Maple Ridge, B.C: The City completed several major initiatives and projects in 2023 with many more underway to meet strategic priorities. Here’s the highlights from some of the news release issued in 2023.
JANUARY
Engage Maple Ridge Launched – The City launched a new online community engagement platform for residents to connect and have their say on city matters. Read more
Road Safety Improvements Start on Fern Crescent Road and 236 Street – The work will help enhance active transportation routes and accommodate existing and future needs of this growing area of the community. Read more
FEBRUARY
Engagement on New Park at Pazarena Place – The City sought community input on the design and amenities for a new one-acre neighbourhood park located at the end of Pazarena Place. Read more
Council Endorses 2023 Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan – The Plan which will guide how services (facilities and programs) are delivered over the next ten years. Read more
MARCH
Maple Ridge Awarded $16.5 Million Major Growing Communities Grant – The grant will be used to invest in key community infrastructure projects. Read more
APRIL
City Hosts Climate Action Summit and Announces Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change – Local, regional and provincial elected officials, municipal climate experts, and the public gathered to discuss actions reflecting the City’s commitment to climate leadership and environmental stewardship. Read more
203 Street Watermain Upgrade Project and Repaving Contract Awarded – The work includes replacing aging infrastructure at 203 Street between Lougheed Highway and Thorne Avenue to provide increased capacity for the area as the City continues to grow. Read more
MAY
Council Endorsed New Strategic Priorities Envisioning a New Chapter for Maple Ridge – Council’s new Strategic Plan was endorsed by Council which includes a new mission, vision, values and five strategic priorities with accompanying goals. Read more
City Hosts Summit on Housing Affordability – Regional groups and partners, including elected officials, decision makers and members of the public gathered to build connections and identify tangible solutions on housing affordability. Read more
Feedback on New Website – The City sought feedback on a new website that will be launched next year to provide an accessible and user-friendly experience for residents, visitors and businesses. Read more
JUNE
2023 Paving Program Starts – The City’s annual road rehabilitation program started with paving of ten kilometres of road at 25 priority locations around the community. Read more
JULY
Rock the Block Brings Together Neighbourhoods – The City brought together neighbours in Hammond, Albion and Haney this summer with music, games, movies and more. Read more
Development Application Process Changes Expedite Housing Approvals – Council adopted updated development procedures following an in-depth review of policies and bylaws to modernize, streamline and expedite the City’s review and approval processes for new development applications. Read more
Working Together to Address Youth Gun and Gang Violence – The City and Ridge Meadows RCMP, with support from local community organizations, are working in tandem to implement programs and services using $1.8 million in funding received from the Building Safer Communities Fund. Read more
One Year Countdown to BC Summer Games Marked – An event was held marking the official transfer of the BC Games Flag to Mayor Dan Ruimy and a special flag raising ceremony at City Hall. Read more
AUGUST
Temporary Job Fair for Film Workers – The City partnered with WorkBC Centre Maple Ridge, film industry groups, and unions to host a Temporary Job Fair to connect business owners with short-term employees. Read more
SEPTEMBER
Maple Ridge Moves Campaign Launched – The campaign aims to secure provincial and federal funding for priority infrastructure projects that will improve access to frequent public transit service, new housing, jobs and green spaces in the community. Bus Rapid Transit is one of four projects prioritized. Read more
New Beach Volleyball Courts Open – The City held the grand opening of the new Beach Volleyball courts at the Albion Sport Complex, the official venue for Beach Volleyball during the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games that will run from July 18 to 21 of next year. Read more
Maple Ridge’s New Strategic Transportation Plan – Council endorsed a new Plan that establishes the City’s priorities and a 30-year vision for Maple Ridge’s transportation network. Read more
City Seeks Input on Urban Forest Management Strategy – The strategy will guide policy and decision-making for the management, health and growth of the urban forest in Maple Ridge. Read more
OCTOBER
City Hosts Economic Development Summit – Mayor Dan Ruimy and Council hosted key regional economic partners and community members to explore local business expansion, retention, and the city’s regional competitive advantage. Read more
Maple Ridge Unveils New City Branding – The new branding highlights the City’s strong connection to nature, broad economic potential and deep community bonds. With a look and feel reflecting a vibrant future and treasured heritage, the new branding will be rolled out in a phased approach. Read more
City Unveils Name for New Albion Park Honouring Tsuyuki Family Legacy – Located at 241A Street and 112 Avenue, Tsuyuki Park honours the legacy and contributions the family made while overcoming adversity to open one of the area’s first commercial greenhouse enterprises. Read more
Public Input on Future Waterfront Park – The City sought community input on a new multi-use pathway and the future park vision that will provide residents with a scenic riverfront park connection between the Port Haney Wharf and Kanaka Creek Regional Park along the Fraser River. Read more
Council Passes Resolution to Secure Bus Rapid Transit – The resolution supports three recommendations to secure Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – a new technology proposed in TransLink’s new 10-year expansion plan. Read more In November, TransLink announced that the Maple Ridge to Langley Bus Rapid Route was selected as one of the three priorities for expansion of the regional network.
NOVEMBER
Maple Ridge Gets Major Economic Investment in Lithium Battery Manufacturing – Maple Ridge will become a key location in Canada’s lithium battery industry and the world’s non-vehicle battery supply, following a major new investment in E-One Moli Energy Canada by the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C. Read more
DECEMBER
City Celebrates the Holidays and Supports Local Businesses – The City encouraged residents to shop local as part of the City’s Illuminate Maple Ridge Festival. Read more
Community Engagement to Start on New Pool and Arena Feasibility Study – The City will launch community engagement in January to explore the feasibility of locating a new multi-use recreational facility with an indoor pool and ice arena in the Hammond neighbourhood. Read more
To see more 2023 Highlights, view photos here
For further information, contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications & Public Engagement
T 604-467-4319 E purewal@mapleridge.ca