Maple Ridge Presses Province for Funding as Population Growth Outpaces Services

Council highlights housing success, infrastructure needs and climate leadership at annual UBCM Convention 

Maple Ridge, B.C., Oct. 3, 2025 – Maple Ridge Council returned from last week’s Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Victoria after a week of advocacy meetings with provincial leaders. 

Mayor Dan Ruimy, Council members, and senior staff focused on advancing key priorities that support Maple Ridge’s rapidly growing community, including public safety, infrastructure, housing, economic development and climate resilience. 

“Maple Ridge is experiencing population growth at twice the national average, putting pressure on roads, schools, fire, policing, and other essential services,” said Mayor Ruimy. “We’ve stepped up to meet provincial housing mandates and invest in our community, but we can’t sustain this growth alone. At UBCM, we urged the Province to partner with us through predictable funding and social supports for residents.” 

During the convention, the Maple Ridge delegation met with several Provincial Ministers to advance Council priorities, including: 

• Hon. Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General 
• Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth 
• Hon. Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs 
• Hon. Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship 
• Hon. Spencer Chandra-Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 
• Hon. Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions 
• Hon. Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests 
• Bobbi Plecas, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure 

Key advocacy themes included:  

• Securing long-term, predictable infrastructure funding for roads, utilities, and community facilities 
• Expanding mental-health and addictions services to reduce strain on policing and emergency response 
• Partnering on bail reform and prolific offender solutions to strengthen community safety 
• Supporting economic growth through development of the North 256 Street Industrial Lands 
• Advancing major projects such as Golden Ears Way improvements and the 240 Street Bridge 

Maple Ridge also highlighted its success in housing delivery, exceeding its 2025 provincial target by 23 per cent with 751 net new homes built in the past year, and investments in public safety with funding for 22 new firefighter positions and 12 new RCMP officers. 
 
Mayor Ruimy and Council were proud to sponsor a resolution calling for urgent next-stage housing for vulnerable residents and those transitioning from homelessness, highlighting the need for supports beyond existing transitional housing. Endorsed on the convention floor, the resolution sends a clear message to the provincial government that action is needed. Maple Ridge also sponsored a successful resolution urging the province to provide mental health supports tailored for local elected officials. 
 
Maple Ridge was recognized as a provincial leader in climate action, receiving the Climate & Energy Action Award at the UBCM 2025 Convention for the city’s Resilient Future 2050 plan. The plan charts a path to net-zero emissions by 2050 with an interim target of 45% GHG reductions by 2030, built on more than 160 actions across five Bold Moves: address critical climate risks; enhance city infrastructure, natural assets, and services; encourage zero-carbon, high-efficiency homes; foster active, sustainable transportation; and support a resilient economy and agriculture. 
 
Mayor Ruimy and Council remain committed to advocating on behalf of Maple Ridge residents, continuing to work with the Province to secure the funding, resources, and partnerships needed to build a safe, resilient, and thriving community. 

For additional information, contact Anna Lilly, Director of External Affairs, ALilly@MapleRidge.ca or at 672 275 1241 (local: 1241).