Maple Ridge could hold a referendum on whether to borrow up to $393 million for parks and rec infrastructure, included in this October’s local election.
The projects in the city’s largest-ever investment in recreation would include:
• The proposed new Hammond aquatics and recreation centre.
• Redeveloping the Maple Ridge Golf Course into a 40-acre year-round multi-use park.
• Two new arenas and event facility expansion at the Albion Fairgrounds.
“We have been spending the last two and a half years working on this proposal,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “It’s an exciting time. I’ve been hearing from people ever since I campaigned, and ever since I was elected – people want more recreational facilities. There’s no debate about that.”
“A lot of young families are moving here, and they want this for their kids,” he added, noting the city will hit 110,000 population this year.
Council is now ready to share details on the projects, included how they will be funded. Discussions will begin on Tuesday, June 23, at council’s committee of the whole meeting.
A key element of funding the project is that 60 per cent of the cost will be repaid by taxpayers, and 40 per cent will be repaid by developers, through Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs). The ACCs can be as high as $19,000 per new unit.
“I think that’s appropriate,” said Ruimy. “Growth pays for growth.”
The term of borrowing will be 25 years.
The Hammond aquatics centre would be at the current site of the Larry Walker and Hammond Stadium ball fields. Proposed amenities are a 37.5-metre, eight-lane pool, leisure pool with lazy river, fitness centre and studios, gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, arts and culture room, café, and parking above and below ground.
The preliminary design cost estimate, including contingencies, is $227 million. Estimated construction start date is 2029.
The golf-course redevelopment is envisioned as a year-round destination for leisure, sports, walking and play, with views of the Fraser River. Phase 1 would include a 400-foot baseball diamond with seating for 400, a second 350-foot ball field with seating for 200, dugouts, batting cages, a washroom and fieldhouse, meeting room, plaza, and parking, new trails and accessible green space.
The preliminary design cost estimate for Phase 1 including contingencies is $23 million. Estimated start date is 2027.
Future amenities in Phase 2 could include trails, picnic areas, play amenities, water spray park and tobogganing.
The arena expansion includes a new spectator rink with seating for 2,000 and premium viewing suites, and a recreational rink with seating for 200. It would include a large lobby, fitness centre, walking track, multi-purpose rooms, a skate shop, concessions and parking. The preliminary design cost estimate including contingencies is $143 million. Estimated start date is 2028.
Ruimy said city staff has tried to minimize the impact of the spend, and is now able to use the ACCs developers pay the city.
The city estimates the annual property tax impact for homeowners at three per cent per year for four years (2027-2030).
A home assessed at $1 million would pay an additional $90 in 2027, rising each year until it reaches $385 in 2030. After that, the tax amount would remain at that level each year until the loan is repaid.
Commercial property owners would also see a three per cent per year increase for four years.
Ruimy is hopeful federal and provincial grants could reduce the amount borrowed. The city has applied to the federal Build Communities Strong fund.
If Council approves the designs and funding strategy on June 30, the city will provide residents with opportunities to learn about the projects, and have their say on the proposed borrowing on election day.
Detailed information about the Recreation Ready projects and funding strategy is now available at MapleRidge.ca/RecreationReady.