As the size of our community increases, things that were deemed safe in the past are having an increasingly harmful effect on Maple Ridge, the environment, and, potentially, the people who live here. For example, pesticides, commonly used for commercial and personal purposes are showing up, with increasing frequency, in area streams and waterways. These chemicals are disrupting ecosystems, contaminating wildlife, and
Maple Ridge resident Maria Raynolds works with CEED, raising awareness about the harm that pesticides can cause and campaigning for the reduction of pesticide use for cosmetic purposes. Recently, Maria spoke to Maple Ridge Council about this subject, and she gave me permission to reprint her presentation on Growing Our Community. Read the rest of this entry »
The inaugural Maple Ridge Council meeting was held in a Council Chamber that was filled to capacity, so much so that latecomers were forced to listen from a hallway.
New mayor Gordon Robson thanked the out-going mayor and councillors before welcoming new and returning councillors Ernie Daykin, Judy Dueck, Al Hogarth, Linda King, Craig Speirs, and Ken Stewart. Following a few other words of recognition Robson continued, calling council the “stewards of the community,” and calling on them to “make sure that this municipality is well governed and provided with solid leadership.” The mayor then pledged his commitment to running an “open and consultative” Council that considers both the short and long term impact of this Council’s decisions on Maple Ridge.
Robson set out four key points that he wanted to see addressed during his term as mayor:
- “Establishing a long-term vision for the community”
- “Enhancing the vitality and safety of downtown”
- “Finding ways to pay for it all”
- “Building relationships”
“Establishing a long-term vision for the community”
Robson outlined his method for creating a renewed, far reaching Official Community Plan. This method promotes early consultation with area residents, the GVRD, Translink, and selected experts as a means of creating a relevant point for a Select Committee of Council to start from. Existing work on the OCP won’t be wasted, Robson noted, “A lot of work for the community plan has already been done. Once we decide where we are going, the Committee will be asked to review the components to make sure they still fit.” The mayor expected that the Committee was to report back to himself and the rest of Council in four months with a workable framework for a new community plan.
“Enhancing the vitality and safety of downtown”
Robson expressed his commitment to a vibrant, safe downtown core, one whose concept plan is founded on Smart Growth principles. To achieve this, Robson announced that he will create a Council Task Force dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown core. The mayor believes that the results of the Task Force’s work, combined with a renewed focus on the safety of seniors and the health and welfare of addicts who want help, can help the citizens of Maple Ridge ‘take back the streets’, and walk through the downtown core without fear.
“Finding ways to pay for it all”
The mayor wants to diversify Maple Ridge’s revenue base by encouraging commercial development. Robson feels commercial growth will ease the tax burden of homeowners, and such growth will be planned into the OCP and directed by an Economic Development Strategy. Robson tipped his hand about another potential revenue source, hinting that Council was receptive to a public discussion about a casino being located in Maple Ridge. If necessary, Robson is “quite prepared to seek our taxpayer’s approval for the funding to meet some of the needs I mentioned moments ago.” Robson was unclear about what “taxpayer’s approval” means — whether it’s a tax increase, a series of public forums, or some other form of consultation — but it is clear that he was confident in his position and the mandate provided by the electorate.
“Building relationships”
Robson’s final point stressed the importance of strong relationships within Council, with municipal staff, and with all levels of government. The mayor vowed to work with the regional transportation authority, the GVRD, federal and provincial politicians, area First Nations, and others.
Closing thoughts
Last month, the citizens of Maple Ridge elected an experienced group of councillors and we’re hoping they’ll get a lot done over the next three years. Last night, the new mayor made a bunch of ambitious statements outlining his vision of Maple Ridge and Council’s success at achieving the mayor’s goals surely will play in the results of the next civic election. Regardless of how things progress, we’ll keep you posted on this Council’s meetings and keep you aware of any important decisions and announcements.
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