Maple Ridge Recognized as a BC’s Top Employer

Maple Ridge, B.C., February 13, 2024 - The City of Maple Ridge is proud to be named one of the best places to work in B.C., showcasing its inclusive, collaborative and innovative workplace culture.

The City has been recognized for the first time in the respected BC’s Top Employers ranking, an annual competition recognizing B.C. employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. 

This recognition culminates the City’s transformative journey to create a more collaborative workplace culture, that empowers City employees to be resourceful, take direct action, and contribute meaningfully to the community.

“Being recognized as a top employer reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance employee well-being and foster a citizen-centric culture. Only when employees are well-positioned to thrive personally and professionally, do we achieve excellence and innovation in service to our residents,” Chief Administrative Officer Scott Hartman said. “Engaged employees are at the heart of our ability to deliver results, and they are truly deserving of this recognition. It's a testament to their professionalism, hard work and commitment to a job well done.”

People Strategy Committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Learning and Development 

At the heart of Maple Ridge’s workplace culture is its People Strategy, which emphasizes care, development, and the value of everyone's contribution and perspective. The City continues to strengthen its commitment to providing mental health support and to anti-discrimination and anti-racism – including establishing its first equity, diversity and inclusion committee. 

“By caring for, developing and valuing our people, we continue to breakdown our silos, empower our teams and ensure an equity, diversity and inclusion lens on all our people programming,” said Michelle Lewis, Executive Director of Human Resources. “The focus on authenticity and encouraging innovation has unlocked new possibilities.”

The City strengthened its commitment to listening first after an employee engagement survey revealed a strong desire for more opportunities for dialogue and input. The feedback led to a variety of organizational changes that empowered staff with skills and resources, encouraging innovation and risk-taking. Employees are also bringing forward innovative ideas that have improved the City’s response to citizen needs. 

The culture change has been noticed by front-line employees such as Brian Patel, a Maple Ridge Youth Recreation Coordinator with 30 years of experience. Patel noted the positive shift: "We are being trusted to make decisions because we're the front-line in interacting with the community, and they're listening to us in the same way that we listen to each other. This is a wonderful place to work – the accolade is very well deserved.”

Come Work, Grow and Thrive with the City

The City of Maple Ridge is one of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Vancouver with a population of close to 100,000. The City supports close to 800 full-time, part-time and auxiliary employees with opportunities for learning and development, a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, a comprehensive benefits package, a formal hybrid work policy, and a strong health and safety record.  For more information about joining the Maple Ridge team, go to www.mapleridge.ca/2035 

About the BC’s Top Employers Ranking

Now in its 19th year, the annual BC’s Top Employers competition is organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers to recognize progressive and forward-thinking employers that provide exceptional workplaces. Employers are evaluated using eight criteria: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

Read more about Maple Ridge’s BC’s Top Employers designation in the Vancouver Sun or at the Top Employers website: Top Employer: Maple Ridge, City of (canadastop100.com)

For further information, contact:  

Michelle Lewis, Executive Director, Human Resources

T 604 467 7345 E mlewis@mapleridge.ca