Maple Ridge, B.C., June 24, 2025 – The City of Maple Ridge's new Investment Attraction and Business Retention and Expansion strategies will guide next steps in supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and building a strong, diversified local economy.
Aligned with Council's Strategic Plan, these strategies were adopted by Council last month and provide a clear, actionable roadmap to help local businesses grow, highlight Maple Ridge’s competitive advantages, and target sectors with strong investment potential.
"These strategies are key to reducing the tax burden on residents and creating conditions where businesses can thrive," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "After years of planning, it’s time for action. By aligning the strategies with key infrastructure initiatives like our Abernethy Way expansion and industrial lands planning at 256, Yennadon, and Albion, we're making their implementation a reality and investing in a future that benefits everyone."
Targeting Investment Attraction
The Investment Attraction Strategy identifies priority sectors that match Maple Ridge’s strengths and regional trends. Through analysis of local assets, industry benchmarks, and market competitiveness, the strategy pinpoints areas where the City is most likely to attract high-quality jobs and long-term investment.
“Investment attraction begins with understanding the municipality and region’s current capabilities, and then matching these to known and developing industry and company needs.” said Aalika Kohli, Senior Advisor. “Having a clear understanding of the municipality’s value proposition will allow for effectively targeted outreach to.”
Supporting and Expanding Local Business Support
The Business Retention and Expansion Strategy outlines proactive steps to support local businesses—including direct outreach, enhanced services, and new partnerships. Insights from engagement with local businesses and provincial and regional government partners highlighted key areas for improvement, such as workforce development, clearer communication, and simplified business interactions with the City.
This work will be supported by other City initiatives:
- Customer experience improvements
- Streamlined building permit process - MapleRidge.ca/NewBuildingPermitPortal
- Choose Maple Ridge – Support Local - MapleRidge.ca/ChooseMapleRidge
- Be Downtown - MapleRidge.ca/BeDowntown
Implementation is already in progress. Early actions include:
- Outreach to local businesses
- Promoting investment-ready lands
- Targeted marketing of priority sectors
- Ongoing improvements to permitting processes
- Strengthened partnerships with economic and regional agencies
Progress updates will be shared with Council and the community as the City implements these strategic actions.
Residents and investors can learn more about how the City is focusing on business readiness and economic growth here: MapleRidge.ca/BusinessReady.
For more information, contact Aalika Kohli, Senior Advisor, Intergovernmental Affairs, at AKohli@mapleridge.ca.
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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