Maple Ridge, B.C., Feb. 27, 2025 — The City of Maple Ridge is launching a 20-month planning and public engagement process for the North 256 Street Industrial Lands to attract new businesses and accommodate more jobs in the community.
On February 25, 2025, City Council directed staff to begin work on an Industrial Lands Area Plan for the area located on both sides of 256 Street north of 128 Avenue in Maple Ridge. The process will include a detailed site analysis, natural assets assessment, and targeted engagement with property owners, area residents and businesses, key interest holders, and the public.
“The North 256 Street lands have long been planned for industrial use, and unlocking their potential will strengthen our local economy and help address the regional shortage of industrial land,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “For years, Maple Ridge has relied on residential property taxes. Now is the time to take bold steps to diversify our tax base and economy."
Benefits of the North 256 Street Industrial Area Plan
The North 256 Street area currently hosts a mix of land uses, including gravel extraction, institutional operations, and some limited industrial uses. The new area plan will facilitate modern light industrial development in the area while recognizing the existing land uses, protecting environmental features and designated parkland, and addressing the area’s limited transportation access and servicing.
Key benefits to Maple Ridge include:
- Expanding the industrial land supply to meet business and employment needs,
- Attracting investment and supporting economic development,
- Enhancing municipal revenue through industrial property taxation, and
- Improving infrastructure and transportation access.
Infrastructure investments will include extending and upgrading the road networks and expanding sanitary, water, and storm services.
“Bringing these lands to market will attract businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy. We’re committed to a thoughtful and accountable process that carefully manages the area’s natural assets and involves the community,” said Mayor Ruimy.
Fostering Economic Growth
Some of the lands are already designated for industrial use in the City’s Official Community Plan and Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy. To align with Maple Ridge's Economic Development Strategy, the City is targeting light industrial, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, and transportation uses for the area which will contribute to a diverse economy.
"The North 256 Street Industrial Lands represent a key opportunity to strengthen Maple Ridge’s industrial sector and attract investment in high-value industries," said Eric Aderneck, the City’s Industrial Lands Program Manager. "By taking this strategic approach, we can create a modern industrial hub that supports local businesses and creates local jobs."
Planning Process
The North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan is expected to be completed by late 2026, including necessary amendments to the Official Community Plan and the Regional Growth Strategy. The scope of work includes:
- Assessing site constraints and opportunities,
- Developing a conceptual land use plan,
- Addressing the transportation and servicing needs, and
- Refining land use design and associated policies.
The City will collaborate with other agencies and governments, Katzie First Nation, environmental and recreational groups, and interest holders to help shape the plan. A targeted public engagement program will gather input from local landowners, businesses and residents.
For more information about the North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan project and the opportunities for engagement, visit MapleRidge.ca/256AreaPlan or contact Eric Aderneck, Industrial Lands Program Manager, at EAderneck@MapleRidge.ca or 604-721-5528.
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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