Maple Ridge Surpasses Housing Targets, Receives Minister’s Praise

Maple Ridge has achieved an impressive milestone in housing development, surpassing its provincial target for new housing units. In a letter dated October 8, 2023, Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs in British Columbia, commended the city for delivering 751 net new units, exceeding the initial target of 612 new net units set for the previous year.

Boyle’s correspondence highlighted the city’s dedication to improving housing availability through various innovative strategies. She noted that Maple Ridge is currently advancing several projects at different stages of the development approval process, which could further support the city in meeting upcoming housing targets.

Innovative Approaches to Housing Development

In her remarks, Boyle emphasized the importance of strategic planning and the implementation of new digital tools as key elements in facilitating housing development. She praised the city’s efforts in updating the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw to align with provincial requirements. Additionally, the city has launched a Certified Professionals Program and implemented the Housing Ready Strategy, which includes an online portal for digital building permit applications.

Mayor Dan Ruimy expressed gratitude for the recognition and sought to address previous criticisms regarding the city’s efficiency in handling housing projects. He pointed out that Maple Ridge had been placed on a provincial “naughty list” in June 2023, alongside 47 municipalities identified for needing to enhance housing production. Ruimy acknowledged that the city has faced challenges in the past, particularly with timelines and legacy projects.

“We’ve been challenged in the past with timelines, not making it easy for developers,” Ruimy stated during a council meeting on October 14. “New initiatives, many outlined by the minister, will make things go smoother.”

Future Housing Initiatives and Community Growth

The mayor noted that the city currently has approximately 150 rezoning applications and another 450 development applications in progress. This indicates a strong interest from developers to build in the area, and Ruimy emphasized the city’s commitment to facilitating this growth.

Maple Ridge has been experiencing rapid growth, with an annual increase of 11 percent, which is double the national rate. Ruimy reinforced the city’s goal to provide homes for everyone, stating, “We want to make sure that we have a home for everybody, in any situation.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to housing, Maple Ridge is expected to submit its next annual housing report to the province by August 14, 2026. This continued focus on housing development reflects the city’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of its growing population.