Maple Ridge, B.C., March 4, 2026 – The City of Maple Ridge is advancing work on a proposed Tenant Protection Bylaw aimed at strengthening protections for those who may be displaced in the event of redevelopment, such as renters in purpose-built rental buildings.
Last year, Council directed staff to transition the City’s existing Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy into a formal bylaw to provide stronger, enforceable protections for tenants in purpose-built rental buildings. The proposed bylaw is anticipated to return to Council for consideration in May 2026.
To inform development of the bylaw, the City has retained external consultant Happy Cities to conduct targeted engagement with renters across approximately 50 purpose-built rental properties, beginning February 24.
Strengthening Protections for Renters
The proposed Tenant Protection Bylaw would give Council enhanced regulatory tools to protect tenants who may be displaced as redevelopment pressures increase, particularly in areas with older two- to three-storey rental buildings that may be candidates for intensification.
Currently, if redevelopment results in tenant displacement, the following protections are already included in the prevailing Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy:
- Lump-sum compensation payments, scaled based on length of tenure
- Relocation assistance, including moving costs
- Access to a tenant relocation coordinator to support communication and planning
- “Right of First Refusal”, providing tenants the opportunity to return to a replacement unit in the new building on the same site
All compensation and relocation supports would be fully funded by the developer.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making
The tenant survey will gather data on:
- Household income levels and rent burden
- Housing stability and vulnerability
- Likelihood of returning to the neighbourhood if displaced
- Expectations regarding compensation and replacement housing
This evidence-based approach ensures Council’s decision is grounded in real data about renter experiences and housing precarity in Maple Ridge. Insights from questions, such as whether tenants would return if offered a replacement unit, will help inform and support key provisions like the Right of First Refusal.
Giving a Voice to Underrepresented Renters
Renters in purpose-built rental housing are often underrepresented in public processes. This targeted survey proactively ensures their perspectives are reflected in the development of the bylaw.
The initiative also responds to changes in provincial planning legislation that optimize residential density in areas such as Transit-Oriented Areas and limit public hearings when rezonings align with the Official Community Plan. Within this evolving framework, the City is using available tools to continue engaging residents in meaningful ways.
Participation in the survey is voluntary and targeted to renters in identified purpose-built rental buildings.
Balancing Growth and Protection
While redevelopment pressures are largely market-driven and affect privately owned properties, the City is taking proactive steps to mitigate potential displacement impacts. The proposed bylaw would not prevent redevelopment. Instead, it would ensure tenants are treated fairly and supported throughout the process.
Survey findings will inform Council deliberations on the proposed bylaw. Results will be summarized and reported in a format that protects individual privacy.
To learn more about the current Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy and the development of the Tenant Protection Bylaw, visit MapleRidge.ca/TenantPolicies.
For additional information, contact Louisa-May Khoo, Community Planner, at LKhoo@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media Contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E media@MapleRidge.ca