Maple Ridge’s mayor, councillors, city staff and other community leaders will be part of a new Real Ridge podcast the city will be posting online.
The new municipal podcast is designed to take residents “behind the headlines with candid conversations” on the issues the community cares about most.
The city plans to explore complex topics in more detail than is possible through traditional communications channels.
“We know our residents want to understand how their tax dollars are being spent and the reasons behind the decisions that are shaping our community,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “The Real Ridge Podcast gives us the time and space to have open, honest conversations and offer a clearer picture of what’s happening at City Hall, and we encourage residents to tune in.”
New episodes will air on Mondays, once or twice monthly, and began on March 9. The Real Ridge Podcast will be available to hear on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, IHeartRadio, Castbox, YouTube and at MapleRidge.ca/RealRidge.
Podcast episodes will focus on topics residents told the cCity mattered to them in the recent surveys and delivered through conversations and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Some of the initial topics and guests include:
• Community Safety: Feeling vs. Reality – Superintendent Adam Gander, Officer in Charge, Ridge Meadows RCMP
• Tax Mythbusters – Phil Sanderson, Manager of Corporate Strategy and Business Transformation at the City of Maple Ridge
• Why Industrial Lands Matter – Eric Aderneck, Industrial Lands Program Manager at the City of Maple Ridge
• Basic Business Mistakes (and Opportunities) – Kristi Maier, CEO, Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce
The podcast is being produced using existing city resources, including the youth services podcast studio, and will run as a nine-month pilot. The city will evaluate the program’s impact and determine next steps, including opportunities to expand the series and explore revenue-generating or partnership options.
“We’re always looking for better ways to connect with our community and meet people where they are,” said Pardeep Purewal, senior manager of corporate communications and public engagement. “People are busy, and this podcast offers a flexible, on-the-go way to hear more open, human conversations about the backstories behind big projects, community priorities and the day-to-day work in their community.”
Residents are encouraged to share feedback, ask questions, and suggest future topics by emailing Communications@MapleRidge.ca, through the City’s social media channels, or visiting MapleRidge.ca/RealRidge.