Park would replace golf course, plus new ice in Maple Ridge rec plans

The City of Maple Ridge is looking at some transformative changes in its recreation facilities – including a new 40-acre park that would replace a golf course, two new sheets of ice, and a new aquatics centre in Hammond.

Council has received a staff report outlining the results of the Recreation Facility Feasibility Study, which highlights “broad public support” for new recreation facilities and park space.

“This work addresses a significant lack of capacity in existing recreation facilities,” said the city. “The Leisure Centre and arena spaces are at or near capacity, and the Hammond Outdoor Pool is nearing end-of-life. Without new investment, access to swim lessons, drop-in recreation programs, and ice and dry floor space will remain limited.”

Projects in the Feasibility Study include:

New Aquatics and Recreation Centre at Hammond Community Park: Replacing the aging Hammond Outdoor Pool and Hammond Hall with modern, year-round indoor pools, fitness spaces, a gymnasium, and community program areas. A smaller-sized baseball diamond will remain to support local youth programs.

Arena Expansion at the Albion Fairgrounds: Adding two new NHL-sized ice/dry floor sheets and creating a five-sheet hub inclusive of the curling rink.

New 40-acre Multi-Use Community Park: On City-owned lands currently used by the Maple Ridge Golf Course, Phase One would include stadium-style baseball fields with future amenities such as walking trails, multi-sport and pickleball courts, play features, and gathering spaces identified through future planning and engagement.

Subject to council approval, design and financial planning work will continue through 2026. Phased construction for all three projects could begin as early as 2027.

“This will be the City’s largest investment ever in recreation infrastructure—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build facilities with equity and inclusion in mind,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “With Maple Ridge’s population expected to increase by approximately 40 per cent over the next 20 years and the community currently lagging behind regional averages for aquatics and arena facilities, these projects will meet modern standards for accessibility, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship.”

The study recommends Council direct staff to:

Advance schematic design, complete site technical work and prepare cost estimates for all three projects.

Develop a funding strategy that minimizes taxpayer impact, including consideration of borrowing, federal and provincial grants, partnerships, and corporate sponsorships.

“The strong feedback we received through public engagement clearly shows how urgently residents want and need year-round places to move, meet, and play,” said Ruimy. “Affordability remains top of mind for Council, which is why City staff carefully evaluated multiple locations across the community and identified Hammond Community Park as the most cost-effective option, and why we are taking a transparent, step-by-step approach to developing a responsible funding strategy before any final decisions are made.”

Albion Fairgrounds and ALC Update

In 2024, the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) approved the City’s application for a fourth ice sheet at Albion Fairgrounds, consistent with a four-plex arena previously approved in 1995. However, a subsequent 2025 application to add a fifth ice sheet was denied due to unresolved drainage impacts on adjacent private land and the broader Albion Flats area.

Staff have reviewed the decision in relation to past rulings, existing drainage infrastructure, and surrounding land ownership. Upon Council’s direction, staff will proceed with site technical work and schematic design to support a request to the ALC for reconsideration.

“We remain confident that we can responsibly manage on-site stormwater and improve drainage within the Albion Flats area,” said Valoree Richmond, director of Facilities, Parks and Properties. “The City has a long history of stewardship at the Albion Fairgrounds site and continues to work collaboratively with regional and provincial agencies on long-term watershed management.”

Public Engagement Results

The Recreation Facility Feasibility Study was shaped by two phases of public engagement and technical analysis in 2024 and 2025. During the phase 2 engagement, more than 2,700 residents completed the survey, contributing to over 8,000 engagement touchpoints across five open houses and 13 key interest holder meetings, making it one of the City’s most comprehensive engagement processes to date.

Nearly 70 per cent of participants supported the aquatics and recreation centre concept, with strong support also shown for the arena expansion. Feedback highlighted interest in expanded outdoor recreation amenities, along with considerations related to traffic, location suitability, and financial feasibility. Many residents expressed enthusiasm for increased outdoor park space on the west side of Maple Ridge, while others shared a desire to preserve golf course use.

Next Steps and Timeline

Subject to council approval, design and financial planning work will continue through 2026. Phased construction for all three projects could begin as early as 2027. Ongoing engagement with key interest holders, Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, and local sports and community organizations will continue throughout the next phases.