Maple Ridge Launches Phase Two of Community Engagement for Climate Action Plan

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Take the survey. Deadline Nov 18

Maple Ridge, B.C., October 31, 2024 — The City of Maple Ridge is moving forward with developing its Climate Action Plan by launching the second phase of community engagement to help identify and prioritize the actions of the plan.

The Climate Action Plan will address the unique climate challenges facing the community and encourage residents and businesses to actively participate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience to climate change.

Maple Ridge Climate Action Plan

The Climate Action Plan will focus on two areas: adaptation — reducing vulnerability and risks associated with climate change — and mitigation — lowering greenhouse gas emissions and will:

  • Identify sources of greenhouse gas emissions and actions to reduce them
  • Assess climate change risks and hazards
  • Propose actions to adapt to a changing climate

By prioritizing community health, local economic development, and sustainable infrastructure the plan aims to create a livable, resilient community that will benefit residents now and into the future.

“Hearing from our community about what is valued and needed is vital to shaping a plan that is meaningful and sustainable,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “How our community continues to thrive within our changing environment will depend on collective action, and we encourage everyone to take part in shaping the Climate Action Plan.”

Share Your Feedback - Phase 2 Engagement

Building on the insights of the first phase of engagement where residents shared their experiences and priorities regarding extreme weather events, this second phase will focus on gathering feedback on proposed climate adaptation and mitigation actions. The results of the phase two engagement will inform the prioritization of the Climate Action Plan goals and identify and provide details relating to climate actions.    

How to Participate

The City is inviting input through a workshop with key impacted and interested groups and a public survey. The survey will be open until Nov. 18 at Engage.MapleRidge.ca/ClimateActionPlan or in print upon request by contacting Engage@MapleRidge.ca or 604-466-4300 (dial 4 and extension 5305).

Recognizing that effective climate action requires collaboration, the plan will encourage input from multiple levels of government, organizations, and community members.

“By working with our provincial and federal partners, our Climate Action Plan will help us adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change that are impacting our city, including increased flood risks and rising temperatures affecting agriculture and public health,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy.  

Plan Development and Progress

Supported by grants from the Province of BC, Maple Ridge’s first-ever Climate Action Plan aligns with provincial requirements to set targets and actions for adapting to and mitigating climate impacts. To date, the City has:

Engaged the community to understand residents' experiences and priorities around climate change

Identified key sources of greenhouse gas emissions, including transportation (53%), energy use in buildings (34%), and manufacturing, construction, and industry (6%)

Conducted a climate risk assessment confirming the community’s primary climate risks: wildfire, extreme heat, poor air quality, and flooding

 

For more information about the Climate Action Plan and to participate in the engagement process, visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/ClimateActionPlan.

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For additional information, contact

Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement 
T  604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249 
E  PPurewal@MapleRidge.ca