Transition of the facility to City management successfully completed January 1.
Maple Ridge, B.C., January 9, 2025 - The City of Maple Ridge has assumed responsibility for operating The ACT Arts Centre effective January 1, 2026, and currently rolling out an exciting lineup of programs, shows, and events over the coming year in the City-owned facility.
Since the City first announced the transition in September 2025, staff have worked with the previous operator the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council (Arts On), as well as ACT staff, contractors, artists, and community groups to ensure continuity of operations as the City took over the facility.
"We are proud to have achieved a smooth and successful transition," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "Our objective throughout this process has been to strengthen arts and culture programming while ensuring it is accessible to everyone. I invite residents of all ages and backgrounds to come through the doors of The ACT Arts Centre in 2026—whether to take a class, attend a performance, tour the gallery, or simply experience this vibrant creative space. The ACT is a place for the whole community, and we look forward to welcoming people in."
Enhanced Programming and Access to Arts and Culture
The City has launched a diverse line up of more than 50 winter and nearly 50 spring arts programs, developed in collaboration with local artists through a recent successful Artist Roster call-out. Programming is expanding beyond The ACT Arts Centre to include offerings at the Albion Community Centre, improving access across the community. Recreation Services is also introducing innovative and inclusive activities at The ACT, such as candlelight yoga, group fitness, and family-focused programming to engage new audiences.
Performances, Rentals, and Community Use
From January to June 2026, 25 groups have booked more than 100 days at The ACT for performances, dance showcases, and exhibitions. All previously scheduled ACT Presents shows have been honoured, with 13 performances presented across 18 days. The City continues to work with local organizations and community groups to expand access to the venue.
Gallery, Gift Shop, and Artist Support
The ACT Gallery will reopen on January 24 with Reappraisal, a solo exhibition by Katherine Duclos, running January 25 to March 21, followed by exhibitions featuring ceramic artists and School District 42 students. Plans are underway to reopen the ACT Gift Shop in the second quarter of 2026, highlighting work by local artists and Maple Ridge–themed merchandise.
Public Access and Engagement
The public can continue to purchase tickets, register for programs, and book spaces at MapleRidge.ca/Arts, and can follow The ACT Arts Centre’s new dedicated Facebook and Instagram account, @ArtsMapleRidge, to stay up to date on programming, artist stories, and behind-the-scenes content.
Upcoming community events include Family Day activations in February and a special Mayor and Council welcome event featuring interactive performances and backstage tours are being planned. Dates and details will be announced soon.
In response to inquiries from the community about transitioning The ACT, the City has provided an update which includes background information about negotiations with the Arts Council, options Council considered for management of The ACT, and related staff reports. See the staff report here and the attachments here.
Looking Ahead
Planning is underway for summer and fall programming, integration of The ACT into major City celebrations such as Canada Day and Celebrate the Night, and early development of the 2027 performance season. Public engagement initiatives, including the “Behind the Curtain” series, will continue to highlight the people and processes that bring arts and culture to life in Maple Ridge.
The City had been contributing over $1 million in public funds to the operation of the ACT annually. With this transition, the City now has more direct influence over the management, maintenance and programming of the Centre while remaining accountable to local taxpayers.
For more information about the City’s arts and culture programming and The ACT, visit MapleRidge.ca/Arts or contact PRC@MapleRidge.ca.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E Media@MapleRidge.ca