Maple Ridge’s RISE Project Delivers Results in Youth Safety and Well-being

Maple Ridge, B.C., September 18, 2025 – Maple Ridge’s RISE Project is delivering strong results in its third year, with data showing youth moving from high and moderate to low risk, police time per youth dropping and close to 8000 children, youth, families, and service providers engaged in programs, with participants reporting stronger social connections and improved school attendance.

City staff presented the Year 3 update to Council this week. RISE is a City-led, community-powered initiative funded by Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund that reduces youth vulnerability and builds resilience through a variety of programs that make up its three pillars: Intervention (FYRST – Family & Youth Resource Support Team), Prevention programs (Schools Out, Night Hoops Basketball, SD42 – Bridges), and Community Engagement and Education.

“When you invest in youth, you change the trajectory of their lives and the well-being of our whole community,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “RISE shows what happens when government, schools, police, health care providers, and community organizations come together to support young people. By creating safe spaces, building trust, and giving youth opportunities to connect and grow, we are helping them reach their full potential and ensuring a stronger future for our community.”

Results at a Glance (2023–2025)

• Reach: 7,952 children, youth, families, service providers, and community members engaged across all RISE activities.
• Risk reduction: youth assessed as high risk decreased from 14% to 6%; moderate risk from 49% to 20%; low risk increased from 26% to 71% between intake and file closure.
• Police time reduced: average monthly RCMP hours per youth dropped 71% after FYRST involvement (from 17.3 to 5.0 hours). It is estimated that thousands of frontline officer hours have been redirected back into the community.
• Intervention (FYRST): 89 youth and caregivers supported; 5,786 service hours delivered.
• Prevention: 113 unique youth; 191 sessions; 2,072 program hours (e.g., Night Hoops Basketball, School’s Out, The Studio).
• Engagement & Education: 219 service providers trained across five sessions; 71% gained new knowledge, and 56% reported better collaboration.
• Youth experience: 96% felt safe and welcome; 90% learned something new; 67% made new friends. Testimonials included:
• “[Night Hoops Basketball] helps with my depression.”
• “FYRST helped me to be able to express my problems.”
• “FYRST helped me find more opportunities; encouraged me to focus on my future; taught me how important being on time is.”

“By linking intervention with low-barrier recreation and sector training, RISE creates a seamless pathway from risk to resilience,” said Melissa Malo, the City’s Prevention and Intervention Coordinator. “Our focus is on early intervention, assessing risk, and making sure no youth is left behind. Every young person deserves a safe space, positive connections, and the supports they need to change their trajectory and strengthen our community.”

Partnerships and Sustainability

RISE is delivered by the City’s Greg Moore Youth Centre, Ridge Meadows RCMP, School District 42, Fraser Health, Community Services, and various youth-serving organizations. Several elements are transitioning to ongoing delivery beyond the pilot:

• SD42 BRIDGES alternative education programming will continue to be delivered by the School District.
• Night Hoops Basketball has committed to the three ongoing programs in Maple Ridge in partnership with the City’s Youth Services.
• School’s Out after-school program will continue to be delivered by the Youth Service’s team through the City’s recreation budget.

Funding and next steps

RISE is supported by a one-time federal grant through March 31, 2026. Staff will bring forward funding requests for critical program components in the 2026–2030 business planning process to maintain momentum on proven outcomes.

About RISE

Launched in April 2023, RISE is a flagship municipal-led, multi-agency approach that addresses risk factors linked to youth violence and promotes protective factors like mentorship, skills development and pro-social connection. The FYRST anchors intervention with a Youth and Family Counsellor, Youth Outreach Worker and RCMP Youth Liaison Officer integrated into City operations.

For additional information, please visit MapleRidge.ca/RISE or contact Melissa Malo, Prevention & Intervention Coordinator - Community Safety and Wellbeing at MMalo@MapleRidge.ca.