Maple Ridge, B.C., April 1, 2025 – Maple Ridge Council officially approved the City’s new Community Engagement Framework and the updated Corporate Communications and Engagement Policy at last week’s Council meeting.
The Community Engagement Framework outlines how the City engages with the public, ensuring that engagement is consistent, transparent, and accessible and that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making.
“We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their input during the development of the Framework,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Community engagement is a priority for Council, and your feedback has helped shape a document that reflects how our community wants to be heard and involved. This Framework will ensure our engagement efforts are consistent, transparent, and meaningful — and that community voices continue to inform the decisions that shape Maple Ridge.”
The Community Engagement Framework and Policy can be viewed at MapleRidge.ca/Engage.
About the Community Engagement Framework
The newly adopted Community Engagement Framework is a guiding document for how the City invites and uses community input in decision-making. It was developed through two phases of community engagement, research, and best practices informed by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).
The Framework sets clear criteria for different levels of public participation and provides guidance on when, how, and why the City will engage. It also outlines how decisions are made, what informs those decisions, and how community input will be incorporated.
Purpose of the Community Engagement Framework
- Foster collaborative and inclusive relationships with residents, businesses, and community organizations.
- Guide when, how, and why the City engages with the community including when it will inform versus seek input on a decision to ensure consistency, transparency, and accessibility.
- Explain how decisions are made and the factors that inform them, including engagement.
- Promote diverse and meaningful participation through clear guidelines that foster inclusivity.
- Equip staff with standardized tools, methods, and processes to deliver timely, effective, and inclusive community engagements.
Engagement Findings
Community input was central to the development of the Framework. Phase 2 Engagement ran from February 28 to March 12, 2025, and was conducted at the Consult level to ensure the draft Framework reflected Phase 1 input and met the expectations of both Council and the community. The Framework has been updated to reflect the feedback received through both phases of engagement.
Key insights from both phases included:
- Strong support for the City’s enhanced communication and engagement efforts.
- Digital and online tools, such as social media and online surveys, were popular for accessing information and sharing input.
- In-person and traditional communication methods were noted as important for engagement.
- Top areas for improvement include enhanced transparency and accountability, more frequent updates through various channels on how decisions are made and input is used, and additional opportunities for the community to propose projects.
- The community emphasized the need for engagements to be inclusive and accessible, including flexible scheduling of engagement events and using traditional communication channels for those with limited online access.
Alignment with Corporate Communications and Engagement Policy
To support the new Framework, Council also approved updates to the City’s Corporate Communications and Engagement Policy. These updates ensure alignment with the Framework’s principles and reinforce the City’s commitment to clear, consistent, and inclusive communication.
Next Steps
Public feedback is also being incorporated into the City’s Engagement Toolkit, which provides staff with standardized tools and resources to support community engagement activities. The City will also enhance communications about upcoming opportunities for public input, including during the City’s annual business planning process and on key projects and initiatives.
Stay Engaged and Connected
The City of Maple Ridge offers a variety of ways for community members to stay informed and get involved in City initiatives. Visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca to explore active projects and sign up for updates. Follow @YourMapleRidge on social media, subscribe to newsletters E-Connect and BizNews at MapleRidge.ca/StayConnected, and attend Council meetings or community events. For more information, email Engage@MapleRidge.ca or call 604-466-4300 (dial 4 and extension 5305).
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For additional information, contact:
Pardeep Purewal
T 604-466-4319 C 778-955-4249 E ppurewal@MapleRidge.ca