In Maple Ridge, development of each year’s business plan and budget is a multi-stage process that includes all City service areas, staff, Council, and the community.
2027-2031 Business Planning Guidelines Approved
On July 14, 2026, Council approved the Business Planning Guidelines for the 2027-2031 Financial Plan. The Guidelines align with the Council Strategic Plan, Objectives and Key Results. Budget decision packages and capital budget items will be developed in the context of the current economic environment in Maple Ridge and the province.
View the Council Report.
2026 Connect
All City services and programs are funded through an annual budget, which is part of a five-year Financial Plan.
The City's business planning process is designed to align department budgets, business plans, resources, programs, and services with the Council Strategic Plan. Regular performance reporting is a key part of this process, holding the City accountable to residents, businesses, and community groups.
2026/2027 Business Planning Process
The business planning process for developing the 2027 operating budget started in July 2026 with the approval of the 2027 Business Planning Guidelines. Affordability remains a primary concern for residents and maintenance of services is the priority. New projects, programs and services must provide a clear rationale and return on investment to secure funding in the Five-Year Financial Plan.
Budget Timeline
- July 14, 2026: Approval of 5-Year Business Planning Guidelines
- July - October 2026: Budget & Business Plan Development and entry of requests
- January 2027: Request for approval of 5-year Capital Plan and One Time spending projects
- February 2027: Council operating budget deliberations
- March 2027: Confirmation of direction on tax rate and ongoing decision packages
- May 2027: Adoption of Amended Five-Year Financial Plan and Property Tax Rate Bylaw
How to Get Involved
Residents can follow and engage with the 2027 budget planning process by:
- Viewing the Budget Talks video series below.
- Watching budget presentations at Council (in person or online) at MapleRidge.ca/CouncilMeetings
- Participating in engagement opportunities.
- Sharing input as budget and tax bylaws move through the Council approval process.
Resources
- 2027 - 2031 Business Planning Guidelines
- 2026-2030 Capital Plan
- Additional 2026 One-Time Operating Expenditures (with no direct tax impact)
- Additional 2026 Ongoing Operating Expenditures (influences tax increase)
Council Reports
Budget Talks Video Series
The Budget Talks video series aims to help residents better understand the annual budget process — the foundation for City services and decisions year-round. The videos break down the budget process in short segments including:
Annual Business Planning Process
The annual business planning process begins in the summer with the development of the annual budget. Throughout summer and early fall, service areas develop and present to Council multi-year operating plans that directly support Council's strategic direction.
Council then deliberates on the following year's five-year financial plan. These sessions are open to the public and there are opportunities for residents to speak to Council. Council meetings are broadcast live through the City website and are also recorded for future viewing. You can access live stream and recordings of Council meetings at MapleRidge.ca/Council-Meetings.
Once the annual budget is approved, employees prepare individual performance plans that link their work directly to the department's objectives, ensuring strategic alignment across the City at all levels.
Progress on Council priorities can be viewed on the City’s dashboards at MapleRidge.ca/CouncilStratPlan.
The business planning process is reviewed annually and may be adjusted if the planning context changes to ensure that City programs and services are responsive to those we serve.
About the Five-year Financial Plan
B.C.’s Community Charter requires that Council adopt a five-year Financial Plan each year prior to adopting the annual property tax bylaw. The purpose of the Financial Plan is to provide a budgetary framework for the City to plan and manage its resources, revenues, and expenditures in order to best serve the community.
The first year of the Plan forms the annual budget, while the following years providing a guideline, incorporating the City's various long-term plans and strategies.
Learn more about the Five-Year Financial Plan at MapleRidge.ca//Financial-Plan.
Community Engagement
Maple Ridge engages the community throughout the business planning and budget process:
- During the development of major plans and strategies that guide the budget process, such as in the spring/summer when Council considers guidelines that will direct staff in preparation of the Financial Plan.
- Participating in the public question period when Council discusses the budget and adopts the related bylaws in open Council meeting in the winter.
- Submitting comments and questions throughout the year.
Contact Us
Comments and questions about the City's business planning process, budget, and financial plan can be submitted at anytime by email, phone, social media, or mail.
- Email: Budget@MapleRidge.ca
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn @YourMapleRidge using #BudgetMR
- Phone: 604-467-7484 (voice mail checked regularly)
- Mail: Please address mail to:
Trevor Thompson
Chief Financial Officer
City of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place
Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9
Financial Reporting
In addition to the City's annual business and financial planning, we also complete an annual review of the past year, including audited financial statements.
Learn more by visiting our Annual Report and Statement of Financial Information pages.