Maple Ridge Responds to Provincial Budget 2025

Maple Ridge, B.C., March 6, 2025 – The City of Maple Ridge welcomes the investments outlined in the BC Budget 2025, which includes funding to support economic growth, housing, community safety, and infrastructure—key priorities for our city.  

“The provincial budget reflects many of the priorities we’ve been advocating for, including support for small businesses, public safety, and critical infrastructure investments,” said Mayor Ruimy. “As one of BC’s fastest-growing communities, we will work with the Province and our local MLAs to ensure these investments deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses.”  

“At the same time, we cannot ignore the ongoing threat of tariffs and broader economic pressures that continue to impact our local economy. With global market uncertainty and rising costs, it’s more important than ever to strengthen economic resilience. While this budget provides a solid foundation, there is always more to do. We will continue advocating for policies and investments that help businesses adapt, stay competitive, and navigate these challenges in the face of uncertainty.” 

Economic Growth & Business Support 

With ongoing economic challenges, including inflation, rising business costs, and global trade uncertainty, supporting local industries and job creation is more important than ever. The provincial budget includes $30 million over three years to expand the Integrated Marketplace Initiative, which will help businesses adopt low-carbon technologies, increase competitiveness, and drive innovation. 

Maple Ridge’s forestry sector and industrial businesses have faced significant pressures, from shifting market demands to supply chain disruptions. The Province’s commitment to removing interprovincial trade barriers and streamlining approvals for resource projects is a step in the right direction, helping local businesses remain competitive and resilient. These initiatives align with the City’s broader economic strategy to attract investment, create well-paying jobs, and support small and medium-sized businesses navigating uncertain economic conditions. 

Community Safety and Housing 

Community safety continues to be a key concern, and the Province’s $325 million investment over three years will help expand justice and public safety services, increase police funding, and introduce new initiatives to combat vandalism and property crime. The City supports efforts to enhance enforcement and provide additional resources to front-line services. 

Addressing homelessness and housing affordability remains critical. The budget includes further investment in the HEART and HEARTH programs, which help transition individuals from encampments into stable housing with access to support services. Through the HUB initiative, Maple Ridge will continue working with the Province to establish long-term solutions for vulnerable residents. 

Infrastructure and Transportation 

Infrastructure investment is essential to keeping pace with growth. The Province’s $15.9 billion commitment over three years for transportation, transit, and road improvements—along with $95 million for highway and bridge maintenance—presents opportunities for projects in Maple Ridge. The City will continue advocating for funding to secure funding for projects that projects such as in our Maple Ridge Moves Plan that will unlock access to industrial lands and the roads and bridges that contribute to moving goods, people and enable transit-oriented development with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). 

Healthcare and Education 

Healthcare and education investments will also be vital in Maple Ridge’s future. The Province has allocated $15.5 billion for hospital and long-term care facility upgrades, reinforcing the need for expanded healthcare services at Ridge Meadows Hospital. The budget’s $4.6 billion in capital funding for new schools and upgrades is another positive step, as Maple Ridge continues to experience increased demand for K-12 education. The City will also push for discussions on establishing a post-secondary institution to serve local students and support workforce development. 

Maple Ridge is committed to working with the provincial government and local MLAs to ensure these budget commitments translate into real, lasting improvements for the community. The City will continue to seek funding and partnerships that support economic growth, enhance public safety, and improve the quality of life for residents. 

For more information, contact Katerina Anastasiadis, Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs, at 604-467-7398.