Maple Ridge, B.C., Aug. 25, 2026 — As part of the 2026 Local General Election on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, Maple Ridge voters will be asked to vote on three separate assent vote questions related to proposed long-term borrowing for three proposed recreation projects.
The three proposed projects are:
- Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre — a new year-round facility at Hammond Community Park with aquatic, fitness, recreation, arts and community spaces.
- Hammond Multi-Use Community Park — the first phase of a 40-acre park at the current Maple Ridge Golf Course site, with new sports fields, trails, green space and amenities.
- Albion Twin-Rink Arena Expansion — an expansion of the existing Albion arena site to add more ice and dry-floor space, spectator seating, fitness space and event capacity.
“Assent voting gives residents a direct say on whether the City can borrow money for major projects that will serve the community for decades,” said Carolyn Mushata, Director of Legislative Services and Chief Election Officer. “Our role is to make sure residents have clear, factual information about the questions on the ballot, what a Yes or No vote means, and how to cast their ballot.”
What is assent voting?
Assent voting, sometimes called a referendum, is when eligible voters vote Yes or No on a specific question. In this case, Maple Ridge voters are being asked whether they support the City borrowing money over the long term to help fund each of the three proposed recreation projects. Amounts to be borrowed for each project are included in the assent questions and are based on Class C cost estimates that include contingencies.
Provincial legislation requires voter assent before the City can proceed with long-term borrowing. The vote is to allow borrowing authority; it is not a vote to award construction contracts.
If a question passes, the new City Council will consider final adoption of the related loan authorization bylaw. If adopted, the project(s) would move into detailed design, further public engagement, procurement planning and construction preparation.
What will voters be asked?
Voters will be asked three separate questions, each tied to a project and loan authorization bylaw:
1. Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre
Are you in favour of the City of Maple Ridge adopting the Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 8123-2026 to authorize borrowing up to $227,000,000 for a term up to 25 years to construct an aquatic recreation centre at the properties located at 11509 207 Street, 20601 Westfield Avenue and an unaddressed property, PID: 013-715-984?
2. Hammond Multi-Use Community Park
Are you in favour of the City of Maple Ridge adopting the Hammond Multi-Use Community Park Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 8124-2026 to authorize borrowing up to $23,000,000 for a term up to 25 years to construct a multi-use community park at the property located at 20818 Golf Lane?
3. Albion Twin-Rink Arena Expansion
Are you in favour of the City of Maple Ridge adopting the Albion Twin-Rink Arenas Expansion Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 8122-2026 to authorize borrowing up to $143,000,000 for a term up to 25 years to construct a twin-rink arena expansion at the property located at 23588 Jim Robson Way?
What does a Yes vote mean?
A Yes vote supports the City borrowing up to the maximum amount listed for that project, for a term of up to 25 years. The City would continue to seek grants, sponsorships, partnerships and other funding sources to reduce the final amount borrowed. If more than 50% of valid votes cast on a question are Yes, that question passes.
What does a No vote mean?
A No vote does not support the City borrowing money for that project. If a question receives more than 50% No votes, the borrowing for that project is not approved. Staff would review next steps and bring recommendations back to the next Council for consideration.
Each question is decided separately. Voters may vote Yes on one project and No on another, approve one or two projects or all three, vote No on all three, or choose not to vote on one or more questions. Only projects that receive approval on the borrowing question could proceed but are subject to final bylaw adoption by the new Council.
How and when to vote
Eligible Maple Ridge voters can vote by advance voting (Oct. 7, 10, 14, 15), on General Voting Day (Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or by mail ballot (available Oct. 7). For voting information, including locations, eligibility and mail ballot applications, visit MapleRidge.ca/GoVote or email Election@MapleRidge.ca.
Details about the three proposed recreation projects, are available at MapleRidge.ca/RecreationReady. Questions can be sent to RecreationReady@MapleRidge.ca.