The City of Maple Ridge plans to pursue infrastructure and housing funds announced in the latest federal budget.
“With the rapid population growth we have seen in Maple Ridge, our city has been moving quickly to enable new affordable housing development, and to put detailed plans in place for the new infrastructure needed to support our growing community,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy on Nov. 5, the day after the budget was released.
“But municipal taxpayers cannot shoulder this burden alone,” Ruimy added. “It is essential that municipalities have the provincial and federal governments contributing funds to address the infrastructure and housing pressures we face.”
The mayor is a former Liberal MP for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge.
Ottawa pledged $51 billion over 10 years through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), including $6 billion for municipal infrastructure, and $12.2 billion for infrastructure that is cost-matched by provinces and territories. Municipalities will also be eligible for a new $5 billion trade diversification corridors fund.
While some BCSF funding includes previous commitments already promised for infrastructure, this renewed and renamed program offers an opportunity to advance critical projects in Maple Ridge.
“Our city is working hard to bring forward shovel-ready projects, so we can secure funding quickly from the provincial and federal governments,” Ruimy said. “I am pleased to see in this 2025 budget, the federal government has committed to increase spending on social and affordable housing, community infrastructure, climate adaptation, health and education. However, it is disappointing that the government is making no new commitment to funding for public transit, and I will be raising this concern with my federal counterparts.”
He touts city initiatives to enable new housing development and make it easier to build affordable homes.
The city is also implementing its Maple Ridge Moves transportation strategy, and designing the next wave of road and transit projects. These include the Abernethy Way Corridor Improvements Project, a 240th Street bridge, widening of Golden Ears Way, and working with TransLink to introduce Bus Rapid Transit on Lougheed Highway.
A comprehensive feasibility study is also underway to identify new recreation facilities for ice sports, swimming, fitness and other activities, as existing facilities reach capacity.