Maple Ridge city Councillor Korleen Carreras has officially announced her campaign for re-election.
She will again run with the slate called A Better Maple Ridge, headed by Mayor Dan Ruimy.
“A city is just the geography, but the people make it a community,” said Carreras. “I’m proud to call this place home, and I want to keep building it together.”
“We are a growing community,” said Carreras. “We need to prepare and make sure our city grows in a way that supports its residents for the future. We can’t sit back and maintain the status quo. We are taking bold action to make sure Maple Ridge is the best community possible.”
In her first term, she said council’s work included modernizing city policies, advancing key transportation improvements, expanding industrial lands to support local jobs and economic growth, and championing one of the largest recreation infrastructure investments in Maple Ridge’s history.
“Families couldn’t get their kids into swim lessons. Hockey teams couldn’t get ice time. Our youth were suffering from a lack of recreation opportunities and space,” she said. “We have made significant steps toward new facilities, and there is still more work to be done.”
If re-elected, Carreras says affordability will continue to be a top priority.
“Life is getting tough for people and we are doing what we can to lessen the burden,” said Carreras.
To relieve some of the pressure, she points to working to expand industrial spaces to shift the tax burden from homeowners, as well as reducing commuting time and expenses through improved transportation options and infrastructure.
She is also committed to saving families time and money by creating more local jobs, investing in recreational facilities, and providing free and accessible community events.
Carreras served eight years on the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School Board, including as chair, before being elected to council in 2022.
Her path to public life started long before elected office. At 19, she took over a dance studio which she grew and ran for a decade. She later joined the BC General Employees’ Union, where colleagues working on campaigns and advocacy for women locally and globally sparked something in her.
“Their passion inspired me,” she said. “I wanted to be part of that work.”
“As a city councillor, I have worked to build spaces where people of all walks of life feel seen and included,” she said. “I have a long history of listening to the community and working for them.””
“This campaign is about bringing together people who are committed to building Maple Ridge for the future,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Korleen shares that vision. She understands the importance of listening, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions that will benefit our community for years to come. I’m proud to have Korleen on our team.”
More information about Carreras’ campaign is at abettermapleridge.ca