, clarify removal and replacement requirements, modernize permitting, and strengthen compliance.
With nearly half of the community’s tree canopy on private land, the proposed bylaw takes a balanced approach that recognizes the different needs of homeowners and development applicants.
Key proposed changes include:
- a simplified bylaw structure
- new permit, removal, and replacement requirements
- arborist reports for most applications
- updated critical root zone standards
- security deposits for retained and replacement trees in development applications
- cash-in-lieu only where on-site planting is not feasible
- revised fees that improve clarity, support cost recovery, and remove incentives for multiple tree removals
Cash-in-lieu payments and forfeited securities will continue to support the City’s tree reserve fund for tree planting and urban forest stewardship.
Council will consider the proposed bylaw on April 28, 2026, with adoption anticipated on May 12, 2026. More information is available through the Council report at MapleRidge.ca/CouncilMeetings.
Request a Street Tree
Residents who would like to request a new street tree can submit a request through the City’s Street Tree Request Form at MapleRidge.ca/StreetTrees. Requested locations will be reviewed and assessed for suitability as part of future planting projects.
Next Steps
Over this summer, the newly planted trees will be watered and cared for to help support their establishment. City Parks staff will then take over maintenance of the trees.
Learn more about the 1000 Trees project at MapleRidge.ca/1000Trees.
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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